THE Military Order of Foreign Wars Hawaii Commandery
newsletter Vol. II, Issue 5, September 1, 2013 Commander’s Comments.
has not been a slow summer. In the midst of everything, we also bid farewell to three of our faithful Companions.
Aloha Companions and Commandery Supporters! The Commandery has set a remarkable record of performance in 2013 and the year is not over yet. Veterans Day observances provide us another opportunity to honor the 82,000 living Veterans here in Hawaii and to tell our story to the Active, Reserve, Retired, Veteran, and Cadet communities here in Hawaii. As we approach the Veterans Day observances, I call on all Companions to volunteer for either the Poppy Appeal on 8 November at Fort Shafter, or the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery observances on 11 November in Kaneohe. Our support to these events is appreciated as the letter from the Hawaii State Dept of Defense, Director of Veterans Services clearly shows (see last page). Congratulations on a job well done over Memorial Day with our Poppy Appeal and observance event support – let’s repeat that outstanding performance. Arthur N. Tulak, COL, U.S. Army, HI MOFW
Chaplain’s Corner
“Here I Raise my Ebenezer…”
Wow, what a summer this has been! While our experiences as a Commandery can’t compare to what the ancient Israelites experienced in fighting the Philistines through the leadership and faith of Samuel, we can certainly mark this period as a milestone from which to direct our future.
Yes, it is right to raise our Ebenezer in the form of our Commandery Charter. But, like much of life, we cannot sit on the laurels of the last 8 month’s work. We are at a point of growth from the ground we have prepared for planting. As the Judge Samuel proved, being willing to follow God’s directions, doing what is right in the sight of God, and having a spirit of thanksgiving does make a difference in the outcome of life’s and national battles. God Bless and Peace. David M. Terrinoni, Ch, Lt Col, USAF
Past Commander General COL Joe Nattans visits the Hawaii Commandery. COL (Ret) Joe Nattans and his family were the honored guests at the Hawaii Commandery luncheon on 15 August at Sam Choy’s Island Bar and Grille on Hickam Air Base. Representing the serving Commander-General, COL (Ret) David Russell, COL Nattans gave a report on the activities of the Order at the National level, and the outcomes of the National Convention held in Rhode Island. COL Nattans presented the Charter to the Commandery signed on 3 June 2013, three years and three months after the Commandery was first organized.
After many hardships and challenges, the people of Israel gained their land and got the Ark of the Covenant back into the hands of God’s people (1 Samuel 7:12, the Holy Bible). The Prophet/Judge, Samuel, rightfully decided to set up a marker, called an “Ebenezer” (which means, “the Stone of Help”) for the people to remember what God has done through them and for them. As you can see in the last two quarter’s newsletter, we may be few in number, but mighty in accomplishments. Representing God and Country at Memorial Day events, ROTC recognitions, Korean War recognitions, hosting the past Commander General COL (Ret) Joe Nattans – no, this
Photo 1: Companions celebrating the receipt of the Charter. From left to right, Hon. Rep. Bob McDermott, Hawaii State House of Representatives, Lt. Col. (Ret) Jim Burkholder, COL Arthur Tulak, LTC (Ret) Wayne Swan, and COL (Ret) Joe Nattans, Past CommanderGeneral of the MOFW. More photos are on page 5.
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In recognition of the Bi-Centennial of the War of 1812, COL Nattans presented a reproduction of the StarSpangled Banner flag, which became the official United States Flag on May 1, 1795, when two new stars were added for the admission of Vermont and Kentucky. This flag was used for the next 23 years, and it is the only flag to ever have more than 13 stripes. During the War of 1812, Major George Armistead, Commandant of Fort McHenry outside of Baltimore, Maryland, said he "desired to have a flag made so large that the British will have no difficulty in seeing it from a distance" if they attacked. A giant garrison flag (an oversized American flag is called a garrison flag) COL Nattans brought a variety of gifts on behalf of the Maryland Commandery, to include MOFW mugs for all members of the Hawaii Commandery. As part of the visit, the Commandery coordinated for the Nattans Family to take the Pacific Fleet Admiral’s Remembrance Barge Tour on the morning of 8 August.
MOFW 2013 Poppy Appeal The Commandery will again conduct a Poppy Appeal on 8 November at the Fort Shafter AAFES Px. This will be our first appearance at Fort Shafter to raise awareness of the Commandery, seek new recruits, and solicit donations to support our programs. We need volunteers to man the table at what is our first official recruiting/fund-raising event on Fort Shafter.
Memorial Day Commemorations The Hawaii Commandery support to the observances at the State Veterans Cemetery were well-received by the Office of Veterans Services who sent a letter of appreciation to the Commandery – see page 4. We need volunteers to once again represent the Commandery and honor our Veterans.
Oahu Veterans Council Report The OVC met on 23 August. The State Legislature has provided $2 million to construct the long-anticipated
third building of the Oahu Veterans Center. The OVC plans for this structure will permit planned expansions and upgrades if additional funds are provided in the future. The Society of Military Widows (SMW) hosted the monthly PTSD Residential Rehabilitation Program (PRRP) th lunch on August 10 . The Veterans Benefits Administration is working through claims over one year old, and has reduced this group from 3,000 claims at the beginning of the year to just 800. The VA continues to make the transition from paper claims to on-line claims and its staff is processing both types of claims. Hero to Hired (H2H) has an online process to connect Veterans with employers. Job opportunities for veterans can be emailed to hawaiihiresheroes@gmail.com; job vacancies can be posted on www.h2h.jobs; www.nrd.gov (a national resource directory); and/or www.hirenethawaii.com. For more information about seeking out qualified applicants among the military service community, go to https://h2h.jobs/employers or send an email requesting more information to hawaiihiresheroes@gmail.com. Circuit Court Judge Edward Kubo explained that the Hawaii State Bar Association is supporting a program for all veterans to provide free legal services with its “Ask a Lawyer” events. The first of these is scheduled for 9 November at the Oahu Veterans Center form 0900-1200 hrs. Under the laws of the State of Hawaii, Veteran status is determined based only on prior military service, not the characterization of the discharge. The “Ask a Lawyer” program is intended to provide free legal advice to Veterans who don’t qualify for space-available support from the active duty legal support centers. Judge Kubo asked the member organizations of the OVC to get the word out on this first event on 9 November to Veterans who are in need of legal advice and support. There are 82,000 Veterans on Oahu according to VBA statistics. The next OVC meeting is scheduled for 28 September at 0900 hrs.
Gulf War Memorial Task Force The Hawaii State Senate passed SB551, which was enacted by the Governor on June 21, 2013. The Act calls
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for the Office of Veterans Services and State Department of Defense to form a Memorial Task Force to “…develop a plan to establish a memorial honoring the veterans of the Persian Gulf War, Operation DESERT STORM, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Operation NEW DAWN, the Global War on Terrorism, Homeland Defense, and Operation NOBLE EAGLE, and those who have protected our borders by land, sea, and air.” The plan is to be submitted to the State Legislature not later than January 1, 2014. The Task Force needs our inputs as to where the monument should be erected, and how it can properly acknowledge these many different operations that were carried out in the homeland, and overseas in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Horn of Africa, and the Philippines. The TF will be asking the member organizations of the Oahu Veterans Council for support and ideas on how to honor this recent generation of Veterans, and how to maintain flexibility in the construction and design of the memorial to account for the fact that the GWOT continues. The Hon. Rep. Mark Takai, HI State House, and COL Tulak are members of the Task Force.
Upcoming Patriotic Holidays and Historic Observances: Patriot Day. Title 36 of US Code( § 144) requests the President to issue each year a proclamation calling on: 1) State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day, 11 September, with appropriate programs and activities, and; 2) all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States and interested organizations and individuals to display the flag of the United States at halfstaff on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001. Constitution Week. Title 36 USC (§ 108) requests the President to issue each year a proclamation— 1) designating September 17 through September 23 as Constitution Week; and 2) inviting the people of the United States to observe Constitution Week, in schools, churches, and other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies and activities. National POW/MIA Recognition Day Observances are held across the country on military installations, ships at sea, state capitols, schools and veterans' facilities. It is traditionally observed on the
third Friday in September each year. Congress has mandated the flying of the National League of Families' POW/MIA flag for POW/MIA Recognition Day and Veterans Day. October 3, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the th 7 uniformed service, was established on this day in 1970 under the Department of Commerce.
Days to display the American Flag: 11 Sept - Patriots Day 17 Sept – Constitution Day 18 Sept – U.S. Air Force established 1947 20 Sept – POW MIA Recognition Day
Companion News: a. Companion, COL, William R. Hollingsworth has retired from the Army, and moved to Columbia South Carolina, but remains a Companion of the Hawaii Commandery. b. Companion, LTC, Robyn Pietron has moved under PCS orders to her new job Photo 2: MajGen Richard Burr at 3d ROTC Brigade, in presents the retirement flag to Illinois. The Commandery COL Hollingsworth at his bid Companion Pietron retirement onboard the USS farewell at the 27 June Missouri. lunch meeting at Sam Choy’s Island Bar & Grille. The Commandery wishes her all success in her new posting, and transfer to the Wisconsin Commandery. c. Companion, MAJ, Ahmad Perry is retiring from the Army, and moving to Wisconsin. MAJ Perry is also transferred to the Wisconsin Commandery. The Wisconsin Commandery gains a devoted Companion who has exemplified service to the Community.
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Commandery Future Operations • 26 Sept – 1200 hrs, Commandery lunch meeting Schooners, 57 Arizona Memorial Drive. • 8 Nov - 0900-1500 - Poppy Appeal – Fort Shafter • 11 Nov – 1300 hrs Veterans Day observance at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery
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. October birthdays: LT Brown – 12 Oct
Bicentennial Commemoration of the War of 1812: The Military Order of Foreign Wars was founded by veterans of the War of 1812 and the Mexican War, and so we remember our founders during this bicentennial. Two hundred years ago, on September 5, 1813, the very first U.S. Navy Ship to bear the name Enterprise, was on patrol on the eastern seaboard when it sighted and gave chase to the brig HMS Boxer. The USS Enterprise with 16 guns with 102 men defeated and captured the HMS Boxer with 14 guns with 66 men off Pemaquid Point, Maine.
One hundred fifty years ago last month, on 14 August 1863, Confederate forces under Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith begins an invasion of Kentucky as part of a Confederate plan to draw the Yankee army of General Don Carlos Buell away from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and to raise support for the Southern cause in Kentucky. On August 30, in a decisive battle, General Smith led his 10,000 troops in an encounter with a Union Army force, under the command of General Mahlon D. Manson. General Manson’s force of 6,500 troops, who were defending the high ground around Richmond, included many new soldiers with no battle experience. The Confederate advance routed the defending Union Army with most of it being captured during the pursuit. The loss was complete for the Yankees. More than 4,300 of the 6,500 Federals were captured, including Manson and his entire staff. Confederate losses stood at 98 killed, 492 wounded, and 10 missing out of 6,800. The Rebels captured Lexington two days later.
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50 Commemoration of the Vietnam War: The Commandery is will announce the Vietnam War essay contest for JROTC and CAP cadets for the Fall and Spring semesters. The contest is expected to generate about 34 essays per unit, which could be as many as 144 essays. As discussed in our Commandery meetings, we need judges to read these essays in time for selection of the winners in advance of Veteran’s Day 2013 and Memorial Day (26 May 2014). The deadlines for essay submission are November 1, 2013 and May 2, 2014. The winning essays will be included in our Newsletter and submitted to national level competitions. The prizes to be awarded st nd rd are $100 for 1 place, $75 for 2 place, and $50 for 3 place.
Stolen Valor Act: Figure 3: “The Enterprise and Boxer” 1838 Engraving by Abel Bowen
Civil War Sesquicentennial. While veterans of the Civil War did not qualify for Companionship in the Order based on their service in that war, many Veterans who previously served in the War with Mexico before the War Between the States were among those who formed the first Commanderies starting in December 1894.
Here is an update on this issue last reported in the April Newsletter. The Stolen Valor Act was signed into effect as Public Law 113-12 on June 3, 2013, making it a criminal offense with financial punishments for those who try to profit from fraudulently claiming to have received the Medal of Honor and other high military honors. This is important to the MOFW as one of the purposes of our Order is “to Honor and perpetuate the names of brave and loyal men and women,” which requires that we diligently keep out fraudsters from tarnishing the records of service of real heroes.
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Hawaii Commandery hosts Past Commander-General COL (Ret) Joe Nattans & Family
Photo 3: COL Tulak remarks on the accomplishments of the Hawaii Commandery and future goals.
Photo 5: COL Tulak receives the Charter from COL (Ret) Joe Nattans, 15 August, 2013.
Photo 7: COL Nattans presenting an honorary membership for Companion, LTG (Ret) Francis J. Wiercinski in the Maryland Navy League.
Photo 4: The Nattans family enjoying the view overlooking the ocean.
Photo 6: COL Nattans presents one of the many MOFW tankards that will be sent to each member of the Hawaii Commandery.
Figure 2: Certificate accompanying the 15 Star and 15 Stripe “Star Spangled Banner� from the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine certifying that if flew over Ft. McHenry.
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Letter of Appreciation from the Hawaii State Department of Defense to the Hawaii MOFW
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