THE Military Order of Foreign Wars Hawaii Commandery
newsletter Vol. III, Issue 1, May 1, 2014 Commander’s Comments. Aloha Companions and Commandery Supporters! We are now engaged in our signature program, presenting our Leadership and Academic Excellence MOFW medals to Cadets in Hawaii, Guam, and Japan. I would like to once again take this opportunity to say Thank You to Veterans United Foundation for their grant of $2,500, which covered all 74 medals and postage costs. Special thanks also go to Mr. Mark Roberts, Store Manager at the Wal-Mart Store #2314 in Waipahu, for the donation of 49 picture frames for the certificates. While we are off to a good start, we are at risk for several schools where we do not yet have a volunteer to make the presentation. We urgently need your support! Please check your calendars to see if you can be the one to make a difference in the life of a young cadet. Arthur N. Tulak, COL, U.S. Army, HI MOFW
Chaplain’s Corner Greetings to fellow Companions and Commandery Supporters, I was reflecting on the last three months of my life. As some of you know, on 4 January I was living my life - went to the gym, had a nice walk with my wife, etc, and then, by that evening, I couldn't walk. I had severe pain in my lower left leg and a few days later, the top of my left foot was numb. The following week was a time of appointments, an MRI, lots of pain pills, and my Doctor referred me to Tripler Army Medical Center. I saw a surgeon on 14 Jan and went in for surgery, first thing in the morning, on 16 January. The surgeon said a disc in my back had flattened a nerve bundle and that caused the inability to walk (plus lots of pain, etc.). The advantage of an emergency situation is that my decision matrix was tremendously shortened. I’m sure some of you are wondering what I did or if I did anything different. The answer is, “no.” I did nothing unusual, just having a normal Saturday.
I can’t help but think of the sudden mudslide in Washington State, the most recent Ft Hood murders and suicide, the high school student who knifed a number of his fellow students, and the list can go on. People who went to work, school, or to bed – just living life and then….life as they knew it changed. I imagine that all of you have had situations similar to mine. Perhaps not as extreme as the examples I wrote above, but traumatic in its own way. Did you feel alone? Did you feel like you were imposing on someone else’s time? Did you feel like the challenges should be over NOW and everything back to “normal” tomorrow? If so, you are not alone. I know I experienced everything above. Now for the challenge question….where was God in all these tragedies? For me, it was the knowledge of the constant Companion, the true Healer, and the One who brings hope and stability to seemingly impossible situations. I have also learned that God uses people around me to remind me that some things just take time to heal and arrive at a new “normal.” The fact that our Order uses the motto “God and Liberty” is not by accident. God is first and through God we discover liberty. I believe the lesson is to remember to place God first and no matter what happens in life, we will have comfort in the constant Companion. This knowledge is where liberty, or freedom, is discovered. I also find strength in this knowledge and I hope you do, too. I am walking about one and a half miles per day now. I’m still on my cane and I can’t drive yet, but the fact that I can walk and do some things on my own, again, is a very freeing feeling. It will take time, but I believe those who have experienced the tragedies above will also experience freedom in their lives again empowered by our prayers and faith in God’s providence. I pray that you, too, will re-dedicate yourselves to your faith tradition and strengthen that Spiritual muscle because we never know when life as we know it will suddenly change. God Bless and Peace. David M. Terrinoni, Ch, Col (S), USAF
1
th
50 Comm. Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest Winners The first year of the essay contest got off to a good start with 9 essays submitted from both Civil Air Patrol and JROTC. Companions Burkholder, Gobrick, Lindenau, Prewitt, and Tulak were the judges. The winners were selected based on the rankings each judge provided, with the lowest average scores winning first, second and third place. Our first place winner was Cadet LTJG Brittney Copp, from James Campbell NJROTC, with her essay titled simply “Vietnam Veterans.” Her essay is published in full at the end of this Newsletter, along with inspiring and insightful quotes from several of the cadet essays. Cadet Copp will receive a $100 check from the Commandery. Second place prize, a $75 check and certificate, went to Cadet Kristina Ancheta, also from James Campbell High School NJROTC. Third place prize, a $50 check and certificate went to Cadet Rich Xay from Kapolei H.S. Marine Corps JROTC.
Photo 1: Companion LTC Mark Takai presents the MOFW Academic medal to The Cadet Corporal, Azhia White, and the MOFW Leadership Medal to Cadet Major Abigail Olipani on 11 April at Roosevelt High School’s awards ceremonies.
Honorable mention certificates will be issued to Cadet PO2 Kathryn Casabar for her biographical sketch of Hawaii Vietnam Veteran, Army SP4 Richard Ramirez Tesoro, who died in the Quang Nam province during river-crossing operations on March 16, 1968. Honorable mention is also due to Cadet Van Nguyen, of Farrington H.S. Army ROTC for his essay, “The 10,000 Days War,” where he analyzed both the U.S. and their ARVN allies against the NVA and VC according to the U.S. Army’s 7 values. Cadet Nguyen is an immigrant from Vietnam and he attempted to find common perspectives through his essay.
2014 Awards Program! Companion, LTC Mark Takai led off this year’s presentations at Roosevelt High School on 11 April, while Companion COL Tulak supported Waipahu, and Commandery Supporter MAJ Greg Pipes supported University of Hawaii on 17 April. The awards and certificates have been distributed to the school and all we need are energetic volunteers to complete the last charge to the objective.
Photo 2 : Companion COL Arthur Tulak presented the Bronze Leadership Excellence Medal to Cadet Julie Marie Valdez, and the Silver Academic Excellence Medal to Cadet Renan Catajan.
2
Private Organization Status The Commandery is applying to the U.S. Navy Legal Office to be approved as a Private Organization authorized to operate on Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam and other Navy installations in Hawaii. This has been the regulation all along, but not enforced. The application documents are nearly complete, and approval is expected. Application is required for the Commandery to continue operations with information tables where we seek new companions and ask for donations for our ROTC, JROTC, and CAP medals program.
MOFW 2014 Poppy Appeal
This is a reminder that we will once again conduct a Memorial Day Poppy Appeal. We have requested permission from the U.S. Army Garrison Command to set up a table at the Fort Shafter AAFES Post Exchange on Thursday 22 May 2014, and at the Schofield Barracks AAFES on Monday 10 November 2014, for the purpose of raising funds by selling poppies to commemorate Memorial Day and Veterans Day and support Commandery community-oriented programs. We will also request permission to set up a table at the NEX on 23 May. Volunteers are needed to once again ensure a successful operation. Please check your calendar to see if you can support.
Patriotic Holidays and Historic Observances: 25 APR – ANZAC Day th 27 APR – 18 President, Ulysses S. Grant’s birthday. 28 APR – Confederate Memorial Day 1 MAY – Loyalty Day 1 MAY – National Day of Prayer 15 MAY – Peace Officer Memorial Day 17 MAY – Armed Forces Day 19 MAY – National Day of Prayer 26 MAY – Memorial Day 14 JUN – Army Birthday, Flag Day (National Flag Week is 8-14 June) ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, originally commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honor the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during
World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all those who served and died in military operations for their countries. In the United States, ANZAC Day is commemorated by Veterans Organizations with histories back to or before WWI, namely the MOFW, VFW, and American Legion. Confederate Memorial Day is a state holiday in several states in the United States. It gives people a chance to honor and remember the Confederate soldiers who died or were wounded during the American Civil War during the 1860s. Loyalty Day was established in law (Title 36 USC § 115) as a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom. The President is requested to issue a proclamation— 1) calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Loyalty Day; and 2) inviting the people of the United States to observe Loyalty Day with appropriate ceremonies in schools and other suitable places. Peace Officers Memorial Day is held annually in the United States on May 15 in honor of federal, state and local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. It is observed in conjunction with Police Week. Many people in the United States will pay tribute to officers who lost their lives or were injured in their jobs. According to Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), about 140-160 officers are killed in the line of duty each year and their families and co-workers are left to cope with the tragic loss. Armed Forces Day. President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense. The National Day of Prayer is established in law (Title 36 USC § 119) which calls upon the President to issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.
3
- National Flag Week is established in law (36 USC § 122) which calls upon the President to issue each year a proclamation— 1) designating the week in which June 14 falls as National Flag Week; and 2) calling on citizens to display the flag of the United States during National Flag Week.
Commandery Administration At the last Executive Committee meeting, the EXCOM approved purchase of a smaller version of the flag to mark our table for luncheon gatherings and other events. These have been ordered along with a longer flag pole for use at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery for Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances. Commandery Future Operations See the letter at the end of the Newsletter inviting the Commandery once again to participate in the annual Memorial Day observance at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery on 26 May. The next Commandery meeting will take place on Thursday 22 May at Schooners at 1200 hrs.
Companion Birthdays: Hau`oli Lā Hānau! to our companions who will soon, or recently have celebrated a birthday. We value your membership and wish you another prosperous year.
Companion News The Commandery extends its hearty congratulations to Chaplain, Dave Terrinoni, who was selected for promotion to the rank of Colonel. Dave expects to pin on his Eagle on 1 June 2014, pending Senate confirmation and is on orders to PCS to Keesler Air Photo 3; Chaplain, COL (S) Dave Terrinoni Force Base, near Congratulations from your loyal companions Biloxi Mississippi. of the Hawaii Commandery. Dave will serve as the wing chaplain of the 81st Training Wing, and will also be dual-hatted as the senior chaplain for 2nd Air Force. The promotion celebration is anticipated on 30 May. Congratulations are also extended to the Commander, COL Arthur Tulak on the occasion of his retirement. COL Tulak’s retirement ceremony was held on 28 April aboard the USS Missouri. COL Tulak served for 29 years as an Infantry Officer with the U.S. Army and hopes to stay in Hawaii in his civilian career.
April birthdays: May birthdays: Robyn Pietron – 28 April John Molina – 21 May William Hollingsworth – 30 April
Civil War Sesquicentennial. May 4, 1864 saw the beginning of a massive, coordinated campaign involving all the Union Armies. In Virginia, Grant with an Army of 120,000 begins advancing toward Richmond to engage Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, now numbering 64,000, beginning a war of attrition that will include major battles at the Wilderness (May 5-6), Spotsylvania (May 8-12), and Cold Harbor (June 1-3). See http://www.historyplace.com/civilwar/
Photo 4: Major General Roger F. Mathews, Deputy Commanding General for USARPAC, presents the retirement certificate to COL Arthur N. Tulak aboard the USS Missouri.
4
5
First Place Essay Cadet LTJG Brittney Copp NJROTC NS3 James Campbell High School
Vietnam Veterans The Vietnam War was costly not only to our armed forces but to our American economy and American morale. We entered the war in an attempt to end the communist regime of North Vietnam and their southern allies, the Vietcong, from taking over South Vietnam. South Vietnam was an ally of the United States and due to this political relationship; the United States was entitled to help defend their ally. More than 58,000 Americans were killed in the Vietnam War. By 1969 it was the peak of American involvement in the war and more than 500,000 U.S. military personnel were involved in the Vietnam conflict. Throughout the war growing opposition towards participation of military forces threatened the support of the war. American citizens began to realize that the war pierced the myth that America was invincible and soon America became a divided nation. This split opinion of many citizens resulted in many American troops returning home to negative reactions. Troops not only faced the physical damage of the effects to harmful chemical herbicides and the horrors of the jungle but also faced the mental and emotional effects of having no support or appreciation when returning home from war. Troops were faced with negative reactions from both the opponents of the war who thought troops were killing innocent civilians and supporters who thought troops lost the war. Based off of mental and emotional effects that troops faced and the lack of support throughout the war we can look at them and see the duty, service, and dedication from those who served in the Vietnam War. They not only showed unending faithfulness to their country but even while facing negative comments from American Citizens they came home happy from surviving the war. There are three lessons that we can learn from these courageous Vietnam Veterans. These lessons are to never give up even when you face failure, to always stay faithful to your country, and to understand that if you are fighting for what is right the outcome or the opinions of others do not matter. The first lesson we can learn is that you should never give up even when you face failure. This is probably is one of the most important lessons you can learn from any situation you face and these veterans completely embody that life lesson. They were sent into a battle field that was unknown to them. The tropical forest of Vietnam was territory that Americans never faced and navigating through the dense and humid jungle was extremely difficult for them. Along with this the enemies that the Americans were fighting knew the land very well. They knew the plants, layout, and geography of the land which was an obvious advantage against the Americans. With the new territory the Americans also faced new fighting tactics which were called Guerrilla tactics which included hidden traps and mines throughout the forest and their territory. Along with Guerilla Tactics, the Vietcong also utilized underground tunnel systems to move and hide throughout the jungle. The Americans entered into the war at a definite disadvantage and this caused them to lose many soldiers. The American military just ended World War 2 with Japan which was a completely different fighting style, our armies did not know how to fight this mysterious jungle army and we certainly paid the price for that disadvantage. American lives were lost and no battles were ever won. Even though we continued to send more soldiers into the battlefield we were not winning any battles. This continuous cycle of sending soldiers, having soldiers dies, and then just sending in replacements was detrimental to our armed forces. America had thought we were invincible and could win any battle but this war was simply one we could not win. But even with this knowledge that we were not winning, soldiers were still dedicated to fighting in this war. They sacrificed everything they had to defend our countries beliefs and uphold the honor of an American soldier. These soldiers learned to never give up even when facing a battle that could not possibly be won. This is a lesson we should carry on throughout our life, to never give up even when loss is inevitable.
6
The second lesson is to always stay faithful to your country. Throughout the war many soldiers were taken as hostages and became missing during the war. These Prisoners of War and Missing in Action victims possibly faced the most brutal treatment that a human could endure. Based off of personal testimonies they said that they faced “days and nights with no sleep, kneeling on concrete twenty-four hour a day, electric shock treatment about three hours per session, getting beaten with a fan belt about fifty times”. This treatment was unfair and unjust to these American soldiers but they endured the physical pain that came with service to their country. Along with the physical pain they also faced “physiological torture “which” was even worse”. Claims said that “they would come down and interrupt your daily interrogation and say that you may be released but never truly release you.” Those mind games deteriorated the mental stability of these soldiers. They questioned the plans of the Americans and tried to find answers about the future movements of Americans. The Vietcong played mental games with these men and they had to remain mentally strong to stay committed to their country. They had to endure these inhumane treatments and could not release any information that could endanger their country. In the end they were still faithful soldiers who still believed in the strength of their country. If they had believed that America was weak they would have broken down and given away many vital facts that could have caused even more ruin to the American forces. But they never gave up on their country and in the end, after years of healing; they were honored for their valiant actions. The third lesson is to understand that if you are fighting for what is right the outcome or the opinions of others do not matter in the end. America entered the war in an attempt to end communism and to stop its powers from spreading throughout the world. America’s goal was just and a courageous attempt to keep many people worldwide from becoming slaves to communism. At the beginning of the war many citizens agreed with the reason we were entering into the war and believed that we could possible win the fight against communism. But as the war progressed, many supporters and opponents of the war found reasons to scorn America’s government and the American soldiers for fighting in the war. Citizens either believed that America was killing innocent Vietnamese civilians throughout the war or they thought that America was wasting their resources and time which was disgraceful because in this war we had not won any battle against our enemy. Though many negative opinions arose from the war American soldiers continued to fight for what was right. Ending communism was the right thing to do. How could America, which was the land of the free and the home of the brave, let communist powers, take over more countries and more innocent people who deserve to be free? America simply could not sit around and watch people become enslaved to the hand of communism. These soldiers fought till the end for what was right and their efforts may have helped saved the lives of many people who could have easily became a robot to communism. No matter what the outcome was or the scorn soldiers received from citizens they did what was right and that was all that mattered. They made a difference in at least one life of someone who was not taken by communism. Though these were just a few, we can learn more than just these three lessons from the Veterans of the Vietnam War. Though when they initially returned home they were not seen as heroes today we can look upon them and remember the strength, courage, dedication, and honor that they carried as an American soldier. They never gave up, never backed down, and were forever faithful to the land of the free and the home of the brave. Bibliography 1. "Battlefield: Vietnam ." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. http://www.pbs.org/battlefieldvietnam/ 2. "Vietnam War." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. http://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war 3. "Vietnam War | Military.com." Vietnam War | Military.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Feb. 2014. http://www.military.com/video/shock-and-awe/vietnam-war .
7
Here are some of the key quotes from these wonderful essays: Cadet Rich Xay, Kapolei High School Marine Corps JROTC, from his essay entitled “The Reality.” “Americans reflect upon the [Vietnam] war and hope that as a nation we are learning to treat those who served with dignity. Today, looking back, Americans still have a deep regret regarding how we treated Vietnam Veterans in the past, but the past is over and done with. In the year 2014, the brave men and women return home with pride serving their country in which they live. The society we live in is not perfect, nor [do] we agree on everything jointly, but there are a few great Americans today who believe that we should treat veterans with honor.” Cadet Emmit Parabrub, Civil Air Patrol, from his essay entitled “The Changes of War.” “Today, the citizens of America treat the soldiers with respect for their call to duty because of the different perception of war of current day citizens. After the 9/11 incidents, citizens became outraged by the attacks of terrorists on civilian life. Terrorists were attacking America behind the lines and boundaries, which sparked a new perspective of war in other countries. It was either take war on the enemy, or let them attack America and risk the safety of the citizens. This new perspective gave veterans the utmost respect of the citizens for defending the country, and takes a whole different approach to how they are treated by civilians.” Cadet Kristina Ancheta, James Campbell High School NJROTC, from her essay entitled “Duty, Honor, Country.” “The Vietnam generation has taught us the value of duty and honor to one’s country. Those who fulfill their obligations with courage deserve to be honored. It is important that an individual stays loyal to the goals of his/her country…It is important to recognize that the Vietnam [Veterans] stuck it out until the end. We can apply this lesson to our future soldiers so that they can continue to have high morale and continue to feel comfortable when completing the tasks that they were assigned to do. I am inspired by the Vietnam generation to venture out and accomplish something that not everyone achieves.” Cadet Christopher Freitas, Civil Air Patrol, from his essay entitled “The Vietnam War.” “After the war, a few years later in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was finished. Dedicated to all those who fought in the Vietnam War, this memorial brings changes to how we now view Veterans. Perhaps this whole war has changed what we think of Veterans up to this very day. We can learn through their suffering that we should take care of soldiers who fight in wars. We should show honor and respect to them, as individual persons, and the troubles they have personally come face to face with….Although America ended up backing out of the Vietnam War, and it [fell to] communism, we are still standing today and still fighting battles overseas in foreign lands. However, this time, we take pride in our soldiers and that is what we have learned from the Veterans of Vietnam.” 8
Cadet Essays, continued. Cadet Toren Suemoto, Civil Air Patrol, from his essay entitled “What Lessons Can We Learn?” “Many lessons can be learned from the duty, and honor of the war they had partaken in, this was not our war, but our men did everything they could to help. Being sent into unknown territory, U.S. Troops traveled to aid South Vietnamese armed forces to fight against communist Vietnamese coming from the north…. Even in battles that aren’t ours, the United States spares no expense and effort in helping out Allies to the fullest of their abilities which is a quality called selflessness…. The life of a Vietnam War Veteran is a humble life, because most people [did not] pay them respect, because its looked at as unpopular. I should know – I have an Uncle who fought in the Vietnam War himself. His experiences there were traumatizing and he refuses to talk about what he’s seen to till this day, but he feels that even though not a lot of praise s given to him or his fellow comrades, he doesn’t mind, because he feels he did the right thing. It is good inspiration and motivation to be more like this, because the humbleness and sacrifice that these men in the service made was outstanding.” Cadet Janine Hilario, Civil Air Patrol, from her essay entitled “Hawaii’s Veterans who Fought in the Vietnam War,” “All of them are courageous heroes, because they did not have to fight, but they wanted to [serve]. Bravery is what it takes to take on such a challenging decision. This both shows true character in a person. Sacrificing takes more than just choosing between different options, it takes a person who shows full commitment and dedication. Till this day, the Veteran’s example proves to us that even though you fight [in] an unpopular war, it doesn’t lose meaning in how valuable a person’s life is. Their actions show pride and honor in one’s nation…young Americans can follow their example of dedication. Every one of us needs to set his or her mind to something at least at one point in their life. Doing so proves commitment and patience. The only way to fulfill this is to be patient and to let fate decide… Their brave example proves that you shouldn’t be ashamed to fight for what you believe in. This teaches many of us the true form of patriotism. Young Americans will look up to them and will become encouraged by aspiring people who were once regular human beings like them. This allows them to strive for many ambitions in life.” Cadet Van Nguyen, Farrington High School Army JROTC, from his essay entitled “The 10,000 Days War.” “Although a very unpopular war, soldiers from both sides fought in battle valiantly in Honor of their belief of freedom from oppression… but those who should also be recognized are the many members of the United States Armed Forces, [who] made the sacrifice to fight the war in a foreign land and paid the ultimate price in [pursuit of] their belief of providing our future generations a ‘Free World.’”
9