Hawaii Commandery MOFW News DEC 2017

Hawaii Commandery THE Military Order of Foreign Wars

Table of Contents:

Vol. VI, Issue 4, December 2017 Commander’s Comments…………………………………………….. p. 1 Chaplain’s Corner…………………………………………………………. p. 1 Companions Serving on HI WWI Centennial ……….…….… p. 2 Veterans Day 2017 Coverage:………………………..…...….…... p. 3

I encourage all Companions to volunteer to serve in a leadership position in the Commandery—your energy, enthusiasm, and talents are needed!!

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific ……………………...p. 3 The Origins of Veterans’ Day in America………....….………….. p. 4 State Ceremony at the WWI Memorial ………….…………….... p. 5 State Veterans Cemetery Kaneohe …………………………………. p. 7

To all who shall see these pages a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

“Deus et Libertas”

Commandery honors VFW Vietnam War Veterans.…..… p. 8 WWI Essay Contest for JROTC Cadets………………………….. p. 9 Welcome New Companions…………………………..………….… p. 10 Story of Service: Colonel Robert William Jackson………... p. 11 Companion News …………………………………………………….…. p. 12 Commandery Operations…………………………..………….……. p. 13 Upcoming Events ……………………...………………………….……. p. 14

COL, Ret. Arthur N. Tulak Commander

Cover Photo: HI MOFW wreath, front and center of Lady Columbia, 11 November, 2017. Photo by Companion Straus Scantlin. If you are an amateur photographer, submit your patriotic photo for our next cover!

Chaplains Corner

By Chaplain (LTC, Ret.) John C. Molina “Exceptional Hero”

Commander’s Comments.

When can something or someone be defined as "exceptional"? What could possibly make it or him/ her exceptional? More often than not, as we go about our every day routine, it becomes difficult to see anything out of the ordinary. Yet, when someone or something tugs at our heart's original expectations, however cloudy our awareness of it may be, we take notice! "Exceptional is, paradoxically, when what is most 'natural' for us appears...for nothing is more natural than the satisfaction of the ultimate and profound desire of our heart...than the answer to the needs that lie at the root of our being, those needs for which we actually live...our deep-set need for fulfillment, for truth, beauty, goodness, love, and happiness." Monsignor Giussani, founder of Communion and Liberation.

Aloha!

As we approach the end of the year, it is time to reflect on our accomplishments for 2017, to envision what we wish to achieve in the future, and to set goals for the new slate of officers for 2018.

Among our successes for 2017 include the faithful execution of our Cadet Awards Program, 50th Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest, and support to Hawaii’s Memorials and Commemorations honoring our Veterans and national military heritage.

"Indeed we live as human beings but we do not wage war according to human standards; for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every throughout captive to obey Christ." This are the words written in the New Testament Bible by the Apostle Paul to an early Christian church in modern day Greece (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

We successfully launched our 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Medal Program to honor Vietnam Veterans who served as exemplars of Veterans who live up to the motto of the Army Retired— “Still Serving” through their volunteer efforts in their local communities.

Companions of the Hawaii Commandery are serving their local communities in other volunteer leadership roles, with Veterans and patriotic organizations to advance the high ideals in our Order’s seven purposes, and these acts of service reflect well on our organization.

On both counts, The Honorable Judge Harry Pregerson is an exceptional human being and a warrior in many ways! He died on November 25th after a long life of 94 years (1923 to 1917). Steven Peck, President/CEO of U.S. VETS calls him a "war hero" who served as a Marine in WWII and was severely wounded in the Battle of Okinawa.

We admitted 6 new Companions to the Commandery in 2017 and this increase in the ranks will increase our operational flexibility to accomplish our objectives.

Judge Harry was also about helping people, and especially his love for veterans, particularly the homeless ones who needed a voice. He used his "considerable persuasive powers and the leverage he held as a Federal Judge to organize people and

Looking forward to 2018 we have several areas where we can improve, which are detailed in the “Commandery Operations” section of this issue. Please consider your personal role in achieving our 7 purposes in 2018.

(Continued on next page) 1

Hawaii MOFW Companions Supporting World War One Centennial The Hawaii Commandery is a Hawaii World War One Centennial Commemoration Partner, and is an active support of the Task Force established by Governor Ige to plan and carry out Hawaii’s WWI Centennial Commemoration. MOFW Companions and Task Force members “Manny” Manchester and Arthur Tulak supported the Centennial of the “Roll Call of Honor” conducted by Commemoration Partner organizations Punahou JROTC and the Hawaii Historic Arms Association. The senior officer present was RDML Ret. Alma Grocki, and the host was Punahou School President Dr. James Kapae`alii Scott, and the main speaker was Dr. Bonnie Christiansen.

This event featured the recreation of the Roll Call conducted by Oahu College President Dr. Arthur Griffiths, who read off the names of sixty-four Oahu College alumni, and former students, to include a few who volunteered while students in Oahu College’s Punahou Preparatory School.

The list of names read off by Oahu College President Arthur Griffiths, was compiled from newspaper files and from the reports of parents and friends. It was incomplete at the time it was read and the college sought additional information (missing was confirmation of current and recent students who volunteered to serve in the Officers’ Reserve Corps).

The event also honored 1LT Robert Anderson, U.S. Army, Punahou Grad of the Class of 1912, who after being shot down behind German lines, was able escape confinement and trek to the west through Belgium using his French and German skills learned at Punahou. The 25th Infantry Division Band provided music support, to include playing music composed by 1LT Anderson, Lovely Hula Hands.

Companion Tulak presented a Commemoration Partner certificate on behalf of MG Logan to LTC Takao, and presented a special message from Governor Ige, commending Punahou for its support to the WWI Commemoration.

Companion Manchester with Punahou JROTC Cadets (wearing the first uniforms for female JROTC Cadets) and re-enactors from WWI Commemoration Partner Hawaii Historic Arms Assn.

The entire indoors portion of the event is viewable on-line at: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=EFAKubgdEsE&feature=youtu.be

Chaplain’s Corner, (Continued from p. 2) institutions to create programs that provided homeless people the housing and help that they needed to regain their pride and independence" says Steven Peck. U.S VETS came about in 1993 as a result of Judge Harry Pregerson's vision, passion and love for his fellow man. He is quoted as saying that "the most satisfying part of being a judge is the opportunity that it gives you to help people".

Becoming a defender and protector of each other's well being is exceptional in every sense of the word. The Apostle Paul understood that as ordinary human beings we can rise above the conditions which plague numerous individuals throughout our world. However, it will take the heart of a warrior to take up the weapons which destroy misery and suffering. As Mother Theresa used to say, "do small things with great love". Exceptional is when what is most necessary becomes a reality and our deep-set need for fulfillment, for truth, beauty, goodness, love, and happiness touches each of us in meaningful and profound ways. May we be changed, encouraged, touched, and our world transformed, by the likes of Judge Harry Pregerson.

“Deus et Libertas” 2

John Molina

Veterans Day 2017 Coverage: Commandery Supports Ceremonies at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific The Hawaii Commandery supported Veterans Day ceremonies hosted by the Oahu Veterans Council, of which the Hawaii Commandery is a member organization. This event features Veterans, Civic and Patriotic organizations participating in a very visible and personal way, via the posting of organizational flags, and the presentation of floral wreaths. The Hawaii MOFW wreath occupied a prominent position, as shown on the cover of this edition of Commandery News.

Companions COL Ret. Chris Spear and LTC Straus Scantlin represented the Commandery at this well-attended event. Admiral Harris was the keynote speaker and Capt. John Woolston USN (Ret.), a survivor of the Indianapolis, led the Pledge of Allegiance. This year’s guest speaker was Vietnam Veteran Mary McEldowney. In his remarks, ADM Harris paid tribute to the “over 40 million Americans [who] have served in our nation’s armed forces… and one million have given their lives in its defense” (to see the full transcript, go to http://www.pacom.mil/Media/Speeches-Testimony/Article/1373415/ veterans-day-ceremony/) In attendance were Governor David Y. Ige, members of the consular and diplomatic corps to include Chief Minister Gunner from Australia; the Commanders of the U.S. Pacific Command Service Component Commands: GEN Robert Brown of U.S. Army Pacific, ADM Scott Swift of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Gen. Terrence O’Shaughnessy of U.S. Pacific Air Forces, and LtGen Berger of U.S. Marine Forces Pacific, as well as special guest Admiral Bertrand, Commander of French Forces in French Polynesia.

The official 2017 Veterans Day Poster from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

For events at the NMCP, organizational flags are posted before the ceremony begins, based on order of reporting. Companion Chris Spear was one of the first to arrive on a bus chartered by the Oahu Veterans Center. Our flag occupied a position of honor “on its own right” throughout the ceremony. The Joint Color Guard presented the colors (as captured in the image below) while JROTC Cadets from multiple units presented a massive U.S. flag across the steps leading up to Lady Columbia.

This was the first time that Companions Spear and Scantlin had conducted this ceremony, and both were mightily impressed with how much is packed into this single event every year, which is considered the premier annual Veterans Day commemoration event in Hawaii.

Photo: Joint Color Guard presenting the Colors. Photo source: Hawaii News Now.

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Photo: The MOFW flag prominently displayed—photo by Companion Scantlin

Commandery Supports Ceremonies at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Continued from p. 3) Mahalo to Companions Spear and Scantlin for representing our Order in such a professional manner!

To watch a video collage of the event, go to: http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/23933420/list

ADM Harris makes his remarks. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robin W. Peak)

Companions Chris Spear (in MOFW Veteran attire) and LTC Straus Scantlin (in uniform), stand behind the MOFW wreath during the presentation.

The Origins of Veterans’ Day in America Source: Department of Veterans Affairs.

In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, D.C., became the focal point of reverence for America’s veterans.

Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar Congressional action. If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was “the War to end all wars,” November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle.

Armistice Day Changed To Honor All Veterans The first celebration using the term Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947. Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized "National Veterans Day," which included a parade and other festivities, to honor all veterans. The event was held on November 11, then designated Armistice Day. Later, U.S. Representative Edward Rees of Kansas proposed a bill that would change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Reagan in November 1982. Weeks' local parade and ceremonies are now an annual event celebrated nationwide.

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Commandery Supports State Ceremony at the WWI Memorial The Hawaii Commandery Supported Veterans Day activities on 11 November at the Hawaii WWI Memorial in Waikiki. Companions Arthur Tulak and Manny Manchester represented both MOFW and the WWI Centennial Task Force. This was the first of two Veterans’ Day celebrations that will take place during the WWI Centennial Commemoration Period, which runs from April 2, 2017 to June 28, 2019, on the Centennial of the signing of the Peace Treaty in Versailles, which formally ended the War. VFW Post 8616 and American Legion Post 17 ran the event, with help from WWI Centennial Commemoration Partner organizations, to include: the Friends of the Natatorium, Hawaii Historic Arms Association, Military Order of Foreign Wars, Military Order of World Wars, 808 Clean-ups, and the Hawaii State Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam Color Guard Companion Tulak was the lead guest speaker and explained Hawaii’s two and a half-year World War One Centennial program before introducing BG Gillette, Deputy Director, J5 Strategic Policy and Plans, at HQs U.S. Pacific Command. Companion Tulak had invited BG Gillette to be the military speaker for this event. In his remarks, BG Gillette acknowledged the nearly 10,000 from the Territory of Hawaii who volunteered to serve, and asked those present to remember that “a stunning 25% of our age-eligible population volunteered for service in the Great War” and recounted how “in 1931, the American Legion John R. Rowe Post 17, named after the first soldier from Hawaii to die in WWI combat, initiated a drive for a memorial dedicated to those from Hawaii who served in the Great War.” He also reminded all present that it was “...99 years ago, on the 11th hour...of the 11th day...of the 11th month...the guns fell silent.” Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard took the lectern, and reminded all present of our duty to never forget the WWI generation, and discussed her recently proposed legislation to protect and restore WWI Memorials across the United States. As she explained “Honoring Veterans Day means never forgetting their service and sacrifices.”

(Continued on next page)

Companion Manny Manchester poses with members of WWI Commemorative Partner Organization, Hawaii Historic Arms. At far left is, Cyrus Chun, HHAA President, Jeff Wang is 3rd from right.

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Presentation of the colors. The official party starts with Chaplain (LT) Matthew Riley, (2nd from left), COL Ret. Tulak, Dr. Teena Browning (obscured), Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, BG and Mrs. Mark Gillette.

“More than four million brave men and women, including 10,000 soldiers from the territory of Hawai‘i, bravely served our country during World War I,” said Congresswoman Gabbard. “Nearly a century later, many of the memorials, like the WWI Waikiki Natatorium in Hawai‘i, are deteriorating, decaying, and crumbling due to decades of neglect, and many have been closed to the public for decades. The heroes of World War I fought bravely and sacrificed greatly for our country and deserve places of rest and reflection that honor their service. Passing the Honoring World War I Memorials Act of 2017 to restore our country’s World War I memorials would provide a small measure of our nation’s gratitude to those who served and sacrificed.”

See the video compilation here

From left to right: Companion Tulak briefly describes the Hawaii WWI Centennial Commemoration before introducing BG Mark Gillette. BG Gillette serves as the senior military speaker, and Congresswoman Gabbard as the guest speaker.

Upcoming World War One Centennial Events: 16 DEC 2017— Hawaii Fun Run fund-raiser for the HI WWI Centennial Commemoration. This event will raise funds to pay for Hawaii’s WWI Centennial Commemoration programs and events. The 5k is being held at the old Navy housing at Iroquois Point in the Kapilina Beach Homes neighborhood. Start time is 0700 hrs. To register go to https://www.myfunruns.com/events/santa-5k-fun-run-holiday-shopping-extravaganza-1 24 JAN 2018 — The Impact of WWI in the U.S. and Hawaii. An academic symposium sponsored by Chaminade University and the Hawaii Council for Humanities. The event begins at 1800 hrs at the Waiʻanae Public Library, 85-625 Farrington Hwy. For more information call 697-7868 01 FEB 2018 — Army Nurse Corps Tripler Army Medical Center. Details are still to be determined. Will mark the experiences of Army Nurses in WWI.

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Commandery Supports Ceremonies at the State Veterans Cemetery Kaneohe

By Companion COL Peter J. Hirai What a wet Veterans Day! The heavy rains and rivulets running down from the veterans memorial could not dampen the spirits of the hardy crowd who came to pay tribute to those who served their country.

Companion, Lt Col, USAF, Ret. Jim Burkholder braved the rain and proudly carried the brand new colors of the MOFW to be displayed proudly among its fellow Veterans organizational colors.

Jim was accompanied by two cadets from the Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge program. Together they marched in cadence when the MOFW was announced. They presented the lei on the memorial, posted the MOFW colors, saluted smartly, then took their positions.

The Joint Color Guard marched in the National and Service colors, band support was provided by the 111th Army Band of the Hawaii Army National Guard. The Hawaii Army National Guard’s Honor’s Detail provided the rifle salute followed by TAPS Director of the Office of Veterans’ Services Director, Col, USAF, RET. Ronald P. Han Jr., will serve as the master of ceremonies. Special guest of the ceremony was U.S. Army First Sergeant Domingo Los Banos, a WWII infantryman with the 1st Filipino Infantry Regiment who represented our WWII Filipino Veterans recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

Governor David Y. Ige and State Adjutant General, Major General Arthur J. Logan provided remarks and together presented the State wreath at the Memorial Plaza Monument. ADM Harry Harris, Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, and his senior commanders also presented a wreath.

It was a proud day to be a comrade of the Military Order of Foreign Wars!

Top: Joint Color Guard parades the colors.

Center: Royal Hawaiian Guard march past the MOFW Colors.

Bottom.MG Joe Logan provides his address.

Companion Jim Burkholder with Youth Challenge Academy Cadets Iuta and Cosmes march in the parade of flags in honor of all Veterans, past and present.

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50th Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program Hawaii MOFW Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program honors VFW Vietnam War Veterans The Hawaii Commandery's Vietnam Veteran Recognition Program includes honoring Vietnam Veterans who have made significant volunteer contributions to their community in Hawaii. The Commandery is presenting the 50th Vietnam War Commemorative Medal to Vietnam Veterans nominated by Veterans, Civic, and governmental organizations to recognize their post-military service Volunteer efforts that highlight the contributions that Vietnam War Veterans have made over the last 50 years to local communities.

On September 16, 2017, Companion Arthur Tulak presented the medal to CCMSgt Ret. Stan Fernandez, member of VFW Post 10276 at the Post’s monthly meeting at the Oahu Veterans Center.

Command CMSgt Ret. Fernandez served in the U.S. Air Force at Tan Son Nhut Republic of Vietnam. He served a second tour from Mar. 1967 to Jul. 1967 in Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, and a third tour from Aug. 1967 to Oct. 1967 at Korat RTAB, Thailand.

After retiring from Military Service in the Air Force, Command CMSgt Ret. Fernandez devoted himself to Community Service, supporting Veterans causes as Post and State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, in Hawaii, and a member of the National VFW Executive Board. He also served in the Civil Air Patrol, part of the Air Force Total Force, achieving the rank of Colonel and the position of Wing Commander, Hawaii Civil Air Patrol. He has most recently served as a member of the Hawaii 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Planning Committee and the Hawaii State World War One Centennial Task Force.

Congratulations to Stan for the award in recognition of a life dedicated to service to others!

Above, Companion Tulak pins the 50th Medal on CCMSgt Ret. Stan Fernandez, for his exemplary volunteer service to his community as a Vietnam Veteran.

Companion Tulak explains the 50th Medal Program to the leaders of VFW Post 10276.

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WWI Essay Contest Hawaii MOFW partners with other WWI Centennial Commemoration Partners to sponsor a WWI Essay Contest for JROTC Cadets.

The Hawaii Commandery is proud to partner with fellow Hawaii WWI Centennial Commemoration Partners, Hawaii Historic Arms Association, American Legion, Military Order of World Wars in launching the World War One Centennial Cadet Essay Contest. The purpose of the essays will be to help JROTC Cadets learn about Hawaii’s experiences in World War One, and how that conflict brought Hawaii closer to Statehood, as its citizens demonstrated unparalleled levels of patriotism and volunteer spirit.

This program will run over course of WWI Centennial Commemoration Period: 2017-2019. Cadets will write essays on the stories of service of Hawaii’s WWI Veterans, Civilian Volunteers, or their own WWI ancestors. Winning essays to be published on-line to encourage other students to learn more about Hawaii’s experiences in WWI. Each School or unit will select their top essay, and the essayist will receive a specially-struck HI WWI Centennial Commemoration Medal.

The Senior Instructor and Cadre of the JROTC unit will judge the essays to determine the winner. Winning essays will be published on the Hawaii World War One Centennial webpage and will become part of the official Government Printing Office report of the Centennial Commemoration. These essays will also be submitted to the American Legion magazine, and to the Hawaii Veteran magazine for consideration for publication. This program may be opened up to other Cadet programs, depending on interest.

Cadets may choose one of the following topics: 1) What are the lessons we can learn from the First World War about the roles and duties of the citizenry to its military in time of war? The focus of this essay topic is on the domestic civilian population during war, and its proper place and conduct vis-à-vis the military. The essay should address the sacrifices citizens had to make every day to support the War effort, and how they approached it with a can-do attitude.

2) Relate the story of service of a WWI Veteran (or civilian volunteer) who served in Hawaii during the War. What did this person do in the context of military service, or volunteer service in his/her community, to contribute to the national preparedness of the United States? Cadets with WWI Veteran ancestors are highly encouraged to write this essay on their WWI ancestor.

3) Research the story of Hawaii’s veterans who died in WWI, in the cause of the Allied Powers, whose names are inscribed on the Roll of Honor at the WWI Memorial in Waikiki. Document the Veteran’s experience, his contribution to the War, and the impact on his family and community. Essayists choosing this topic must answer the question “How does this Veteran’s record of service and sacrifice provide an example for today’s generation of young Americans to follow?”

Artist sketch of the WWI Centennial Medal to be produced by Symbol Arts

Essays will need to be submitted no later than March 1, 2018/2019 in order to be judged and ranked before the end of the academic year, which allows for judging to be completed before the end-of-year awards ceremonies to permit announcement of winners and presentation of the medal to winning cadets at those events.

Essays submitted must be an individual effort and fully endorsed by a JROTC Cadre, or a school teacher / administrator. The sponsoring organizations will make the medal presentations at the annual JROTC Awards Battery of 3d Bn Hawaii Regiment, NG Towed artillery pass in review Schofield Barracks NOV 1917 ceremonies.

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Welcome New Companions!

Hereditary Companion Lieutenant Colonel, USAR, Marshall Straus Scantlin Lieutenant Colonel Marshall Straus Scantlin was admitted into the Order on August 29, 2017.

LTC Scantlin has over 20 years of service as a commissioned officer, is a combat veteran of Iraq, and applied for hereditary membership under the qualifying World War II service of his grandfather Colonel (Retired) Robert William Jackson, whose story of service is on the following page.

LTC Straus Scantlin currently serves as the Targeting Branch Chief in the J35 Future Operations Division of the J3 Operations Directorate at HQs, U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) at Camp H.M. Smith. Prior to his arrival at USPACOM in June 2017, Companion Scantlin was a U.S. Army War College Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to his War College fellowship, Companion Scantlin commanded the 450th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) in active duty status from July 2015 to 2016 at Riverdale Park MD. Companion Scantlin began his Army career in 1997, with a direct commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve.

As a young officer, Straus served in the 807th Medical Brigade in Seagoville, Texas and the 431st Civil Affairs Battalion North Little Rock, from 1997-2003. From 21 Feb. 2003 to 22 Feb. 2004, Companion Scantlin deployed to Kuwait and Iraq, with Team 3, B Detachment, 431st Civil Affairs Battalion, where he Led a team of Civil Affairs soldiers conducting missions in support of the 3-502nd Infantry Regiment and 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) during the invasion. Following this tour, Companion Scantlin continued to serve with the 431st CA BN, until his assignment as Assistant S3, and later Operations Officer for the 411th CA BN in Danbury, Connecticut. In May 2008 he took command of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 657th Regional Support Group, Theater Support Group & 9th Mission Support Group at Fort Shafter.

Companion Scantlin has a proven record as a community volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, and has served since 2011 as a Tiger Den Leader, Cubmaster, and Bear and Webelos Den Leader.

Veteran Companion Captain, USAF, Larry M. Dicks.

Captain Larry Dicks was admitted into the Order on November 21, 2017, Capt. Dicks is assigned to USPACOM, where he is a Senior Watch Officer at the Joint Intelligence Operation Center at Camp Smith, HI. Captain Dicks enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve on October 11, 2000, serving as a field artilleryman in P Battery, 5th Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment. Concurrent with his reserve service, he attended the University of Idaho, graduating in 2006 with a B.A. in International Studies.

While still in college, he deployed to Iraq from 2004-2005, where he conducted security patrols near Al Asad Air Base. After college in June 2008, he reported the U.S. Air Force Basic Officer Training Course at Maxwell AFB, AL and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant on November 4, 2008. Companion Dicks was then assigned to Randolph AFB San Antonio, where he was assigned to the Intelligence Career Field.

After completing the Air Force Intelligence Officers Course at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo TX in 2010, he was assigned to Minot AFB, ND where he provided intelligence and targeting support to the 5th Bomber wing which flew the B-52 Stratofortress. During this assignment, Companion Dicks deployed to Afghanistan where he served in the Joint Document Exploitation Center (JDEC) as the Kandahar Detachment Chief and the Liaison to the Detention Facility in Parwan Province at Bagram AB, coordinating the collection and analysis of digital medial captured across the Afghan Theater.

Reassigned to Barksdale AFB, LA in December 2013, Companion Dicks served as Air Force Global Strike Command's lead intelligence inspector, and later Chief of ISR Policy, Plans and Exercises for the command. He deployed from this assignment in 2015 to Djibouti, Horn of Africa, and served as the Key Leader Engagements officer for the Intelligence Directorate, Combined Joint Task Force, Horn of Africa.

Companion Dicks' family history is rich with the record of military service of his ancestors who served on both sides of the War of Independence and the War Between the States.

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Story of Service: Colonel Robert William Jackson.

By Companion Straus Scantlin Colonel Jackson served as a Signal Officer during World War II. Robert W. Jackson entered into military service in 1928 as a reserve officer from the State of Texas. He was promoted to Captain in 1936.

Prior to his call to active duty, he worked as a geophysicist and worked in South America for about a year and Sumatra for three years.

On or about 5 September 1941, Captain Jackson was called to active duty from Texas to serve in the Philippine Islands. He received his identification card at Fort Santiago, Philippines on 25 November 1941, just 13 days before the Japanese attacked the Philippines. He served in General MacArthur’s staff immediately before and during the siege of Bataan and Corregidor until 9 April 1942. Captain Jackson was promoted to Major in Jan 1942 after the initiation of hostilities by Japan.

In the 1950s, Robert wrote a personal narrative of the surrender of Bataan. According to his narrative, on 24 December 1941 then-Captain Jackson moved all the portable communications equipment that could be transported to the port and Corregidor. Christmas day was spent establishing communications between Bataan and Topside. 1 January 1942 saw Robert move forward with General MacArthur’s advance echelon of staff as the staff Signal Officer. In January, Robert selected a new location for the command post at Kilometer 167. Kilometer 167 was the command post until the surrender of Bataan. All of the troops went on half rations in January and then to quarter rations in March. In April 1942, after General MacArthur left for Australia, the realization finally came that no help was available for relief. The Battling Bastards of Bataan were a “glorified delaying action” and a sacrifice. At midnight on 7 April 1942, Robert severed all communications with Corregidor at the same time all remaining artillery and aerial munitions were blown up.

Shoulder sleeve insignia of the Philippine Department

Robert was originally in a staff vehicle after the surrender but the driver crashed early in the movement. Robert completed the 60-mile Death March from Kilometer 167 to San Fernando in five days.

He was originally reported missing but survived the Bataan Death March and became a Prisoner of War in Military Prison Camp of the Philippine Islands #3. He was one of 32 officers in the camp.

Communications from then-Major Jackson were limited to a single letter written after the fall of Manila, he lost all of his possessions, and a single shortwave radio broadcast received by Hensley Field through the Hawaiian Islands immediately before Corregidor fell. He was eventually transferred to Osaka Main Camp Chikko Osaka 34-135, Japan.

Robert made a Christmas radio recording that was heard by RM3/C Buford E. Robinson while aboard the merchant marine vessel S.S. James H. Kimball in the South Pacific. The Japanese Imperial Army broadcast the recording as propa- Circled in red, Major Robert Jackson in POW Camp #3 with fellow officer POWs. ganda.

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(Story of Service: Colonel Robert William Jackson, continued)

On 11 September 1945, four years and six days after his call to active duty, Robert was returned to military control. During his internment, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Robert was finally transported back to the United States on the U.S.S Admiral Hughes. He returned to Japan to serve as the Chief of Signal Supply for General MacArthur’s headquarters.

Colonel Jackson retired in Dallas, Texas and raised his daughter, Marye Jane, while pursuing his hobbies of shortwave radios and electronics.

“A warm cottage room, a flickering open fire, a hot dough cake and other simple delicacies eaten in the company of real people, people who were living a normal family life, not a crowd of men who had been forced to live together by war; to a soldier who loved his own home, this was true happiness.” (Robert W. Jackson, from a notebook kept while a POW)

Major R.W. Jackson, circa October 1945

Circled in red, Major Robert Jackson returns to the U.S. aboard the troop ship U.S.S. Admiral C. F. HugHes

Companion News!

Congratulations to Companion John J. Gobrick, Chief of Mobilization Division United States Army Reserve Command, who was Selected for promotion and approved by the 115th Congress (2017-2018).

John, his wife Dawn and sons had his promotion ceremony on Friday, the thirteenth of October, 2017 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

John currently serves as Chief of Mobilization Division, at HQs, United States Army Reserve Command.

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Companion News!

(Continued)

Companion, COL, Peter J. Hirai, a Civil Affairs Officer and Veteran of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (deployed June 2005 to May 2006), will retire after 33 honorable years of service in the Hawaii Army National Guard, and United States Army Reserve. The ceremony will take place aboard the USS Missouri on 29 December 2017. MOFW Companions are asked to show their support and attend in MOFW attire, or service uniform. If you have not yet RSVP’d, contact Commander Tulak via e-mail.

Share your story—send a note to the Secretary or Commander for the next issue’s Companion News !!

Commandery Operations This section provides highlights of recent and upcoming Commandery operations and activities.

Commandery Meeting. The Commandery will hold its next meeting at 1700 hrs, on January 19, 2018, at the Sunset Lanai, on Camp H.M. Smith, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.

Commandery Elections. Officers of the Commandery serve a two year term. Our last election was January 2015. All positions are confirmed by a Commandery-wide vote in the biennial election process, with vacancies filled by appointments by the Commander, if they are not filled in the election process. Please contact Secretary Manchester if you are willing to serve in a leadership position to discuss what role you can perform in running our Commandery. Current vacant positions include the Senior Vice Commander and Treasurer. In addition to these positions , we need Committee Chairmen for Recruiting, Fundraising, Essay Contests, and Awards. None of these positions are filled with an appointed Chair and are currently additional duties for serving officers.

50th Vietnam War Commemoration Medal Presentations. The Commandery still has many more presentations to do in support of other organizations who have submitted nominations. Over the next four months, we need to conduct presentations to the Hawaii Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars, American Legion, Reserve Officers Association, Fleet Reserve Association, et. al. We need volunteers to be ready and willing perform this important mission according to the dates and times selected by the organizations, whose members we are acknowledging.

Volunteers for Memorial Day. Plan ahead and mark your calendars. We need volunteers to present a floral wreath at the Mayor’s Memorial Day ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at 0900, to present a lei at the WWI Memorial Natatorium at 1100 hrs, and to march with the MOFW flag and present a lei at the Governor’s Memorial Day Ceremony at the State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe at 1300.

MOFW Awards. The Commandery’s Awards program is growing, and needs a Chairman. Annually, the Commandery presents 74 Cadet Medals and a variable number of 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Medals. The schedule of volunteers for the year is developed in February, after the Hawaii Multiple Schools Unit publishes the ceremony schedule.

The Commandery may also recognize Companions of the Order, and non-companions alike for acts of service or accomplishment with the Meritorious Service Medal.

Poppy Appeal Fundraisers. In 2017, we conducted only one of three planned poppy drives. This is our most effective fund-raising method, and covers much of our Operations. The new Fundraising Committee Chair will need your help to plan/execute these on or about 18 & 25 May, and 2 & 9 November.

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Upcoming events: • • •

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9 December— 10th Annual Ewa Battlefield Commemoration, Roosevelt Ave and Corregidor Rd, Kapolei, 96707 —Commandery lei presentation 0930-1100 14 December — Hawaii National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy Graduation and awards presentation at the Pearl City Cultural Center, 2100 Hookiekie St. Pearl City. Uniform for presenters is Class A - 1800 hrs.

15 December — Presentation of Honorary Companion Honors to MG Arthur J. Logan at the 381st Birthday of the National Guard at the Hawai'i Convention Center’s Kalakaua Ballroom (Level 4), 1801 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii. The Social begins at 1700, followed by Dinner at 1815hrs.

29 December, COL Peter Hirai Retirement ceremony, 1300 hrs aboard the USS Missouri, Ford Island.

19 January —MOFW Commandery Meeting at Sunset Lanai, 1700 hrs.

March — Judging of Cadet 50th Vietnam War Essay contest entries. MOFW Companions will judge the essays submitted by JROTC Cadets to determine the top three essays, and runners-up that achieve “best of category” essays not selected for the cash prizes for 1st through 3rd place.

29 March—Vietnam War Veterans Day. On 28 March 2017, President Donald J. Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act of 2017. This act officially established this holiday. This is a great occasion for the Commandery to plan an event, or partner with other organizations.

25 April—ANZAC Day Memorial Service at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, hosted by the Consulates of Australia and New Zealand, 1000 hrs. Uniform is Class B/Summer White/Blue Dress Delta/Blues.

26 April (Tentative) — JROTC Governor’s Parade, Fort Shafter. MOFW Companions show their support for the Cadets who conduct a Pass-in-Review for the Governor and the presiding General Officer. The ceremony also recognizes organizations, such as ours, who have provided support to the Cadets over the academic year.

Mid April to early May— JROTC Cadet Awards Ceremonies. Companions are asked to volunteer to present MOFW medals and Prizes for the WWI and 50th Vietnam War Essay contests, as commemoration partners.

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 2017 Sponsors:

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