Hawaii MOFW Commandery News September 2023

Table of Contents:

Editor’s Note p. 1

Commander’s Message p. 1

Chaplain’s Corner

p. 2

Oahu Veterans Council Report p. 2

Hawaii’s Hidden Military History …………………………………... ...p. 3

Youth Challenge Awards & Graduation Ceremony p. 4

Massing of the Colors Flag Day 2023 p. 5

Hawaii Veterans Community Mourns Loss of Leader. …….....p. 6

Commandery Operations p. 7

Companion News

p. 7

Note from the Secretary p. 7

Upcoming Events

p. 8

Cover Photo: Massing of the Colors at the Oahu Veterans Center, 14 June 2023. All participating organizations assembled for a photo.

Note From the Editor

Our cover captures the closing of the Massing of the Colors ceremony at the Oahu Veterans Center on June 14th. Companion Staedel and I attended this well-organized Flag Day event, which is expected to occur again next year under MOWW leadership.

We continue our series on Hawaii Military History with a story on surprisingly well-preserved and accessible Battery Hawkins at Hickam Field at the Old Fort Kamehameha.

In this issue, we honor the life and service of Col Ret. Ron Han, who has been a stalwart leader of the Hawaii Veterans Community, and known to many Companions of the Hawaii Commandery.

As always, contributions from Companions in the form of stand-alone articles, or updates to the Companion News are appreciated.

Our next issue will focus on Commandery actions to commemorate Veterans Day 2023, CAP Awards, and other events.

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

Commander’s Message

Aloha Companions and Friends,

Our Commandery remains active in the community of Veterans Organizations in Hawaii, as demonstrated by our participation in the Massing of the Colors, organized by the Military Order of the World Wars, with whom we have partnered on several major commemoration events in the past.

Looking to the future, we need to plan for and be ready to execute our support to Veterans Day events, and to revive our programs that support the 50th Vietnam War Commemoration, which will finish in 2025. On that note, 15 September, POW MIA Recognition Day, is strongly connected to the Vietnam War Commemoration. See the calendar of events on the last page, and participate in these important commemorations.

I am looking forward to seeing our Hawaii-based Companions at our forthcoming meetings and events, to include Veterans Day ceremonies, Hawaii Civil Air Patrol Cadets awards ceremony, and more. Our September meeting will help to kick-start our activities and outreach.

Mahalo for everything you do in pursuit of the noble purposes of our Order.

“Deus et Libertas”

Curtis “Manny” Manchester III

LTC, USA Ret. Commander

Chaplains Corner

By Fred Staedel, Th.D.

Our world and our nation are changing in alarming directions and it is natural to be anxious and fearful. Social norms seem to be changing, political movements appear to be threatening, and our world appears to be on a path of turning up-side-down. Such changes often appear threatening. So, what action can we all individually take to quill such anxiety? What is the answer? The Holy Bible once again gives us that answer: “

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:25)

We can find patience through prayer. When we pray for an answer and answers don’t rapidly appear, patience is required to see and understand the answer. And then often there is the additional anxiety and frustration that can come from friends and even family members. Again, the Bible gives us an answer of what other mindful mental attributes we can adopt when coupled with patience that will give us peace and compassion with others who seem to give us such mental discord: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12).

And Philippians 4:6 goes on to state: “Don’t be anxious about anything, rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks.”

Yes, one’s compassion and kindness coupled with patience overcomes anxiety and can give us peace and comfort. One may ask, “Is that all it takes to quill anxiety and being perpetually upset about changes and behaviors that we abhor? And the answer is no! The big finish to handling anxiety and human frustration comes to us in Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Fred

Oahu Veterans Council Report.

The Oahu Veterans Council meets monthly at the Oahu Veterans Center, our official HQ where we receive mail, conduct Commandery meetings, and more. Over the last three months, we did not have a representative present at the council meeting. Member organizations of the Oahu Veterans Council are required to send a representative to Council meetings to ensure that the council is truly representing all member organizations, and taking into account their needs. The council meets about 11 times per year.

An important business item is that all member organizations storing equipment in the maintenance room are required to remove their supplies. Our main 4x6 embroidered flag will remain in the Cruikshank Hall, but our 3x5 printed MOFW flag, easels, folding tables (for recruiting and poppy sales), flag stands, awards folders 50th Vietnam medals, operations footlocker, vinyl fundraising banners, 50th Vietnam Veteran Commemoration Flag and assorted commemoration articles will all need to be removed by September 30th. Commander Manchester has offered to take these items, but asks if anyone has adequate storage space, such as a garage, please consider taking on the custodianship of these items. Whatever we don’t remove will go to the Salvation Army drop off point.

Hawaii Military History—Battery Hawkins

By Arthur N. Tulak

One of the better-preserved coastal artillery batteries on Oahu is Battery Hawkins, named in General Order No. 72, in 1913, for Major General Hamilton S. Hawkins. Hawkins served as the Commandant of Cadets at West Point, and was a Veteran of both the War Between the States and the War with Spain (1898). He received his appointment to Brigadier General On May 4, 1898, and given command of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, VII Corps stationed in Tampa, Florida at the outset of the war. He was later transferred to command the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, V Corps and sailed to Cuba. His brigade landed at Daiquirí, was lightly engaged in the fighting at the Battle of Las Guasimas and spearheaded the assault at the Battle of San Juan Hill.1 An article in the NY Times stated that commanded the division which captured San Juan Hill in the second day's fight at Santiago.2 He was promoted to Major General of U.S. Volunteers on July 8, 1898, Hawkins and returned to the United States, retiring on October 4, 1898.3 He died on March 27, 1910, and is buried at West Point cemetery.3

Construction of the Battery started in December 1912, was completed in March 1914, whereupon the battery was transferred to the Coast Artillery for operational use on March 6, 1914 . The battery was built at a cost of $ 22,200. With the entry of the United States into the First World War I (1917-1918) many of the large caliber coastal defense gun tubes were removed from coastal artillery batteries for service in Europe. The guns of Battery Hawkins were not affected by the the redistribution, nor were they affected by the following 1920 disarmament program. On December 7, 1941, the first day of America’s full involvement in World War II as a combatant, Battery Hawkins was a part of the Harbor Defenses of Pearl Harbor plan. The battery remained operational throughout the War, however, when the war ended the battery was declared surplus and the guns and carriages were processed for salvage on 7 Nov 1945.4

Youth Challenge Academy Awards

By Curtis “Manny” Manchester

I had the privilege of presenting the MOFW Silver Academics and Bronze Leadership medals to Class No. 58 (2022-2) on June 15th at the Thomas Moffat Waikiki Shell amphitheater. Receiving the Silver medal was Cadet Pilialoha Ching?? , and Cadet Usalofonia???Received the Bronze. Governor Josh Green was the guest of honor and spoke to the Cadets about their accomplishments. In attendance were representatives of many of the sponsor organizations providing resources to the program, include 4 local churches, the Recruiting units of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and the Hawaii National Guard. Senior leaders from the Dept of Education, and probation officers. Special recognition was given for the volunteer mentors, who are with the Cadets for their 14 weeks inresidence, and continue their support for 12 months following the graduation. BG Ret. Bruce Olivera, representing the Hawaii National Guard, accepted the graduating class, and congratulated them on their individual and collective accomplishments.

Watch the entire ceremony at www.facebook.com/hawaiiyouthchallenge/videos/979520670165873

Photo Left Bronze Medal recipient Uso Lafonia. Photo Right: Silver Medal recipient Cadet Pilialoha Ching. Standing to the left is Ms. Sinaita'Atanoa, Director of the Youth Challenge Academy co-presenting with LTC Manchester.

Massing of the Colors June 13, 2023

By Arthur N. Tulak

The Hawaii Commandery participated in the inaugural “Massing of the Colors” organized and hosted by the Capt. Gaylord Dillingham Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars at the Oahu Veterans Center in the George Sullivan Hall. The master of ceremonies was Col, Ret Jason Seal, Commander of the Capt. Dillingham MOWW Chapter. Dignitaries in attendance included GEN Dave Bramlett, USA, Ret., COL John Henry Felix, PhD, and Diane Peters-Nguyen, CEO of the American Red Cross.

Participating organizations included several youth programs: U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, Pyramid Rock Young Marines, JROTC units, Boy Scouts from the Aloha Council, and American Heritage Girls. Participating government organizations included the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Participating Veterans organizations included: the MOWW as host, along with American Legion Post 17, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Marine Corps League, VFW Post 110, the Hawaii Dept of the VFW, the HI VFW Auxiliary, VFW Post 2875 Auxiliary, VFW Post 10276 and its Auxiliary, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 858, and the Special Forces Association. The Navy League, Council of Honolulu, the Women’s Marine Association, a professional organization was present, along with the American Red Cross, Pacific Islands Region. Military support organizations included the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the Gold Star Ohana Hawaii,. Civic organizations included the Knights of Columbus and National Sojourners, and Hawaii Chapter 9., Scottish-American Military Society.

Companion Fred Staedel carried forward our State Commandery. At the end of the parade of flags, all organizational Flags were posted at the front of the hall.

Photo Top Left: Flag bearers at the back of the room prior to start. Top right: Companion Fred Staedel advancing the flag.

Bottom Left: GEN Ret. David Bramlett delivers his keynote remarks. Bottom Right: Organizational Flags on dsiplay. Photos by by Sgt. Jacqueline Parsons

-veterans-center-celebrates-flag-day

American Hero: Col, USAF, Ret. Ronald P. Han Jr. (1961 - 2023).

The Commandery mourns the loss of a great Veteran leader, Col, Ret. Ron Han, who passed away on August 20, 2023

Colonel Han graduated from Iolani School in Honolulu, Hawaii and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Hawaii. He received his commission as a second lieutenant through the AF Reserve Officers Training Program at the University of Hawaii and served on active duty for over eight years, entering the Air National Guard in 1992. He attended Squadron Officer School in-residence and completed Air Command and Staff College and Air War College. He deployed with the tanker task force in support of Operation Allied Force, which was the air campaign of the Kosovo Campaign. Col Han commanded two squadrons, a group, and held major command level positions. He advanced to the rank of colonel on 17 March 2005.

s military career spanned more than 28 years and is characterized by his awards and decorations that include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with silver oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award with oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Korean Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Hour Glass, the Hawaii National Guard Medal of Merit, and the Hawaii National Guard Commendation Medal. He was selected as the 1989 Air Force Hawaii Military Officer of the Year, and was the 1993 Hawaii National Guard Association Officer of the Year.

Following his retirement on July 1, 2011, he continued to serve his country, starting a new career with the Hawaii State DoD on December 13, 2011 as the Director of Veteran Services. The Office of Veterans’ Services (OVS) is the principal state office responsible for the development and management of policies and programs related to Veterans, their family members and survivors. The OVS acts as a liaison between the Governor and Veterans’ organizations and between the Department of Veterans Affairs and individual Veterans. Ron served under several Governors and Adjutants General as the Director of the State Office of Veterans Services under the Hawaii State Department of Defense. He also served as a member of the State Advisory Board on Veterans Services, Board Trustee and the Vice Chair for the Finance Committee for the Hawaii Veterans Memorial Fund, and a member of the University of Hawaii Task Force for Student Veterans. He was reappointed to this position by the Honorable Josh Green, M.D., Governor of Hawaii on December 4, 2022, and gave another 11 years and 8 months of loyal service. He was inimitable in his dedication and inspiring leadership.

Ron was an inimitable leader who made a lasting impact on the Veteran community in Hawaii. He led several major efforts on behalf of the Hawaii State DoD, including the Gulf War Memorial Task Force (now GWOT), the 50th Korean War Commemoration and the associated Veteran Recognition program, the 50th Vietnam War Commemoration, the World War One Centennial, had oversight of the WWII Filipino Veterans recognition initiative and Women’s Veterans Summits, and started the very successful Veterans Summit. Many of the members of our Commandery worked with Ron on those efforts, and relied on his leadership to navigate through City, County, State, and State DoD channels for mission success.

Services will be on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Mililani Memorial Mauka. Viewing will be at 0830 hrs and services will begin at 1100hrs. Committal service with full military honors at Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe at 2pm. Burial to follow.

Commandery Operations

Executive Committee

The Commandery EXCOM met at the OVC on 29 June at 1700. The focus of this meeting was to review recent commemoration events supported for Memorial Day, with an after action review on how to better plan for support to the multiple events that take place across the island. With election results confirmed, the Officer Slate, continues unchanged for another year, but without a Vice Commander, as COL Hirai was on PCS orders to Japan. The majority of our members are off-island, with few available to fill the main EXCOM leadership positions.

Companion News —

Companion Peter Hirai— is finalizing his move to Okinawa, Japan to accept a new position and new adventures. He will be working for Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCIPAC) as a Training & Exercise Planner. In this position, he will be responsible for the emergency management training and exercise programs for all USMC installations in the Pacific. The scope of responsibility includes the following installations: 1) ROK: Camp Mujuk; 2) Okinawa: Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS Futenma and Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, which is the base cluster for all Camps in Okinawa (Foster, Courtney, Kinser, Hanson, Lester, McTureous, Schwab, Gonsalves); 3) Mainland Japan: MCAS Iwakuni and Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji; 4) Darwin, Australia: MCCS Australia; 5) Guam: Camp Blaz; 6) Hawaii: Marine Corps Base Hawaii (includes both MCAS Kaneohe and Camp Smith) Peter reports that Okinawa is a perfect mixture of Hawaii's weather and Aloha attitude, with Japanese food and culture.

Companion Dan Curtis is back in Hawaii, and working at HQ, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command J8. We are very glad to have Dan back on Oahu. While on the mainland in Washington State, Dan worked for the Veterans Affairs.

Companion “Manny” Manchester continues his studies with the Naval War College.

Companion Arthur Tulak has taken on the position of President of the Hawaii Diamond Head Chapter of the Association of Old Crows, after serving 9 years as the Vice President. He is now leading the organization to prepare for the 12th Annual Information Operations and Electromagnetic Warfare Symposium 16-20 October in Waikiki and Camp H.M. Smith.

Note From the Secretary

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 whose activities as a volunteer are in line with the purposes of our Order.

Upcoming events:

• 1 SEP— 2nd Anniversary of the Afghanistan Withdrawal The last official military flight out of the Kabul airport on Sep. 1, 2021, marking America’s strategic failure.

• 11 SEP— Patriot Day, 21st remembrance of the Islamic Terrorist attacks against the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon, and the attempted attack on the White House that ended in a crash in Pennsylvania. President Biden proclaimed September 11, 2023, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance, and called upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

• 15 SEP —National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday in September. Ceremony 1000 1130 hrs, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) This holiday was established in 1979 through a proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter. Special Operations Command, Pacific will conduct a 24 hour flag carry / walk at Bordelon Field on Camp H.M. Smith. Military, government, and DoD contractors can sign up for a portion of this effort.

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

• 21 SEP Commandery EXCOM meeting at Mangiamo’s 1700 1800

• 23 SEP —Oahu Veterans Council meeting in the Sullivan hall at the OVC from 090010:15hrs.

• 24 SEP — Gold Star Mothers and Families Ceremony 1300 hrs, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

• 13 OCT — Birthday of the U.S. Navy, est. 1775

• 27 OCT — Navy Day

• 7-9 NOV — Inaugural Koa Challenge Veteran Games, AMVETS West Oahu Veterans Center. A competition for Ambulatory, Visually Impaired, and or Wheelchair-bound Veterans.

• 11 NOV —Veterans Day. Veterans Day 2023 falls on a Saturday. The Federal Holiday will be Friday November 10th, but observances will be on Nov. 11th. We have 4 different events to support: Mayor’s Ceremony at 10001130, Remembrance Day ceremony at the Oahu Cemetery 11000, Veterans Day at the WWI Memorial and Natatorium at 1100, and 1300 at the State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe.

• DEC TBD Christmas Brunch

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