HI MOFW Commandery news March 2017

Hawaii Commandery THE Military Order of Foreign Wars

March 1, 2017

Vol. VI, Issue 1, March 1, 2017

Table of Contents: Commander’s Comments…………………………………………….. p. 1 Chaplain’s Corner…………………………………………………………. p. 1 CALL TO CONVENTION!...............…………………………………. p. 3 Hawaii 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War.….….. p. 5 Commandery Recognizes U.S. Army Element PACOM …. p. 7 History of Our Order …………...……………………………...……… p. 8 Welcome New Companions ……………………………………….…p. 9 Mahalo to HOSC ……………………………………………………….....p. 10 Hawaii World War One Centennial ……………………………… p. 10 NAUS Hawaii Chapter 1 Report.. ……………………………….… p. 10 Upcoming events ……………………...………………………………… p. 11 Cover Photo: Lady Columbia at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Photo by Companion Tulak. If you are an amateur photographer, submit your photo for our next cover!

with other organizations who will nominate the candidates for recognition with the 50th Vietnam War Commemorative Medal.

Memorial Day activities include the Mayor’s Ceremony at the National Cemetery of the Pacific, the Governor’s Ceremony at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery, and observances at the Natatorium World War One Memorial. We need volunteers to represent our Order at these important events.

Our next Commandery meeting is Saturday, 18 March 2017, as listed in the upcoming events section on the last page.

“Deus et Libertas” COL, Ret. Arthur N. Tulak

Commander’s Comments.

Chaplains Corner

By Chaplain, LTC, Ret. John Molina

Aloha!

Midas touch moments The idea of the Midas touch originates in Greek mythology where the most famous King Midas has the ability to turn all he touches into gold. I felt flattered one time by a chaplain friend, while serving in Korea from 2003 to 2004, when he said to me that my ministry work among the troops had a Midas touch quality to it. It seemed to him that I had a way of turning an average opportunity, a conflict, or even a bad situation into something better. I have not forgotten his words, and over the years since, his compliment has served me as a reminder and a motivator to draw and renew my strength from my Christian faith and heritage. The words of Saint Paul to the believers living in Philippi, Greece, back in the early years of the Christian church continue to inspire me: "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.

Loyal Companions and Commandery Supporters, we are about to start our busiest time of the year.

In March, we have our 50th Vietnam War Commemoration JROTC and Civil Air Patrol Cadet Essay Contest. We will need judges to select our winning essay, that will be featured in the June issue of the Commandery News. Cash prizes will go to the top three essayists.

In April, we’ll support the Hawaii WWI Centennial Commemoration kick-off as a Commemoration Partner. We’ll also start our Cadet Awards Ceremonies, which run through June here in Hawaii, culminating with the Hawaii Youth Challenge Academy graduation and awards ceremony. Volunteers are needed to support these events and to present the MOFW Leadership and Academic medals to the distinguished cadets from each unit, as selected by the Instructors. Please volunteer to cover a unit event!

On the first day of March this year, most of Christendom enters into what is known as the season of Lent. Ash Wednesday ushers in the 40 day Lent observance where many gather in churches

Our 50th Vietnam War Commemoration program to honor Vietnam Veterans for their service to community continues, and we need volunteers present the 50th Commemoration Medals in partnership

(continued on p. 3)

1

Chaplain’s Corner, continued from page 1:

throughout the world to receive ashes on their foreheads as a a humble reminder that we are dust, and to dust we all return. A common prayer is, "Make us know the shortness of our life that we may gain wisdom of heart." Psalms 90.

I like to think of Ash Wednesday and Lent as a new beginning for mankind; a Midas touch moment where we are personally and collectively challenged to turn things around for the better. Pope Francis calls believers this year to ask the Lord: "Make our hearts like yours. In this way we will receive a heart that is firm and merciful, attentive and generous...a heart that is not closed, indifferent, or prey to the globalization of indifference."

Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela is a clinical psychologist who served on the Human Rights Violations Committee of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He wrote the book A Human Being Died That Night: A South African story of Forgiveness as a result of what he learned in the prison interviews with Eugene de Kock who was the commanding officer of the then state-sanctioned apartheid death squads. Kock was the master mind behind the kidnappings, torturing, and murdering of an unknown number of anti-apartheid activists. Kock was convicted in 1996 for his crimes against humanity. Gobodo-Madikizela findings reveal numerous "Midas touch" moments in the aftermath of such inhumane an extreme circumstances and it also affirms Pope Francis statement that the heart does not have to fall prey to the globalization of indifference."

Commenting on Gobodo-Madikizela's book, John Cameron, editor in chief of the Magnificat says the book "offers a striking perspective on forgiveness--one I had never considered. If nothing else, the season of Lent is the time to make our own those words Christ speaks from the cross: Father, forgive them." Cameron points out the astonishing question the book attempts to answer is "What enables some victims to forgive heinous crimes?" Perhaps, Gobodo-Madikizela explains it best in the following words: "The psychological compulsion that makes us identify with and want to rescue others in severe difficulty, and the desire to be re -humanized by someone who had denied our humanity are such powerful emotional dynamics that they can drive many victims to forgive and to enter in a constructive encounter with the offender...Forgiveness does not overlook the deed: it rises above it. 'This is what it means to be human,' it says. 'I cannot and will not return the evil you inflicted on me.' And that is the victim's triumph."

Healing for an individual or a nation, as in South Africa, follows the path of forgiveness and forgiveness must always begin with each individual person.

Forgiving an enemy is never easy. Yet, the reminder that just as nothing stops God in forgiving us, we too can find deep empathy and the supernatural strength to make the best out of the worst situations and experiences. I close with the words Sister Faustina wrote on her diary some time ago.

"Today the Lord said to me, My daughter, My pleasure and delight, nothing will stop Me from granting you graces. Your misery does not hinder My mercy. My daughter, write that the greater the misery of a soul, the greater its right to My mercy; [urge] all souls to trust in the unfathomable abyss of My mercy, because I want to save them all. On the cross, the fountain of My mercy was opened wide by the lance for all souls — no one have I excluded! (Diary, 1182) Prayer response: Thank you dear God for showing us a way out and for the strength to let nothing stop us from turning ashes to gold!

2

Call to Convention!!

by Companion Arthur Tulak

The Order will host its 53rd Biennial Convention June 15-17 in Crystal City Virginia.

This event brings together all the Commanderies for camaraderie, as well as to attend to the affairs of the Order that can only be addressed in Convention. The This is a wonderful opportunity learn from other Commanderies, and to celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of our Order as a National body. Along with the social activities, the Convention allows us to review and update the Strategic Plan, and chart the course of the Order for the next two years.

To get an idea of what to expect, you can read some articles on recent past Conventions— which are at the embedded hyperlinks on this page.

Looking back over the last few conventions, they all have in common solid planning by the Host Commandery. For the 49th Biennial Convention of the Order, the Pennsylvania Commandery was the host in historic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania From may 7 to may 10 2009.

The Convention is returning to the site of the 50th Biennial Convention, held 5-7 May in 2011, hosted by the DC Commandery. Thie 50th Convention was a significant event, celebrating 117 years of service of the Order to the Nation. The guest speaker - the former Secretary of State (62nd), the Honorable Lawrence Eagleburger, who prophetically spoke on the competition the US faced with Communist China.

The 51st Biennial Convention of the Order was hosted by the Rhode Island Commandery at the prestigious Biltmore Hotel in Providence, RI on 4-7 May 2013.

The 52nd Biennial Convention of the Order was hosted by the Texas Commandery in Galveston Texas, which was attended

by Hawaii Companions COL Arthur Tulak and Col Dave Terrinoni. This was covered in the June 2015 Hawaii Commandery News.

Our delegates for 2017 will be Col. Dave Terrinoni and LTC Daphany Prewitt. I encourage other Companions to join them for this historic event!!

3

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.

4

Hawaii State 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War—Invitation

Across the nation, Americans, in response to the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act empowered by the Secretary of Defense, are uniting to thank and honor our Vietnam Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Join us in Honolulu, Hawaii, May 23-29, 2017 for the official Welcome Home event commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. This historic event, encompassing Memorial Day Weekend, encourages all Vietnam and Vietnam Era Veterans from all 50 states, US territories, and allied nations to participate.

With the endorsement of Hawaii Governor David Ige, a leadership committee was assembled with members representing military, government, veterans and community leaders. Vietnam Veteran Col. Gene Castagnetti, USMC (Ret) was elected chairman. A week of events that will recognize the service, valor, and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and their families has been planned. Memorable occasions that show a sensitivity and appreciation for the solemnity of war and the losses suffered by many, will meet these congressionallymandated objectives:  To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing or killed in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.  To highlight the service of the Armed Forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces.  To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.  To highlight the advances in technology, science and medicine related to military research conducted during the Vietnam War.  To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies and families of the United States during the Vietnam War.

The planned commemoration will honor and recognize American service men and women and our allies who, together, served and fought to protect the great cause of liberty and freedom.

5

Tuesday, May 23, 2017 Welcome Reception Location TBD 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm arrival and event check in 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Reception including adult beverages and light snacks/refreshments 7:00 pm Welcome and remarks from one of the Vietnam War 50 Years sponsors 7:15 pm Keynote speaker to Welcome Home all Vietnam Veterans 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm Breakout rooms for members to get reacquainted (VFW, DAV, Am Legion etc.)

Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Hawaii Night/Tastes of Hawaii Location in Waikiki TBD 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Hawaii Night Vietnam Veterans and their guests will have an opportunity to sample ethnic and cultural foods in booths. Local entertainers will be invited to provide the entertainment and music for all to enjoy. Governor of Hawaii will be invited to offer a Welcome Home message and the Mayor of Honolulu to present a symbolic Key to the City to the Veterans Special Guest speaker remarks

Thursday, May 25, 2017 POW/MIA/MOH Dinner Friday, May 26, 2017 Concert Location in Waikiki TBD 5:30 pm to 6:30 Catered Dinner provided for Vietnam Vets and their guests.

7:00 pm Concert and show Pacific Aviation Museum 5:30 pm Dinner provided for Vietnam Vets. This event is in honor of all POW/MIA, GoldStar Families, and Medal of Honor recipients. The evening will include dinner, speakers, and entertainment

Saturday, May 27, 2017 Vietnam 50 Years Memorial Parade Fort DeRussy / Kalakaua Avenue / Kapiolani Park 4:30 pm Gather at Fort DeRussy Park for the opening ceremony 5:00 pm Opening ceremony featuring guest speakers, the Marine Forces Pacific Band, along with marching bands and other parade entries from the mainland 6:00 pm Parade steps off on Kalakaua Avenue, and continues to Kapiolani Park

7:30 pm Parade concludes with a catered picnic for Veterans, their guests and the parade bands at the end of the parade route

Monday, May 29, 2017 Memorial Service National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific 10:00 am Memorial Service begins. This service is dedicated to the living, the deceased, and Missing in Action of the Vietnam /South East Asia War. Distinguished keynote speakers will be invited to attend. Missing Man Fly over followed by the 21 gun memorial salute, full military honors!

6

Commandery

Recognizes US Army Element PACOM. On January 8, 2017, the Hawaii Commandery recognized the U.S. Army Element of U.S. Pacific Command for For its outstanding service to Hawaii’s JROTC Cadets by its successful Army Combat Uniform Collection Drive for the Cadets of the Waianae High School JROTC “Seariders” Battalion conducted 14 August to 1 September 2016. The efforts of the USAE PACOM netted over 300 uniform items, and a total of 82

USAE Commander, LTC Joshua Lyons, accepts the certificate.

uniforms for the Cadets to wear for the Waianae Adventure Challenge (WAC), JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC), Advanced Leadership Training Course (ALTC), and similar programs at the school/ unit levelCourse (ALTC), and similar programs at the school/unit level.

This year’s ACU Collection Drive set a new standard of excellence as a result of the dedication and volunteer spirit of the U.S. Army Element PACOM. US Army Element Commander, LTC Joshua Lyons accepted the certificate on behalf of his officers and soldiers who supported the ACU collection drive. A special thanks goes to MSG Wayne Embrey, USAE PACOM Senior Enlisted Advisor, for organizing the effort.

The Commandery will conduct another ACU drive in 2017 according to the needs of the units, so be prepared to volunteer to pick-up an deliver donations.

Thank you card from the Cadets of the Sea Rider Cadet Battalion 7

History of Our Order: Companion William R. Shafter

by Companion Arthur Tulak In the grand foyer of Richardson Hall ,the Headquarters of U.S. Army Pacific at Fort Shafter, you will find an exhibit on the Medal of Honor recipients from the Army’s many campaigns. The Fort’s namesake, Major General William Rufus Shafter, is a Medal of Honor recipient, and a distinguished Companion of the Order.

Veteran Companion Shafter began his military career by enlisting in the Union army and was commissioned as a lieutenant in the 7th Michigan. He served in the battles of Battle of Ball's Bluff, the Peninsula Campaign, Battle of Fair Oaks, Battle of Thompson's Station, and the Battle of Nashville. It was in the Battle of Fair Oaks, Shafter was in command of the pioneers, and while wounded, he refused to leave his command.

For his actions, Companion Shafter was awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor (citation below). Promoted to Colonel was given command of the 17th U.S. Colored Infantry. At the conclusion of the War Between the States in 1865, Companion Shafter was a brevet Brigadier General of volunteers.

In 1867, William Shafter reentered the military, securing a post as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Regular Army, eventually serving with the 24th U.S. Infantry on the frontier. In 1879, Shafter was once again promoted to full Colonel, and placed in command of the 1st U.S. Infantry, which he commanded until his promotion in 1897, once again to Brigadier General, and given command of The Department of California.

With the outbreak of the Spanish American War, Shafter was appointed a Major General of volunteers and assigned to Command the Fifth Corps, composed of 17,000 officers and men. Companion Shafter deployed with the Corps to Cuba as the senior land force commander. V Corps landed ashore between 22 and 25 June, without opposition. Upon landing, MG Shafter employed his divisions to reconnoiter the advance to Santiago. A week later, on 1 July, the historic battles of El Caney and San Juan Hill ended in victory for U.S. forces, opening up the approaches to Santiago itself. MG Shafter’s plan was to surround Santiago and then demand surrender.

After a campaign of 25 days, on July 17, MG Shafter accepted the surrender of the Spanish General José Toral y Velázquez (Acting Commander of the Spanish IV Corps), of 12,000 of his troops in surrendered his remaining men at Santiago de Cuba, the 12,000 men at Guantánamo, and six other small Spanish Army garrisons throughout Cuba.

Shafter returned to command the Department of California. There he oversaw the supplying of the expedition to the Philippines. While still on active duty in command of the Department of California, Companion Shafter stood up the California Commandery of the MOFW on October 21, 1896, as its first Commander.

Medal of Honor Citation: “Lt. Shafter was engaged in bridge construction and not being needed there returned with his men to engage the enemy participating in a charge across an open field that resulted in casualties to 18 of the 22 men. At the close of the battle his horse was shot from under him and he was severely flesh wounded. He remained on the field that day and stayed to fight the next day only by concealing his wounds. In order not to be sent home with the wounded he kept his wounds concealed for another 3 days until other wounded had left the area .”

The citation in the 1910 Register of the Military Order of Foreign Wars of the United States, National Commandery. The no. 358 was his insignia number.

8

Welcome New Companions!

Veteran Companion LTC Ret, John L. Cole . was admitted into the Order on February 14, 2017. Companion Cole’s qualifying service included tours in Operations JOINT FORGE, IRAQI FREEDOM, and ENDURING FREEDOM.

Companion Cole served a total of 34 years of military service. His military career began on October 28, 1980, and his first assignment with the 146th TAW Security Police Flight, California Air National Guard. Companion Cole received his Officer commission as a Field Artillery officer on August 29, 1989, and was assigned to the Fires Support Team, 3/144th Field Artillery Battalion where he served as the Battalion S2. From February to August 2000, he served as the Assistant S5 in the 1st Peacekeeping Russian Separate Airborne Brigade, 49th Armored Division in Operation JOINT FORGE in Uglivik Republika Serbska (Bosnia), earning the NATO and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals. Companion Cole deployed again with the 1st Cavalry Division in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in Baghdad from February 2004 to April 2005. He deployed once again in March 2009 to Afghanistan for a one year tour, where he served with TF Lafayette in the Panjshir Provisional Reconstruction Team (PRT) and the Kapisa PRT in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. He deployed to OEF once again in November 2011—November 2012, serving with the Kunar PRT. Companion Cole served in Hawaii with US Pacific Command, from May 2013 – October 2013 (6 months) Center for Excellence HADR, Ford Island, HI. Companion Cole retired from the Army in March 2015 and lives in California.

Veteran Companion Colonel, Ret. John “Chris” Spear was admitted into the Order on February 19, 2017. Spear’s 30 years of service include multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and command at the company, battalion, & brigade-levels.

COL Spear was commissioned via the ROTC program into the Army Reserve on 5 June 1986 upon graduation from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. During the first 20 years of his career he served as a Signal Officer in battalion and brigade level Signal, Field Artillery, and Infantry units in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve. From 2004 to 2012 he served on active duty at various major commands, including U.S Joint Forces Command Standing Joint Headquarters (Core Element), the Joint Staff (J5), Army Strategic ComCompanion Chris Spear, left, takes mand, Joint Functional Component Command – Network Warfare, Internationthe BN Colors of the 301st IO BN. al Security Assistance Force (NATO), and U. S. Cyber Command.

Companion Spear’s qualifying MOFW service includes tours in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2005, 2008-2009, and in Iraqi Freedom in 2010. In 2012 he transferred back to the Army Reserve to take command of the 301st Information Operations Battalion. In 2013 he was promoted to Colonel and took command of the 152d Theater Information Operations Group. In 2016 he joined the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command. He retired 1 July 2016. Companion Spear now works as a Dept of the Army Civilian on Oahu.

9

Mahalo to Hickam Officers’ Spouses’ Club The Hickam Officers’ Spouses’ Club provided a generous donation to fund the Commandery’s Vietnam Veteran Recognition program in 2017. The donation will pay for medals and certificates to honor Vietnam Veterans, as they are nominated by partner organizations for recognition of both their service in War as active-duty Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, and as Veterans serving their local community here in Hawaii.

Hawaii Commences its World War One Centennial.

Companions Tulak and Manchester represent the Commandery on the Hawaii World War One Centennial Task Force that is planning the State’s centennial commemoration of WWI. The kick-off event will be on 2 April, 2017, at the Aloha Tower, at 0840 hours. The Commandery will be recognized as a HI WWI Commemoration Partner. All Commandery Companions and Supporters are invited to attend. Please inform the Commander if you will attend. Speakers include the State Adjutant General, the Honolulu Mayor, and Representative Ito. Following remarks, a flotilla of yachts will sail out to F Bouy to remember the five Merchant Mariners from Hawaii who died on the sinking of the SS Aztec, armed merchant ship, off the coast of France, on April 1, 1917. Visit WorldWar1Centennial.org/HI

Our local Affiliate Organization : Hawaii Chapter 1, National Association of the Uniformed Services.

By Denis Egge After 48 years of operation, the National Association of the Uniformed Services, NAUS, has officially ceased operations, and a new organization is rising to take its place, the Uniformed Services Association (USA). The NAUS Hawaii Chapter will be folded into this new organization, which is led at the National level by Col Albert G. Stewart, USAF (RET), former NAUS Regional Vice President for Region 2 WEST. NAUS members who were in the officer category had their memberships transferred to the Military Officers Association of America and those in the enlisted category had their memberships transferred to The Retired Enlisted Association.

Upon inactivation, the majority of the former NAUS Regional Vice Presidents, set about to establish, out the ashes of NAUS, a new, more efficient, organization with the objective of fulfilling essentially the same mission purposes. The new USA organization has affiliated with the American Retirees Association (ARA) for the remainder of this calendar year and to enjoy the benefits of free membership in that organization for that period. Our local NAUS Chapter President, Dennis Egge, is also the national president of the ARA. During this time of transition, USA will not collect any dues, as the focus of effort is on re-organization. If you had not previously taken advantage of the reduced rate of membership in NAUS offered to MOFW, you can now become a member of the successor organization at no cost. Visit the USA website and use the “Contact Us” feature to request free membership.

http://uniformedservicesassociation.org/

At your service, Dennis Egge; NAUS Hawaii Chapter President 10

Upcoming events:  

            

March — Judging of Cadet Vietnam War Essay contest entries 1 March— Asiatic Fleet Memorial Day The United States Navy's presence in the Far East dates to 1822. The Asiatic Fleet was formed in 1902, reestablished in 1910, and continued to serve into 1942. The Congress, by Public Law 105-261, on October 17, 1998, has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in commemoration of the United States Navy Asiatic Fleet.

3 March —”Star Spangled Banner” is officially the National Anthem in 1931 17 March—Kauai Women's Vets Workshop 0800-1600 Kauai Veterans Center 19 March — 13th Anniversary of the start of the Iraq War (2003) 24 March — 17th Anniversary of the start of the Kosovo War (1999) 2 April—Kick-off for the Hawaii World War One Centennial Commemoration—Aloha Tower 0840—1200 hrs 6 April—Centennial of the Declaration of War on the Empire of Germany 22 April— Oahu Veterans Council Meeting hosts PACOM Senior Leadership, 0900 Oahu Veterans Center 27 April — JROTC Governor’s Parade, Fort Shafter. 1000 hrs.

22 May—National Maritime Day events (under auspices of the US Department of Transportation). Tribute to Merchant Marine—the “forgotten service” Aloha Tower.

23—29 May—50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War events (see page XXX) 23 –25 May —Association of the United States Army Land Power in the Pacific Symposium — click to register to visit to the display exhibition hall is no-cost. Active-duty military may attend the full symposium at no cost.

29 May—Combined State & City Memorial Day Ceremony — National Military Cemetery of the Pacific 1000 29 May—Memorial Day Ceremony at the Hawaii World War One Memorial Natatorium

Military Order of Foreign Wars Hawaii Commandery Oahu Veterans Center 1298 Kukila Street Honolulu, HI 96818

Mahalo to our 2017 Sponsors:

11