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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