Hawaii MOFW Commandery News June 2023

Table of Contents:

Cover Photo: “John Singer Sargent 's "Gassed, 1919," part of New-York Historical Society's "World War I Beyond the Trenches" exhibit., Associated Press, https://nypost.com/2017/05/26/ art-lovers-this-is-memorial-day-weekends-must-see-show/

Note From the Editor

Our cover recalls WWI, where the U.S. suffered 53,402. KIA, as part of our coverage of Memorial Day, where we honor our servicemen who lost their lives during wartime service. It also recalls our alliance with the British Empire in that War, that of course included the Dardanelles Campaign, where the Australia New Zealand Army Corps made history for their daring assault, and incredible determination against seemingly insurmountable odds against the Ottoman Empire.

The feature article of our June issue of the Commandery News is our 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Cadet Essay Contest, where we publish in full the winning essay submitted by Cadet Mitchell Johnson, of the Maui Squadron 057, Hawaii Wing, Civil Air Patrol.

As with every June issue, we highlight the cadets recognized with the MOFW Silver Academic and Bronze Leadership Medals, along with the volunteers who attend the ceremonies to present the medals in-person.

Commander’s Message

Aloha Companions and Friends,

I am proud to continue to serve as the Commander for another term and ask for all Companions of the Commandery to do their best to support the returning officer slate for another year. We have just finished the most demanding part of the year, regarding Commandery operations, with the Cadet Awards, and multiple ceremonies and remembrances on Oahu. This is also our most rewarding part of the year when we get to recognize the achievements of our nations next generation of leaders, honor our nations fallen, and share in comradery with our fellow veterans and those still in service. These continued dedication of the companions of our order to service to country and community are why I am so proud to be a companion of the MOFW.

Our 50th Vietnam War Commemoration continues, and we have only two years remaining before the National commemoration ends. We need to strive to maintain and compete the programs we started, namely, 1) recognizing Vietnam Veterans for their service, and recognizing Vietnam Veterans who volunteer in their communities, and 2) the 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Cadet Essay Contest. Mahalo to our sponsors in this important contest, the Association of the United States Army Hawaii Chapter, and the Federal Business Council.

Curtis “Manny” Manchester III LTC, USA Ret. Commander

“Deus et Libertas”

Arthur N. Tulak, Ed.D, COL, USA Ret.

Chaplains Corner

By Fred Staedel, Th.D.

Our country is being challenged with issues and controversies that can apparently only be solved by our government. Our human government functions with elected people and people are not perfect. But our government exists under its official motto; namely, “In God We Trust.” So, can we rely in the knowledge and prayer that God is indeed the ultimate governor; the ultimate decider and guider? The answer is yes, we can and it can be said that we must. And seeing God as our ultimate governor was reaffirmed for our country in 1959 when the words “under God” were added to our official “Pledge of Alliance.” Therefore, to pray for our country is not only a righteous and right idea, it can also be considered as our responsibility as citizens of our “God given nation.”

We seem to currently have what is being called a “divided country.” Our elected governmental officials seem to appear to be “miles apart” when it comes to issue after issue, be they domestic or international. What are we to think about these elected people running our country under a democracy that functions as a republic? Who is right and who is wrong? One may even plead are these elected officials even listening for God’s guidance? Can we as taxpayers rely on an actual God based government? The answer is yes if we carry in thought and prayer that our elected officials are indeed God’s servants and are guided by His governance. Doing this our taxes will be well spent and properly allocated. And this is confirmed by the Bible in Romans 13:6 which tells us: “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.” We can pray knowing and keeping in thought that our Republic is indeed governed by God and our elected representatives are servants to His will.

Let us turn to the Holy Bible as the last and final word on the subject: “Of the greatness of His

2023 50th Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest

By COL, Ret. Arthur N. Tulak, Chair, 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Comm.

This was the 10th year of the Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest, which provides Cadets the opportunity to write an essay for publication in one of 3 categories.

The purpose of the essays is to challenge the JROTC Cadets and CAP Cadets to appreciate the sacrifices made by Vietnam Veterans who served their country in an unpopular war, and to discern lessons of citizenship, loyalty to country, and commitment to duty and service. This effort encourages the Cadets to identify and share these lessons with their own generation, while simultaneously honoring the Vietnam Veterans who continue to serve their local community, and who fill the ranks of many Veterans and Civic organizations in Hawaii, and the nation at large.

The first place essay is published in full in the June edition of the Commandery News, and all the winning essays are shared with other Veterans Organizations in Hawaii and the DoD 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Commission, who will also provide certificates. Winning essayists received a certificate from the Hawaii Commandery MOFW, along with cash prizes from the Commandery, and a certificate from the Hawaii Chapter of AUSA. The top 3 essayists receive d these awards at AUSA’S Land Forces in the Pacific (LANPAC) Symposium on 18 May at the Sheraton Hotel in Waikiki in front of the main audience. Prize funds were provided by AUSA and the Federal Business Council, both Commandery sponsor organizations. Here are the 2023 contest winners:

1st place Cadet Mitchell Johnson, Maui CAP Squadron

2nd Place Cadet Abigail Dinh, Punahou High School Army JROTC

3rd Place Cadet Elizabeth Gillaspie, Maryknoll CAP Squadron

Honorable Mention to Cadet Khervin Sales of Farrington High School for Best Essay in Category 1, which asks “What lessons can we learn from the Vietnam War about the roles and duties of the citizenry to its military in time of war?”

Here are some excerpts from the 2nd and 3rd place essays:

2nd Place: Cadet Abigail Dinh’s essay, titled “The Sacrifice of a Soldier” told the story of service of her grandfather an officer in the Republic of Vietnam Navy, who conducted security patrols until he was captured by Communist north Vietnamese forces and sent to prison. He survived imprisonment and migrated to the U.S.A. where he started a new life in his adoptive country.

“My ông nội (grandfather) served in the Vietnam War as an officer. The war stole his life from him. It stranded him from his wife and newborn and completely tarnished his career as a professor in Vietnam. He and many others suffered this fate. Before the war, my grandfather was living in the central region of Vietnam and working as a professor. As war dawned on the area, he was forced to draft into the Navy. Unlike other war stories, he didn’t spend much time on the front lines. His role in the war consisted of teaching officers math and patrolling the ship. He was sent out as a naval officer. He spent the majority of the war on land as the Communist Party would typically plan their attacks on the neighboring villages. Because of this, my grandfather spent most of his days patrolling the ship and rescuing people from nearby villages. Unfortunately, one day in 1970, the communists captured him on his ship and he was sent to prison. The conditions at the prison were appalling, and prisoners were frequently tortured. Communists tortured captive soldiers from both the Allies and civilians. Screams would often wail through the night alongside the deafening symphony of chaos. He fell extremely ill after enduring the hardships of prison. He and many others lived through this fate. The conditions of this prison were not ideal. The brutal blows raining down upon their body in prison made them feel powerless and helpless as they would struggle to endure the physical pain and fear for their safety. When they weren’t viciously tortured, they were crammed together into small cells to “rest”. The accumulation of maltreatment and the harsh environment led my grandfather to fall extremely ill. Because of this, the prison decided to set him free to prevent their death toll from increasing. After his release, my grandfather spent a few months in Vietnam after the Fall of Saigon. (continued on next page)

It wasn’t until a program opened for former prisoners of war to fill out a form to come to the states that he applied. After coming to the states, he was sponsored by a family in Florida where they paid his tuition for university. While at university, he was juggling a night-shift job as a janitor, being a dad, and completing his studies.

In third place is Cadet Elizabeth Gillaspie of the Maryknoll CAP Squadron, for her essay which recounted the story of service of her grandfather LTC Richard Gillaspie, who served with the U.S. Military Advisory Command Vietnam (MACV) from 1968 to 1969 and survived the war. Here is an extract:

“...on Feb 2, 1968 he received orders assigning him to the Military Advisory Command Vietnam (MACV). He received six weeks of training on how to be an advisor and Vietnamese language training at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. In April 1968, he boarded an Air Force plane headed to Vietnam. He was assigned to Advisory Team 65 headquartered in the city of MyTho, Tien Giang Providence with Teams in each District of the providence. This is in the southern delta region of Vietnam about 50 miles south of Saigon Their mission was to advise and provide support for the district chief who also commanded the local Popular Forces (PF) and Regional Forces (RF). He arrived at Cai Be on a Sunday, his predecessor had been gone for several weeks so he was warmly welcomed by the team and the district chief. Their hutch was a concert block building with a tin roof. ... His first night there at about midnight they heard gunfire and someone yelled "get in the bunker" … His main job was to go with the RF and PF troops to protect Highway 1 the main way rice got to Saigon. Another part of his job was weeding out corruption.”

The MOFW & AUSA certificates and prize checks were presented at the Association of the U.S. Army, with GEN Ret. Bob Brown (President of AUSA and former USARPAC Commanding General) personally congratulating each cadet, as well as their parents and cadre.

Photo top left: Cadet Mitchell Johnson with parents LT Melissa Johnson (Maui County Composite Squadron and Deputy Commander for Cadets) and Todd Johnson. Photo top center: Cadet Dinh with her parents David Dinh & Mary Li, and JROTC Senior Army Instructor LTC Ret. Bob Takao. Photo top right: Cadet Gillaspie with her father Tim Gillaspie.

Photo at bottom:

(Right to Left) BG,Ret. Jack Haley AUSA Vice President, Membership & Meetings, LT Johnson, LTC Bob Takao, LT Alvarado, CDT Johnson, Cadet Dinh, CDT Gillaspie, COL Ret. Tulak, and GEN Ret. Robert Brown, President AUSA at the Sheraton Hotel. Photo credits to 1st Lt Denton Alvarado (Commander Maryknoll Cadet Squadron, Assistant Director of Cadet Programs for CAP Hawaii Wing ) and Tobias Manuputy.

First Place Essay

“Struggles Make Us Strong”

By Cadet Mitchell Johnson

Civil Air Patrol, Hawaii Wing, Maui Squadron 057

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Can my life get any worse? I cannot do this anymore, I want to quit.” We have all felt like that at times, but thankfully we have people with extraordinary examples of perseverance and resilience to learn from. My grandfather, Col. Harold E. Johnson, is such a person who has been through unimaginable life-threatening experiences.

A Captain at the time, Harold was an Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) on the F-105F Thunderchief. He helped with operating the radar systems and told the pilot, Leo Thorsness, where the targets were based on deciphered sensor information. Harold also served as an extra pair of eyes to search for enemy aircraft. The plane was designed to fly supersonic at low altitudes to administer bombs onto its targets while being able to get away safely.

On April 19, 1967, Leo and Harold went on a mission with another F-105F to destroy SAM (Surface to Air Missile) sites and AAA (Anti-Aircraft Artillery). They successfully destroyed multiple SAM’s but enemy AAA fire shot down the accompanying F-105. To cover for the now vulnerable crew, Leo and Harold stayed behind to defend them and report the need for a rescue team. My grandfather, while watching for enemy aircraft, spotted a MiG-15 so Leo shot it down with their 20mm cannon and damaged two other MiGs. After they refueled at a tanker, they returned to protect the rescue team. Three MiGs were spotted by Harold, and Leo engaged them using the rest of their ammo in the process. Harold spotted four more MiG-15s behind them but without any ammo they could not fight the enemy MiGs so Leo activated their afterburners to get away. While returning to the tanker to refuel, another F-105 pilot reported that he was lost and had only a couple minutes of fuel left. With only a few moments to decide, Leo asked, “Should we give them the fuel?” Harold responded, “Let ‘em have it.” As they returned to the closest allied airfield, Udorn, Leo climbed to high altitude and idled the engine to save as much fuel as possible. Eventually they made it to the airfield with just enough fuel, and as the aircraft touched the tarmac the engines flamed out.

Two weeks later, on April 30, 1967, Leo and Harold were shot down by a MiG-21 over North Vietnam and landed in separate locations. Once on the ground, Harold ran through the forest for several hours trying not to be captured by the Vietnamese. He used the survival training he had learned before becoming an EWO at Stead Air Force Base while hoping to be retrieved. Unfortunately, Harold was captured as all but one of the retrieval helicopters and aircraft were damaged or destroyed and had to retreat. When the rescue team came back the next day, the Vietnamese had already captured Leo and Harold. My grandfather was dragged through the forest and beaten throughout the night. Eventually, he wasn’t able to walk anymore due to his injuries so he was tossed into a truck by the Vietnamese and thrown into Hanoi Hilton, a nickname for the prison Hỏa Lò. A section of the prison was called “Heart Break” by the prisoners, and was for recently captured Americans. Over the next couple of days, Harold withstood being chained to his bed, handcuffed in a small 7x7 foot room, and suffered brutal interrogations that were mind numbingly painful.

After an agony-filled couple of days at Heart Break, my Grandfather was transported to Skidrow Camp about six miles southwest, otherwise known as “The Zoo.” Originally a studio, Skidrow’s windows had been filled with bricks, the doors reinforced, padlocks put on them, and walls built around the camp to prevent the prisoners from escaping. This gave the prison an unnatural look as there were multiple smaller buildings instead of one large one. Harold stayed here for the next 3 years while being treated like

When he somewhat healed from the torture, Harold and other prisoners took the initiative to make a workout routine that involved pushups, situps, running in place, and any other exercises they could do to

“Keep ourselves in halfway decent shape.”

My Grandfather also showed mental strength by developing ways to keep himself and others sane during his time of imprisonment. He would run “simulations” inside his head to keep his mind busy. For example, he would imagine owning an entire chicken farm and managing everything about it, such as how many eggs he collected each day, when to change out the chickens that were too old, and when to feed them. Later on he got his hands on the Bible, but knowing that it would be taken away, he memorized several passages. My Grandfather, a fan of John Wayne, had also memorized some parts of movies that he starred in, and some other ones too, so when he was with multiple prisoners he would re-enact what happened in the movies and play the different roles for entertainment. Unfortunately, some of his fellow aviators did not mentally make it from the “roping” torture and beatings. When the Vietnamese realized that they were mentally gone, the prisoners were shoved into solitary confinement without any explanation. When the surviving prisoners were released, the Vietnamese said that they had expired years before even though Harold saw them just before being released.

The Vietnamese said that they treated their American prisoners “Humanely” in the prison camps. This was however not true, as the first 2 years they were tortured, given very little space, almost never given any time outside and were not given very much food and water. They were also required to bow down to the Vietnamese or were beaten. My grandfather explained they were only given a pot of water per person, and a bowl of rice and green soup twice a day. When he returned, scientists calculated that he ate about 1400 calories per day and lost quite a lot of weight from it. For reference, an average adult male should have 2500 calories per day. After the first 2 years, the Vietnamese started to treat the POWs slightly better by giving them more space and about 4 or 5 people per cell.

After he had been in “The Zoo” for three years the “Son Tay Raid”, a rescue mission by U.S Special Operations Forces, occurred. It was a mission to try and save POWs and recover them, but unfortunately the POWs had been moved only a week earlier. After a short time in the Hanoi Hilton, he was then moved to Loung Lang, nicknamed “Dogpatch” by the POWs. It was located 9 miles south of the Chinese border, and he was transported there in January of 1973. Around this time the Vietnamese started to treat the prisoners slightly better by putting them in groups of 20 and giving them a basketball court. Nearing the end of his imprisonment, Harold was transported back to Hỏa Lò in March and on March 4, 1973, after being a Prisoner of War for 2,135 days, he was released and transported back to America during Operation Homecoming.

Now that you know his story, it is easy to see how Colonel Harold E. Johnson’s strength, perseverance, and resilience is shown in his sacrifices. When he was in the moment of being shot down, it was not the crash that he feared, it was the prospect of what was going to happen next that was the most difficult. Although he struggled with the unknown of what would happen next each day, in his eyes there was only one option survival. He didn’t give himself the option of death, he would either survive or be killed by the Vietnamese. He would not quit. He would not give up. Harold kept going even though he didn’t know if he would be alive tomorrow and kept the hope that he would eventually be rescued.

Col. Harold E. Johnson, U.S. Air Force 1960-1987, Cold War 1960-1987 Vietnam War 1966-1973 (POW)

Oahu Veterans Council Report.

By Curtis “Manny” Manchester

Honorary Companion MG, Ret. Joe Logan was guest speaker of the 25 February meeting of the OVC, in his new role as the Chief of Police of the Honolulu Police Dept. At this meeting, the Military Order of World Wars briefed the “Massing of the Colors” scheduled for 14 June at the OVC.

At the March 25 meeting, the Director General of the Taiwan Economic Cooperation Office was the invited guest speaker see more on the following page. Col Ret. Ron Han, Director of the Office of Veterans Services. Mr Richard Lin, Director General, Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Honolulu provided a short video on political/economic/ military background on Taiwan and then remarks about Taiwan's economic standing in the world as well as the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the U.S. Q&A followed remarks. Membership of the Council has expanded with associate members: the American Red Cross, Pacific Islands Region; Knights of Columbus; Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) are associate members. OVC President remarks - Ed Cruickshank stressed again about VSO involvement with OVC meetings.

The March meeting of the OVC included a presentation by Richard Lin the Director General of the Taiwan Economic Cooperation Office (TECO) in Honolulu (effectively, the Consulate of the Republic of China). The presentation provided concerned Veterans a better appreciation of Taiwan as a strategic partner.

Companions Fred Staedel and Manny Manchester in attendance at the April meeting.

Communist China Waging a “Pressure Campaign” Against Republic of China

By Arthur N. Tulak

The Director General’s address to the OVC was quite timely, as Communist China is waging a campaign of coercion and military intimidation against Taiwan, conducting invasion rehearsals that cross the strait centerline, and enter into Taiwan’s air and sea space. In April, the Communist Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) simulated bombing raids on the island, while its navy encircled Taiwan, likely rehearsing elements of an invasion plan.1

The tensions between Communist China and Taiwan are the highest in over 40 years. Admiral Phil Davidson, former Commander of USINDOPACOM, reiterated his assessment in January of this year that Communist China may try to invade Taiwan by 2027.2 General Michael Minihan, former Director of Operations J3, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Commander of PACOM and INDOPACOM assessed that “China will invade Taiwan in 2025.” 3 Taiwan’s Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng had also assessed that the PRC will have the capability to mount a full-scale invasion by 2025.4

The impact of a Communist victory over Taiwan would be a humanitarian catastrophe and would add to America’s security assurance failures in modern history, most notably the abandonment of the Republic of Vietnam in 1975, and the surrender to the Taliban in 2021. These events resulted in massive civilian suffering and misery among the civilian populations that had supported the Americans.

In November 2021 Communist China passed a law making those “who support ‘Taiwan independence’ criminally liable for life”5 and later vowed to establish “reeducation” program in Taiwan after they conquer the nation.6 This is exactly what the Communist north Vietnamese did with their re-education camps established in the democratic Republic of Vietnam following its conquest in 1975. The Communist Vietnamese imprisoned at least 200,000300,000 former military officers, government workers and supporters of the former government of South Vietnam The system of er-education prison camps was drawn from the Siberian Gulags of the Soviet Union and the program of forced labor camps in China, employing sophisticated and inhumane methods of detention and repression techniques.7

Endnotes:

1. Gideon Rachman, April 11, 2023, “Why Taiwan matters to the world,” https://www.todayonline.com/commentary/commentarywhy-taiwan-matters-world-2148221

2. Miya Tanaka, Kyodo News, - January 23, 2023, “Ex-U.S. Indo-Pacific commander sticks to 2027 window on Taiwan attack. https:// english.kyodonews.net/news/2023/01/018a26a02962-ex-us-indo-pacific-commander-sticks-to-2027-window-on-taiwanattack.html See also his earlier assessment while still serving as the INDOPACOM Commander: Mallory Shelbourne, March 9, 2021, “Davidson: China Could Try to Take Control of Taiwan In ‘Next Six Years’.” https://news.usni.org/2021/03/09/davidson-china -could-try-to-take-control-of-taiwan-in-next-six-years

3 Mary Kay Linge, January 28, 2023, “US Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan predicts China war in 2025,” New York Post, https://nypost.com/2023/01/28/us-air-force-gen-mike-minihan-predicts-china-war-in-2025/

4 Helen Davidson, Julian Borger, October 6, 2021,” China could mount full-scale invasion by 2025, Taiwan defence minister says,” The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/06/biden-says-he-and-chinas-xi-have-agreed-to-abide-by-taiwanagreement

5. Yew Lun Tian, November 5, 2021, “Supporters of Taiwan independence will be liable for life says China,” Reuters, https:// www.reuters.com/world/china/china-says-it-will-hold-supporters-taiwans-independence-criminally-responsible-2021-11-05/

6. Giulia Carbonaro, August 5, 2022, “China Would Re-Educate Taiwan in Event of Reunification, Ambassador Says,’ Newsweek, https://www.newsweek.com/china-reeducate-taiwan-reunification-ambassador-1731141 See also, “The Week,” National Review, Vol. LXXV, No. 16, p. 8.

Photo from Republic of China Ministry of National Defense, April 9, 2023 shows Taiwan soldiers manning anti-aircraft artillery in Taipei, during the PLA’s military exercises around Taiwan.

Cadet Awards Program Report

By Arthur N. Tulak, Cadet

Awards

Chairman

The Commandery provided 52 medals to JROTC units and 6 medals to the 3 ROTC programs at University of Hawaii, for a total of 58. Mahalo to Commandery volunteers who presented this year: Peter Hirai (Roosevelt), Dan Curtis (Roosevelt and McKinley), Fred Staedel (Kaiser, OVC, & Mililani), Arthur Tulak (Campbell, Farrington, University of Hawaii).

A big Mahalo to active-duty personnel from USINDOPACOM and the Joint Intel Operations Center: LTC J. Brian Woolsey, DTRA Rep. to INDOPACOM (Aiea), Lt Col, USAFR Darrin G. Hall (Waipahu), LCDR Joshua Ludwig, USN, INDOPACOM J3 (Kalaheo), Capt, USAF Natalie K. Burke, Executive Assistant, INDOPACOM J1 (Kalaheo), CDR Kimberly A

Miyaguchi, USN, DIA (Punahou). Col Brian Hill, INDOPACOM J39 (Moanalua AFJROTC), CW4 Travon D. Crouchet (Nanakuli).

Photo above left and center: Fred Staedel at Mililani HS JROTC presents the Bronze leadership medal to C/PFC Nyzel Fagaragan, & Silver Academic to CPT Zoie Stevers. Photo above right: Arthur Tulak with Cadet Aameer Prosper (Silver Academic and TrinityMika'ele Araujo-Trinidad )(Bronze Leadership) Campbell HS NJROTC.

Photo above left : CDR Kimberly A Miyaguchi, USN, DIA at Punahou HS JROTC presents the Bronze leadership medal to C/PFC Nyzel Fagaragan, & Silver Academic to CPT Zoie Stevers. Photo above right: LtCol Hawthorne (Senior Marine Instructor Kapolei HS) presenting the Silver Academics medal to Cadet 2NDLT Shenel Saladino.

Here are the names of the 2023 awardees reported by the Cadre so far:

Aiea Silver Academic Medal to Cadet Olivia Park, and the Bronze Leadership to CDT Corey Overmeyer

Kahuku Silver Academic Medal to C/SSG Logan Reese, and the Bronze Leadership medal to C/2LT Eden Mailo

Kapaa Bronze Leadership to c/PFC Kainoa Danner

Kealakehe: Silver Academic Medal to C/PVT Caydenn Bermorro, and the Bronze Leadership to C/PVT Ridge Cann

Konawaena Silver Academic to Aiko Takahashi, and the Bronze Leadership Medal to Cadet Khemrald Rivera

Mililani Silver Academic to CPT Zoie Stevers, & the Bronze Leadership to C/PFC Nyzel Fagaragan

Waianae Silver Academic to CDT Nohealani Taylor, and the Bronze Leadership to C/Shannon Arruda-Ratcliffe, & Waipahu Silver Academic to Cadet Keziah Christie Ancheta, and the Bronze Medal to Cadet Nathaniel A. Alvarez

Kaiser Silver Academic to Cadet Cadet Olivia Park, & the Bronze Leadership to Cadet Corey Overmeyer

Kalaheo Silver Academic to Cadet Clarence J. Loomis, & Bronze Leadership Medal to Cadet Ava R. Jones

Kapolei Silver Academic to Cadet 2NDLT Shenel Saladino, & Bronze Leadership to Cadet C/1STSGT Kobey Alcain

McKinley Silver Academics to C/PFC Danielle Cummings, & the Bronze Leadership Medal to C/PV2 Mared Arenas

Roosevelt Silver Academic Medal to cadet Cadyn Lau, and the Bronze Leadership Medal to Cadet Kevin Ng

Photo above Left: COL Tulak presenting The MOFW (Academics) to Cadet Michael Ballesteros and (Leadership) to Cadet Khervin

Sales Photo above Right: COL Hirai and LTC Curtis at Roosevelt presenting to The Cadet Executive Officer.

Curtis presenting the Bronze Leadership Medal to Cadet Arenas McKinley H.S. Below Right: C/PFC Danielle Cummings receives t Academics Medal.

Commandery

Participates in ANZAC Day 2023

Commander Manchester

Anzac Day has officially been observed annually in Honolulu since 1973. The Hawai’i Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars (MOFW) has been involved in the wreath presentation portion of a commemorative service in honor of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Day at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific for over a decade. To save money for our cadet awards and veterans related services, a few of us chipped in for this year’s wreath, and it was worth it! The service was held on a beautiful day in Puowaina National Memorial Cemetery (Punch Bowl) to commemorate the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I at Gallipoli, and to recognize the sacrifices and service of the Anzac forces in the over 100 years that have followed. I had the honor to served alongside Australian, New Zealand, and over 25 other countries in East Timor in 2000 and again in 2001 coordinating unilateral US Military humanitarian assistance projects during the UN Peacekeeping mission, so the ANZAC commemoration has great meaning to me. Memorial events such as this are moving ways to show our appreciation for the sacrifices of past generations of our service people and our allied and partner nations in the past and present. There is also a strong sense of comradery with attendees of active forces, allied militaries, and fellow veterans, many of whom have become friends due to the many events we attend. This event was no exception, not only did I see the usual crowd of comrades from veterans service organizations, old friends I grew up with from the reserve and national guard, but one of my bosses from J55 US Indo-Pacific Command was there, Brigadier Alan Litster of the Royal Marine Commandoes. Who knew when I was in uniform that I would one-day work for a Scottish brigadier as a civilian? It shows us that service to community and country does not end and neither does the comradery.

Photo top: The MOFW wreath presented by Commander Manchester. Photo center: Commander Manchester and Brigadier Alan Litster. Photo bottom: Australian Army Col. Michael Bye, military adviser to the Australian Civil-Military Centre, hosts the commemorative service c forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brandon Aultman)

Commandery Observes Memorial Day 2023

Companions Hirai and Manchester represented the Commander at the two largest commemorations on Memorial Day. Vice Commander COL. Ret. Peter Hirai attended the Mayor's ceremony at Punchbowl. COL Hirai reports:

“Although it had rained that morning, the skies cleared and it turned out to be a beautiful day for the ceremony. Guest speakers included the City and County of Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Hawaii Governor Josh Green, and Admiral John Aquilino, Commander of Indo-Pacific Command. Afterward was the parade of wreaths, followed by the flyover by 4 F-22s of the Hawaii National Guard and the all-services musical medley. Even the Space Force Song was sung! It was a perfect day to memorial those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.”

Commander, LTC Ret. Manchester attended the Governor’s ceremony at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe. This event features the parade of flags of all the major Veterans Organizations in Hawaii and presentation of lei. The Cadets of the Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy carry the colors.

Memorial Day Remarks from our political leaders:

President J. R. Biden’s remarks: “Today, we once again gather in this sacred place, at this solemn hour, to honor fallen heroes, to once again stand amid the rows and rows of marble stones and bear witness to the brave women and men who served and sacrificed for our freedom and for our future; those who died so our nation might live. Every year, as a nation, we undertake this rite of remembrance, for we must never forget the price that was paid to protect our democracy. We must never forget the lives these flags, flowers, and marble markers represent: a mother, a father, a son, a daughter, a sister, a spouse, a friend. An American.”

President Donald Trump ’s Remarks: Memorial Day message in remembrance of those who sacrificed and served the United States. "Here, on this soil, on these grounds, beneath those fields, lies the true source of American greatness of American glory — and of American freedom."

"As long as we are blessed with patriots such as these, we shall forever remain one people, one family, and one nation under God."

Congress Woman Tulsi Gabbard: "I've served as a soldier now for over 20 years...I'll never forget those who I served with, those who gave their lives in service to our country. I'll never forget my friends who are still serving in harm's way today. …..The way to honor our troops who sacrificed their lives for our country is to work to prevent unnecessary, costly wars that will result in the deaths of many more of our brothers and sisters in uniform. ... Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember those who gave all, those who made that ultimate sacrifice, and to remember that war should only be waged as a very last resort to keep the American people safe."

Photo top: The MOFW wreath presented by COL Hirai at the NMCP. Photo below. : Commander Manchester with Lynn Marinao, Special Forces Association. Photo at Bottom: MG Kenneth Hara TAG Hawaii, and Col Ret. Ron Han, Dir. Of OVS, opening remarks.

Commandery Operations

Executive Committee

The Commandery EXCOM met at the Black Angus Steakhouse on March 24th to plan support for cadet awards ceremonies, Memorial Day events coverage. The agenda included the conduct of Commandery elections, a status update on the Cadet Essay Contest, and participation in the 14 June “Massing of the Colors” on June 14th at the Oahu Veterans Center. Since the closing of the Monterey Canners restaurant at Pearl Ridge during COVID, and the Sunset Lanai at Camp Smith in October last year, our EXCOM meetings have been testing new locations.

Our next Commandery meeting is off-cycle, and will be held at the OVC on 29 June at 1700.

Note From the Treasurer

The Commandery has filed its 990-N with the IRS, and the G45 Excise tax for with the state of Hawaii. On-time filing is key to maintaining our 501 (c) 3, non-profit status.

Note From the Secretary

Mahalo to all those who renewed their memberships. Commandery membership cards were sent out to all Companions in good standing. We reported two companions dropped from rolls and one new Companion inducted. Our reconciliation and per-capita National dues ($10 of dues paid to the Hawaii Commandery go to National) were submitted to the Treasurer-General of the National Commandery.

All Companions are invited to consider volunteering to serve as a Committee Chairman for our important programs. These are Commander-appointed positions that are crucial to the successful conduct of our community-oriented programs, and Include 1) Eagle Scout Recognition; 2) Cadet Awards; 3) 50th Vietnam War Commemoration; 4) 250th USA Committee, 5) Recruiting and Retention Committee, 6) Fund-raising (Poppy Appeal), and; 7) Memorials and Commemorations.

All Companions are requested to nominate the 2023 Community Exemplar for recognition by the Commandery with the Meritorious Service Medal. This is a member of the community who se activities as volunteers are in line with the purposes of our Order.

Companions from Left to Right at the 24 March EXCOM: LTC Manchester, Lt Col CAP Fred Staedel, Maj Ed Green, and COL Arthur Tulak.

Companion News —

Companion Adam Gaines our Commandery Genealogist has published article in the The Loyal Legion Historical Journal of the Military Order, Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS).. Adam is one of 3 companions of the Commandery who are also members of MOLLUS. The magazine is only available to members, but will eventually be published online at https://loyallegion.org/publications/ Adam has submitted another article about 2nd Lt. William C Johnson, 42nd USCT. An extract of the article is posted at right.

Companion Chris Spear is serving in Tel Aviv, Israel, as the U. S. Cyber Command Senior Representative and Liaison Officer to Israel. He wishes his Hawaii Commandery companions a hearty Aloha and best wishes!

Companion Arthur Tulak published the lead article in the December 2022 issue of the INDOPACOM Defense FOURM Magazine on the subject of integrated Deterrence. Read the article on-line at: https://ipdefenseforum.com/2022/12/ integrated-deterrence2/

Companion John Gobrick, established an “Our Community Salutes” (OCS) program in the Fort Bragg NC area. After watching his two sons graduate from Jack Britt High School, and noticing there was no recognition for seniors choosing to join the military, he contacted OCS and successfully conducted the inaugural OCS event on April 17th. John coordinated for an attendance of approximately 350 people including several dignitaries to include: LTG Donahue, 18th ABN Corps CG and former Secretary of the VA Robert Wilkie, along with performances by the 82nd Airborne Chorus and Band. As John explained in an interview with the Fayetteville Observer ““We need to do something to honor these kids and their commitment to our nation.” https://www.fayobserver.com/story/ news/military/2023/04/18/more-than-90-fort-bragg-area-seniors-takeoath-to-join-military/70115780007/

Companion COL –R Peter Hirai, recently fulfilled his dreams of working in Japan by accepting a permanent position as the Training and Exercise Planner for Marine Corps Installations – Pacific. In this position, he will coordinate emergency Responder and Receiver training and installation exercises, leveraging his 25 years of emergency management knowledge, skills and abilities. His office will be at MCIPAC headquarters in Camp Foster Okinawa, part of the cluster of bases that make up the Camp Butler Complex. The scope of his responsibilities will include US Marine Corps bases in Okinawa, mainland Japan, Korea, and Marine Corps base Hawaii.

Companion Col Dave Terrinoni presented the MOFW medals to ROTC cadets in Illinois. Dave is a dual member of the Hawaii and Illinois Commanderies, and serves as Commander to the latter, and as National Delegate for Hawaii.

Photo above: High school seniors take the oath of enlistment during the Our Community Salutes ceremony at the Crown Coliseum on Monday, April 17, 2023. Photo: Andrew Craft, The Fayetteville Observer. Photo below (LTC) Jill Henry (IL

Upcoming events:

• 4-7 June 81st Commemoration of the Battle of Midway

• 14 June Army Birthday, Flag Day. The Hawaii Military Order of World Wars will run a “Massing of the Colors” at the OVC. All member organizations invited to participate with their organizational colors.

• 15 June —Youth Challenge Academy Graduation, 1800hrs, Thomas Moffat Waikiki Shell, 2805 Monsarrat Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815

• 23 June United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday

• 25 June 72nd Anniversary of the start of the Korean War.

• 27 June PTSD Awareness Day

• 29 June Commandery Meeting at Oahu Veterans Center

• 4 July Independence Day

• 21 July —Anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Veterans Administration. July 21, 1930.

• 25 July— Hire a Veteran Day

• 29 July— Anniversary of the Army Chaplain Corps. On July 29, 1775.

• 4 August— Birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard in 1790.

• 7 August Purple Heart Day – A time for Americans to pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice.

• August TBD, HOSC Grant Request Window Opens.

• 18 September—Birthday of the U.S. Air Force, est. September 18, 1947

Hawaii Commandery, Military Order of Foreign Wars

A non-profit 501 (c) 3 Veterans Organization

Oahu Veterans Center, 1298 Kukila St. Honolulu Hawaii, 96818

Mahalo to our 2023 Sponsors:

Hawaii Chapter, Association of the United States Army