Hawaii Commandery THE Military Order of Foreign Wars
June 1, 2015
Table of Contents:
Chaplains Corner
Vol. IV, Issue 3, June 1, 2015 Commander’s Comments…………………………………………….. p. 1 Chaplain’s Corner…………………………………………………………. p. 1 ANZAC Day …………………………………………………………………...p. 2 Hawaii Military Appreciation Month ……………………………..p. 2 Poppy Appeal ………………………………………………………………..p. 2 Hawaii DoD 50th Vietnam Commemoration Planning…...p. 3 Memorial Day Observances 25 May……………………………… p. 4 52nd Biennial Convention……………………………………………. p. 5 Cadet Awards Program…………………………………………………..p. 6 Cadet Essay Contest Sets New Standard in 2015 …………. p. 7 First Place Essay by Cadet Major Brandee Schiller ………. p. 8 Our Hawaii Affiliate: Hawaii Post 1, NAUS…………………. p. 10 Companion Profile………………………………………………………. p. 11 President's Volunteer Service Award Program……………….p. 12 NAUS Hawaii Chapter 1 Report.. …………………………………..p. 13 Oahu Veterans Center News ….………………………...………….p. 14 Days of Patriotic Observance…..………………………...………….p. 14 Companion News…………………………………………………………. p. 14 Upcoming events ………………………………………………………… p. 15
What can possibly be more essential to our human existence than love? But which kind of love are we talking about? We are talking about those who give their tomorrows for our todays. Our response to such love is to always be grateful for the ones who stand, persevere and even fight on behalf of others. C.S. Lewis’ book The Four Loves differentiates between various aspects of love and yet we would agree that all types of love are part of our shared humanity and necessary. Lewis’ book was based on a set of radio talks from 1958 and was criticized in the US at the time for open frankness about sex. However, Lewis was not just referring to Eros—the erotic bond of love. He was more intent in helping us appreciate the depth and our human need for giving and receiving love, particularly the kind of love that exposes and elevates us to sublime heights of meaning and significance.
Photo on Cover: USMC JROTC Cadets from Kapolei High School Drill Team perform an exhibition demonstration at the Governors’ Parade on 23 April 2015, at Fort Shafter Hawaii.
In line with Lewis’s famed book, the National Military Appreciation Month provides the people of the United States along with Federal departments and agencies, States, localities, organizations and media, a relevant setting to hold observances for remembering and honoring those who have died in our Nation’s Service. Service men and women often learn the meaning of love at levels not common to most of us.
Commander’s Comments. Aloha!
The idea that “There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends” pronounced by Jesus in the Gospel of John 15:23 challenges us to reflect on the meaning and the price of the kind of love worth observing, remembering and more profoundly aspiring to, and if necessary, emulating!
Congratulations to all for successful completion of the busiest part of our yearly schedule of service-focused operations in our communities. We accomplished the mission of supporting the ROTC/JROTC awards ceremonies in Hawaii, and have remaining the ceremonies in Japan and Guam, as well as the Civil Air Patrol and Hawaii National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy.
We all like to be able to live securely and simply, to laugh often, yet, we can take for granted such privileges and can easily forget that it takes much love to protect and provide such pleasures. For our evaluation and reflection, the following is a concise outline of the four kinds of loves Lewis outlined in The Four Loves.
In addition, the Commandery sent delegates to the 52d Biennial Convention in Galveston Texas, hosted by the Texas Commandery. The Hawaii Commandery congratulates our new Commander-General, Captain Richard Coutermarsh; Senior Vice Commander General, LTC Orfeo “Chuck” Trombetta, Jr ; Junior Vice Commander General, Major Patricia Perryman, and; Secretary General MAJ Mike Belcher.
“Storge” is the bond of empathy seen between family members such as that of parents for their children. This love is not forced; it appears to be “blind” in that it can “transcend most discriminating factors.” Lewis describes it as “a dependency-based love that risks extinction if the needs cease to be met.” Lewis considered this love to make up nine out of ten “of all solid and lasting human happiness…it is liable to 'go bad', and to be corrupted by such forces as jealousy, ambivalence and smothering.”
Our Memorial Day Poppy Appeal, and support to the Mayor’s Ceremony at the National Cemetery of the Pacific continued our tradition of honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in wartime service to our country. COL, Ret. Arthur N. Tulak Commander
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ANZAC DAY U.S. Military Commands in Hawaii commemorated ANZAC Day, Saturday, 25 April with observance at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. The 10 a.m. ceremony was hosted by Australian Counsul-General David Binns and Jane Coombs of the New Zealand Embassy. ANZAC Day began as a way to honor those in the Australia-New Zealand Army Corps who died 100 years ago in World War I at the 1915 battle for Gallipoli, Turkey, and has since been expandto honor all service members in the Australia-New Zealand Army Corps.
ed USARPAC Deputy Commanding General, MajGen Greg Bilton, Australian Army, marked the observance with a wreath laying ceremony .
Wreaths were presented by representatives from the governments of Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Japan and Republic of Korea, as well as organizations from around the island. A bugler then performed “Last Post,” the Australian equivalent to the American taps, in honor of those who have gone before. “We gather not to glorify war or praise victors,” said Jeff Robinson, consulgeneral of Australia. “We gather to remember all those who have served their countries with honor during times of conflict and crisis.”
Poppy Appeal
Hawaii Military Appreciation Month
On the twenty-second of May the Commandery kicked off the Memorial Day weekend with the
On May 8th, Governor Ige Gov. David Y. Ige hosted a ceremony at his office to kick off Hawaii Military Appreciation Month. At the ceremony, Gov. Ige recognized seven service members, as the Outstanding Community Volunteer for the respective military commands.
first Poppy Appeal of 2015 at the Navy Exchange Pearl Harbor. Over 125 poppies and a number of information sheets providing the history of Memorial Day and the American tradition of wearing a poppy flower to commemorate the War Dead were distributed Our Memorial Day Tradition: COL Tulak mans a shift at the poppy appeal. to passersby, along with 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War buttons to all Vietnam Veterans. This event raised $700 for the Commandery’s operations. Mahalo nui loa to those who volunteer to make these events run smoothly.
Many local merchants offer special discounts during the this period via special booklets dropped off at MWR offices of the various Commands, and via the annual Honolulu Start-Advertiser Military Appreciation Month special edition.
The celebration began in 1999, when the Senate passed a resolution that designating “May 1999 as National Military Appreciation Month,” However, it did not become official until both houses of the 108th Congress passed H. Con. Res. 328 with unanimous consent by April 26, 2004. The bill "urges the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States, all Federal departments and agencies, States, localities, organizations and media to annually observe a National Military Appreciation Month with appropriate activities.
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Hawaii DoD 50th Vietnam Commemoration Planning Companion Arthur Tulak attended the last meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at the Oahu Veterans Center. The State Planning Committee continues to meet to plan the 2017 Hawaii Commemoration Schedule. During the six days of commemoration events from May 23-28, 2017, Vietnam Veterans will be honored. Col. Ret. Ron Han, Director of the Hawaii DoD Office of Veterans Services , briefed at the 12 May meeting that VA records show 36,000 Vietnam Veterans are living in Hawaii. Each Vietnam Veteran will be awarded a commemorative pin from the Hawaii 50th Committee. BG Ret Crocket has expressed to the planning committee that these pins ought to be accompanied by a certificate signed by one or more of the Senior Generals or Admirals commanding at U.S. Pacific Command and the Service Component Commands. Companions of the Hawaii Commandery will remember the DoD Certificates that were handed out for the conclusion of the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War in 2013. This is the standard that the Planning Committee seeks to emulate.
Chaplains Corner
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“Philia” is the Greek word for "brother". Philadelphia (city of brotherly love) symbolizes a location where love prevails and it is highly valued and encouraged. The “love between friends as close as siblings in strength and duration. Friendship is the strong bond existing between people who share common values, interests or activities…Our species does not need friendship in order to reproduce, but to the classical and medieval worlds it is a higher-level love because it is freely chosen.” Lewis goes on to say, "To the Ancients, Friendship seemed the happiest and most fully human of all loves; the crown of life and the school of virtue…a deeply appreciative love.” “Eros” for Lewis was love in the sense of “being in love or loving someone, as opposed to raw sexuality…the distinction between wanting a woman and wanting one particular woman.” In Eros need-pleasure can become “an appreciative of all pleasures” but Lewis warned against the human tendency “for Eros to become a god to people who fully submit themselves to it, a justification for selfishness, even a phallic religion.” “Agape” is the fourth of the loves Lewis alludes to. It is unconditional and a God kind of love. It is “the love that serves regardless of changing circumstances…the greatest of the other three loves.” May we, as individuals and as a nation always recognize and never forget those who give their tomorrows for our todays. May our response to such love be one of gratefulness for the ones who stand, persevere and even fight on behalf of others! Remember “There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.” John 15:23.
John C. Molina, Chaplain (LTC), U.S. Army, Retired 3
Memorial Day Observances 25 May The Commandery continued its tradition of supporting the annual ceremonies on Oahu. Companions LTC Mark Takai and COL Arthur Tulak carried out solemn duties at the Mayor’s Ceremony at the National Cemetery of the Pacific, participating in the wreath-laying ceremony. This was the 66th Annual Mayor’s Memorial Day, and was supported by JROTC Cadets from Campbell, Kapolei, Kaiser, and Mililani High Schools. General Lori Robinson, Commander of Pacific Air Forces, was the guest speaker. Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s address in the program set the tone for F22 Raptors conduct a fly-over of National Cemetery of the Pacific on the event: Memorial Day 2015. Photo by MC2 Laurie Dexter, DoD.
“The contributions of these heroic service members, those who gave their last full measure of devotion to our nation, to us, endure to this day. Today is about recognizing these valiant men and women, especially those whose final resting place remains unknown, lost on a foreign battlefield.
Left to Right, Companion COL Arthur Tulak, COL Peter Hirai (currently the Deputy Director, Dept of Emergency Management, and Companion LTC Mark Takai at the beginning of ceremony.
1st Place Winner of the Student Art Contest—this work by Benedcit Guerrero, from Farrington High School, adorned the official program distributed at the ceremony.
MOFW Bronze Leadership Medal Recipient, Cadet Corporal Anastelle Montalbano, of Mililani High School JROTC assists Companion Arthur Tulak with a wreath laying from the Military Order
Following the Mayor’s Ceremony, in the morning at the Punch Bowl, the Governor conducts his ceremony at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery, at 1300. If you are interested in carrying the MOFW Commandery Flag or laying a wreath, the next opportunities will be POW/MIA Day 18 Sept. at the Punch Bowl, & Veterans Day 11 Nov. for both ceremonies.
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52nd Biennial Convention The Hawaii delegation to the National MOFW Convention held in Galveston Texas was formed by Commander COL, Ret. Arthur Tulak, Past Chaplain Col. Dave Terrinoni , and Vicki Terrinoni. The Texas Commandery did an excellent job in planning , coordinating and executing a flawless event. The camaraderie and fellowship of this event made it worth the trip alone, but the exchange of ideas among the State delegations was of event greater value.
The Hawaii Delegation at the Reception Buffet, 30 April, at the Moody Gardens Hotel Viewfinders Terrace. The ice-breaker social was a great opportunity to get to know the delegates from other State Commanderies.
During the business session of the Convention, the National Council passed a resolution commending the Hawaii Commandery for its “Gold Standard� Cadet Awards program, and for leading the Order in supporting the DoD 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War. The Hawaii and Texas Delegations at the National Order ceremony recognizing the 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War, at the Galveston Texas. Vietnam Memorial The memorial built in 1988 to honor 75 Galveston County men who died in the Vietnam War. From left to right, CW5 David Hathaway, Col. Dave Terrinoni, COL Ret. Arthur Tulak, MAJ Patricia Perryman, MAJ Ret. Mike Belcher, Texas Commander.
COL Tulak was appointed the Chairman for the Membership and Recruiting Committee, and committee member of the Conventions Committee and Awards Committee, where he will be the subject matter expert on ROTC/JROTC medals program. The first meeting of the Membership and Recruiting Committee is scheduled for 2 June.
At the Formal Inaugural Banquet, COL Tulak started the evening as the Master of Ceremonies , and Col Terrinoni served as the Chaplain for the blessing. The change of command saw the passing of the Commander General Flag from COL Ret. David Russell to CPT David Coutermarsh. The honored guest, CAPT Penoyer, was honored by the new Commander-General with an induction into the Texas Navy, signed by the Governor of Texas.
The Hawaii Commandery extends its warmest congratulations to our new CG and his administrative and Command teams.
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The Hawaii Delegation at the Formal Inaugural Banquet on 2 May 2015, with the Guest Speaker and Honored Guest, USCG Captain Brian Penoyer, Commander of the Houston-Galveston USCG Sector, and outgoing Commander-General, COL Dave Russell. Note the Hawaii Commandery Flag on the right.
2015 Cadet Awards Program The Commandery provided medals and presenters to the Senior ROTC programs at the University of Hawaii and the University of Guam; all 26 Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps , and two JROTC programs at DoDDS High Schools n Japan. Mahalo to all our volunteer presenters who took the time to make a difference in the lives of these future leaders who have set the example to follow for their fellow cadets and midshipmen. Mahalo also to the Veterans United Foundation, the charitable arm of Veterans United Home Loans of Hawaii, for their generous financial support to this important program, and to Office Max Hawaii, for donating the frames for the award certificates.
Kaimuki High School Army JROTC, LTC Ret. Wayne Swan presents the Bronze Leadership medal to CDT Khang Nguyen on 29 April 2015.
Nanakuli High School Army JROTC, LTC Ret. John Molina presents the Bronze and Sliver medals to Cadets Ka'aina Keohokapu and Allie Kila on 8 May
Kailua High School AFJROTC, Commandery Supporter Mr. Paul LeCuyer presents the Silver Academics Medal to Cadet Drew David's on 8 May 2015
Kapolei High School Marine JROTC, LTC Ret. Cynthia Glenister presents the Bronze and Sliver medals to Cadet Kaylyn Titialii and Cadet Fely Vacek on 13 May 2015 6
Cadet Essay Contest Sets New Standard in 2015 The Hawaii Commandery once again conducted the 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest, open to all Hawaii JROTC and Civil Air Patrol Cadets. This year saw some excellent submissions, as well as a demonstration of how last year’s essays have encouraged other Cadets to find ways to honor Vietnam Veterans. First Place. Our first prize essayist was Cadet Brandee M. Schiller, Mililani High
School JROTC. Cadet Schiller is an LET3 at Mililani High School Army JROTC. Her excellent essay titled “50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War,” examined the duties of the citizenry to support their military in time of war, and to honor and remember their sacrifices. Her essay follows this brief introduction in its entirety. Second Place. Cadet Yva Shamaine Currimao is our second prize essayist, with her entry titled “What lessons can we learn?” Cadet Currimao is a Cadet Major at W.R. Farrington High School Army JROTC. Her essay answered the question for category #2, “What lessons can we learn about duty/honor/ country from the Vietnam generation who served their country in an unpopular war?” COL Tulak presented Cadet Currimao with a $75 check and COL Ret James Robinson presents the 1st Place Essay Certificate and cash prize award to Cadet certificate from the Commandery. Brandee Schiller, Mililani High School 7 May
At the Farrington High School Cadet Awards Ceremony, Ms. Billie Gabriel, was a presenter and invited speaker. Ms. Gabriel is the sister of SP5 James Gabriel, Jr., the first Hawaii casualty and Native Hawaiian killed in the Vietnam conflict in 1962. She has worked tirelessly in spearheading the effort to find the 276 photographs of Hawaii Vietnam Veterans who died in the War, under a project known as “Hawaii Call for Photos”. This project is a component of a national effort to build an Education Center in Washington D.C. to preserve the memories of the 58,256 names engraved on The Wall. When the Hawaii Call for Photos was launched in 2011, there were only 83 photographs collected. This left 193 names for which there was no photo of Hawaii’s fallen veterans. Four years later, with the personal support of General Colin Powell, local media and volunteers, Ms. Gabriel had narrowed this list down to 13. On May 12, during the Farrington H.S. Cadet Awards Ceremony, a photograph of one of the 13 missing photos, SPF Richard Tesoro was unveiled to Ms. Gabriel and guests in attendance. SP4 Richard Tesoro was the subject of a 2014 Cadet Essay submitted by Campbell High School NJROTC Cadet Cattie Casabar. Cadet Casabar’s essay provided additional details to go along with the photographs found by Mr. Al Torco, Farrington H.S. historian and Vietnam veteran. On Memorial Day, Ms. Gabriel was featured on KITV News for her gallant efforts to find photos of the fallen Hawaii Veterans and the remaining 12 photos needed. http://www.kitv.com/ news/searching-for-photos-of-hawaiis-fallen-servicemen/33199616 As a result of this news story, two more photos emerged within 24 hours. This was a great demonstration to the Cadets at Farrington on how their efforts could make a great contribution to honoring these soldiers who died in the Vietnam War. Third Place. Cadet Xyrene Faavi is our third prize essayist, with her entry titled “Opening Society’s Eyes to Recognize Each and Every Soldier’s Fight for our Freedom.” Cadet Faavi is a student at James Campbell High School Navy JROTC. Her essay also answered the question for category #3. COL Tulak presented Cadet Faavi with a certificate and $50 check and certificate from the Commandery. Honorable Mention Certificates were issued to the best of category essays (among Photo 6: Cadet Xyrene Favi, James Campbell NJROTC, accepting a certificate and check for her excellent the four categories) that were not in the 1st through 3rd place overall. Cadet essay, 6 May 2015. Mina Jacobs, Campbell High School NJROTC, received an “Honorable Mention” certificate for her excellent essay titled “The Vietnam War,” which captured relevant lessons of service, valor and sacrifice from veterans of the Vietnam War for today’s Cadets. (continued on following page) 7
(continued from p. 8) This was the best essay submitted by applicants for Category One. Cadet SSG Russell Garan, W. R. Farrington High School JROTC, received an Honorable Mention” certificate for his excellent biographical sketch of Ms. Gabriel’s older brother, SGT James Gabriel, and his service in Vietnam. Cadet Garan’s essay captured relevant lessons of service, valor and sacrifice
from veterans of the Vietnam War for today’s generation of Cadets and Midshipmen.
“50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War“ by Cadet Brandee M. Schiller, LET 3, Mililani High School Army JROTC The Vietnam War was quite different than the recent war of Enduring and Iraqi Freedom; the reason, American support, cost, number of deaths on both sides, and of course the time and place. In this essay, I will compare and contrast the Vietnam War with the Iraqi War describing the lessons of citizenship, loyalty to our country, and commitment to duty and service. The Vietnam War was to stop the spread of communism, when the Leader of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, introduced communism in North Vietnam in the 1950s. In 1954, the North and South split at the 17th parallel dividing the country, with the North under communist rule backed by China and Russia, and the South as a democracy, supported by the United States and Great Britain. In 1964, the United States went into war to support the South Vietnamese people and defeat communism to the North due to the belief of the Domino Theory, that one nation falling into communism, others soon would follow. About nine years later, with the cost of over 58,000 America soldiers’ lives lost, and over 3 to 5 million Vietnamese dead, the United States decided it an impossible war to win, and pulled out all troops in 1973. The Iraqi War was to stop a country from using Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), and to remove a brutal Dictator, Saddam Hussein from power. The Honorable Secretary of State Collin Powell made the case to the United Nations (UN) that the United States had credible evidence that Iraq had WMD, and had previously used them on their own people. Secretary Powell told this message to the UN as well as the people of the United States supported going to war in January 2003. During the period of the Vietnam War, the evening news reported of so many young soldiers dying on the battlefield, and how many enemy North Vietnamese killed balanced the reporting, somewhat. For the Iraqi War, a deliberate buildup of coalition forces led by the United States was a quick war with few casualties and following the news that the Iraqi Army had been defeated, and Saddam Hussein had been captured, President George Bush declared the US and its allies had won the war. Our problems began as we occupied Iraq without clear objectives or an exit strategy. Iraqis and other extremist organizations, backed by the number one terrorist country in the world, Iran, quickly increased our casualties with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on our soldiers, and America witnessed a total deterioration of a former stable country. More and more Americans were dying, and the same voices from Vietnam started to surface again asking the question, “What are we doing there?”
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First of all, American citizenship and patriotism during the Vietnam War did not exist at all. Soldiers coming home from Vietnam were spit on and called “baby killers,” and did not feel welcomed at all. They couldn’t even get a job if they put on their application they had served in the military. On the other hand, as soldiers came home from Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, citizenship and patriotism was alive and well. Soldiers were greeted with parades, honored at baseball games, given special discounts at theme parks, restaurants, and even on airlines, the country celebrated and welcomed our heroes home, across the United States. American loyalty was not displayed during or after Vietnam War, as protesters, and celebrities, like Jane Fonda, made a mockery of our nation’s soldiers. Since the Vietnam War needed recruits, a draft was in full-effect, as were the draft dodgers during the Vietnam War, with many young men heading north to Canada when they were called up by Uncle Sam. These men were granted asylum in Canada, with a phase many took to heart, “Hell no, we won’t go.” However, with the Iraqi War, this was the best equipped military the world had ever seen, and all-volunteer force, with the backing of most Americans, celebrities, and businesses supporting our dedicated troops. One only has to examine the recent release of the movie American Sniper, to see how much Americans love their soldiers. Supporting our soldiers as a nation with America loyalty, even when the WMD proved to be totally false, we were in there to rebuild Iraq, and the Iraqi military. Loyalty to the nation, from the ever-war tired service member of the Armed Forces, American citizens, and even the Reserves, with their employers backing and supporting the troops. On a recent visit from the Chief of the Army Reserve (CAR) to Mililani High School JROTC Program, Lieutenant General Jeffery Talley spoke about his commitment to the soldiers of the Reserves that are currently deployed. His message to the employers is that we are all in this together and with American’s finest Citizen Soldiers doing their military mission now, support them, and when they return, be there for them. Commitment to duty and service, the Vietnam War took kids right out of high school, many with little education right into the hell of war. The average age of a soldier during the Vietnam War was 23 years old, 78% with school diplomas. Many of the soldiers during this era were not volunteers, but were drafted. In other words, did not want to be there, and would do anything to get out of it. The US commitment to Vietnam was waning with the casualty reports on the nightly news swaying American to ask the question, “Why are we even there?” As soldiers where up to their knees in blood and misery, many escaped the reality and turned to drugs, to dull the effects and the horrors of war. As soldiers from the Vietnam War returned, and they completed their mission, their time to tell about their accomplishments vanished into the biggest American disgrace our country had ever endured. Many went through life with the haunting images, falling into depression, homeless, drug-addicted, alcoholic and suicidal; many have just faded away with time. In comparison to the Iraqi war, the average age of the military soldier was 27, with 98.6% having a high school diploma. After the terrorist attacks in New York and the Pentagon in 2001, many Americans stood behind President Bush at the site of where the twin towers collapse in New York City, and he swayed the country that we would find the terrorist who killed over 3,000 Americans, and they would pay for what they did. In that instant, Bush motivated a generation to join our force, and rid the world of evil. Many American were horrified and moved by what happened to our country, and visualize the heroic efforts on the victims as some plunged from the top of the twin towers to their fate. Americans rallied behind the President and were motivated to join the military to do their part in our free -society to go after the terrorist. They saw first-hand what happened that day, on September 11, 2001 and their commitment to serve our country; this was their duty and service to our nation, to rid the world of evil people. The soldiers that were already serving in the military knew that this was a game-changer for them as well. Not since the Gulf War, 9
in 1991, ten years earlier, soldiers knew that to defeat terrorists that the United States might be involved in a 50-year war to rid the world of so many radical terrorists from society.
As I reflect upon these two wars, and the lessons they’ve both developed, I stop and am saddened by the act of silliness American citizens shown. We, as a society, must always support our soldiers because they’re not the ones who make the decisions to go into combat; it’s our leaders in Washington. The military leaders carry out the requests of our civilian leaders, and then go down the chain of command to complete the mission, despite any circumstances. Now as I look toward the future, I look back on the past serval years, where are the parades for our returning veterans, America quickly forgets the commitment of our soldiers. Some of these brave men and women are operating on their fifth to tenth deployments, and the mission continues on. The same was the case during the Vietnam War, many had multiple deployments, but not to the extent of our military force as today. Even with new threats of radical Islamic terrorist groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and others, the work is even more dangerous than ever before, we have to support our troops and not forget our past, and our past mistakes to our Veterans. God Bless America and all that serve the greatest country in the world.
Photo: Cadet Brandee Schiller led the Cadets from the Trojan BN at the Mayor’s Ceremony, Memorial Day 2015.
Cadt Major Brandee Schiller is a varsity athlete in Cross-Country, Swimming, and Track. She is a scholar Junior in High School with a 3.8 GPA, and is the Vice President of her year Class. Brandee is the Team Captain - (2014-15) of the Mililani Swimming Team, and is the President and founder of the Mililani Surf Club. In JROTC, she is currently the Battalion S-5, and was recently selected for Battalion Commander of the Mililani Trojan Battalion for the 2015-2016 School Year. She was the first Cadet in Hawaii to earn the Nation's highest award, the Cadet Medal of Heroism, Presented by Department of the Army, for saving her brother's life at Waimea Bay in January 2015.
Our Hawaii Affiliate: Hawaii Post 1, National Association of the Uniformed Services. At the National level, The Military Order of Foreign Wars and the National Association of the Uniformed Services are affiliated. As a benefit of this affiliation, the NAUS provides a page in each issue of the nationally distributed Uniformed Services Journal, The Guardian , for both on-line and print editions. We return the favor at the State level here in Hawaii. In addition, members of the MOFW are offered a 20% discount on first year’s dues with the NAUS, just as NAUS members enjoy the same benefit if admitted into the MOFW as a Veteran or Hereditary Companion. Major General, USMC (Ret) Thomas L. Wilkerson succeeded Lieutenant General Jack Klimp, whose letter to the Hawaii Commandery was featured in our October 2014 edition, and whose photo appeared along with Commander General Emertus Wulf Lindenau with the announcement of the affiliation in the August 2014 edition of this publication. NAUS is known as "the servicemember's voice in government" on Capitol Hill, and the HI Chapter is well known for representing service members and veterans interests, here, in the Hawaii State Legislature. The Hawaii NAUS HI Chapter is a key member organization of the Oahu Veterans Council and reports on legislation impacting Veterans and the Military that is pending in the HI State Legislature. See the Chapter report on p. 13. 10
Companion Profile Major Ret. Rory James William Cain, Australian Army, RFD, JP Major Cain qualified for Veteran Companion status in the Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States during Operation STABILISE/WARDEN in East Timor, in service alongside American Forces also committed to this operation. Admitted to the Order by the DC Commandery, Major Cain transferred to the Hawaii Commandery, which took on the lead for the Order in the Pacific. Born in Casterton Australia in 1952, Rory Cain enlisted in the Army Reserve on 1 March 1977 in the Royal Australian Infantry as a Private. He saw service with the Monash University Regiment; 8/7 Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment and 10/27 Battalion, Royal South Australia Regiment. Rory’s enlisted training qualified him as a Rifleman, Assault Pioneer, and Regimental Signaller. In these assignments Rory was promoted to the rank of Corporal on 26 July 1978, to Sergeant on 1 July 1981. The highlight of his enlisted service prior to receiving his Officer Commission, was his assignment as an Infantry Assault Pioneer Platoon Sergeant. Rory received his Commission into the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) 15 April 1984 as a 2nd Lieutenant, and was subsequently assigned to the 2/10 Field Regiment RAA and 16 Field Battery RAA. 2LT Cain trained and served as Regimental Officer, Battery Leader, Reconnaissance Officer, Gun Position Officer, Intelligence Officer and Forward Observer. The “highpoint,” of his Company-Grade officer time was appropriately, his time “on the hill” as Forward Observer. Rory was promoted Lieutenant 26 November 1986 and transferred to Royal Australian Engineers (RAE) 31 January 1990. Rory served with 4th Combat Engineer Regiment RAE, 22 Construction Regiment RAE and 21 Construction Regiment RAE. Trained and served as Regimental Officer, Reconnaissance Officer, Combat Engineer Troop Commander, Construction Troop Commander and Plant Troop Commander. Rory was promoted Captain 14 March 1997, and later transferred to Royal Australian Army Medical Corps, Australian Regular Army, 1 July 1998. As a Medical Corps Officer, Rory served with 4th Preventive Medicine Company, 3rd Health Support Battalion, 1st Health Support Battalion and 2nd Health Support Battalion as Officer-in-Charge, Environmental Health; Joint Health Command as Health Surveillance Officer; and Headquarters, Defence Command Support Training Centre initially as Military Personnel Officer and finally as Safety Manager.
It was as a Medical Corps Officer that Rory deployed to East Timor with the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) and United Nations Peace Keeping Force, and to Bougainville with the Peace Monitoring Group. It was as an officer with these units that MAJ Cain earned the right to apply for veteran companion status with the MOFW. On the homefront, MAJ Cain also served on several Army Aboriginal Community Aid Projects in Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia. Later, Rory returned to East Timor in a civilian capacity as a humanitarian worker with a NonGovernment Organisation, and to undertake first aid duties with St John Ambulance and instruct Army Cadets in offduty hours.
Major Cain’s awards and decorations include: the Australian Active Service Medal (East Timor clasp), International Force East Timor (INTERFET) Medal, Australian Service Medal (Bougainville clasp), Humanitarian Overseas Service Medal (East Timor clasp), Centenary of Australia Medal, Reserve Force Decoration Medal, Reserve Force Decoration, Reserve Force Medal, Australian Defence Medal, Australian Cadet Forces Service Medal, Service Medal of the Order of St John and the United Nations Medal (East Timor ribbon).
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President’s Volunteer Service Awards Program The Hawaii Commandery of the Military Order of Foreign Wars has been approved as a certifying organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award Program. The purpose of the program is to honor the hundreds of thousands of people across America that have volunteered hundreds, if not thousands of volunteer hours over their lifetime. The program was established to honor the volunteer works of individuals, families and organizations throughout the United States. There have been several variations of this program using different names, including the President's Volunteer Action Award from the 1980s. As a certifying organization, the Hawaii Commandery MOFW will be able to certify the volunteer service records of those who are supporting the Commandery, or another Veterans’ Organization, in service to “Veterans and Military Families.” There are six major focus areas, and the Commandery is registered under the category “Veterans and Military Families.” Volunteering is increasingly seen by corporations and schools as an important component of the whole person. With the President’s Volunteer Service Awards Program, volunteers can receive National level recognition and an official confirmation of their volunteer efforts. For the Commandery, this provides us the opportunity to capture the real impact our volunteering has on the community. I encourage all of you to go to the webpage and sign-up so that we can track your volunteer hours, and recognize you with the certificates, medals, and pins that accompany each level of the award.
http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/volunteer The current program is called the President's Volunteer Service Award and was created by President George W. Bush in 2002. He made this program known during his State of the Union address. In January 2003, President George W. Bush created an Executive Order that created the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Council was established to recognize the important contributions Americans of all ages are making within their communities through service and civic engagement. The President's Volunteer Service Award is now an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Points of Light Institute. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, President Bush saw the need to renew the interest in helping our neighbors and called upon all Americans to help by volunteering their time. As part of this request, he created several new programs, including the Citizen Corps and to go along with these new programs, the President's Volunteer Service Award to be given to those the help to make a difference. Tracking your volunteer hours Volunteers are requested to maintain a log of volunteer hours, via their VSA on-line account. When you have reached the qualifications for President's Volunteer Service Award, your record of service will be certified by the Commandery, and the award will be ordered for presentation. If you are not Internet savvy, you may may use a regular sheet of paper or sign up to track their hours and submit it to the Commander for certification, but the on-line record is very convenient. When registering at the link shown above, enter the special record of service (ROS) key PBX-6955, which will link you to the Hawaii Commandery volunteer group for certification of your volunteer hours. Criteria Recipients must be a United States citizen or a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States. Awards are issued for service hours served within a 12-month time period or over the course of a lifetime. Awards are issued for volunteer service only, and must be approved by a Certifying Organization. Service must be with an organization that is legally established in the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or one of the territories 12
NAUS Hawaii Chapter 1, Report. By Dennis Egge, President. On 24 May, at Ten o’clock in the morning, I led the NAUS Hawaii Chapter, in presenting a flower lei at Memorial ceremonies held at the Natatorium. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and about 300 visitors and guests were there to acknowledge that the structure was erected as a World War I Memorial. The HI NAUS Chapter is dedicated restoring the Natatorium to its original intended design and purpose. Upwards of 300 listened to National Trust for Historic Preservation, Deputy General Counsel, Elizabeth Merritt describe this War Memorial as “most significant of thousands”, according to the WW1 Centennial Commission’s 2014 report to the US Government.
Photos: Left: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard makes her remarks in front of the memorial stone. Fright: Floral arrangements laid at the stone commemorate the occasion.
Photo: Dedicated in 1927, it took 9 years to build the Natatorium, .it has since, weathered two recent generations of grim neglect.
Friends of the Natatorium President and NAUS Hawaii Chapter member, Mo Radke intends to see the Natatorium restored to its original design and purpose. Deputy Commander US Marine Forces Pacific, Brigadier General Christopher J Mahoney asked us to remember those who served and didn’t return and those who return severely scarred. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard described her feelings, being here, as “bitter-sweet” and urged us to call those we elect to represent our interests in government to account for their many broken promises. Ten thousand Hawaii residents served under the Stars and Stripes, in WW1: NAUS Hawaii Chapter remembered each one of them with a flower wreath . I personally thanked each of the WW1 veterans who attended this year’s ceremony for their service, and promised them that we will preserve the Natatorium.
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Oahu Veterans Center News The construction of the new wing of the OVC is gaining momentum and is on-schedule. Changes to the facility include parking lot re-paving. Ms. Jeri Duncan completed her tour of duty as the OVC Executive Director and has moved on orders with her husband to South Carolina. Ms. Jenny Chanko is the new Executive Director. The Hawaii Commandery extends a big Mahalo to Ms. Duncan for her service, and welcomes Ms. Chanko aboard. The Department of Veterans Affairs will host a Benefit Workshop at the OVC on Saturday June 6, 2015, from 09001200 hrs. The next OVC meeting is Saturday, June 27th. Please contact the Commander if you are willing to represent the Commandery at any of the monthly meetings as your schedule may permit.
Companion News Companion Mark Takai Visits HQ, U.S. Pacific Command
Days of Patriotic Observance: JUNE
On 27 March, Companion Takai visited HQs U.S. Pacific Command as a member of a Congressional Delegation seeking to better understand the requirements of the Pacific Theater.
36 USC § 122 - National Flag Week. The President is requested 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. 14 June Flag Day, Army Birthday. This is the xxx birthday of the United States Army formed in the year 1775 by an act of the Continental Congress. 25 June, the Korean War started this day in 1950. 36 USC § 112 - Honor America Days. The 21 days from Flag Day through Independence Day is a period to honor America. Congressional Declaration.— Congress declares that there be public gatherings and activities during that period at which the people of the United States can celebrate and honor their country in an appropriate way. The 21 days from Flag Day through Independence Day is a period to honor America. (b) Congressional Declaration.— Congress declares that there be public gatherings and activities during that period at which the people of the United States can celebrate and honor their country in an appropriate way.
Want to know what your fellow companions are up to? We’d love to hear the latest from our all our Companions in Japan, California, Hawaii, and the mainland.
JULY 4 July Independence Day the 239th year of our Nation.
Send a note to Hawaii@MOFWUS.org
27 July - Korean War Veteran's Day
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Upcoming events:
Army Birthday Ball 12 June at the Hilton Hawaiian Village to celebrate 240 years of service to the nation. Pearl Harbor Colors Ceremony. 0730-0830 at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to honor Vietnam War Veterans Youth ChalleNGe Academy graduation and awards presentation 20 June Commandery meeting — Friday, June 26th. Location TBD. Civil Air Patrol Hawaii Wing Annual summer encampment graduation parade and ceremony at the MCBH parade ground.
New Items from the National Quartermaster. Baseball caps and polo shirts. The yellow polo shirt has been discontinued and has been replaced with a comfortable, lightweight black version that comes with name embroidering. An important uniform item for all Hawaii Companions is the Overseas Cap - please order yours before the next public event. For more information, visit the Quartermaster store at 15
Military Order of Foreign Wars Hawaii Commandery Oahu Veterans Center 1298 Kukila Street Honolulu, HI 96818