Military order of foreign wars
March 2024
Hawaii Commandery
Commandery News
Table of Contents:
Editor’s Note p. 1
Chaplain’s Corner p. 1
Youth Challenge Awards & Graduation Ceremony …………....p. 3
Visit of the Chelsea Pensioners to Hawaii p. 4
About the Allied Forces Foundation…………………….... …….....p. 5
Military Honors for Col, USAF, Ret. Ronald P. Han Jr. p. 6
Commandery Operations p. 7
Note from the Secretary …………………………………………………..p. 8
Christmas Brunch 2023 p. 9
Hawaii’s Hidden Military History ………………………………….....p. 10
Upcoming Events p. 12
Cover Photo: Youth Challenge Graduation December 16, 2023. The MOFW is one of just two Veterans Organizations recognizing the top-performing cadets of each class for leadership and academic excellence.
Note From the Editor
Aloha Companions,
This is the first issue of the Commandery News for 2024. The content and articles of this publication comes from our members, and you are invited to submit articles of interest to our readers. Mahalo to those who contributed to this edition with complete sections, articles, and companion news updates.
We did not publish a December News, and this issue covers activities since the September 2023 issue. We cover two of the EXCOM meetings in this issue, and many have asked “Who comprises the EXCOM?” and “What is its purpose?” Per our Commandery Constitution and Bylaws, “The Executive Committee of the Commandery shall consist of the elected and appointed Offices listed in Article IV of the Constitution.” Anyone in a leadership position should attend, but these are also opportunities for camaraderie, and all Companions are invited to attend. See the Secretary note on p. 8.
The EXCOM holds its meetings not less than once in every three months and at such additional times as shall be determined by the Commandery. The EXCOM judges the qualifications of all candidates for Companionship and has the sole power to confer Companionship upon candidates found to be eligible under Article III of the Constitution. The EXCOM may drop, due to death or non-payment of dues and/or accept the resignation of any Companion of the Commandery.
As reported in the September 2023 issue, the officer slate continued for another year. If you are willing to support the leadership of our Commandery, then volunteer to fill a committee chairman position, or an elected office. We must conduct our elections in May and install the officer slate in June.
Dr. Arthur N. Tulak, Ed.D. COL, USA Ret.
Chaplains Corner
By Fred Staedel, Th.D.
It has come to thought that answers to prayer sometimes don’t come, and certainly do not come according to our own human desires or one’s individual timetable. Why is this so one may ask? And what is the answer? What came to thought are the words “perseverance” and “steadfastness.”
The Bible tells us: “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)
One could infer from this Biblical admonition that we must trust our faith and persevere in our desire for grace and healing; including patient answers to our prayers. In this context, “perseverance” is a holy virtue and one that should be employed in our praying. “To that end keep alert with all perseverance.” (Ephesians 6:18).
We must apply “patient prayer” when seeking answers in one’s life. We must be steadfast in knowing that when we pray the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,” that it will be Divine answers that come in due time and therefore we must be steadfast in knowing that prayerful answers will come as we persevere in knowing that it is God’s will, God’s timetable, and God’s answers and not our own.
“And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) So, we must be steadfast in our knowing that God’s will is always on His time! “For you know that testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:3).
Fred
1 Vol. XIII, Issue 1, March 2024
50th Vietnam War Commemoration
By Fred Staedel, Th.D.
16 January
has yet to be featured in our commanders
In the
are also USAF Sgt. Ron Kuhn and wife Kathleen . The gentleman behind Becky is Maurice Collette, also a previous recipient of our pin ceremony and was featured in our December 2021 newsletter. LtCol Hao served as a B-52G Command Pilot in Vietnam, as part of Operation “Rolling Thunder” (1965-1969), with the 305th Bomber Wing. Army Specialist 4th Class Robert Foy Cooke served with the 198th Lt. Infantry Brigade as a Combat Medic in Vietnam from May 1969 to May 1970. During his tour he was wounded, and was credited with saving many lives on the battlefield.
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Total attendance at the Robert Foy Cooke MOFW Pin and Certificate ceremony held on
at the Honolulu Elks Club. The gentleman in the red coat is Lt Col Lawrence Hao, the previous recipient of our MOFW pin/certificate ceremony, who
newsletter.
photo
Photo Left: LtCol Lawrence Hao receives his 50th pin and certificate on October 26, 2023 at the Elks Club. Photo Right: SPC 4 Robert Foy Cooke, receiving his 50th pin and certificate on January 16, 2024.
Youth Challenge Academy Awards
By LTC Ret. Dan Curtis
At the invitation of the Adjutant General of Hawaii Major General Kenneth S. Hara of the MOFW was proud support the Hawaii 59th graduating class National Guard Youth Challenge Program on 16 December 2023 at the Thomas Moffatt Waikiki Shell. Comrade Dan Curtis Hawaii Commandery presented both the MOFW Bronze Leadership Medal to Cadet Tanaka as well as the MOFW Silver Medal for Academic Excellence to Cadet Hasan
The mission of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program is l to intervene in and reclaim the lives of 16-18 year old high school dropouts, producing program graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self-discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens. Completion of this 22-week Residential Phase earns these Cadets their High School Equivalency Diploma. Following graduation there is in addition a year-long mentoring relationship with a specially trained member from each youth’s community.
This award-winning program has been recognized as one of the nation’s most effective and costefficient programs for targeting youth who are at the greatest risk for substance abuse, teen pregnancy, delinquency, and criminal activity. With their Diplomas now in hand and as part of the graduation ceremony, (3) Cadets chose to enlist in the US Army , US Marine Corps, and the Hawaii Army National Guard respectively. Watch the entire ceremony at https://www.facebook.com/hawaiiyouthchallenge/ videos/170924526093383
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Photo Left Bronze Leadership Excellence Medal recipient Cadet Petuniai Tangata. Photo Right: Silver Academic Excellence Medal recipient Cadet Akeem Assan. Standing to the left is Ms. Sinaita'Atanoa, Director of the Youth Challenge Academy co-presenting with LTC Dan Curtis
Visit of the Chelsea Pensioners
By COL Ret. Arthur N. Tulak, Ed.D.
The Hawaii Commandery supported our active duty military with an important engagement with our U.K. Allies.
Since 1692 the Royal Hospital Chelsea has offered care and comradeship for veterans in recognition of their loyal service to the United Kingdom. The hospital provides exemplary welfare and pastoral support in exchange for their pensions - hence their title.
Staff Sergeant John Cole and Corporal Angus Donaldson traveled to Washington DC and Hawaii to honor a promise made to SSgt Cole's father, who died in 1980. Liberated from a POW camp in Germany by General Patton's Third Army, his father always wanted to visit the USA and say 'thank you' but could never afford to. The two honored his memory by saying 'thank you to the U.S. military on his behalf. They were given special approval to wear their Tricorn Hatsnormally only reserved for Armistice Day and visits of the King. The visit was supported by the British Defence Staff United States (BDSUS), the Allied Forces Foundation, and the British Army Liaison Officer to U.S. Army Pacific.
Their itinerary in Hawaii began on 5 DEC with their arrival at the Honolulu Airport, and immediately followed by a busy VIP schedule with support from PACFLT, USARPAC, the Hawaii Army Museum, and a social event sponsored by the UK military community. The two gentlemen presented wreaths at the National Cemetery of the Pacific, which fulfilled the promise made. That same day, they were hosted by PACFLT aboard the Deputy Commander's boat for a tour of Pearl Harbor. On Friday the 8th, they visited the Hawaii Army Museum, were hosted by USARPAC, and finished up with a UK Military-sponsored social event.
The UK Liaison Officer to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) asked for our assistance for the visit in response to the pensioners’ request to socialize with U.S. Veterans. The Hawaii Commandery arranged a social event at the Sunset Lanai on the 6th of December, immediately following their tour of Pearl Harbor. Invitations were extended to the VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, and MOWW. Lynn Mariano represented VFW Post 8616, and Stan Fernandez represented VFW Post 10276. Representing the Military Order of World Wars Capt. Gaylord Dillingham Chapter was LTC Ret. Curtis Manchester and Dr. Nancy Smiley. Representing the Hawaii Commandery were Companions Tulak, Curtis, and Staedel. Also attending were Ms. Claire Levinson, Executive Director of the Oahu Veterans Center, LTC Mathew Witko, British Army LNO to USARPAC, and his wife.
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Photo : From Left to Right: Commander of the MOWW LTC Manchester , Executive Director of the OVC Ms. Claire Levinson, Dr. Nancy Smiley MOWW, COL Arthur Tulak MOFW. CPL Angus Donaldson, UNK member of VFW, CMSgt Stan Fernandez VFW, SSgt John Cole, LTC Witko, LTC Dan Curtis, UNK VFW, Mrs. Witko, Lt. Cdr Jenny Reid Royal Navy, and Lynn Mariano VFW.
Visit of the Chelsea Pensioners (continued)
Following their visit to Hawaii, the pensioners travelled to Washington D.C., where they were given a special tour of the White House, visited with the 3rd Infantry “Old Guard,” presented a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown, visited the U.S. Soldiers Home (equivalent counterpart to the Chelsea Hospital), toured the Pentagon, and visited the many military memorials in our Nation’s Capitol. https://www.facebook.com/alliedforcesfoundation
About the Allied Forces Foundation
The Allied Forces Foundation mentioned in the previous article, is a non-profit organization, was established to unite wounded, ill, and injured service people and Veterans as well as caregivers from US, UK, and allied nations forces in wellness and healing.
Through a series of outdoor, peer-lead events that challenge the mind and body, Allied Forces Foundation provides opportunities that reinvigorate the spirit of comradeship and teamwork and instill a renewed sense of purpose with the Veteran.
The Allied Forced Foundation is predominantly an American/British charity with the goal of bringing US, UK, and allied nations’ Veterans, caregivers and families together for community activities. ‘Side by Side’ is the foundation’s motto because it exemplifies the foundation’s approach to recovery. Those who have fought together reunite, share experiences, and offer support to one another.
The AFF is incorporated in Virginia but also works actively through representation in New York, the New England Region and most prolifically in Washington DC Metro Area, as well as internationally.
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Photo above left: Angus and John at the Korean War Memorial. Center: at the Vietnam War Memorial. Right: Visiting the Old Guard, 3rd Infantry before presenting the wreath at the tomb of the unknown.
Military Honors for Col, USAF, Ret. Ronald P. Han Jr. (1961 - 2023).
The Commandery paid final respects to Col, USAF, Ret. Ronald E. Han, former Director of the Office of Veterans Services, Hawaii Department of Defense at his committal service, where military honors were rendered, at the State Veterans Cemetery on 30 November 2023. Companions Manchester and Tulak attended to pay our respects on behalf of our Order.
As reported in the last issue of the Commandery News, Ron was a major leader among the Veteran Community, responsible for many of the major commemorations our Commandery has supported. Veteran leaders from many organizations were in attendance, another testament to Ron’s incredible service to the Veterans community in Hawaii. The presiding officer was MG Kenneth Hara, the Adjutant General, who was the one to present the folded burial flag to the family.
Ron was a strong advocate for Veterans causes, and the force behind several major commemorations and efforts to take care of Veterans in the State.
BG, Ret. Bruce Olivera delivered the eulogy of Ron’s lifetime of service. BG Olivera was appointed to be the temporary replacement for Ron as the lead for OVS, but as BG Olivera reminded everyone present, “Nobody can replace Ron.”
Obituary: https:// hawaiiobituaries.com/us/obituaries/ hawaiiobituaries/name/ronald-hanobituary?id=53630095
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Photo above: The Hawaii National Guard’s Honor Guard, in their uniforms of the late Kingdom period, lead the procession of the casket, honor detail, and family members. Photo below: The honor detail carefully folds the burial flag, which draped the casket, before presenting it to MG Kenneth Hara, Hawaii Adjutant General, who was the Officer presiding.
Commandery Operations
Commandery Meetings
The Commandery EXCOM met on 20 SEP 2023 at Mangiamo’s 604 Restaurant, overlooking the Navy-Marine Golf Course. In attendance were Companions Manchester, Staedel, Curtis and Tulak. The weather was great and we were treated to a rainbow, which you will see in the photo at right. Here we planned for the XMAS Brunch, YCA graduation, Veterans Day support, and the Poppy Appeal.
The Commandery EXCOM met on 27 FEB, again at Mangiamos. This meeting was originally scheduled for the Sunset Lanai, but due to the patio now in danger of falling down the slope, the Sunset Lanai is closed until May for construction. In attendance where Companions Peter Hirai, Arthur Tulak, Fred Staedel, and Dan Garcia. Commandery Secretary Arthur Tulak convened the meeting as the Commander was unable to attend. Here we planned for ROTC/JROTC awards, ANZAC Day, and Memorial Day. The next meeting is tentatively 31 MAY.
Poppy Appeal
The Commandery partnered with VFW Post 8616 for a combined Poppy Appeal at Camp Smith on 8 & 9 November ahead of Veterans Day. Once again, the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, Marine Corps Base Hawaii approved our fundraising request, which provides the active duty military assigned there to commemorate Veterans Day, and wear or display the poppy, which has been the appropriate way to remember the end of the First World War, and now all Veterans, past and present. MOFW Hawaii Commandery and the VFW split the proceeds, and we plan to do the same for Memorial Day 2024 on 22 and 23 May 2024. Please Volunteer to support!
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Companions Staedel and Manchester man the table.
Commandery Operations
Companion News
Companion Peter Hirai “Aloha (or as they say here, “Mensore”) from Okinawa! Companion Peter Hirai here with an update from Marine Corps Installations Pacific. Ever since moving to Okinawa things have been crazy-busy at work. Shortly after taking the Emergency Management Exercise Planner position, I was asked to be the (Acting) Regional Emergency Management Program Manager. Then I got the latter position permanently as of January 1, 2024. However I was then asked to be the (Acting) Director of Installation Protection so I’m now covering down on three positions in my office! On a personal level I’m living the dream! Okinawa feels like Japan and Hawaii combined nice, easy-going folks that wear Aloha attire yet the best (and cheapest) Japanese food. There are thousands of restaurants, mom-and-pop eateries, and izakaya (Japanese food/drink bars) throughout Japan. But if I’m hankering for good ‘ole American food I can just go on base and get a pizza or cheeseburger. With the Yen rate everything off-base is cheap. I have 3-5 years here so I’m going to make the most of living in Japan, with an all-expense paid move by the DoD. Remember to holler when you visit Okinawa!
Companion Dave Terrinoni (dual member of Hawaii and Illinois)
Aloha Companions. Below is a photo of Companion (LTC) Jill Henry (IL Commandery) and myself presenting the MOFW Leadership Award (me) and Academic Award (Jill) on 27 April, 2023 at Illinois State University to the Sr. ROTC cadets.. The Illinois Commandery continues to grow, and will be paying its first ‘head tax’ to National this year.
Feeling left out? Share your news with your fellow Companions!!
Note From the Secretary
The Commandery must submit the $10 per member annual dues to the National Commandery each April. This is accompanied by our annual report of losses and gains in membership. Losses come in the form of nonpayment of dues, as members fail to renew. Membership cards will be sent as we did last year, for all those who renew their membership. Minutes from the last two Commandery EXCOM meetings highlighted this issue.
The Commandery Treasurer will also need to file with the IRS using the 990n form, which is necessary to remain a 501 (c) 3, tax-exempt organization. Commandery Elections are required by our Constitution and by-laws. Elections should be completed in May before the June meeting, at which the new officer slate is sworn-in. If you are currently not filling a leadership position, or chairmanship, please consider stepping forward to serve. The positions of Commander, Secretary, Treasurer must be filled. Those currently serving in leadership positions are asked to inform the Secretary if they will have their name on the ballot to continue serving in their current position. Every member should consider serving to avoid double or triple hatting of just a handful of reliable volunteers. A healthy volunteer organization should see its members rotating through leadership positions.
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MOFW/MOFW Christmas Brunch
Several Companions of the Commandery were pleased to join the Christmas Brunch hosted by the Capt. Gaylord Dillingham Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars. Our host was none other than LTC Ret. Curtis Manchester, who was sworn in as the Commander of that Chapter, which covers all of Hawaii. Over the years, we have been fortunate to alternate hosting of this event for the only two “Officer-Only” Veterans Organizations operating in Hawaii.
In attendance were members of other organizations as well, including the Scottish American Military Society and the Civil War Round Table. Representing the Commandery were Companions Fred & Becky Staedel, Arthur Tulak, and Dan Curtis.
The location of the event was the Honolulu Yacht Club, which added a bit of prestige to the event, as attendees could look into the harbor while dining in the open air.
The guest speaker was CDR Eric Stratton Mueller from the Hawaii Civil War Round Table (HICWRT). The HICWRT was founded in May,1994 to perpetuate the study of the American Civil War (1861-1865), and to commemorate the stories of Soldiers and Sailors from both sides of the War, especially those having a connection to Hawaii, before, during, or after the war. Eric spoke of the many efforts the HICWRT is undertaking to tend to Civil War graves, and research of the stories of Civil War Soldiers and Sailors.
Learn more about the Hawaii Civil War Round Table at their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/hawaiicivilwarroundtable/
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Photo: From Left to Right: Becky Staedel, Fred Staedel, Eric Mueller and his Daughter, LTC Manchester in his MOWW attire, Dr. Nancy Smiley (MOWW), unknown, unknown, COL Arthur Tulak, LTC Dan Curtis, unknown, unknown, Brenda Reichel (MOFW), and unknown.
Hawaii Military History—Camp Hawkins
In a secured area of USMC Camp H.M. Smith is a small vacation camp named after William Deane Hawkins (April 18, 1914 – November 21, 1943), a Marine officer posthumously awarded the United States' Medal of Honor – for heroic actions and sacrifice of life during the Battle of Tarawa in World War II.
Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawkins enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve on January 5, 1942, and was assigned to the 7th Recruit Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. His first assignment was to the 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, after having completed the Scout Snipers' School at Camp Elliott, San Diego. Hawkins deployed as a Private First Class to the Pacific theater on July 1, 1942, aboard the recently commissioned USS Crescent City attack transport ship.
Pfc Hawkins was promoted in short order to corporal , sergeant, and received a battlefield commission in the Solomons Islands on Nov. 18, 1942, during the Guadalcanal campaign. On June 1, 1943, he was promoted to first lieutenant and named the commanding officer of a scout sniper platoon attached to the assault regiment that was preparing to attack Japanese-held Tarawa Atoll. On Nov. 20, Hawkins' platoon was tasked with landing on the small island of Betio (about 2 miles long and 800 yards wide) on the southwest side of the atoll . The island featured an airfield, which made it a strategic objective. a few days after Hawkin’s death, his troops named the airstrip after him. (Dejan Milivojevic)
Capt. Walker Tynes, a veteran of the campaign, told the story of Hawkins gallantry:
“The story of Bill Hawkins is almost incredible — but I saw it. He was in the first wave to hit Tarawa. A pier jutted out from the beach some 300 yards and the Japs had a batch of machine guns hidden beneath it...“Hawkins and a couple of others jumped from their boats to the pier to wipe out the machine guns. Suddenly, there was a terrific explosion. The Japs had mined the pier and blew it sky high. Marines were blown everywhere. Many had their clothes blown off. Hawkins sailed 50 feet and landed in the water. But he didn’t stop. He climbed into an alligator and went ashore. Then he loaded up with grenades and TNT and started for those machine gun nests again. He stood there and threw grenades and tossed TNT at them. The fellow knocked out 10 machine guns! It was magnificent. Then he sneaked over to some pill-boxes and calmly poured gasoline down the ventilating holes. He lighted matches, rolls of paper and weeds and tossed them. Burning Japs screamed. Twice he was wounded but he went on with his rampage. Next afternoon he was standing near a half-truck, directing fire at pill-boxes. He was standing out there in the open, blowing the daylights out of them. Finally, Bill Hawkins got it. A sniper picked him off. He was a hero — every inch a hero. I saw him.” (Trish Long)
On August 30, 1944, President Franklin Roosevelt presented Hawkins’ mother, Ms. Clara Jane Hawkings, in a ceremony at the White House in September 1944. (Katie Lang) On Oct. 7, 1944, Ms. Hawkins christened a Navy ship named after her son, the USS Hawkins, with a bottle of Champagne,. The USS Hawkins was at the time of its christening “the largest destroyer ever built.” (Long, 2018).
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The Congressional Medal of Honor Citation for 1st. LT Hawkins:
For valorous and gallant conduct above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of a Scout Sniper Platoon attached to the Assault Regiment in action against Japanese-held Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands, 20 and 21 November 1943. The first to disembark from the jeep lighter, 1st Lt. Hawkins unhesitatingly moved forward under heavy enemy fire at the end of the Betio Pier, neutralizing emplacements in coverage of troops assaulting the main beach positions. Fearlessly leading his men on to join the forces fighting desperately to gain a beachhead, he repeatedly risked his life throughout the day and night to direct and lead attacks on pillboxes and installations with grenades and demolitions. At dawn on the following day, 1st Lt. Hawkins resumed the dangerous mission of clearing the limited beachhead of Japanese resistance, personally initiating an assault on a hostile position fortified by five enemy machine guns, and, crawling forward in the face of withering fire, boldly fired point -blank into the loopholes and completed the destruction with grenades. Refusing to withdraw after being seriously wounded in the chest during this skirmish, 1st Lt. Hawkins steadfastly carried the fight to the enemy, destroying three more pillboxes before he was caught in a burst of Japanese shellfire and mortally wounded. His relentless fighting spirit in the face of formidable opposition and his exceptionally daring tactics served as an inspiration to his comrades during the most crucial phase of the battle and reflect the highest credit upon the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
(Source: Pacific Wrecks)
More about Camp Hawkins.
The current Headquarters of Marine Forces Pacific was originally built in 1942 as a Naval Hospital, named Aiea Heights Naval Hospital (AHNH). The land was purchased in 1941, and after the attack on Pearl Harbor, completion of the hospital was hastened and it was commissioned in November 1942. The hospital grounds also included Camp McMullin, later renamed Camp Hawkins. The camp consisted of a picnic an recreational area featuring views of Diamond Head and the ocean, but out of sight of the hospital itself. Because it was out of sight, it provided a therapeutic refuge and a retreat. During the war, AHNH was known for its progressive therapies and compassionate treatment of convalescing servicemen.
Endnotes:
Katie Lange, Nov. 21, 2022, DOD News, Medal of Honor Marine Corps 1st Lt. William Hawkins. https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/ Story/Article/3219100/medal-of-honor-monday-marine-corps-1st-lt-william-hawkins/%23:~:text=Copy%20Link-,Marine%20Corps%201st% 20Lt.,a%20posthumous%20Medal%20of%20Honor.
Trish Long, El Paso Times, March 17, 2018, “Elementary school, airfield, destroyer honor El Paso hero 1st Lt. William Deane Hawkins” https:// www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/local/el-paso/2018/03/17/elementary-school-airfield-navy-destroyer-honor-el-paso-hero-1st-lt-william-deane -hawkins-el-paso-he/421927002/
Dejan Milivojevic, Dec 18, 2018, “I Came Here to Fight, Not go Home!” – The Story of Warrior Marine William D. Hawkins, World War 2” https:// www.warhistoryonline.com/instant-articles/story-of-lt-william-d-hawkins.html Pacfic Wrecks: William D. Hawkins, https://pacificwrecks.com/people/veterans/hawkins/index.html
Department of the Navy, United States Marine Corps, Final Environmental Assessment , Redevelopment of MARFORPAC HQ/OPS Center, Camp H.M. Smith Oahu, Hawaii , June 2016. https://www.mcbhawaii.marines.mil/Portals/114/WebDocuments/IEL/Environmental/ Bldg1Complex_EA_FONSI.pdf?ver=2016-08-04-210800-267
Grave stone of William Deane Hawkins in the National Memorial
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The stone cabin built in 1943 at Camp Hawkins, Camp H.M. Smith, currently used as a Boy Scout camp.
Upcoming events:
• 13 MAR - March 3, 2024 – Navy Reserve Birthday
• 25 MAR Medal of Honor Day – A holiday to honor the heroism and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients for the United States.
• 28 MAR Veterans Affairs Vietnam Veterans Social Event at the Sparks Matsunaga VA Clinic, 0800 –1200. POC is Schoen Safotu.
• 29 MAR— National Vietnam Veterans Day. A military parade in Waikiki. The parade starts at 1830 Hrs and will run the same route as previous years from Kuroda Field, Ft. DeRussy down Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiʻolani Park .
• 5 APR – Gold Star Spouses Day – A day dedicated to those whose spouses gave their lives while serving in the U.S. military or as a result of service-connected injuries or illness.
• 12 APR—First Cadet Awards ceremony for 2024. Schedule sent out by e-mail to all Companions. Please volunteer to make a presentation at the School of your choice.
• 14 APR— Air Force Reserve 76th Birthday
• 23 APR— Army Reserve 116th Birthday
• 25 APR— ANZAC Day. The Commandery will present a wreath at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP) at 1000 hrs. Please inform the Secretary if you wish to join this event, as RSVPs must be sent to the Australian Consulate to add attendees.
• 27 APR Oahu Veterans Council Meeting at the OVC
• 10 MAY – Military Spouse Appreciation Day – recognizing the service and sacrifices of military spouses.
• 18 MAY – Armed Forces Day – paying tribute to men and women currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
• 22 & 23 MAY - Poppy Appeal at Camp Smith with VFW (need volunteers)
• 27 MAY – Memorial Day – A solemn occasion to honor Service men and women who died while serving in the military. Ceremonies at the NMCP and State Veterans Cemetery.
• 31 MAY Hawaii Commandery MOFW EXCOM meeting. Time/place TBD.
• 6 JUN – Anniversary of the D-Day, the Allied invasion in Normandy, France.
• 14 JUN – Flag Day The MOWW will be hosting the second Massing of the Colors
• 14 JUN – 249th Army Birthday
• 23 JUN – 85th Coast Guard Auxiliary Birthday
• 27 JUN – National PTSD Awareness Day – A day to bring awareness about issues related to PTSD.
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 2024 Sponsors:
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