Naval Air Station Barbers Point Memorial Restored

Naval Air Station Barbers Point Memorial Restored By COL Ret. Arthur Tulak, Ed.D.

This article provides an update from the March issue of the Commandery News, on the effort to restore the Naval Air Station Barbers Point Memorial. Colonel Jason Seal, of the American Veterans (AMVETS) Hawaii, successfully led a small committee to restore this important memorial, which was rededicated on June 6, 2021 in an inspiring ceremony hosted by AMVETS Hawaii Commander Donovan Lazarus. The senior military speaker was Rear Admiral Robert B. Chadwick II, Commander of Navy Region Hawaii. Other speakers included: BG Ret. Alexander Kozlov; Hawaii State Senators Mike Gabbard of District 20, and Bob McDermott of District 40; Col. Ret. Ron Han the Director of the Hawaii State Office of Veterans Services; inspirational speaker and combat veteran COL, Ret. Greg Gadson; National Parks Service Superintendent Scott A. Burch; and Kalaeloa Heritage Park President Mr. Dwight Victor. Delivering their remarks virtually were Jan Brown the National Commander of AMVETS, and CDR Ret. Louis Conter a USS Arizona Survivor. The rededication of the memorial was a component of the ceremony that commemorated the 79th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway, which took place 4-7 June 1942. Col. Seal’s committee which managed to complete the project on a highly compressed time line of 6 months, after two previous committees struggled with it for over three years without success.

Commander Manchester represented the Commandery and presented one of three wreaths during the ceremony, the other two coming from AMVETS National HQ and the Capt. Gaylord Dillingham Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars. The wreathlaying marked the beginning of the ceremony, and demonstrated the philosophy of our Commandery, that we are happy to support other Veterans Service Organizations on projects of common interest. Marine Corps JROTC Cadets from Kapolei High School assisted with the placement of the wreaths and remained astride them on the flanks of the memorial wall during the ceremony. The National JROTC Honor Platoon Cadets conducted the roll call of names of the casualties of the Battle of Midway. Headquarters Marine Forces Pacific provided the band and other support. Companion Tulak, who is also a life member of AMVETS, served as Col Seal’s Vice Chairman , focusing on liaison with other Veterans Organizations and supporting the public relations campaign to raise awareness and donations.

This project received wide support in the form of donations from the community in the amount of $25,537.31. The Hawaii Commandery was acknowledged in the event program for its donation of $100., listed alongside other Veterans organizations who also donated, to include the American Legion Post 17, the MOWW, and several AMVETS Posts. Along with these monetary donations, the total value of donations of goods and services in-kind valued at $38,639.21, which resulted in a memorial that exceeded all expectations. This project received no federal, state, or municipal funding, and as reported in the March 2021 issue of Commandery News, this effort was entirely volunteer-driven, under the leadership of Col Seal.

Commander Manchester renders a hand salute after presenting the wreath in honor of all who served at NASBP.