Hi mofw commandery news mar 2018

Hawaii Commandery THE Military Order of Foreign Wars

Table of Contents:

Vol. VII, Issue 1, March 2018 Commander’s Comments…………………………………………….. p. 1 Chaplain’s Corner…………………………………………………………. p. 1 Youth Challenge Academy Awards and Graduation …….. P. 2 Induction of Honorary Companion MG Logan.…...….…... p. 3 Commandery honors VFW Vietnam War Veterans.…..… p. 4 Celebrate Vietnam War Veterans Day ……………………...… p. 5 50th Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contests …………………… p. 7 WWI Essay Contest for JROTC Cadets………………………….. p. 7 Welcome New Companions…………………………..………….… p. 8 Recognizing our 2018 Sponsors ………………………………….. p. 8 Companion News …………………………………………………….…. p. 9 Commandery Operations…………………………..………….……. p. 12 Upcoming Events ……………………...………………………….……. p. 14

Chaplains Corner

By Chaplain (LTC, Ret.) John Molina I served 27 years in the US Army as a non-combatant who earned a combat patch. Chaplains are not allowed to carry weapons while serving those who do. This does not mean we cannot use weapons ever, but the choice to serve and be involved as fully as possible in both despicable as well as magnificent situations is truly a life experience! I believe that most of the veterans who are acquainted with paradoxes also endeavor to make a difference for the betterment of everyone.

Cover Photo: The Flag at half staff on Bordelon Field in front of HQs, U.S. Pacific Command. Photo by Companion Arthur Tulak.

If you have patriotic photos you’d like to share, submit them for consideration for the cover of our next issue!

I say this not so much to make a statement about a position on the use, non-use, ownership, or the final outcome of weapons, but to broach an important issue which our Nation and world faces today in light of serious violent acts perpetrated on the American populace involving the indiscriminate use of weapons. If today you find yourself where you can't choose a position either for all guns or for no guns; a space that feels defined by criticism and judgment, then what follows may be for you.

Commander’s Comments.

Aloha!

Greetings my fellow Companions. On behalf of the newly elected officers of the Hawaii Commandery, thank you for the opportunity to continue to serve and to honor the Service of the men and women of our Armed Services and our great Nation. Congratulations and thank you to the newly elected slate of officers.

A favorite Jewish prophet of mine once said that God would "judge between nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again." Isaiah 2:4-5. When and how God will accomplish this prophesy, I do not know...yet it has a a ring of welcoming truth to it! Something good for which to hope!

In these challenging times veterans’ organizations serve a noble purpose. Many of our fellow citizens have grown tired of our Nation’s long war on terror and contingency operations in foreign lands and they have become disconnected from the one percent of Americans who serve and have served in our military services. We are also in the midst of a particularly fractious partisan political environment which has eroded national unity. The Seven Purposes of the MOFW are enduring principles and imperatives that we can animate to address these problems.

One of my favorite persons is Brene Brown. In her best seller book Braving the Wilderness, she encourages us to "Fight for what you believe in. And don’t let others frame your beliefs." Her life experience, coupled with her years of life altering research, practical wisdom, and passion may be worth our while to consider as we navigate through some rough waters on the issue of "gun control". The following is an adaptation employing excerpts from her book.

To bring renewed vigor to our commandery and the mission we need every Companion to commit to some level of active participation and service. Fellowship and fidelity require energy and commitment. I look forward to serving with you. Thank you.

Brene says that her "dad was very serious about all things hunting. You could only shoot what was covered by your hunting license, and you absolutely could not shoot anything you didn’t plan to eat. These were nonnegotiable rules in my house, essentially etched into stone tablets. He had no patience for trophy hunting or the like...Hunting and fishing were as practical and necessary as they were fun for most of us.

“Deus et Libertas”

COL, Ret. J. Christopher Spear Commander

(Continued on p. 10) 1

Youth ChalleNGe Academy Awards and Graduation

By Sr. Vice Commander, Manny Manchester LTC (ret) Manchester represented the Military Order of Foreign Wars (MOFW) and the Military Order of World Wars (MOWW), presenting awards to two cadets at the 2017 graduation ceremony for the Hawai’i National Guard Youth Challenge at the Pearl City Cultural Center on December 14, 2017.

MOFW Companion MG Joe Logan was the host for this event, as the Youth ChalleNGe Academy is part of the Hawaii State Department of Defense, and runs two campuses, one in Hilo, and the other in Kapolei on the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station.

The mission of the Hawai’i National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of 1618 year olds who have dropped out of high school, producing program graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens in America’s future.

This award-winning program has been recognized as one of the nation’s most effective and cost efficient programs for targeting youth who are at the greatest risk for substance abuse, teen pregnancy, delinquency, and criminal activity.

For anyone who hasn’t been to one of these events, I highly recommend it. Looking out at these highly motivated cadets and hearing the cheers of their families and friends in the audience, it is hard to imagine that they were all considered “youth at risk,” the seven probation officers introduced as dignitaries brought home the amazing transformation of that the program produced in these cadets.

I had the privilege of presenting awards to two young cadets, I told each of them, “the adventure is just beginning,” and they were beaming with pride, shook my hand firmly and gave me a confident reply looking me in the eyes … they are going to do well!

Photo above right: MOFW Companion MG Logan, host of the event, presents top level awards and scholarships to outstanding cadets.

Photos center and bottom right: The leadership and academic medal presentations Assisting in the presentation of awards is Program Director, CSgm, Ret. J.D. Williams.

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Induction of Honorary Companion MG Arthur “Joe” Logan.

The Hawaii Commandery inducted Major General Joe Logan as an Honorary Companion of the Order at the 381st National Guard Birthday Ball on Friday, 15 Dec 2017, at the Hawaii Convention Center. Over 1,300 guests, including several distinguished Military and Political Leaders, witnessed the presentation. Hawaii MOFW Companions were seated with VIPs, to include former Hawaii TAG, Maj. Gen. Ret. Darryll Wong and Commander, Land Component Command, Hawaii National Guard, Brigadier General Bruce E. Oliveira , both of whom remain big supporters of the Hawaii Army National Guard Youth Challenge academy. MG Logan was the host of this event which honored Hawaii’s military history and the citizen soldier.

Companion Manchester prepares the medal for presentation to MG Arthur “Joe” Logan, as Commander Tulak reads the appointment. Secretary Straus Scantlin is ready to present the diploma of Honorary Companionship.

MG Logan’s qualifying service was during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in from May 2007 – May 2008, Commander, in the Regional Police Advisory Command, Kabul, Afghanistan. General Logan received his commission in 1984 from the Hawaii Army National Guard Officer Candidate School, Hawaii Military Academy. With more than 36 years of service, he has served in significant positions of authority and responsibility to include: Commander, 227th Engineer Company; Brigade Engineer Officer, 29th Separate Infantry Brigade; Commander, 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery; Counterdrug Coordinator, Hawaii Army National Guard; Commander, Regional Police Advisory Command, Operation Enduring Freedom, Kabul, Afghanistan; Chief of Staff, Hawaii Army National Guard, and Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, Hawaii National Guard. Before assuming his current position, he served as the G3, Hawaii Army National Guard. Most recently, MG Logan has overseen the WWI Centennial Commemoration efforts and the Task Force, on which two other Companions serve.

Hawaii Companions are proud to have MG Logan as a companion of the Order in our Commandery!

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50th Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program Commandery honors Civil Air Patrol and MOWW Vietnam War Veterans

By Past Commander, Arthur N. Tulak Hawaii Civil Air Patrol Companions Chris Spear and Straus Scantlin represented the Hawaii Commandery in presenting the 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Medal to the Hawaii Civil Air Patrol’s sole nominee, Captain (former) USAF, Fred Staedel, on January 6, 2017, at the Hawaii Wing HQs in Honolulu.

Captain Staedel served at Da Nang Vietnam, with the 620th Tactical Control Squadron from May 9, 1967 to May 9, 1968. As a Vietnam Veteran, Capt Staedel demonstrated his continued dedication to service by volunteering as an awards presenter for JROTC and ROTC Cadets, and as a volunteer instructor teaching aviation physics and basic aviation at the Pacific Aviation Museum as part of the Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program where he provided instruction to 3,327 students.

Capt Staedel demonstrated the life-long commitment vet- Companions Chris Spear (left) and Straus Scantlin (right) present the 50th erans have made to their nation, as they continue to serve Vietnam War Commemorative Medal to Captain (former) Fred Staedel. their local communities as volunteers.

Hawaii Chapter, Military Order of World Wars (MOWW) Companions Arthur Tulak and Manny Manchester represented the Hawaii Commandery in honoring Vietnam Veterans of the Military Order of World Wars, Hawaii Chapter, at their January 22 Meeting held at the Monterey Canners Restaurant, and attended by the Commander in Chief of the MOWW, Col, USAF, Ret. David Gibson. The Military Order of World Wars is one of the few other Officer Veterans organizations in the United States accepting both Veteran and Hereditary Companions. The MOWW was founded by Officer Veterans of WWI who served under General Pershing in the American Expeditionary Force (AEF). The Hawaii Chapter of the MOWW is partnered with the Hawaii MOFW Commandery on the World War One Centennial Task Force.

At the MOWW Meeting, MOWW CINC Gibson detailed the life and accomplishments of GEN John “Black Jack” Pershing, Commanding General of the American Expeditionary Force, which defeated the German Army in WWI in a campaign lasting jut 47 days, and posited what words of encouragement and guidance GEN Pershing might have for Veterans who are dedicated to preserving the deeds of valor of generations of Veterans past.

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Here are the abbreviated citations to the awards: for MOWW awardees:

LTC Jeffrey Tom served back-to-back tours in Vietnam with the Special Forces, from June 1967June 1968, (101st Airborne Div.), and June 1968 - August 1969 (5th SF Group), followed by a third tour from April 1970 to April 1971 (MACSOG (Airborne)). After retiring from Active Military Service in the Army, LTC Tom served 12 years as a JROTC instructor both at Superintendent of Education’s Office and at McKinley High School. In these positions, LTC Tom helped many young Cadets to become productive citizens, many of whom went on to serve in the military. Since June 2012, LTC Tom has served as the Commander of the Hawaii Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars, which supports 27 JROTC and 2 ROTC programs, and the Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy.

LTC Don Arakaki served in Vietnam as a Vietnamese Ranger Advisor with Team 50, Military Advisory Command Vietnam (MACV), in the 44th Strategic Tactical Zone (4th Military Region of the IV Corps, Army of the Republic of Vietnam), from Jan 1972-Jan 1973 . After retiring from Active Military Service in the Army, LTC Arakaki served eight years as the Senior Army Instructor for Waianae High School’s JROTC program, and also served as the Vice President and Treasurer of the Waianae Military Civilian Advisory Council (WMCAC), President of the Waianae Coast Rotary Club (WCRC), Chairman of the Waianae Coast Disaster Readiness Team (WCDRT), and as a loyal Companion of the Hawaii Chapter, Military Order of World Wars, where he diligently supported numerous JROTC programs on the island of Oahu.

Companion Manny Manchester presents the 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Medal to LTC, Ret. Jeff Tom (left) and LTC, Ret. Don “Rock” Arakaki (right) at the monthly meeting of the Military Order of World Wars Hawaii Chapter.

Celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day! On Tuesday, March 28, 2017, the President signed into law S. 305, the “Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017,” which encourages the display of the U.S. flag on March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day. We are coming up on the first anniversary and are thrilled to witness our national colors flying annually throughout the country to honor Vietnam veterans! Use the following page to post at your home or work to celebrate only the second instance of this important holiday.

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50th Vietnam Essay Contest The annual 50th Vietnam Essay Contest is nearly here with the submission of essays for judging on March 16th. Please inform the Commander if you are willing to serve as an essay judge. The process is simply that each judge will rank-order the essays from 1-N, and these scores are average out over the number of judges to produce the top 3, based on the average rankings. After selecting the top three, best of category essays are identified. If an essay category is not represented in the top three, then the best essay submitted for that category will receive special recognition for best of category.

All essays selected for a certificate signed by the Commander will also receive a certificate signed by MG, Ret. James T. Jackson, Director of the 50th Vietnam War Commemoration. The Army JROTC Awards program provides 13 different ribbons which are optional for the Senior Army Instructors to award, providing the means to recognize other highperforming essayists.

The winning essay will be published in the June Commandery News, and all essays in the top 3 and best of category will be sent out the National 50th Vietnam Commission, and other veterans organizations.

WWI Essay Contest The WWI Cadet Essay Contest is in its first of two years this program will run. Hawaii American Legion Post #11, the Hawaii Historic Arms Association, the Hawaii Department of the Military Order of World Wars, and the Hawaii Commandery of the MOFW, all Hawaii WWI Centennial Commemoration Partners, are sponsoring this program. The essay is similar in approach to the 50th Vietnam Essay explained above, except that each school will select its winners. The HI WWI Centennial Task Force (HI WWI CTF) will provide all schools submitting a winning essay with a specially minted HI WWI Commemoration Medal. In the event that not all schools submit an essay, we will then ask for the 2nd and 3rd place essays submitted at each school to award medals not used by other schools.

The goal of the HI WWI CTF is to reach the youth with the WWI Centennial and support Cadet learning objectives outlined in the Army JROTC Leadership Education and Training Cadet Reference Guide. The essay supports Army and Navy Cadet Learning Objective #3, “Think logically and communicate effectively both orally and in writing,” and #7 “Become familiar with military history as it relates to America’s culture and with the history, purpose, and structure of the military services.”

HI WWI Centennial Commemoration partner organization have offered to assist High School Cadre in judging the WWI Essays, if the Cadre request it. This is intended to lower the barrier to participation and ensure that winners may be selected in a timely fashion. If you would like to volunteer to assist a school cadre in judging essays (via e-mail) please contact Companion Arthur Tulak.

A unique aspect of this essay contest for MOFW, is that Cadets with WWI Veteran ancestors may write their essay about the story of service of that ancestor. This would then be eligible to be entered into the U.S. Army Museum’s Stories of Service, and the Hawaii WWI Centennial webpage. Cadets with WWI Officer Ancestors would be eligible for Junior Companion status, with their essay providing the majority of the application, which would allow them to wear the MOFW ribbon on their Cadet uniform while a member in good status.

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Welcome New Companions!

Veteran Companion Fred Staedel was admitted to the Order on February 16, 2018, based on his qualifying service in Monkey Mountain, Danang, the Republic of Vietnam, as a weapons controller in the United States Air Force with the 620th Tactical Control Squadron from May 9, 1967 to May 9, 1968.

Following his active duty service, Companion Staedel began a new career of service in the Hawaii Civil Air Patrol, rising to the rank of Lt. Col., and now serving as the Chief of Staff for the State. Among his many duties, he oversees the Civil Air Patrol Cadet program which receives MOFW medals each year. Companion Staedel has served for years as a ROTC/JROTC award presenter.

Dr. Staedel has served on the Faculty of the University of Phoenix, Hawaii Campus for twenty years. Companion Staedel has a long and impressive record of volunteering, which includes work for the Pacific Aviation Museum, USO Volunteer, and registered community volunteer with the IRS. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award.

His Air Force Auxiliary / Civil Air Patrol awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Commendation Service Medal (5 awards), Achievement Medal (2 awards), and the Life Saving Award. Companion Staedel is married to Becky, his wife 28 years.

Veterans United Foundation—2018 Sponsor!

Veterans United Foundation, the charitable arm of Veterans United Home Loans Hawaii, continues its sponsorship of our important Cadet Awards and Vietnam Veteran Recognition programs for 2018. Commandery Treasurer, Companion Arthur Tulak received the generous grant of $2,500 from Sean Innes at the new Offices of Veterans United Home Loans of Hawaii in Pearl City.

The VUF in Hawaii has sponsored the Commandery’s medal programs since 2015.

Veterans Hawaii Home Loans employees, many of them Veterans, volunteer to present the medals they sponsor at the supported High Schools on Oahu. Nationally, VUF has raised more than $21 Million for Veterans Organizations, military families, and military communities they serve in locations across the United States. To learn more, visit https:// www.veteransunited.com/about/foundation/

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Companion News! Retirement Ceremony of Companion Hirai

By Senior Vice Commander, LTC, USAR, Ret. Manny Manchester Companion and Junior Vice Commander Peter J.S. Hirai retired after 34 years of honorable service!

The retirement ceremony for Colonel Peter Jackson Shinji Hirai, celebrating 33 years of service to country, community, family, and friends was held aboard the USS Missouri on Friday, December 29, 2017 from 1:00 PM to 3:00. Dignitaries at this event included BG, Ret. John Ma and MG, Ret. Vern Miyagi and one of his University of Hawai’i at Manoa ROTC classmates, BG Suzanne Varez-Lum. BG, Ret. Keith Kaneshiro, served as the host of the retirement ceremony and told a few amusing anecdotes from COL Hirai’s past exploits. In fact, a US Naval officer at this retirement ceremony said it was the most fun of any similar ceremonies she had attended!

Companions LTC Straus Scantlin and LTC, Ret. Curtis “Manny” Manchester presented COL, Ret. Hirai with the MOFW Commendation Medal, awarded by the National Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars for his outstanding continuous service to the community and veterans though out his career. The MOFW Commendation Medal was presented for over 33 years of volunteering in support of Hawaii’s Military, Veteran, and Cadet Military Communities by COL (ret) Hirai. His long term dedication to community service can be seen in the following positions: American Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteer; Club President Officer of the University of Hawai’i at Manoa Circle K International; Division Lieutenant Governor and Club President Kiwanis International: volunteer with the Chinese Jaycees community service organizations; mentor and camp counselor for the Dole & Kalakaua Middle School Leadership Camps; Quartermaster of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Honolulu Post 1540; and dedicated member of the Hawaii Commandery, Military Order of Foreign Wars. Colonel (ret) Hirai was also presented a reproduction of a Japanese naval officer’s sword in honor of his heritage and his new civilian position working for the US Navy and a shadow box with photos and memorabilia of his career from VFW Post 1540, where he is the Post Quartermaster and a lifetime member.

After the official ceremony, Peter went to Any Place Cocktail Lounge with friends, comrades, and family to celebrate and sing karaoke, and a good time was had by all!

Peter Hirai and his companion Michelle Salvador at the head of the receiving line following the retirement ceremony receive congratulations from attendees, to include : BG Suzan Vares-Lum, PACOM J5 RA, (center) and BG, Keith Tamashiro ,(right). CSM Oskar Ramirez from VFW Post 1540 is the Master of Ceremonies.

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Photo above, a few of the accolades and honors presented to Companion Hirai, including the Military Order of Foreign Wars Commendation Medal set and certificate at top right.

Photo right, COL Ret. Peter Hirai and companion Michelle Salvador following the receiving line presentation of leis.

(Chaplains Corner, continued from p. 1) We all had guns. We got BB guns when we were in second or third grade and hunting rifles by middle school, when most of us started hunting. Gun safety was no joke. In fact, we weren’t allowed to shoot a gun that we couldn’t take apart, clean, and put back together. "When you grow up hunting you have a very different understanding about the reality of guns. It’s not a video game—you know, and have felt, exactly what they are capable of doing. For my dad and the people we hunted with, the sentiment around automatic weapons and the big guns that people treat like toys today was simple: 'You want to shoot those kinds of guns? Great! Enlist and serve.'

"I loved and was proud of this part of my family story. And, like most kids, I assumed that everyone who was raised in a hunting and gun culture was raised with the same rules. But as I got a little older, I realized that wasn’t true. Despite my beliefs, most of my family members started supporting the gun lobby while many of my friends and colleagues began vilifying all gun ownership. I quickly realized that I’d have no ideological home or community on this issue. I’d exist in that lonely space between all guns and no guns – a space that felt defined by criticism and judgment.

"Late last year, I was talking to a group of people at an event and I mentioned that my father and I were looking forward to teaching my son how to shoot skeet. One woman looked horrified and said, 'I’m very surprised to hear that you’re a gun lover. You don’t strike me as the NRA type.' If you’re reading her comment as aggressive and pointed, then I’ve communicated it accurately. There was contempt and disgust on her face. "I replied, I’m not sure what you mean by gun lover or the NRA type. She sat straight up in her chair. 'If you’re teaching your child how to shoot a gun, then I’m assuming that you support gun ownership and the NRA.'" Brene reminds us this is a "false dichotomy" and a very common "proliferation of -------- (fill in the blank)” 10

"Someone who lies and someone who tells the truth are playing on opposite sides, so to speak, in the same game. Each responds to the facts as he understands them, although the response of the one is guided by the authority of the truth, while the response of the other defies that authority and refuses to meet its demands. He ignores these demands altogether. He does not reject the authority of the truth, as the liar does, and oppose himself to it. He pays no attention to it at all. By virtue of this, -------- is a greater enemy of the truth than lies are.

"Normally, we used forced choice and false dichotomies during times of significant emotional stress. Our intentions may not be to manipulate, but to force the point that we’re in a situation where neutrality is dangerous. I actually agree with this point. One of my live-by quotes is from Elie Wiesel. 'We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.' "The problem is that these emotional pleas are often not based in facts, and they prey on our fears of not belonging or being seen as wrong or part of the problem. We need to question how the sides are defined. Are these really the only options? Is this the accurate framing for this debate or is this ---------? "If alternatives exist outside of these forced choices (and they almost always do), then the statements are factually wrong. It’s turning an emotion-driven approach into weaponized belonging. And it always benefits the person throwing down the gauntlet and brandishing those forced, false choices.

The ability to think past either/or situations is the foundation of critical thinking, but still, it requires courage. Getting curious and asking questions happens outside our ideological bunkers. It feels easier and safer to pick a side. The argument is set up in a way that there’s only one real option. If we stay quiet we’re automatically demonized as 'the other.'

"The only true option is to refuse to accept the terms of the argument by challenging the framing of the debate. But make no mistake; this is opting for the wilderness. Why? Because the argument is set up to silence dissent and draw lines in the sand that squelch debate, discussion, and questions—the very processes that we know lead to effective problem solving. "Our silence, however, comes at a very high individual and collective cost. Individually, we pay with our integrity. Collectively, we pay with divisiveness, and even worse, we bypass effective problem solving. Answers that have the force of emotion behind them but are not based in fact rarely provide strategic and effective solutions to nuanced problems.

"We normally don’t set up false dilemmas because we’re intentionally ------------; we often rely on this device when we’re working from a place of fear, acute emotion, and lack of knowledge. Unfortunately, fear, acute emotion, and lack of knowledge also provide the perfect set-up for uncivil behavior. This is why the ---------/ incivility cycle can become endless. "It’s also easier to stay civil when we’re combating lying than it is when we’re speaking truth to --------. When we’re ------------, we aren’t interested in the truth as a shared starting point. This makes arguing slippery, and it makes us more susceptible to mirroring the wrong behavior, which is: The truth doesn’t matter, what I think matters.

"There are millions of us who believe in common sense gun laws and have no interest in vilifying respectful, responsible gun owners...The only way to successfully bring about gun reform is if a critical mass of us are willing to have honest, tough, civil conversations outside of our ideological bunkers. Gun reform will not happen unless the silent majority of gun owners who passionately disagree with divisive rhetoric and complete lack of respect for responsible gun culture speak out and take political and economic action.

"When we engage in the 'us versus them' argument, we lose. The only person who wins is the person who owns the framing of the argument. Speak truth to --------. Be civil. Take action."

Chaplain (LTC, Ret.) John Molina 11

Commandery Operations Quarterly Meeting at the Sunset Lanai The Commandery held its first meeting of the New Year at the Sunset Lanai of Camp H.M. Smith on January 19th. In addition to normal business, this meeting saw the induction of new companions, and the transfer of Command passing from COL, Ret. Arthur Tulak to COL, Ret. J. Christopher Spear, as well as the installation of Commandery Officers, Sr. Vice Commander LTC, Ret. Manny Manchester, and Secretary, LTC Sraus Scantlin.

Outgoing Commander, Companion Arthur Tulak, and outgoing Secretary Manny Manchester, welcome new Companions Straus Scantlin and Larry Dicks, presenting them with their diplomas and the insignia of the Order.

Outgoing Commander, Arthur Tulak, administers the Oath of Office to the new slate of officers. From Left to Right, Companions J. Christopher Spear, Straus Scantlin, and Manny Manchester in front of the Flag of the Hawaii Commandery.

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The Sunset Lanai provided a memorable venue for the meeting, and enhanced camaraderie with dinner on the lanai over-looking Pearl Harbor on a day with exceptional air quality and visibility. This location will be used again in the future, as all present were satisfied with the logistics and catering support.

Outgoing Commander, Companion Arthur Tulak administers the Oath of Office of the Commander (above) and presents the Commander’s insignia attached to the Veterans Medal (below) to Companion, COL, USAR, Ret. J. Christopher Spear.

At this meeting, the Commandery confirmed its planned activities and programs for the year, and verified the proposed budget.

The Commandery was once again approved as a Private Volunteer Organization authorized to operate on JBPHH by the Commandery, Navy Region Hawaii.

The key to successful Commandery Operations is the Volunteer. Volunteers are needed for Cadet Awards, Essay Judging, Committee Chairs (Awards, 50th Vietnam, WWI Centennial, Recruiting, and Fundraising).

After taking Command, Companion Spear outlined briefly his priorities to carry out the noble purposes of the Order in Hawaii, and asked Companions present for their continued loyal support.

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Upcoming events: •

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16 March — Judging of Cadet 50th Vietnam War Essay contest entries. MOFW Companions will judge the essays submitted by JROTC Cadets to determine the top three essays, and runners-up that achieve “best of category” essays not selected for the cash prizes for 1st through 3rd place.

17 March 50th Vietnam War Commemorative Medal presentation event for VFW Post 10276 on 10 February at 1000hrs at the Oahu Veterans Center.

23 March—Meeting of the Hawaii Commandery, Sunset Lanai, Camp H.M. Smith, 1700 hrs.

29 March—Vietnam War Veterans Day. On 28 March 2017, President Donald J. Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017. This act officially established this holiday. The State of Hawaii Office of Veterans Services will conduct an event to commemorate this second observance of this holiday.

25 April—ANZAC Day Memorial Service at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, hosted by the Consulates of Australia and New Zealand, 1000 hrs. Uniform is Class B/Summer White/Blue Dress Delta/ Blues.

26 April — JROTC Governor’s Parade, 100o hrs, Fort Shafter. MOFW Companions show their support for the Cadets who conduct a Pass-in-Review for the Governor and the presiding General Officer. The ceremony also recognizes organizations, such as ours, who have provided support to the Cadets over the academic year.

18 April to 18 May— JROTC Cadet Awards Ceremonies. Companions are asked to volunteer to present MOFW medals and Prizes for the WWI and 50th Vietnam War Essay contests, as commemoration partners.

27 May—Hawaii State WWI Centennial Memorial Day Ceremony at the Hawaii WWI Memorial and Natatorium.

28 May—Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

28 May— Governor’s Memorial Day Ceremony, Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery, Kaneohe 15 June—Hawaii National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy Graduation and Awards Ceremony

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 2018 Sponsors:

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