Hawaii MOFW Commandery News September 2022

Hawaii Commandery Military order of foreign wars

September 2022

Remembering the Afghanistan campaign in the global war on terrorism 2001—2021

Commandery News

Table of Contents:

Vol. XI, Issue 3, September 2022

Looking forward, we have another round of commemoration events, starting with Patriot Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Veterans Day, and Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Companions will once again join with other Veteran and Civic groups to honor and commemorate these events, and the heroic service of our military men and women these events seek to remember.

Commander’s Comments………………………………….…….……….. p. 1 Chaplain’s Corner…………………………………...………..………………. p. 2 Report from the National Council…………...……...……………….. p. 2 Memorial Day Events …………...……...………………………………. p. 3-4 Oahu Veterans Council Report ……………………………………….... p. 4 1st Anniversary of the end of the Afghanistan War….….. pp. 5-7 Induction of New Companions ………………………………………….p. 8 Recognizing Veteran Exemplars …………………………………….... p. 8 Eagle Scout Recognition ………………………………………………..… p. 9 Youth Challenge Academy Graduation …………………………... p. 10 Companion News ……………………………………………..…………… p. 11 Upcoming Events ……..……………….……………………..…....……. p. 12

Here would go Manny’s personal thoughts about where he wants to lead this organization, why others would want to be part of it, his own promise of service and leadership in the path ahead.

Cover Photo: The cover is the Flag of Afghanistan, representing the two-decade effort by the United States military to provide safety to the people of that nation, and to prevent terrorist organizations from using that country as a base from which to conduct terror. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/

“Deus et Libertas”

Commander’s Comments.

Curtis “Manny” Manchester III LTC, USA Ret. Commander

Aloha Companions and Friends, September is an important month for reflection, as we look back 21 years ago to the attacks of September 11, 2001. On that fateful day, 19 Islamic terrorists linked to Osama bin Ladin’s al Qaeda terrorist network, hijacked four airplanes and to use as weapons of mass terror and death, killing 2,977, and injuring more than 6,000 more at three attack sites. The terrorists hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, using them as human-piloted missiles to attack the World Trade Center in New York. The Islamic terrorists in the same manner hijacked , American Airlines Flight 77 to fly it, and its passengers into the Pentagon. It is believed that the fourth plane hijacked, United Airlines Flight 93, was intended to strike the White House or Congress, and this disaster was averted due to the brave passengers on Flight, who forced it down in a field near Shanksville Pennsylvania.

From the Secretary The Officer Slate for 2022-2023: Commander, LTC Manchester Vice Commander, COL Peter Hirai Chaplain, Dr. Fred Staedel Secretary, COL Arthur Tulak Treasurer, COL Arthur Tulak Quartermaster, Maj Ed Green

We now have another important date to remember, which is the end of the War those terrorist attacks instigated against America and Western Civilization. August 30, 2021, the day the U.S. completed its withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, ending the declared war in a very abrupt manner.

Poppy Appeal. We were not able to conduct our poppy appeal for Memorial Day, but should be ready for another successful effort in advance of Veterans Day, 8-10 NOV time frame. Volunteers are needed.

In May, we remembered those who died in service to our Nation, to include the recent combat deaths of 13 U.S. Service Members at Abbey Gate of the Hamid Karzai International Airport, where ISAF Joint Command once stood. We remember these events in the pages of this issue of the Commandery News.

Over the last three months, the Commandery continued to carry out its Eagle Scout, Youth Challenge Academy Cadet Awards programs, and commemoration efforts. We inducted a new Companion to our ranks, and recognized exemplars who are supporting the Hawaii Veterans Community.

Arthur N. Tulak COL, USA Ret. 1

Chaplains Corner

By Fred Staedel, Th.D. We do not often think of “honor” per se or being “honored” in the context of religion or in one’s individual worship.

But the concepts of “self-honor” and “honoring others” plays a role in many cultures and religions. Focusing on the Chris- tian culture, but with respect to other religious disciplines, may we look at “honor” as it relates to one’s Christ based faith?

We are all familiar with the reference to the word “honor” as it is used in “The Ten Commandments” where it admonishes us to “honor our father and mother.” (Exodus 20:2-17) However, the Holy Bible refers to “honor” in other contexts and applications; especially “self-honor,” or in other words, being honored or honoring oneself. The point herein is that it is being suggested that we should not only seek being honorable, but we deserve to be honored as God’s child.

This is confirmed in Proverbs where it is stated, “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.” (Proverbs 21:21) This proverb certainly ensures that if we can live a righteous life, we will be honored with a life of love and prosperity. And who could ask for more? So that begs the question, how do we live a righteous life and attain an honorable existence for ourselves and others? Well once again the Holy Bible has the answer:

“Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” (John 12:26) Therefore, it is of course an honor to serve one’s God and His divine principles, and “The Written Word” confirms this, that in so doing we will in turn be honored.

Fred

MOFW National Council Meeting of June 20, 2022 The MOFW Commander-General convened the council on June 20, 2022. Hawaii was represented by Col, Ret. Dave Terrinoni, who provided a report from which this update is provided. At this important meeting, new National Officers were elected, namely: Mr. Michael Witter (CT) as Registrar-General of the Order.

MAJ Keith Tidball (NY) as Secretary-General of the Order.

The National Council confirmed that the CG shall have the ability to appoint an MOFW Herald to serve the interests of the Order in heraldic matters, as needed, and will be non-voting National Officer. The council also approved the establishment of the position of the National The Council approved the creation of a officer position, that of the MOFWUS “Chief Information Officer” who will focus on both internal and external communications, public relations, maintenance of the MOFUS website and all related matters. The CIO work closely with the Editor-General with respect to newsletter publication and content issues. The National Council elected Frank Lennon (RI) as the first MOFWUS CIO. There was general agreement that the Order should explore the creation of additional categories of Companionship in the Order, which would be open to potential members who do not meet the existing criteria for membership. Potential additional membership categories could include State Honorary companions, Spouse Companions and Associate Companions. Consensus was not reached with respect to the specifics of this issue. The CG will form a Membership Committee which will evaluate the various proposals and revert to the National Council with detailed recommendations.

The National Council agreed that qualified new Companions residing in a state which does not have an active Commandery may either: a) choose another state Commandery with which to affiliate, or b) become a “member-at-large” affiliated with the National Commandery as opposed to the Registrar-General’s Commandery as currently stated in the Constitution. Members-at-large shall pay head tax to the National Commandery. Significantly, the National Council ratified the charter of the Illinois Commandery.

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Memorial Day in Hawaii, 2022 Companions Fred Staedel, Peter Hirai, and Dan Garcia volunteered to support three of the Memorial Day Observances held over the Memorial Day weekend. Companion Staedel represented the Commandery and presented a floral lei at the 34th Annual Memorial Day Observance held at the World War One Memorial and Natatorium on Sunday, May 29, 10 a.m. This ceremony is not sponsored by the City or State, and is run a day ahead of those ceremonies. This event is run in a collective manner with Veterans and Civic Organizations in cooperation with the Friends of the Natatorium. The active and reserve military have provided great support to this event, as evidenced by LtGen Steven R. Rudder, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and Commanding General of the Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, serving as the keynote speaker. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Joint Service Color Guard provided the colors during the at the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii, May 29, 2022. The ceremony is held annually to honor Hawaii’s fallen service members and pay special tribute to the nearly 10,000 Hawaiians who volunteered for service in the First World War. Companion Peter Hirai volunteered to present a wreath at the 71st Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on Memorial Day. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi remarked "With the tumultuous circumstances created by the pandemic and Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, our appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who came before us demand commemoration now more than ever.” This event is made more memorable by the extensive decoration of the graves with more than floral leis made by local volunteers at local parks in the days leading up to the ceremony.

Again, the military leadership was there to pay its respects, with General Charles Flynn, Commanding General of U.S. Army Pacific serving as the senior military officer present, reinforced by MG, Ret. Suzanne Vares-Lum. As Companion Hirai reported: "Memorial Day 2022 began as a beautiful morning. It was a good omen, as the Mayor's Memorial Day ceremony was to kick off at 0900, the first public ceremony in three years due to the Coronavirus 2019 worldwide pandemic. It was truly an honor to represent the Commandery in paying tribute to our fallen comrades, who are the true heroes of our past wars. Their sacrifices continue to make it possible for us to live freely in the greatest nation on earth."

Companion Hirai and , assisted by a Scout honored our fallen Veterans by placing a Commandery wreath amongst those from other Veteran service organizations. In the video of the entire ceremony, you can see the MOFW presentation at the 50:30 mark.

The final event the Commandery supported was the Governor’s Memorial Day ceremony at Memorial Plaza in the Kaneohe State Veterans Cemetery. This event is hosted by the Governor, and run by the Adjutant General. The 11th Army Band of the Hawaii Army National Guard provides the musical program. Veterans organizations conduct a parade of flags, followed by a presentation of floral lei. Companion Dan Garcia represented the Commandery and can be seen in the Video that aired on Honolulu’s KITV News.

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Photo above: INDOPACOM Color Guard (photo by Lance Cpl. Haley Fourmet Gustavsen U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific).

Below: Companion and Vietnam Veteran Fred Staedel renders a hand salute in front of the honor stone, with names of Hawaii’s

Mahalo to our Volunteers for ensuring our support to these very solemn commemoration obligations.

Photos. At left, above: Companion, COL Peter Hirai aided by one of the Boy Scouts. Above right, capture of the video aired by KITV News showing our Flag. The short video captures glimpses of Companion Dan Garcia.

Oahu Veterans Council Report.

The Council met in Sullivan Hall, Saturday, August 27, 2022 at the Oahu Veterans Center. A topic of great importance is Veterans Day, as the OVC has the lead for the ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Mr. Chuck Little, the Public Affairs Officer (PAO) of Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) briefed the council on the new format and schedule. The major change is that the wreaths will be presented before the ceremony starts.

The presentation of the wreaths will be filmed and then shown on video screens for all ny attendees at the beginning of the ceremony. The presentation of the wreaths will commence at 0740, and proceed until all wreaths have been presented. At 1000 hrs, the main ceremony begins, and it is expected to run for 75 minutes. -1115. The Committee planning this year’s ceremony includes Mr. Chuck Little (PAO MARFORPAC), Col, USMC Ret., Gene Castagnetti (former Chairman of the Hawaii 50th Vietnam Committee), Mr. Earl Hurrey (Historic Programs), Bob Bates, Maggie Gaukler (Aloha Detachment 363, Marine Corps League), Col Ret. Ed Cruickshank (President of the Oahu Veterans Council), Col Jason Seal (Commander of the Capt. Gaylord Dillingham Memorial Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars), and Ms. Claire Levinson (Executive Director of the Center).

Col, USAF, Ret. Ron Han, Director of the State DoD’s Office of Veterans Services reported that the next State Veterans Summit is projected for 2023, and will likely take place on a neighboring island. This event was run virtually during COVID. The 2019 iteration was held at the State Convention Center.

The Commandery is a member of the Oahu Veterans Council, and the Center is our official address. Veterans Day Committee update. The meetings for the Council are held the 4th Saturday of the month. The Commander has asked for Companions to volunteer to cover these meetings when he is not able. Our participation in Council meetings is an essential component of our mission to work together with other Veterans organizations on common goals.

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First Anniversary of Taliban Victory in Afghanistan

By Arthur N. Tulak The cover of this issue of the Commandery News draws our attention to America’s longest war, and its shockingly ignominious end, one year ago, with Army Maj. Gen. Chris Donahue being the last American soldier leaving Afghanistan on the final military flight departing September 1, 2021, just ten days from The new and old flags of the government Patriot Day. The image is of the Afghanistan National Flag that represented the of Afghanistan reconstituted government following America’s military operations that commenced on October 7, 2001. The flag also represented the many Afghanistan service members who served under that government, as well as the many civilians who supported U.S. Forces and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). When the Taliban took Kabul on August 15, 2021, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan's government fell, and the flag of Afghanistan changed to that of the Taliban-controlled Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

For Veterans of Afghanistan, the chaotic withdrawal and national shame that accompanied the complete and total Taliban victory at the end of a 20-year U.S. led multinational campaign was very painful. As one story published August 19, 2021 as the chaos unfolded “Veterans of the Afghan war are expressing their anger and despair at the Taliban takeover of the country and the shambolic evacuation effort that has unfolded in recent days as thousands of Afghans and American citizens attempt to flee.” 1 The story also quoted Tom Amenta, who served as a Soldier the 75th Ranger Regiment, with two tours of duty in Afghanistan in 2002 and 2004, who reported being full of “anger” and “fury” after seeing the images of the chaotic American withdrawal.2 The images evoked a similar story that Veterans of the Vietnam War experienced, when the world witnessed the final days of the Communist North Vietnam armies invading, and the airlift off the roof of the embassy. In an interview with Todd Hunter writing for DAV magazine, Afghanistan Veteran and Marine named Chris described his reaction to seeing the Chinook flying out of Kabul “I saw that and thought to myself, ‘Afghanistan is my Vietnam now...And that hit me like a ton of bricks.”3 Images of desperate people falling from C-17s and women handing their babies to U.S. Marines over barbed wire filled, and then faded from the front pages. A nationwide poll of Afghanistan Veterans conducted by The Veterans and Citizens Initiative non-profit group in November 2021 revealed that a large majority of these Veterans were “disappointed and angry about the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan” and that America left dishonorably.4 Many Veterans of the Afghanistan War experienced alternating phases of anger, depression, and hopelessness, that went on for weeks or longer. These were not limited to rank and file, and Veterans in the ranks of O-6 to O10 also experienced these emotions. Veterans of all ranks and services are angry about the withdrawal, 81% feel disappointed, 73% feel betrayed, 67% feel humiliated, and 48% believe that the War was “a complete failure.” 5. As GEN Ret. Jack Keane observed, Afghanistan Veterans felt “humiliation, frustration, and embarrassment” as the U.S. “surrendered a country to our adversary.”6 The November 2021 poll also showed that a majority of Veterans felt that American society would move on quickly from war” and forget the sacrifices paid by generations of service members in this two decade fight.7 This proved to be true for most Americans, for whom after a week or two, life returned to “normal.” Stories of the deadly and chaotic evacuation were replaced by rising gas prices, food shortages, new COVID19 variants, and the impending war in Ukraine, despite – or perhaps because of – the deep national shame of August 8 These feelings were not confined to just U.S. personnel. Nick Beecroft, a Royal Air Force Officer who served with a Joint UK-Afghan Infantry Unit wrote how the many emblems and mementos of that unit on his wall conveyed the overwhelming message of betrayal. 9 5

According to statistics provided to Congress, calls to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs Veterans Crisis Line have spiked 81 percent since last August. ... It is also perhaps not a coincidence that over the past year, as servicemembers and veterans question the last two decades, there has been a steep decline in the military’s ability to recruit. 10 The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has posted on its website’s mental health page this advisory that “Veterans who served in Afghanistan may be experiencing a range of challenging emotions related to the U.S withdrawal from the country and the events unfolding now.” 11 Data from the VA shows that not only has the suicide rate for veterans been 1.5 times higher than for non-veterans, but that this number has increased. The VA provided a list of reactions and conditions that Afghanistan Veterans were facing, and likely would face following the debacle unfolding on television worldwide: Common Reactions Veterans may experience the following reactions related to the current events in Afghanistan: • Feeling frustrated, sad, helpless, distressed (including moral distress), angry, or betrayed • Worrying about Afghans who worked with the U.S. military, like interpreters • Experiencing an increase in mental health symptoms like symptoms of PTSD or depression • Sleeping poorly, drinking more or using more drugs • Trying to avoid all reminders or media or shy away from social situations • Having more military and homecoming memories • Questioning the meaning of their service or whether it was worth the sacrifices they made

What are the impacts to our National Security?

The House of Representatives produced a 118-page interim report on the chaotic withdrawal, titled “A Strategic Failure.” Summary findings of the report include this important assessment: “The Department of Defense, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the chief of MI-6 all agree the withdrawal is good for America’s adversaries, specifically Iran, China, and Russia.” 12 GEN, Ret. Jack Keane described Afghanistan one year on as having devolved into “sanctuary of terrorism” and a strategic failure. 13 “The very reason we went there, the very reason we stayed there for 20 years, was to ensure that terrorists did not rise again [to] attack the American people, and we’re right back where we started.” GEN Keane added “What did this decision [Biden’s decision to withdraw unconditionally]… It got us the Taliban in charge again, providing sanctuary to al-Qaida.” 14 GEN Keane’s remarks help to explain why many Veterans of this conflict feel that it was all for nothing. The decision that GEN Keane is referring to is the one President Biden made, against the advice of his military advisers, including CJCS GEN Mark Milley, who had “urged Mr. Biden to keep a force of about 2,500troops, the size he inherited, while seeking a peace agreement between warring Afghan factions, to help maintain stability. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin … said a full withdrawal wouldn’t provide any insurance against instability.”

Military and intelligence officials told Biden they were concerned about the Afghan army’s capabilities and the likelihood that the Taliban would control major cities.15 Senator Ben Sasse, (R, Neb.), writing for National Review, characterized the retreat from Afghanistan as “our worst foreign-policy disaster in a generation.”16 Sen. Sasse goes on to explain how the national surrender in Afghanistan has had ripple effects that include the Russo-Ukrainian War, and PRC military coercion against Taiwan, both of which are playing out now. Both China and Russia have been quick to warn America’s allies and partners that the U.S. is an unreliable security partner. Said Sen. Sasse, “Their message is simple: Why should Ukraine or Taiwan put any faith in the United States after seeing how Washington has abandoned its allies in Afghanistan?” Writing for The Hill, Laura Sanders and Brett Samuel observed that Asian allies in particular indicated concerns about whether “the quick military exit from Afghanistan could one day happen in their countries.” 17 America’s allies and partners will certainly draw conclusions about the reliability of the United States as a security partner from the experience of others, such as Afghanistan. LTG Ret. Jack Keane called the withdrawal an “unconditional surrender” encouraged Russia to invade Ukraine, Communist China to militarily coerce Taiwan, and Iran to engage in mischief in the Middle East.17 America’s surrender on August 30, 2021, after twenty years of war was an assurance failure that has also caused America’s allies and partners now openly question America’s staying power.

In short, America has lost another long war that will cast a long shadow on our efforts to deter war and preserve peace globally.

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IN MEMORIAM: service members killed in the Kabul airport bombing in Afghanistan on Aug. 26, 2021. Top Row, from left: 1) Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, 20, of Jackson, Wyo., 2) Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., 3) Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence Massachusetts , Middle Row, 4) Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas, 5) Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah, 6) Cpl. Daegan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska. 7) Navy Corpsman, Maxton W. Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio, 8) Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri. Bottom Row, from left: 9) Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, Calif.,10) Army Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee, 11) Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana, and 12) Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, Calif., and; 13) Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, 23, of Roseville, Calif. https:// www.nytimes.com/article/us-soldiers-killed-afghanistan.html End Notes: 1. Paul Caine | August 19, 2021, “Chicago Afghan War Veterans Express Anger, Despair at Chaotic Withdrawal,” WTTW News, https://news.wttw.com/2021/08/19/ chicago-afghan-war-veterans-express-anger-despair-chaotic-withdrawal 2. Ibid.

3. M. Todd Hunter, “Common Experiences Bond Vietnam and Afghanistan Veterans,” Disabled American Veterans Magazine, May/June 2022, p. 20.

4. Dave Spiva, March 2022, “Most Vets Say U.S. Did Not Leave Afghanistan Honorably,” VFW Magazine, March 2022, p. 50.

5. William A. Galston Friday, November 12, 2021, “Anger, betrayal, and humiliation: how veterans feel about the withdrawal from Afghanistan,” Brookings Institution. https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2021/11/12/anger-betrayal-and-humiliation-how-veterans-feel-about-the-withdrawal-from-afghanistan/ 6. GEN , Ret., Jack Keane, August 30, 2022, “This leaves a lousy taste in the mouth,” Fox News.

6. Spiva, op cit.

7. Amy Mitchell “After The Fall: The Impact Of The Chaotic Evacuation From Afghanistan On America’s Veterans” https://www.19fortyfive.com/2022/08/after-thefall-the-impact-of-the-chaotic-evacuation-from-afghanistan-on-americas-veterans/ 8. Nick Beecroft, 24 AAUG 2021, “After Afghanistan, Can the United States Rebuild Trust? https://carnegieendowment.org/2021/08/24/after-afghanistan-canunited-states-rebuild-trust-pub-85193 9. Mitchell, op. cit.

10. U.S. Dept. of VA, “Mental Health / Coping with current events in Afghanistan,” https://news.va.gov/93472/coping-with-current-events-in-afghanistan/ The webpage accepted comments for 13 days. They are worth reading, as they reveal personal reactions, which are scathing in their criticism of National leadership.

11. House Republican Foreign Affairs Committee Interim Report "A Strategic Failure:" Assessing the Administration's Afghanistan Withdrawal, https://gopforeignaffairs.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HFAC-Republican-Interim-Report-A-22Strategic-Failure22-Assessing-the-Administrations-AfghanistanWithdrawal.pdf See also, Fran Breyer, 14 AUG, 2022, 'Damning Report on Afghanistan Pullout - WH 'Put Head in Sand' https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/ afghanistan-withdrawal-taliban/2022/08/14/id/1083040/ 12. GEN, Ret. Jack Keane, Fox News, “Nearly 1 year after Afghanistan exit, Gen. Keane says 'we’re right back where we started' in 2001, Keane also slammed President Biden for giving Americans a 'false narrative' of the Afghanistan situation https://www.foxnews.com/politics/nearly-one-year-afghanistan-exit-gen-keane-sayswere-right-back-where-we-started 13. Ibid.

14. New York Post Editorial Board “Media Refuse to Call Biden a Liar on Afghanistan…” https://nypost.com/2021/08/18/the-media-refuse-to-call-biden-a-liar-onafghanistan-despite-the-evidence-unlike-what-they-did-with-trump/ 15. Ben Sasse, August 16, 2021, “Worse than Saigon,” https://www.nationalreview.com/2021/08/worse-than-saigon/?utm_source=recirc-%5BSCREENSIZE% 5D&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=river&utm_content=native-evergreen&utm_term=second 16. Laura Kelly and Brett Samuels, August 22, 2021, “US credibility with military allies at risk over Afghanistan pullout,” https://thehill.com/policy/ international/568833-us-credibility-with-military-allies-at-risk-over-afghanistan-pullout/ See also TK Arun, August 26, 2021, “Can you trust the US as an ally, after Afghanistan?” The Federal, https://thefederal.com/opinion/can-you-trust-the-us-as-an-ally-after-afghanistan/ 17. Gen. Keane, “Hard to fathom what Biden did here,” August 15, 2022,, Fox News , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eba4YST7rqs

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Induction of New Companions.

Continuing our new tradition of an annual dinner, Companions assembled at the Hale Ikena club at Fort Shafter for an evening of camaraderie at an event appropriate for spouses, and to invite members of the Veterans Community. At this dinner, Companion Ed Green was inducted. Ed’s record of service in the Marines and his extensive volunteering in support of the Hawaii Cadet and Veterans community was reported in the June edition.

Commander Manchester performed the induction, and all Companions present gave their welcoming congratulations.

Ed has already volunteered to serve in a leadership position, and has been appointed by the Commander as the Commandery Quartermaster.

Commandery Recognizes Veteran Exemplars Companions were pleased to recognize Dept. of Hawaii AMVETS Commander, Donovan Lazarus, for his years of service to the Hawaii Veterans community. The pages of this news magazine have covered many of his unique accomplishments.

Among his many accomplishments are the memorials and commemorations conducted in West Oahu. These included the annual Battle of Midway Commemoration, the annual commemoration of Pearl Harbor Day at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Ewa Field, multi-year support to the Hawaii WWI Centennial Commemoration, restoration of the Barbers Point Naval Air Station Memorial, and the establishment of the West Oahu Veterans Center.

The citation for his award read: For his exemplary service to the Hawaii Veterans Community as the Commander of the AMVETS Dept. of Hawaii. His dedicated service to AMVETS saw this organization grow in Hawaii to make lasting contributions to the commemoration of military history and commemorations. In this role, he restored the Naval Air Station Barbers Point Memorial in 2021 and established and sustained an annual commemoration of the anniversary of the Battle of Midway to preserve the memory of this battle that was so important to the American victory in the Pacific during WWII. In addition, he increased services to the many Veterans on Oahu, by establishing the West Oahu Veterans Commander Manchester congratulates Donovan LazaCenter in 2021. rus, Commander of the Hawaii Dept of AMVETS, on receiving the MOFW Meritorious Service Medal.

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Commandery Recognizes Eagle Scouts Katelynn Burchette and Brady Jensik The Hawaii Commandery is a strong supporter of Scouting, and takes pleasure in recognizing Scouts who achieve the BSA Eagle and GS Gold Award. Since our last Commandery News we received two request for recognition for Eagle Scouts Katelynn Burchette of Troop 664 in Mililani, and Brady Jensik of Troop 24 at Schofield Barracks.

Katelynn’s Eagle Scout Service Project, she refurbished and painted 13 – 4 squares and 5 hopscotches at Mililani Uka Elementary School in Mililani, HI. Her Court of Honor was held on August 6th at the Mililani Recreation Center. State House Representative Matt LoPresti, District 41, presented our certificate. Katelynn is a founding member of Troop 664 for girls and is the first female to earn Eagle in the troop. Both of her older brothers earned Eagle Scout as well.

Eagle Scout Brady Jensik follows his older brother Connor who received his Eagle Scout on May 6th with a MOFW certificate presented by Companion Dan Garcia as reported in the June issue of the Commandery News. Brady’s Eagle Scout Project was the reconstruction of the entryway to the Keiki Clubhouse on Camp Palehua. He passed his Eagle Board on 6 June 2022. Companion Tulak presented his certificate at a Troop Meeting held at the Scout Shack on Schofield Barracks on 22 August.

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Youth Challenge Academy Graduation Class 21-02 Companion Arthur Tulak presented the Silver Academics and Bronze Leadership Medals to top-performing cadets of Class 21-02, at the graduation ceremony held at the Blaisdell Concert Hall in downtown Honolulu on May 26, 2022. Hawaii First Lady, Dawn Ige, represented the Governor. The presiding officer representing the Hawaii National Guard was BG, Ret. Bruce Olivera, representing MG Ken Hara, the Adjutant General of the Hawaii National Guard.

This was the first fully in-person ceremony since the COVID lockdown, and families of the Cadets were able to see them receive their high school diplomas from the Adult School Division of the Hawaii Dept. of Education, as well as the various awards presented to exemplary cadets. The Hawaii YCA program has proven very successful as shown by these statistics: • 78% of Challenge graduates receive their high school equivalency diploma.

• 48% join the workforce.

• 19% continue their education.

• 6% join the military.

The recipient of the Silver Academic was Cadet Xylar Newman-Matutino The recipient of the Bronze Leadership was Cadet Ririann Noy The entire event can be viewed on the YCA facebook page — https://www.facebook.com/hawaiiyouthchallenge/videos/1148770879247707

Above Left: Director Sinaita’aga Atanoa, Director of the Youth Challenge Academy at Kalaeloa, looks on as Cadet Noy receives the Bronze Leadership Medal Above Right: Companion Tulak presents thee Silver Academic Medal to Cadet Newman-Matutino 10

Report from the Oahu Veterans Council The Council continues to plan for the 2022 Veterans Day Ceremony. Speakers at the Ceremony will include ADM Aquilino, (invited) LTG Jurney, and the Governor (invited). Mr. Earl Hurrey reported that the honored branch this year is the United States Marine Corps, and announced that the Master of Ceremonies will be a Marine Sergeant Major.

Companion News

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Companion Peter Hirai organized a memorial service on July 20, 2022 at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (NMCP) at Puowaina for Medal of Honor winner Commander George Fleming Davis. Commander Davis was awarded the Medal for his actions as Captain of the destroyer USS Walke in 1944 in the Philippine Sea. Although his name has been on the Walls of the Missing since WWII, he recently had a Memorial Marker installed where the family can visit and place flowers or mementos.

Companion Hirai worked with the Davis Family, NMCP, the US Navy, the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the USS Walke Association, the USS George Fleming Davis Association, and the Medal of Honor Historical Society to pull the ceremony together. The invocation was provided by the Joint Base chaplain and the Navy's Pacific Fleet provided a bulger and honor guard.

Pictured are from left to right the Davis Family and the Joint Base chaplain; in the foreground is a photo of Commander Davis. Of note, George Fleming Davis' son, George Davis (second from right) provided a lengthy eulogy in which he recognized his father as a true "local boy". As the son of a shipyard worker, Commander Davis was born in the Philippines in 1911 while his father was working at the Naval Base Cavite shipyard. Early in his childhood his father got a job at Pearl Harbor Shipyard and Commander Davis grew up in 1920's Hawaii, running around barefeet with his "Kanaka" friends. He lived in Nuuanu Valley and attended Punahou School but finished at McKinley High School. He commissioned from the Naval Academy and was stationed on various ships; he was stationed on the USS Oklahoma on December 7, 1941 but was staying with his aunty overnight, so survived the attack unscathed. He was stationed on the USS Honolulu and a few other ships before being assigned as Captain of the USS Walke in December 1944 Less than two months into his command, four Japanese Kamikaze planes attacked his ship; he was mortally injured during the battle but his ship and most of the crew survived. His Medal of Honor citation reads (in part), "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the USS Walke...Comdr.

Davis by his example of valor and his unhesitating self-sacrifice, steeled the fighting spirit of his command into unyielding purpose in completing a vital mission. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country."

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Upcoming events: •

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September is National Suicide Prevention month – https://veteran.com/suicide-prevention-month/ 10 September — Hawaii Wing, Civil Air Patrol Awards Banquet 11 September— Patriot Day, remembrance of the Terrorist Attacks 9-11 2001 16 September—The National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony, 1000 hrs, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific 18 September — Birthday of the U.S. Air Force, est. 1947 23 September—Commandery meeting at Oahu Veterans Center, 1700.

7 October — Operation Enduring Freedom began on this day in 2001 13 October — Birthday of the U.S. Navy, est. 1775 27 October — Navy Day 8– 10 November—Poppy Appeal at Camp Smith 10 November — 242nd Birthday, United States Marine Corps (est. 1755) 11 November Veterans Day — Ceremonies to be held at the National Military Cemetery of the Pacific, the WWI Memorial in Waikiki, and the State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe. The Commandery traditionally places wreaths and lei at these events.

7 December— Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. 10 December— Commandery Brunch (location TBD) DEC, TBD, Youth Challenge Academy Graduation

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 2022 Sponsors:

Hawaii Chapter, Association of the United States Army 12