HI MOFW Commandery News march 2016

Hawaii Commandery THE Military Order of Foreign Wars

March 1, 2016

Table of Contents:

Vol. V, Issue 1, March 1, 2016

Chaplains Corner

Commander’s Comments…………………………………………….. p. 1 Chaplain’s Corner…………………………………………………………. p. 1 New Commandery Officer Slate installed ……………………. p. 2 Commandery in Action: CAP Awards……...…………….….…..p. 3 Youth ChalleNGe Academy Class 15-2 MOFW Awards…. p. 4 Oahu Veterans Center News……………….…….…...…………….p. 5 Hawaii State WWI Centennial Task Force….…...…………….p. 5 Australian WW1 and Vietnam War Commemorations p. 6 Companion News………………………………………………………... p. 7 History of Our Order ………………………………………………......p. 8 New Companion Welcome………….………………………………. p. 9 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War…………………. p. 10 Cadet Essay Contest………..………….………………………………. p. 10 Commandery Operations .………….………………………………. p. 11 NAUS Hawaii Chapter 1 Report.. ………………………………….p. 12 The Registry of the American Soldier ………………..……….. P. 12 Upcoming events ……………………………………………………… p. 13

Like “a brand plucked from the fire.” Zechariah 3:2

By Chaplain, LTC, Ret. John Molina

Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning is one of my favorite books. For one, it is a book about survival. Frankl thought himself secure in the 1930s as did many of his fellow Eastern European Jewish counterparts when to his horror, he and millions were cast into the Nazi network of extermination. He miraculously survived and in the process observed that those who died first in the concentration camps died primarily for having lost all hope for a future and for lacking something important for which to live. However, Frankl’s concern is less with the question of why most died in the camps than it is with the question of why anyone at all survived.

Cover Photo: courtesy of Melody Bentz, Ewa Beach, Hawaii, Copyrighted 2016. Submarine entering Pearl Harbor.

Commander’s Comments.

Aloha!

Our Commandery got a great start into the New Year with our breakfast meeting on 9 January and the election of our 2016-2018 Officer Slate. I am grateful to those who volunteer to serve in leadership positions. I am honored to continue to serve as the Commander as together we continue our mission of service to the Active, Reserve, Retired, Veteran, and Cadet Military Communities.

“Deus et Libertas”

True survival stories are inspiring as is the impact of hope in one’s life and having something or someone important for whom to go on living. Without firm foundations, all of us are vulnerable and can become as susceptible as a frog in a kettle of slow heating water. I like to propose the possible significance and meaning behind our observance of “President's Day” (February 15th) and other important holidays. This federal holiday is actually called “Washington’s Birthday”. was more than celebrating his birth, it was celebrating what we liked about Washington: He walked away from power, a very poignant lesson for people.”

COL, Ret. Arthur N. Tulak

(continued on p. 2)

I encourage all Companions and Supporters to volunteer to be Cadet medal presenters and Cadet Essay Judges. Mahalo to Veterans United and their continued support to our Cadet Awards Program for 2016.

Memorial Day will be here soon, and Volunteers are needed to support the Poppy Appeal, and to honor and remember all Veterans at ceremonies at the National Cemetery of the Pacific and the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe.

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Commandery Officer Slate for 2016-2018 At the 09 January Commandery Meeting, the final vote was tallied from e-mail responses and those voting in person. Your officers for the 2016-2018 period have been installed:

Commander: COL, USA Ret. Arthur N. Tulak, 3d Term Senior Vice Commander: VACANT Junior Vice Commander: LT, USN Ret. Cornelius Brown, 2d Term Chaplain: LTC, USA Ret. Chaplain, John C. Molina, 2d Term

HI Commandery National Delegate: Col, USAF David M. Terrinoni Secretary: LTC, USAR Ret. Curtis A. “Manny” Manchester Treasurer: LTC, USA Ret. Wayne Swan, 3d Term Genealogist: Comp. Adam Gaines Chaplain’s Corner, (continued from p. 1)

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Wead affirms that there was a lot of respect for Washington because his behavior was unheard of then. We could also easily conclude that the love affair with power, position and prestige is as alive today as it was in Washington’s day. “Presidential nostalgia has been replaced by criticism and controversy,” Wead asserts.

The shift in attitude is often sparked when “public servants” come under scrutiny and the concept of “public service” appears to be more focused on self service than on serving others.

When a nation or individuals cease to look for meaning and significance to their existence and purpose for living; when erosion destroys foundational pillars in a society; life can easily deteriorate into a blur of activity with little or no substance to it. For many, “Presidents Day” has become little more than a day when retailers open their doors on a Monday and roll out big sales to entice customers.

Government employees and school children have the day off without thinking much as the why we are celebrating it?

The numerous tributes over the years which have continued to reaffirm George Washington's place as an original American Icon say much about the man and why it is that we celebrate his life and contributions.

As an aside, I met Doug Wead, who became special assistant to President George H.W. Bush while I was attending seminary back in the early 1980s. I painted Doug’s Wead’s house in preparation to a visit from then Vice President George H. W. Bush. I was needing some extra money to pay my bills and Doug Wead paid them. A small world!

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Hawaii Commandery honors Civil Air Patrol Cadets On 12 December, the Commandery honored the top cadets of the 8 squadrons of the Hawaii Wing of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) at Maryknoll High School in Honolulu. Companion Arthur Tulak, and 1LT Angela Smith presented the medals to Cadets and Cadre.

From left to right: 1LT Angela Smith, Cadet Bean, Cadet Gomes, Cadet Leslie, and Cadet Myrick 1LT Angela Smith, a Sapper-qualified U.S. Army Engineer Officer, and former CAP Cadet, was the presenter on behalf of the HI MOFW and delivered the remarks of congratulation. 1LT Smith was a member of BroomeTioga Composite CAP Squadron NY-292 from 2006 to 2008 where she served as the Cadet Squadron Commander. 1LT Smith is currently serving as a Public Affairs Officer in the 130th Engineer Brigade.

The awarded cadets were: • St Louis Squadron - C/SMSgt David Yanagawa • WOCS - C/CMSgt Bryson Silver • Wheeler Squadron- C/CMSgt Skylar Robinson • Maryknoll Squadron- C/MSgt Janine Hilario • 66th Squadron - C/SMSgt Ryan Castillo • Lyman Squadron - C/CMSgt Kamren Flores • Kauai Squadron - C/CMSgt Hannah Whelan • CDT Redriquez-Chang

1LT Smith gave the history of the Order to the Cadets and Adult Cadre, and explained the character of leadership that the medals recognize, as she listed off famous members of the MOFW, including Major General Rufus Shafter, after whom the fort on Oahu is named.

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LT Smith presents Cadet Hilario’s MOFW Leadership medal.

Youth ChalleNGe Academy Class 15-2 MOFW Awards On December 17, 2015, Companion Tulak presented the MOFW Cadet Leadership Excellence and Academic Excellence medals to Cadets Jonathan Nakasone and Kelly Vieira.

SgtMaj, USMC, Ret. Juan D. Williams and COL, Ret. Arthur Tulak, present medals to cadets Nakasone (L) and Vieira (R) The Cadets were selected for these distinguished honors by a board of the Youth Challenge Academy Cadre, according to MSgt, USAF, Ret. John Cronin III, YCA Program Coordinator. MSgt Cronin reported that: “Graduate Kelly Vieira received the bronze medal for Leadership because she rose above her peers as a natural leader. She often took charge of any mission she was on and could always be counted on by the cadre staff to ensure the mission was accomplished both quickly and safely.”

“Graduate Jonathan Nakasone received the silver medal for Academic Excellence because he had the 2nd highest academic score of his class and he was a key figure in setting up a series of tutoring sessions to help cadets pass the retake exam. He also was always ready to assist other cadets when they did not fully understand a topic.”

Attending the ceremony were Hawaii State Senator Mike Gabbard, Major General and Mrs. Robert Lee, Major General and Mrs. Daryll Wong, Brigadier General Bruce Oliveira, Asst Adjutant General of the Hawaii National Guard, and Brigadier General and Mrs. Joseph Kim. Cadet Nakasone, recipient of the MOFW Medal for Academic Excellence, provided the benediction at the closure of the ceremonies.

Class 43-2 saw 129 Cadets complete the program.

The mission of the National Guard’s Youth ChalleNGe program is to “Reclaim the lives of at-risk youth, producing program graduates with the values, life skills, education and self-discipline to succeed as productive citizens.”

Class Commander, C/LTC Keanu Pua-Autele at the graduation ceremony.

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News from the Oahu Veterans Center and Council The Oahu Veterans Council meets on the third Saturday of the month, with representatives from the member organizations composed of Veterans and Professional Military Organizations. The Hawaii Commandery is a member organization of the OVC, and is “Headquartered” in the Oahu Vet Center for purposes of taxes, regulation, and to receive mail. We are authorized to use the facilities to conduct meetings on a monthly basis. Senior members of the Commandery attend these meetings to represent our concerns and to obtain updates of interest to our Companions.

On 16 January, Companion Tulak participated in the clean-up of the Veterans Organization storage area that had been packed to the ceiling during the construction of the new extension that was reported on in the September 2015 edition of the Commandery News. Companion Tulak conducted a flag inventory of the various member organizations and arranged the storage area for the proper storage and care for these important symbols. At the January OVC meeting, Companion Tulak proposed that the flags of the member organizations should be on permanent display at the Center. The President of the Council, Col Ret. Ed Cruikshank agreed, and the Commandery is working with Farrington High School JROTC and the school wood shop to fabricate flag stands that will permit up to twenty of the 31 member organizations to display their flags on a daily basis.

The OVC is the organization responsible for planning the Mayor’s 2016 Veterans Day Commemoration at the National Cemetery of the Pacific. The Hawaii Commandery will be supporting this event from both the planning and execution perspectives. Our help is needed to ensure a successful event.

Hawaii State WWI Centennial Task Force The Hawaii Commandery is a member organization of the WWI Centennial Task Force led by the Director of Hawaii State Office of Veterans Affairs, Col. Ret. Ron Han. The TF is developing the plan for Hawaii’s commemorations to begin in full in 2017, with a warm start as soon as its calendar of commemoration events is approved. The TF has conducted full meetings on 22 October on 22 January, and again on 25 February. The MOFW is one of four Veterans Organizations represented, along with the Military Order of World Wars, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. Key members include the Hawaii National Guard Public Affairs, Friends of the Natatorium, Veterans Affairs, and faculty from the UH and HPU history departments, and independent historians.

One of the ways that the Commandery can support the Centennial will be to find ways to involve our own Companions and members of the Community. Honoring our own WWI Veterans with tributes in the Commandery News, encouraging those who are descendants of qualifying WWI Officers to honor the memory of their ancestor by joining the Order, and by honoring WWI Veterans through the Task Force and its activities.

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Australian WW1 and Vietnam War Commemorations by Companion Maj. Rory Cain As the Hawaii Commandery supports both the Hawaii State DoD 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Committees and the WWI Centennial Task Force, Companion Major Rory Cain, Australian Army, provides an overview on these important commemorations as they are taking place in Australia.

The two biggest events on the Australian veteran’s calendar are ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. ANZAC Day commemorates the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 25 April 1915 in an attempt to knock Turkey out of the war. Remembrance Day, formerly Armistice Day, commemorates the end of WW1 on 11 November 1918. These two occasions are known and observed by all Australians.

50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War

Long Tan Memorial Cross, a replica cross erected on the battlefield during the 1980s, and is frequently visited by Australian Vietnam War veterans. The original cross erected by the6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment on 18 August 1969 was removed by the Communist Vietnam government.

Vietnam Veterans Day is less well-known. It is observed mainly by veterans. It was previously known as Long Tan Day in memory of the battle of Long Tan. On 18 August 1966, Delta Coy, 6th Battalion, Royal Australia Regiment, consisting of 108 men encountered an enemy force of 1,500-2,500 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong. An intense battle followed, with the Vietnamese determined to crush the smaller Australian force. In blinding monsoon rain, hugging the bare soil in a rubber plantation, Delta Coy put up an unexpectedly fierce defence. With disciplined rifle fire and artillery support to counter the Vietnamese mortars, Delta Company inflicted heavy casualties: 245 enemy killed and 350 wounded against 18 Australians killed and 24 wounded. 38% of one’s force killed or wounded is, as the Duke of Wellington once said, “A damn near-run thing.”

Long Tan remains an epic victory and will be central to any Vietnam War commemoration.

World War I Centennial

To Australians it was not the 1917 to 1919 War, but the 1914-1918 War. Commemorations have been rolling since 2014. Our first campaign of WW1 was not Gallipoli but the now-forgotten Australian Naval & Military Expeditionary Force which captured German New Guinea at the outset of WW1. Men fallen in that forgotten campaign were finally remembered in 2014.

Germany's Pacific colonies, established since 1884, were a strategic threat as harbors for enemy warships and locations for wireless stations. on the outbreak of the war, a mixed force called the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (AN&MEF) was quickly raised to seize German New Guinea and the New Britain Archipelago. On 19 August 1914, the force sailed from Sydney for Palm Island, before continuing on to Port Moresby. On 11 September a landing was made at Rabaul, the capital of the German territories. The small garrison resisted brief and in the fighting, six Australians were killed.

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A souvenir of War—the Imperial Post Office sign from Rabual

Major Cain, (Cont.)

But the Australian public are more familiar with Gallipoli. The numbers attending the beach ceremony had to be limited by ballot in 2015. Local communities in Australia held their own ceremonies. The AIF Memorial Lodge was formed to commemorate the brave men of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), our expeditionary army of WW1 and WW2. The Masonic Centre in Ann St., Brisbane, was dedicated to the men of WW1 at the suggestion of the AIF Memorial Lodge, who remain responsible for the annual ANZAC Day ceremony. In 2015, the focus was on Brisbane’s own 9th Battalion, AIF, who were the first troops ashore at Gallipoli.

Other themes will be incorporated into the ceremony for each year of the war up to 1918.

In the national capital, Canberra, the Australian War Memorial looks across the valley to Parliament house, so that politicians may never forget the consequences of their sending Australian men and women off to war. Each night during 2014-2018, names from the 60,000 names on the First World War Roll of Honour will be projected onto the outside of the Memorial Building. Recordings of schoolchildren reciting the names will be played.

Australian soldiers are still be recovered from the battlefields of the Western Front where their blood fertilised the soil of Belgium and France. The Commemorative Crosses Project funds the erection of crosses above their graves. Largely unacknowledged in the past, indigenous soldiers will receive due recognition, including Harry Thorpe MM (Military Medal), 7th Battalion AIF, killed in action August 1918 and buried in France. The AWM will have a diorama dedicated to the 11th Light Horse Regiment AIF, which had such a high proportion of indigenous horsemen that it was called “The Black Watch”. The Australian humour may not be politically correct, but it is a mark of respect.

Similarly Billy Sing DCM (Distinguished Conduct Medal), a Queensland bushman of part-Chinese descent, a celebrated sniper nick-named “The Assassin” (also in respect), veteran of Gallipoli and France with the 5th Light Horse Regiment AIF and the 5th Battalion AIF, finally received a worthy headstone. He died in obscurity and poverty in a Brisbane boarding house, but remained a legend with the men of the AIF. For the Australian public, some of these celebrations may be a learning experience. For veterans, or their mothers, widows and orphans, it will be a healing process. Too many campaigns and too many good men and women have been forgotten for too long. Let us honour the dead. Let us also fight like hell for the living, for no-one survives war totally uninjured in either body or psyche.

Australian Companion (Major) Rory J.W. Cain served as a UN Peace Keeping member of INTERFET (International Force East Timor) in East Timor and Peace Monitoring Group Bougainville. INTERFET was a coalition of about 20 nations under UN sanction that “filled the gap” until a UN force could replace it. Companion Cain served alongside New Zealanders, Fijians, and Americans, who were awarded the INTERFET Medal.

Companion News: Companion

Thomas J. Dye

Companion Dye was admitted to the Order on 12 March, 2013, while assigned to the USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) where he served as a Submarine Engineering Technician. Following his promotion to CWO5, Companion Thomas Dye was assigned as the Quality Assurance Officer & Safety Officer to the Undersea Rescue Command, at Naval Base Coronado.

The US Navy's Undersea Rescue Command is located in San Diego. Its mission: To rescue sailors of all nations during a submarine casualty. The URC's goal is to reach a distressed submarine within 96 hours.

The Hawaii Commandery takes pleasure in wishing Companion Dye continued success!

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History of Our Order by Companion Adam Gaines Companion Gaines tells the story of a famous Companion of the Order, Rear Admiral Kaemmerling, having acquired his Veteran Companion insignia.

Among my treasured possessions is this MOFWUS medal, which originally belonged to Gustave Kaemmerling. Companion Kaemmerling graduated second in his class at the Naval Academy, in the Class of 1881. Veteran Companion, Gustave Kaemmerling, Lieutenant USN, was admitted to the Order in 1900. Companion Kaemmerling’s qualifying service was during the War with Spain, when he served aboard the on the U.S. Flagship Olympia, as the Ship’s Passed Assistant Engineer (a status and rank between Assistant Engineer and Chief Engineer). Companion Kaemmerling served in the Asiatic Squadron and was an aide to Admiral George Dewey at the battle of Manilla Bay on May 1, 1898. LT Kaemmerling served during the harbor blockade and subsequent operations by the fleet; and later served in special duty at the former Spanish Navy Yard at Cavite in charge of repairing ships and captured vessels. In 1901, LT Kaemmerling served in the Navy Inspection Bureau with oversight of the Quiney and South Boston Massachusetts shipyards. As a Lieutenant Commander, he served as an auditor for the Navy Department shipyards, and Dept of Steam Engineering. As a Captain he served as the Bureau of Steam Engineering, and was promoted to the Acting Rank of Rear Admiral on July 1, 1918.

Kaemmerling was born on May 15, 1858 at Cincinnati, Ohio. His parents was Gustav and Gertrude (Stienauer) Kaemmerling. His father served in the Civil War, raising to become Col. of the 9th Ohio Cavalry. Both became members of the Indiana Commandery, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. Companion Kaemmerlng was also a member of the PA American Legion and the Society of Manila Bav, composed of Veterans of the battle.

Companion Kaemmerling may very well been the first newly inducted Companion of 1900 was given Insignia No. 359. Insignia No. 358, belonged to Companion, Major General, William R. Shafter of the California Commandery, who served as the Commander of the California Commander in 1899. Companion Kaemmerling was inducted into to the Pennsylvania Commandery and served soon after the establishment of the Commandery on April 29, 1895. ADM Dewey’s position in the PA Commandery was as a member of the “Military and Naval Board” .

Companion Kaemmerling had a distinguished Navy career rising to the rank of full Rear Admiral under President Wilson’s signature on July 1, 1919, and retiring from active service in 1925. Companion Kaemmerling passed away on July 28, 1934 in Philadelphia, PA.

RADM Gustave Kaemmerling, USN

In his own words: Remarks of LT Gustav Kaemmerling, U. S. N., on the Battle of Manilla Bay, in a lecture to the Harvard University Engineering Society, November 27, 1899.

“At five o'clock in the afternoon on the day before the battle, Admiral Dewey called a council of war at which he laid forth his plan of battle. The Olympia was to lead the way through the larger of the two entrances into Manila Bay and the other vessels were to follow. Accordingly, at nightfall no lights were lighted except those necessary to run the machinery, and the entrance was made at slow speed. Unfortunately, just at the point of passing the outer forts the smoke pipe of the revenue cutter caught fire, reveling the American position to the enemy, who opened an ineffective fire. the general idea that the fight was an easy one should be corrected, for when we retired for the so-called "breakfast" there was only one officer on our ship who felt certain that the Spaniards were whipped” 8

Welcome New Companions!

Hereditary Companion Matthew Stiles Bowdish M.D. was admitted into the Order on January 21, 2016, on the qualifying service of his ancestor, 2LT Wiliam Fastnow, U.S. Army, who served in World War I. Companion Bowdish is a practicing physician at the StormsBowdish Allergy Clinic in Colorado Springs Colorado. Companion Bowdish received his Medicine Doctorate from the Northeastern Matthew Stiles Bowdish, M.D. Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown, Ohio in 2003, and holds a B.S. in Cellular-Molecular Biology from Humboldt State University, Arcata, California.

Companion Bowdish holds certifications from the American Board of Allergy & Immunology (ABAI), and the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).

A devoted genealogy enthusiast and patriot, Companion Bowdish is a member of the Connecticut Society of the Cincinnati based on his ancestor who served as a lieutenant in the militia who was killed in action at the Battle of Ridgefield. He is also a member of the Military Order, Loyal Legion of the United States, based on One of his Great Uncles who served in the 11th Missouri State Militia Cavalry as an Assistant Surgeon.

Companion Bowdish’s qualifying ancestor is 2LT William Christian Fastnow, born ito parents John F. Fastnow and Amelia Ruemler in Reynolds, Indiana in 1894.

William Fastnow was educated in the Indiana Public School 2lt William C. Fastnow, U.S. Army CWS System and graduated with an eight year degree. He attended business school for a time before enlisting in the United States Army towards the end of World War I. He served initially as an enlisted man in Company B of the CWS, and later received his officer commission on Oct 7, 1918, in the Army Chemical Warfare Service (CWS now the Army Chemical Corps since 1946). After the war, he worked in mining in Kingman, AZ, as a broker in Los Angeles CA where he later founded his opened his own trading firm called the Adams-Fastnow Company . He retired in the late 1970s in Beverly Hills and died there in 1983. He and his wife Ruth (nee Ruth Wilhelmine Wilson) are buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Hollywood, CA.

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50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War The Hawaii State DoD 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War planning committee met on December 8, 2015, in a VTC with James T. Jackson, U.S. Army (Ret.) Director, The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. The Hawaii Commandery is a member organization of this committee.

In his opening remarks, MG Ret Jackson Opening stated that there are forty-one 50th Commemorative Partners in Hawaii – and that he will ask them to support the Hawaii 50th Vietnam Commemoration Committee. There are also Commemorative Partners in Guam, Northern Marianas, Philippines and Samoa – will do the same with them to recommend they make contact with the Hawaii 50th Vietnam Commemoration Committee.

The Hi 50th Planning Committee convened again on January 19, 2016.to continue to work on the logistics, legal, protocol, and publicity aspects of the 2017 schedule. The planned schedule of events is posted at http:// dod.hawaii.gov/ovs/50th-anniversary-vietnam/ and is also provided here in the box at right.

May 22- May 28, 2017

As previously reported, as the State 50th Planning Committee prepares for the big events in 2017, it is up to the Veterans and Patriotic Organizations to step in and conduct other activities to mark the commemoration. To date, the Hawaii Commandery leads the pack in executing “Official” commemoration events. At the January 9, 2016 Commandery meeting, it was decided to move forward with the Vietnam Veterans recognition program, and this will start with Farrington High School, JROTC, who will nominate Veterans in the Faculty and supporting community who have continued to serve out of uniform.

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Arrival – Saturday, Sunday and Monday, May 20 – 21

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Aloha Reception – Tuesday, May 23

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Hawaii Night – Wednesday, May 24

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POW / MIA Gold Star Family Night at the Pacific Aviation Museum – Thursday, May 25

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All Service Open House – Friday, May 26

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Vietnam Veterans Concert – Friday, May 26

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Vietnam Veterans Parade – Saturday, May 27

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Vietnam War Commemoration Service – Sunday, May 28

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Vietnam War Candle Light Service – Sunday, May 28

50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War Cadet Essay Contest.

This is the third year of the Cadet Essay Contest honoring the generation who went to War in Vietnam. The purpose of the essays will be to challenge the JROTC Cadets and midshipmen and CAP Cadets to appreciate the sacrifices made

by Vietnam Veterans who served their country in an unpopular war, and to discern lessons of citizenship, loyalty to country, and commitment to duty and service. This effort will pass on these values to the next generation, while simultaneously honoring the Vietnam Veterans in our ranks in the Order, in our retired and veteran community in Hawaii, and the nation at large.

The Commandery will recognize the top-performing essayists, with cash awards: $100 for 1st place; $75 for 2nd place, and $50 for 3rd place. Winning essays will be endorsed and forwarded by the Commandery to compete in other contests at the national level, such as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund essay contest. The winning essay will be published in the Commandery News – see the Jun 2015 issue for last year’s winning essay at: https://issuu.com/ arthur82/docs/june_2015_hawaii_commandery_news Please volunteer to serve as an essay contest judge. This is a great activity for our Companions to serve, especially those on the Mainland or overseas. The judging is straightforward using a tested rubric and rank-ordering. Essays are e-mailed to all judges who assign scores and rank order the essays 1-N.. Contact the Commander if you are ready to be an essay judge.

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Commandery Operations Companion Induction Ceremony At the January 9 2016 Commandery Meeting, new Veteran Companion LTC Ret Manny Manchester was inducted and presented the ribbon insignia and diploma of companionship. Manny has previously volunteered for our programs in support of Veterans and Cadets, and volunteered to serve as our new Commandery Secretary.

Commandery Budget Approved At this meeting, the 2016-2017 Budget was approved that will pay for Cadet Awards, and the Vietnam Veterans Recognition Program and Cadet Essay Contest Awards as reported on p. 10.

Commandery News to go “digital” Starting with this issue, the Commandery News will be published online to save funds to sustain our programs in support of Veterans, Cadets, and memorials.

Companion LTC USA Ret. Curtis “Manny” Manchester receives his diploma of companionship in the Hawaii Commandery.

Cadet Awards Ceremonies start April 6, 2016 The schedule for volunteer presenters has been distributed to all Oahu-based Companions to sign up and volunteer to be the presenter. This is a great way to give back to the community and see the quality of our Cadet programs in Hawaii. When our Companions and Commandery Supporters present these medals in person, it sends a strong message to the Cadets that the Veterans and Military communities support their efforts and accomplishments. Please contact the commander and report for duty to volunteer!

Veterans United Foundation Grant The Veterans United Home Loans continues its support to the MOFW Cadet Awards Program for 2016, with a grant of $1,250.00 Ms. Raele Scott presented the check to the Commandery on behalf of the VU team, many of whom are also volunteering to present medals to Cadets during the annual awards ceremonies.

Private Organization Status Renewal The Commandery is completing its annual recertification with Commander, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam as an approved Private Organization authorized to operate on installation. The necessary documents were e-mailed and mailed to all Companions serving in leadership positions, as well as those based on Oahu.

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Ms. Raele Scott presented the grant check to COL Ret. Tulak Tuesday, January 26, 2016, at the Veterans United Home Loans classroom.

Our Hawaii Affiliate: Hawaii Post 1, National Association of the Uniformed Services.

By Denis Egge Aloha fellow comrades of the MOFW , The NAUS Hawaii Post 1 and the Hawaii Commandery of the MOFW have collaborated on community awareness events and legislative projects, over the past few years and attend Oahu Veterans Council meetings as delegates from our respective organizations. I am happy to share with you what the NAUS Chapter is doing in our state.

As we begin a new association year, I am bringing the NAUS message, as your Commander is bringing the MOFW message, to those who are elected to represent our individual and collective interests in the State Legislature:

a. Our Bill HB 805 calls on the State Legislature to consider providing the US Department of Veterans Affairs with an opportunity to review recommend appropriate action, before ordering a disabled veterans disability compensation redistributed, as marital property, to their former spouse. The State of Arizona has set an example for Hawaii to follow, regarding this issue. This is not a new issue: Hawaii State Bar Association surrogates have testified in opposition.. b. Our as yet unnumbered resolution calls on the State Legislature to sense the real need to fly the POWMIA flag directly beneath the Stars and Stripes, when it is flying at the State Capitol. Our military installations and the Oahu Veterans Center set noble examples for this action. What this recognition will mean to these all but officially forgotten military personnel cannot be measured c. We continue to support full restoration of the WW1 Natatorium memorial. d. We are grateful for the support that may result in MCAS Ewa Field becoming a WW2 memorial site

We meet, continental breakfast style, at 9am, in the Oahu Veterans Center meeting hall adjacent to their kitchen, on the 5th Saturday of January, April, July, October and December, this year.

MOFW Hawaii Chapter officers and members are always welcome to bring their thoughts, ideas and sentiments and enjoy our hospitality and fellowship

At your service, Dennis Egge; NAUS Hawaii Chapter President

The Registry of the American Soldier provides a unique opportunity to recognize and honor Soldiers who are currently serving, and those who have served, in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. The Registry will be prominently displayed at The National Museum of the United States Army.

Any Soldier who has ever worn the Army uniform throughout our nation’s history and has received an honorable discharge or general discharge under honorable conditions is eligible to have a special registry page on the Museum website.

To enroll yourself, or to honor a friend or family member, please log on to www.usarmyregistry.org 12

Upcoming events:     

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16 March —50th Vietnam War Commemoration Cadet Essays due Judging runs from 16 March to 15 April.

25 March — 0900-1600: Oahu Veterans Center Tribute to Veterans: 0900 Registration,, ceremony begins 1000.

02 April — Commandery Meeting at Monterey Bay Canners, 0900 hrs.

6 April — 28 May ROTC and JROTC Cadet Awards Ceremonies in Hawaii 25 April — ANZAC Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, originally commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honor the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli during World War I. Ceremony begins 1000 at Punchbowl.

27 April — Memorial Day Poppy Appeal at the Navy Exchange Pearl Harbor 0900-1500 hrs.

May— National Military Appreciation Month. In 1999 Senator John McCain introduced legislation to designate the month of May, National Military Appreciation Month. Both the Senate and House of Representatives adopted resolutions calling for Americans to recognize and honor U.S. Service Members during NMAM. 1 May - Loyalty Day. As specified by an Act of Congress, Loyalty Day is a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.

6 May — Military Spouse Appreciation Day On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we celebrate military spouses contributions to keeping our country safe.

21 May — Armed Forces Day. President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days.

30 May—Memorial Day. The Commandery will support observances at: 1) the National Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl) with the Commandery flag and floral wreath; 2) the natatorium with a floral lei, and; 3) the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery at Kaneohe, with the Commandery Flag and floral lei presentation. Volunteers are needed—please contact the Commander.

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