Veterans Corner

Community Contributed

By Jesse Church

Hello veterans, old Jesse here with all the veterans’ news and upcoming events. Well everyone, I have some wonderful news that you should already be aware of. The Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans received their building permit for the veterans’ center on Wharf Road. It is fantastic knowing that we have the permit, it feels like a very large weight has been removed from our backs. A big mahalo to all the veterans that worked so hard the last five years to get the permit, thank you from the bottom of my heart. To the veterans that we have lost in the last five years, I’m sorry that you were not here to share this day with us, but you are not forgotten.

But just because the building permit has been issued doesn’t mean that the lawsuit is over – the judge in the April 4 hearing in Honolulu ruled that the lawsuit can go to trial, and is set for Oct. 25, 2011. The judge allowed it to go to trial on counts of first amendment protection, equal rights protection and emotional distress. So veterans we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, very soon we will be sitting in our own veterans’ center.

The Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans will be the host of the Memorial Day services, May 30, at the VA cemetery starting at 9:30 a.m. The veterans would like to invite all family members of deceased veterans interred at the VA cemetery on Molokai and around the world. There will be a light breakfast served by the students from Molokai High School, and entertainment by the choir Kanakapila. Paul Laub, the president of the Maui County Veterans Council is donating 250 American flags to be placed on veterans’ graves.

Joe Thompson, the VA service officer will be at the veterans’ center in Kaunakakai on May 27 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. We will be able to help our veterans with all veteran needs, from filing claims to answering questions. If you’d like to see Joe, mark Friday on your calendar and call the center for questions at 553-8387.

If anyone has any news or stories or just wants to talk about their experience while in service of this great nation, give old Jesse a call at 553-3323, I’d love to hear from you. A big mahalo to all our veterans and the people of Molokai, you’re the best, I love you all.