Hawaii MOFW Commandery News September 2016

Hawaii Commandery THE Military Order of Foreign Wars

September 1, 2016

Table of Contents:

Vol. V, Issue 3, September 1, 2016

Commander’s Comments…………………………………………….. p. 1 Chaplain’s Corner…………………………………………………………. p. 1 Memorial Day 2016………………………………………………...….. p. 3 Remembering Companion LTC K. Mark Takai..………....…..p. 5 Welcome New Companions……………….………..…………….… p. 8 Commandery Operations …………………………………………….. P. 8 News from the Oahu Veterans Council & Center ………….p. 9 Hawaii State WWI Centennial Task Force….…...……..……. p. 10 Rendering Honors ……………………………………………………….. p. 10 Service Birthday Celebrations in Hawaii …………….……….. P. 11 75th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor ………….. p. 12 Companion News ……………………………………………………….. p. 13 NAUS Hawaii Chapter 1 Report.. ……………………………….….p. 13 POW/MIA Day and Veterans Day ………………………………… p. 14 Cadet Awards Program ………………………………………………… p. 14 Upcoming events ……………………...………………………………… p. 15 Cover Photo: Pacific War Memorial Statue This statue at the front gate of Kaneohe Marine Corps Base, Hawaii, was dedicated March 16, 2002 depicting the atop Mt. Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima

Commander’s Comments.

In conjunction with Veterans Day, we will once again conduct our traditional Poppy Appeal on 4 November and I ask for your support.

We welcome new Companions and enjoy the updates from our Companions who are still serving, and those now on the Mainland and abroad who remain loyal Companions of the Order, and of the Hawaii Commandery. Share your stories with your fellow Companions so that we can keep in touch across the miles.

Our next Commandery meeting is 10 September, as listed under upcoming events. If you cannot attend, please send your inputs to the Commandery officers.

Lastly, for the Good of the Order, I encourage all of you to seek out service-oriented Officer Veterans as candidates for Companionship. Put on your “recruiter hat” and bring in a new member. I challenge each of you to bring in one new member before the year is done.

Aloha!

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

First, the Commandery mourns the loss of Veteran Companion and Congressman, and LTC Mark Takai, who passed away on 20 July. Our memorial to Mark is in the pages of this issue.

Chaplains Corner

I offer my sincere compliments to the volunteers who made Memorial Day a success, and represented the Order proudly. Let’s keep up these same standards for upcoming events.

What does it take to hold up a person's dignity?

By Chaplain, LTC, Ret. John Molina

Did you know that September 1st is National No Rhyme (Nor Reason) Day? You probably know that Labor Day is a Federal Holiday and that it falls on the 5th this year and always on the 1st Monday of September, but I bet you did not know that on the same day, National Cheese Pizza Day is also observed? And should you be interested in learning about all the commemorate days for each day in September or for the year if you like, at National Day Calendar - Celebrate Everyday Calendar http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/september

We are gearing up for the 2016-2017 Academic Year and have kicked off the school year with an ACU uniform drive for Waianae High School JROTC Battalion, with the Army Element US Pacific Command having collected uniforms from 15-31 August.

Looking forward to the next quarter, the Commandery will support POW/MIA Day, Veterans Day, Civil Air Patrol and Youth Challenge Academy awards ceremonies. We need volunteers to make these commemoration events, and awards ceremonies successful.

you will find an occasion to honor something or someone any day you choose. (continued on p. 2) 1

Chaplain’s Corner, (continued from p. 1)

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A question I ask myself is what could possibly motivate so many of us to find reasons to celebrate or observe "special" and important days during the year? I like to think that at the heart for this kind of interest is that we are grateful and want to express the personal and collective value we place on preserving and protecting the dignity of mankind! Whether we do it in a light and fun way or on a more serious and solemn one, we just want to remember all which matters a little or most to each of us.

This September we observe Patriot Day (Sunday the 11th), National POW/MIA Recognition Day (Friday the 16th), Air Force Birthday (Sunday the 18th), and Gold Star Mother's Day (Sunday the 25th). The Military Connection calendar will keep you informed throughout the year at http://www.militaryconnection.com/ holiday-calendar.

The first question I proposed focused on the dignity of mankind and a second question has to do with the necessary ingredients that sustain a fertile, creative and appreciative heart. What is it that motivates and fuels us to go on celebrating, observing, remembering and commemorating the significant people and events in our personal and communal existence? What fertilizer and nurturing is required to produce such a sensitive disposition?

For starters let us look at five principles anthropologist have identified in male initiation rites accross cultural boundaries and centuries apart. Why male initiation rites and not women? Perhaps it is because women are more self initiated than men and men are more likely to need a "kick start" when growing into mature and responsible human beings. Women physiologically will nurture a child unto birth from conception and then most likely proceed to mother the child into adulthood. Men, on the other hand, can easily sire a child while taking a lesser role in the personal nurture or even fathering of a child. A man can more easily enjoy the pleasure of conceiving a child without the responsibility and the sacrifice of nurturing and raising the child.

Be that as it may, anthropologist have identified the following necessary lessons men must learn if they are to develop into dependable, responsible, and contributing members of the human community. Initiation rites have been the vehicles of instruction with various different approaches while sharing similar goals. 

Life is hard

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Life is not just about you

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You are not that special

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You are not in control

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You are going to die

These are sobering realizations for anyone! Should we learn that these principles apply to all of us and that if we are going to make it as contributors to the human race, each of us must learn to do our part, and more important, acquire a high level of humility and apply this humility to all our endeavors.

The following admonition given by an old disciple to a growing church some 2,000 years ago, still holds the same timeless wisdom for us today. "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." Letter of Paul to the church in Rome - Romans 12:3b-6 John Molina 2

Memorial Day 2016 Hawaii World War One Memorial The Commandery’s observance of Memorial Day started on Sunday 29 May, with LTC Don Canady representing the Commandery at the annual observance held each Sunday before Memorial Day at the World War One Memorial at the Natatorium in Waikiki. This event is hosted by the Friends of the Natatorium and supported by Hawaii's Veterans Organizations, including the American Legion Kau Tom Post #11,.

Don presented a floral lei on behalf of the Commandery at the Roll of Honor memorial stone. This stone lists 106 patriots, including those personnel who died fighting in the Great War. The Stone is an important part of Hawaii’s only World War One Memorial that honors the 9,800 servicemen, and the 102 died in service during the War. This year's observance, the 28th since it was started in 1988, heralds the start of America's World War One Centennial Commemoration period, which will kick off in April 2017.

The guest speaker was Rear Adm. Vincent B. Atkins, commandant of the 14th Coast Guard District. Supporting the event were the young hula LTC Ret. Don Canaday, presents a lei on dancers from Hula Hālau Olana, and the Pyramid Rock Young Marines behalf of the Hawaii Commandery headquartered at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base who helped to set up MOFW the chairs and awning early in the morning, and to assist presenters of floral leis. The 13 Young Marines did a fabulous job - check out their Facebook Page www.facebook.com/ PyramidRockYoungMarines

The Honor Roll lists the names of Soldiers and other patriots who made memorable and significant contributions to the War

PACAF Honor Guard fires the salute volley in honor of the War Dead.

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Memorial Day 2016 (continued)

Mayor’s Ceremony

Companions Manchester and Tulak represented the Order at the 67th Mayor’s Cer-

emony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in the beautiful Puo Waina Crater, known as “The Punchbowl.” Cadet Captain Espanta of the Waipahu JROTC Raiders Battalion carried the wreath forward as the escort. The ROTC cadets from Waipahu and Campbell High Schools did a fabulous job with the presentation of State Flags, escort duties, and general support. The Commandery’s floral wreath was one of the first to proceed forward and caught the attention of the media for the unique banner and flower combination of the organization’s color, and can be seen on-line at https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiNewsNow/ videos/10154085105920479/?pnref=story

Governor’s Ceremony

Companions COL Ret Mike Madsen and Lt. Col. Ret. Jim Burkholder supported

the Governor's Memorial Day Ceremony May 30, 2016 at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery. Our Companions marched with the Commandery Colors in the Parade of Flags, and presented leis on behalf of the Hawaii Commandery, and our affiliate organization, the Hawaii Chapter of the National Association of Uniformed Services (NAUS). The Commandery colors were carried in by Youth ChalleNGe Academy Cadets.

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Remembering Veteran Companion LTC Mark Takai The Commandery mourns the loss of a great leader and Companion.

Companion Takai was commissioned as first lieutenant in the Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) on July 19, 1999, and served as Preventive Medical Officer from July 19, 1999 to November 2005. Promoted to Captain on June 20, 2002. CPT Takai, and then to Major on December 7, 2007. Served as the Deputy State Surgeon from May 2005 to November 2009, and also served as Commander, C Company (MED), 29th BSB, Hawaii Army National Guard from November 2006 to May 2008.

Major Takai was mobilized for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 08, and served on active duty from February 4, 2009 to September 3, 2009 as the Base Support Operations Officer, Camp Patriot, Kuwait. MAJ Takai served in various capacities, including Civil Affairs Officer (September 2009 to October 2009), Public Affairs Officer (October 2009—April 2010) and EEO/EO Staff Officer (April 2011 to November 2012). Served as the Division Chief for Soldiers Services and a School Liaison for the HIARNG from NovemMAJ K. Mark Takai, Base ber 2012. Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on MAJ K. Mark Takai receives the Hawaii Distinguished Service Operations Officer, Camp May 14, 2013. LTC K. Mark Takai was admitted by the Order in 2012.

Patriot, Kuwait 2009.

Council on September 5, 2013, and inducted as a Veteran Companion of the Order. As a Companion, Mark Takai supported the Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Cadet Awards ceremonies in 2013 and 2014.

In addition to his official Army duties, Companion Takai served as the President of the Hawaii National Guard Association Mark also held positions as National Chair of the National Network of Legislators in the Military; State Coordinator of United States for Military Families; Congressional Action Committee, Hawai`i National Guard; Legislative Action Chair for the Hawai`i National Guard Association.

LTC Mark Takai presents MOFW medals to Cadets Azhia White and Abigail Olipani 11 April 2014 Roosevelt High School JROTC.

Chief Judge Susan Oki Mollway administered the Oath of Office to Congressman Mark Takai of Hawaii on January 16, 2015 while his family and for-

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In office as Congressman, 1st Hawaii District.

Remembering Veteran Companion LTC Mark Takai (cont.)

In civilian life, Companion Takai served twenty years in the State House of Representatives representing the district of Aiea/Pearl City, before launching his bid for office in the U.S. Congress. While in the State House, Companion Takai was instrumental in creating the Hawaii DoD Medal of Honor, which has been awarded to fallen warriors who were either from Hawaii, or served in a unit deployed from Hawaii. After his successful election campaign to the Congressman Mark Takai visit to HQ PACOM 27 March 1st Congressional District of the State of Hawaii, Companion Takai 2015, Companion Tulak is second from left. continued to fight for Veterans, and for a sound Defense Policy and a strong military. As an example of his recent work, he advocated for H.R. 3870, “the Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act,� to provide for the treatment of #Atomic Veterans who participated in the cleanup of #Enewetak Atoll on the Marshall Islands and are suffering from service-related illnesses due to radiation exposure. Companion Takai brought his military experience to the Congress, where he was an advocate for a strong military and sound defense policy. His no-nonsense approach was exemplified by his recent position opposing the unsafe and illegal aggressive actions of Communist Chinese Navy and naval air forces, during Freedom of Navigation Operations conducted by the USS John C. Stennis Aircraft Carrier Strike Group and the USS William P. Lawrence near Fiery Cross Reef in May of 2016 . Congressman Takai further argued that such behavior should result in the PLAN being disinvited from the annual Rim of the Pacific Exercise known as RIMPAC. Despite his busy schedule, Companion Takai kept in touch with the Commandery throughout his travels.

The Hawaii Commandery and National Commandery sent condolences on behalf of the Order. Below is the acknowledgement from the Takai Family.

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Welcome New Companions The Commandery’ welcomed new Companion COL Peter J. Hirai, at its quarterly meeting at the Monterey Canners Restaurant on June 18th. Companion Hirai is currently serving in the U.S. Army Reserve in the 351st Civil Affairs Command (Forward) at Fort Shafter Hawaii. In his civilian capacity, Companion Hirai serves as the Deputy Director of Emergency Management for the City and County of Honolulu, and continues to serve as a Civil Affairs Officer with the U.S. Army Reserve.

His qualifying service for Veteran Companionship was in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM from June 11, 2005 to May 10, 2006 as a member of the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade. Companion Hirai has a long history of volunteer service to the community and brings a great deal of experience to our mission of service.

Commandery Secretary Manny Manchester and Commander Arthur Tulak, present Companion Hirai with the insignia of the Order and a Diploma of Companionship for the Hawaii Commandery.

Commandery Operations POW/MIA Day The Commandery has set up an information table at the NEX to explain the history and purpose of POW/MIA day with fact sheets. We will also present the 50th Vietnam Lapel Pin to Vietnam Veterans with the thanks of a grateful nation, and gather their basic information to report the presentation.

Veterans Day. The Commandery will conduct Poppy Appeal events on 4 November in advance of Veterans Day. Volunteers are needed to stand a shift as we help to keep the tradition of the poppy flower as a symbol of remembrance and pride for both Memorial Day and Veterans Day. For Veterans Day, we will be distributing poppies at the Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange, and encouraging passersby to wear them through the week into Veterans Day on the following Friday. On Veterans' Day, Companions will place a floral wreath at the altar stone at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and will march in the parade of flags at the Governor’s ceremony at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery at Kaneohe.

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News from the Oahu Veterans Center and Council At the June 25th meeting of the Oahu Veterans Council, member organizations saw the results of the Commandery’s efforts to provide flag stands for its member organizations. The Center now has four handsome flag stands that are wheeled for easy movement in the facilities. These flag stands were constructed by Mr. Bob Miller, Vietnam Veteran, and recently retired Woodshop Instructor at Farrington High School.

As you read in the last issue of the Commandery News ST2 Miller was honored by the Commandery with the Vietnam War 50th Commemoration Medal.

The Council can now display up to twenty organizational flags for meetings and other events, and council members all agreed it helped the Center live up to its motto of “A gathering place for Veterans.” The materials were funded via a grant from Mr. Ron Wright of Cutter Automotive.

The flags are displayed according to the seniority based on the founding date of the National organization.

While the National Guard Association’s official date of organization precedes that of MOFW, they did not bring their flag to the 25 June, meeting, and the MOFW is the second-oldest Veteran organization represented in the Council, which gave us the place of honor for this debut.

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.

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Hawaii State WWI Centennial Task Force The Hawaii Commandery is a member organization of the Hawaii WWI Centennial Task Force, which is planning the State’s commemoration of the Great War, with events starting in 2017. The Task Force has launched its web page at webpage is hosted on the National WWI Centennial Commission website at http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/hawaiiwwi-centennial-home.html or simply type in WorldWar1Centennial.org/HI to see the timeline of events of significance to Hawaii, interesting articles, and planned events. The Task Force is working on finalizing its Commemorative Partner program, which will include the Hawaii Commandery.

As the U.S. Centennial Commemoration period does not begin until April 2017, the HI WWI CTF followed the National Centennial Commission’s lead of partnering with the international commemoration efforts already underway, since 2014. In this line of effort, the HI WWI CTF commemorated the centennial anniversary of the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 2016 at the War Memorial Natatorium, where the Celtic Kula performed the “Battle of the Somme & highland dance,” composed by Pipe Major of the 8th Argyllshire Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the “Somme Lilt” composed by Fiona Brown, along with other musical pieces and Celtic dance. This event was covered by Hawaii News Now television news.

Rendering Honors With POW/MIA Day and Veterans Day approaching, it is important to be aware of current rules concerning Veterans authority to render a military hand salute. Veterans are authorized by federal law to render the hand salute when the Flag of the United States is posted or passes in review, during the playing of the National Anthem, during the playing of “Taps,” and during the Pledge of Allegiance. It is not required to be in uniform, nor to be in attire that would readily the Veteran as a member of an established Veterans organization. During the Pledge of Allegiance “Members of the Armed Forces not in uniform and veterans may render the military salute in the manner provided for persons in uniform.” The following sections of the United States Code (USC) provide this authority: 

Title 4 USC Section 4, “Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag”

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Title 4 USC Section 9 “Conduct During Hoisting, Lowering, or Passing of the Flag”

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Title 26 USC Section 301, “National Anthem” 10

Service Birthday Celebrations Air Force With the implementation of the National Security Act of 1947, the Air Force was established as a separate service on September 18, 1947.

The Air Force celebrates its 69th Birthday on September 9, 2016. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) will celebrate with a Ball on September 9th at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, 2005 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815. The ball starts at 1700 hrs, and tickets may be purchased on-line. The Ball also commemorates 75 Years of Pacific Valor.

For more information go to http://pacafball.org/#splash and for specific questions contact pacaf.afball@gmail.com

Navy The U.S. Navy traces its origins to the Continental Navy, which was authorized by Congress on October 13, 1775 in Philadelphia. On December 22, 1175, Congress appointed Esek Hopkins, Esq., as commander in chief of the fleet, and named the first four Ship Captains to the new service. Although the Continental navy was later dismantled in 1784, the U.S. was reconstituted in 1794.

PACFLT is hosting the 240th Navy Birthday Ball at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel 2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. ADM Swift, PACFLT Commander, is the guest speaker. The cost is dependent on rank: O1-O4 and GS12— $75; O5, GS13, and above, Contractor—$90. After September 15th, the price goes up $10. POC is YN1 Candice Davis 477-8251

Marine Corps On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress commissioned Samuel Nicholas to raise two Battalions of Marines. That very day, Nicholas set up shop in Tun Tavern, and appointed Robert Mullan, then the proprietor of the tavern, to the job of chief Marine Recruiter -- serving from his place of business at Tun Tavern.

HQ Marine Forces Pacific will commemorate the 241st Birthday of the Marine Corps on Friday November 4, 2016, at the Sheraton Waikiki, 2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. The Birthday Ball will commence with cocktails and VIP reception at 1700 hrs. The cost for active duty Officers is $100 per person for W1-W3/O1-O3, $110 for W4-W5/O4-O6, and $110 for Flag and General Officers, SES, and Retirees.

For more information contact the Headquarters and Headquarters Company MARFORPAC at (808) 477-1251

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75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor The 75th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii will be commemorated over eleven days of activities from 1-11 December. The Commandery will officially attend the 8th Annual Ewa Field Battlefield Commemoration on December 6th.  

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Thursday, December 1— Military Band Performance, 0845-1000, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Lanai Friday, December 2  Military Band Performance, 0845-1000, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Lanai  USS Arizona Reunion Association Wreath Laying Ceremony, 1330-1400, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl)  Movie on Waikiki Beach (U.S. Air Force Theme) 1930-2200, Waikiki Outdoor Theater Saturday, December 3  Military Band Performance 0845-1000, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Lanai  "For Love of Country—Pass It On" Opening Gala 1800-2200, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor (Ticketed Event) Sunday, December 4,  Military Band Performance, 0845-1000, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Lanai  Ford Island Aerological Tower Dedication, 1300-1400, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor  Hawaii Remembers - Block Party, 1700-2100, Home of the Brave Museum & Brewseum, Free, Open to the Public  Movie on Waikiki Beach (U.S. Navy Theme), 1930-2200, Waikiki Outdoor Theater Monday, December 5  Military Band Performance, 0845-1000, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Lanai  Movie on Waikiki Beach (U.S. Army Theme), 1930-2200, Waikiki Outdoor Theater  Evening with the Keynote Speaker, 1830-2100, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Theater Tuesday, December 6,  Military Band Performance, 0845-1000, Pearl Harbor Visitor Center Lanai  8th Annual Ewa Field Battlefield Commemoration, 0930-1100, Ewa Plain Battlefield  Freedom Bell Opening Ceremony and Bell Ringing, 1000-1700, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum Wednesday, December 7,  National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration, 0745-0915, Kilo Pier, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam  Attack on Hickam Field Ceremony & Reception, 0750, Atterbury Circle, Hickam AFB  Brunch with Veterans, 0900, Officers' Club Lanai, Hickam AFB  75th Anniversary Pearl Harbor Mass Band Performance, 1200-1300, Battleship Missouri Memorial  USS Oklahoma Memorial Ceremony, 1300-1430, USS Oklahoma Memorial, Ford Island  Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade and Public Ceremony, 1630-1930, Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki Thursday, December 8,  Freedom Bell Ringing, 0700-1700, USS Bowfin Submarine Museum & Park  Doris Miller Bust Rededication Ceremony, 1330 –1430, Doris Miller Housing  Movie on Waikiki Beach (U.S. Marine Corps Theme), 1930-2200, Waikiki Outdoor Theater Friday, December 9  "Righteous Revenge" 1800-2100, Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor, (Ticketed Event)  A Salute to Dorie Miller: The Heroic Reflection of Bravery & Service, 1800-2200, Honolulu Country Club (Ticketed Event)  Movie on Waikiki Beach (U.S. Coast Guard Movie Theme), 1930-2200, Waikiki Outdoor Saturday, December 10 Signature Concert "Inspiring the Future" 1800-2100, Aloha Stadium, (Ticketed Event ) Sunday, December 11, Honolulu Marathon (Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future), 0500, Honolulu (Ticketed Event)

For more information on all these events go to http://pearlharbor75thanniversary.com/full-schedule-ofevents/

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Companion News: LTC Daphany Prewitt Companion, Prewitt was admitted to the Order on 11 June, 2011, while assigned to 9th Theater Support Group. LTC Prewitt, a Finance Branch Officer, currently serves as the Commander of the 12th Battalion, Army Reserve Careers Division, and is now a Senior Service College graduate. Companion Prewitt completed the Army War College on 22 July 2016 and received a Master of Strategic Studies.

Companion Prewitt is moving to a new assignment at Headquarters, Department of the Army for the position of Deputy Division Chief & Program Analyst, Programs Division, Deputy Chief of Staff, G4, HQ Department of the Army (HQDA) & Sustainment (SS) Program Evaluation Group (PEG). Her Change of Command to hand over the reigns of the 12th BN ARCD is scheduled for 8 September 2016.

The Hawaii Commandery takes great pleasure in commending Companion Prewitt for a successful command, and completion of her degree!

Photo from the 12th BN ACRD Facebook page— www.facebook.com/177258049048883 LTC Prewitt is center right with her Battalion Staff

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

By Denis Egge On August 13th, we selected those who will compete on November 8th to represent our interests in the US Congress, State Legislature, County Councils, OHA and as our Mayors. It is interesting to note that one non-partisan (aka no strings attached) candidate, who happens to be a US Army veteran, will be running for the vacant 1st Congressional District office, in November.

Only one in three registered Hawaii voters showed up at the polls for the primary. Being forced to announce the party we prefer, to democratically represent our interests remains extremely difficult for us. Those (66%) who choose to not associate with any of our officially registered political parties, will have one candidate to vote for, in November.

We will continue the pursuit of equal justice, under the law, for our divorcing and divorced disabled veterans, in he State Legislature. On the national legislative scene, our legislative team is focused on H.R. 2992 and HR 454 for our Merchant Marine members, HR 1475 for the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall, as well as supporting Pay & Compensation Acts that propose lowering the disability rating level for those eligible to receive their Disability Compensation and Retirement pay concurrently.

As current, former, and retired Uniformed Services personnel we now have 61 days to decide which of our many concerns will bring us to our respective polling places, on November 8th. If we don't take the time to do this, rest assured, someone will choose for us.

At your service, Dennis Egge; NAUS Hawaii Chapter President

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Cadet Awards Program The Commandery presented medals to the top Cadets of the graduating Class 15-2 on June 15, 2016 at the Pearl City Cultural Center.

The mission of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program is to intervene in and reclaim the lives of 1618 year old high school dropouts, producing program graduates with the values, life skills, education, and self -discipline necessary to succeed as productive citizens.

The Military Order of Foreign Wars Bronze Medal for Leadership was awarded to Cadet K-Nard Narruhn.

Cadet Narruhn was selected based on his role as the Class 44 Commander of Troops. He displayed great leadership and set the example as a responsible, committed, and motivated cadet for all to follow.

The Military Order of Foreign Wars Silver Medal for Academic Excellence was awarded to Cadet C'Anna Moore. Cadet Moore was selected both for her academic achievements as well as her willingness and abilities to assist the Cadets who needed extra help to complete their academic studies. Her efforts were instrumental in ensuring that 100% of class 44 graduated with their high school equivalency diploma.

The inspirational speaker was Anthony V. Selvanathan, a 2010 graduate of the Youth ChalleNGe Academy

Photos: From left to right, Deputy Director MGySgt Ret. Mark Gleason , COL Ret. Arthur Tulak, and Director Sgt Maj Ret. Juan D. Williams, present the medals to Cadets Narruhn (Photo 1) and Cadet Moore (Photo 2).

Class #33, who is presently a student at Chaminade University in Honolulu. As a YCA Cadet, Anthony excelled, and was awarded the Distinguished Cadet Medal by the Governor of Hawaii.

Hawaii’s Youth Challenge Program is a proven success, as the statistics clearly show:      

78% of ChalleNGe graduates receive their high school equivalency diploma.

48% join the workforce.

19% continue their education.

6% join the military.

Program participants donate over 9,000 hours of community service annually, valued at more than $175,000.

The Hawaii Youth Challenge Academy has awarded more than 3,800 academic credentials

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Upcoming events:  

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9 September — Air Force 69th Birthday Ball, Hilton Hawaiian Village, for more information go to http://pacafball.org/#splash 10 September — Fisher House 8k Hero & Remembrance Run, Walk or Roll, Pacific Aviation Museum, Ford Island, 0600 to 0900. No Cost. Registration at http://www.eventbrite.com — Commandery Meeting at Monterey Bay Canners, 0900 hrs.

11 September — Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance 16 September — POW/MIA Day — Fundraiser at the Navy Exchange 0900-1500 — JPAC Ceremony of Remembrance, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific 1000 hrs.

— Army Signal Corps Regimental Ball, Hilton Hawaiian Village, 1800 hrs, call 653-5791 for info.

17 September — Constitution Day (U.S. Constitution Approved in 1787) and Citizenship Day 18 September— 69th Birthday of the U.S. Air Force Birthday (est. 1947) 15 October— 240th Birthday of the U.S. Navy (est. 1755) PACFLT Navy Birthday Ball, Sheraton Waikiki 4 November — Poppy Appeal at the Navy Exchange 0900-1500 4 November, MARFORPAC Marine Corps Birthday Ball 10 November, 241st Birthday, United States Marine Corps (est. 1755) 11 November — Veterans Day — OVC Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific 0900-1000 — Governor’s Ceremony at the Hawaii State Veterans’ Cemetery Kaneohe 1300-1430 1-11 December 75th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor (see page 11) 6 December— Memorial at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa Field—Commandery lei presentation 0930-1100 15 December — Youth ChalleNGe Academy graduation and awards presentation at the Pearl City Cultural Center, 2100 Hookiekie St. Pearl City. Uniform is Class B - 1800 hrs.

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

Mahalo to our 2016 Sponsors:

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