Na Leo O Na Koa. August Brunch Twinning (Voices of Warriors) 2007 Chapter Rating

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1 Na Leo O Na Koa (Voices of Warriors) 2007 Chapter Rating Newsletter of the Aloha Chapter, An Affiliate of the Military Officers Association of America Chartered January 27, 2000 Volume No. 10, Issue No. 8 Web Site: August 2009 August Brunch Twinning 2009 As a reminder of our Sunday Brunch and Meeting scheduled for the end of August at 11:00 AM, Sunday, August 30 th, at Nehelani, Bldg 2060, 1249 Kolekole Avenue, Schofield Barracks, we will have a fact-filled program featuring Las Vegas. The theme for the program is Viva Las Vegas Veni, Vida, Visa and our speaker is Las Vegas expert Kimo Akane, who writes under the byline Kimo Vegas in MidWeek. (Billy V, another Las Vegas expert, who was also scheduled to be our guest, has, unfortunately, declined our invitation because of a conflicting family commitment.) Those of you going to Las Vegas in September for Twinning 2009 should be at this meeting. For anyone who is planning to visit Las Vegas at another time, please let this program s organizer, Norm Fujiwara, know and he will personally introduce you to Kimo Vegas, who can set up a procedure for you to contact him and get the latest Las Vegas information for your visit. So, don't forget our next gathering is August 30 th for a Sunday brunch at Nehelani at Schofield Barracks. Inside August Issue Bridge Report 5 Calendar 2 Chairman s Corner 2 Chapter Leaders 8 Golden Anniversary 4 Golf Report 6 Membership Form 7 Merrie Ladies 3 President s Message 2 Veterans Affairs 4 Hope to see you all on the 30 th of August. The Reservation Form and a map to Nehelani are on page 7 of this newsletter. Please send in your reservation NOW before you forget later this month and miss out on this informative, interesting and delicious brunch. In a little over a month, September, fifteen (15) chapter members and spouses will be participating in Twinning 2009 with their counterparts in Las Vegas, the Southern Nevada, MOAA, Chapter. This Twinning visit to Las Vegas was decided in part to coincide with the UH-UNLV Football Game on Saturday, September 19 th since several of our chapter members and spouses are avid Warrior fans who would be in Las Vegas that weekend anyway. Therefore, we are asking those fans (who are not part of the 15 committed so far) to join us in the Twinning activities planned before and after that game. Speaking of Twinning activities, the following have been arranged between our Coordinator Les Ihara and theirs, Jack Taylor: 1. Thursday - September 17 - Evening activity only. Since some of our chapter members will be arriving in Las Vegas that day, and a few even that night, the Joint Dinner-Meeting was moved back to Friday night. So a show or dinner-show, on the strip or downtown, is being offered and our hosts are prepared to make the necessary arrangements and provide transportation, if needed. At this stage, we re open for any suggestions, so any preferences should be made known to Les Ihara as soon as possible. 2. Friday - September 18 - Daytime activities. a. Golf outing is planned in the morning; golfers need to confirm participation with Les Ihara. b. Shopping tour to Trader Joe s and Las Vegas Outlet Mall in the morning, returning early afternoon; contact Les Ihara if you re interested. 3. Friday - September 18 - Evening activity. See Twinning 2009 Page 5

2 Page 2 Na Leo O Na Koa No. 8, August 2009 President s Message by Robert Kozuki This is a reminder that on August 30, 2009, the Aloha Chapter will sponsor a guest speaker, Kimo Akane, who writes about Las Vegas in the Mid- Week newspaper. He will make his presentation at Nehalani Restaurant, Schofield Barracks, where a buffet brunch will be offered to our members. Kimo Akane will be just the person to ask a question you may have about what is happening in Las Vegas. For the members who will be participating in the Twinning Event in September, here is your opportunity to learn more about Las Vegas. Our October program will feature COL Gene E. Castagnetti, USMC, Ret., Director of the Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, as our guest speaker at a luncheon at Hale Ikena on October 21, Our thanks to COL Joe Magaldi, Jr., USMC, Ret., for arranging and coordinating this event. As your president, I wish to encourage active participation of our membership in the programs and events that are planned. Our Program Chairperson is always open to suggestions for future events. Call whenever you have ideas for future programs, comments, or suggestions to improve the way we are functioning. Chairman s Corner Meet John Ma Brigadier General Serves Army With Distinction by Allen Ono, Chairman of the Board of Directors Aloha Chapter is proud to have life member Brigadier General John Ma serve in the important senior position of US Army Pacific Deputy Commander for Army Reserves at Fort Shafter during these challenging times when the Nation relies heavily on Reserve and National Guard forces. His education includes ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate honors from the University of Hawaii, a Bachelor of Science Degree in civil engineering from UH, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Pepperdine University. He is also a graduate of the Army War College and the Command and General Staff BG John Ma College. See Chairman s Corner Page 3 Welcome to Our New Aloha Chapter Member Mark A. Torreano, COL, USAF, Ret. Aug 13, 2009 (Thursday) Aug 16, 2009 (Sunday) Aug 24, 2009 (Monday) CALENDAR OF EVENTS 8:45 AM Merrie Ladies Tour of Sumida Watercress Farm, Pearl Ridge 1:00 PM, Bridge Bunch Bridge Party, Fahrni Realty Classroom, Aiea Golf Outing, Malama Bay Golf Course, Hickam Air Force Base Aug 30, :00 AM, Brunch, Nehelani, Bldg 2060, (Sunday) 1249 Kolekole Ave., Schofield Barracks; Guest speaker: Kimo Akane Sept , `09 Twinning at Las Vegas Chapter and attending UH-UNLV game Oct. 21, :00 AM, Luncheon, Hale Ikena; (Wednesday) Speaker: COL Gene Castagnetti, USMC, Ret., Director, National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific Nov. 11, 2009 Veterans Day Patriotic Song Fest at (Wednesday) VA Center for Aging, TAMC Nov. 18, :00 AM, Luncheon, Hale Ikena; (Wednesday) Annual Election of Officers; Guest Speaker on Identity Theft Dec. 9, 2009 Christmas Dinner, Hale Koa Hotel Notice This Newsletter is published monthly by New Tech Imaging, Mapunapuna, as an official publication of Aloha Chapter, MOAA, P.O. Box 19267, Honolulu, Hawaii, Views expressed herein are not necessarily chapter policy.

3 No. 8, August 2009 Na Leo O Na Koa Reminder Tour of Watercress Farm The Merrie Ladies, spouses, and friends are cordially invited to a tour of the Sumida Watercress Farm located on Kamehameha Highway next to the Pearl Ridge Shopping Center. There is no charge for the tour but reservations are required. Details are as follows: Date: Thursday, August 13, 2009 Time: 9:00 to 10:30 am (meet in front of the farm at 8:45 am) Cost: No charge What to wear: comfortable clothing and walking shoes as we will walk over the waterways of the farm Where to park: Sears parking area located right on Kamehameha Highway next to farm entrance RSVP to: Rowena Okita at or Charlene Towne at ASAP. Marion Page 3 Chairman s Corner (Continued from Page 2) Brigadier General Ma s long and significant Army career began with six years of active duty with tours in Korea and Hawaii. He joined the Reserves and was assigned to a succession of duties with greater responsibilities and scope to include commander of the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade and commanding general of the 9th Regional Readiness Command. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, parachutist badge and the Army Ranger Tab. The tenth letter of the alphabet is apparently General Ma s favorite. He is John, his wife is Jenetta, and their four children are Jermaine, Jonathan, Josalyne and Jerrauld. Congratulations to Our New Aloha Chapter Life Member Robert K. Takao, LTC, USA

4 Page 4 Na Leo O Na Koa No. 8, August 2009 What Should Your Dependents Do When You Die? What are your rights as a veteran upon your death? Will the Veterans Administration (VA) pay for your funeral, cremation and cemetery expenses? Can your spouse receive an American flag in honor of your service? Are you entitled to a military funeral honors ceremony with a gun salute how many guns salute? Can your spouse receive a Presidential Memorial Certificate in recognition of your service to our nation? Will the VA issue or replace military service medals, awards and decorations? Can you be buried in your uniform? Will the VA pay for transporting your body from the morgue to the burial site? Where can you be buried at VA expense? These and many more questions are addressed in 10 Important Facts about Your VA Burial Benefits. For your free copy call In addition, upon your death your spouse should have a copy of your DD214 and your social security number. He/she should call The Army Casualty Operations Center ( ) to report the death of the veteran; the Defense Finance and Accounting Service s Retired Pay Center ( ) if the veteran is receiving military retired pay; and the Department of Veterans Affairs ( ) if the veteran is receiving VA disability compensation. It is suggested that you use the Casualty Assistance Checklist by going to their web site at as a starting point for your survivor s file. It is a start and it will make it easier for your spouse upon your death. Wes The Aloha Chapter extends hearty and sincere CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FRIENDS IN THE HAWAII CHAPTER In commemoration of their Golden Anniversary! Joe Magaldi Meets with Norb Ryan Joe Magaldi, Jr., COL, USMC, Ret., Immediate Past President of the Aloha Chapter, who gave a very heartfelt, conciliatory toast at the Hawaii Chapter s gala Golden Anniversary celebration at the Hale Koa Hotel, and Norb Ryan, Jr., VADM, USN, Ret., President, MOAA, after their breakfast conference.

5 No. 8, August 2009 Na Leo O Na Koa Page 5 Aloha Chapter Party Bridge The July Party Bridge session was held at the Fahrni Realty Classroom on Sunday, the 12 th, hosted by Barbara Chong. Helping Barbara organize the players was Program Coordinator Shirley Ihara who had 17 signed up, so she got 3 guest players to play 5 tables. However, after that, one of our regulars opted out, so she had to get a 4 th guest player. The top scorer for the first time this bridge-year was Les Ihara. He was followed by Mitzi Austin, guest Hazel Theodore, guest Kay Reid, Phyllis Williams, and Gary Jensen. Other players behind them in descending scores were: Dan Matthews, Bev Jensen, Shirley Ihara, Trudi Ernst, Jane Miller, Bill Ernst, Brooks, Lois Luehring, Ken Carroll, Barbara Chong, Lia Carroll, John Kim, Helen Fahrni, and guest Sally Taylor. 3 Slams were bid and made, 2 by Hazel Theodore with partners Kay Reid and Dan Matthews, and 1 by Les & Shirley Ihara. Top Scorers at the July Bridge Session The next party bridge session will be hosted by John Kim & Phyllis Williams and held on Sunday, August 16 th, at the Fahrni Realty Classroom, with play beginning at 1 pm. Those interested in playing but have not signed up need to contact John at or Phyllis at not later than Wednesday, August 12 th. Shirley Add these Websites to your Favorites Twinning 2009 (Continued from Page 1) Joint Dinner-Meeting at the Palace Station Casino Hotel. Aloha Attire. Dinner menu and cost of dinner is not known at this time. Transportation to and from the meeting provided by host chapter. 4. Saturday - September 19 - Daytime activities only. (The UH-UNLV Football Game is not part of Twinning activities, so for those not attending the game, it s a free night). a. Golf outing is planned in the morning, so golfers need to confirm participation with Les Ihara. b. Shopping and/or sightseeing tour in the morning and returning early afternoon, as desired. 5. Sunday - September 20 - Early evening informal reception-dinner at a community clubhouse in Henderson. Transportation provided. With their chapter leaders and those who participated in previous Twinning events invited, it ll be an evening of fun, fellowship, entertainment and making/renewing friendships. Aloha Chapter s 15 participants in Twinning 2009 to-date are: Board Chair LTG (USA, Retired) Allen Ono and wife Evelyn. Twinning Concluded on Page 7

6 Page 6 Na Leo O Na Koa No. 8, August 2009 Norm Fujiwara July Golf Report The sign-up for this month's golf outing set an unprecedented record, a total of 31 players indicated they wish to play at Klipper GC on July 24 th. I requested and received an additional, tee time to accommodate the crowd, this was a first for the Aloha Chapter Golf program. However, after a couple of days, there were three cancellations bringing the total to 28 players, still a record for the Aloha Chapter Golf program. Another first for the golf program was the cancellation of our "blind partner" mega jackpot procedure since the Klipper Golf Course has been renovating their facilities and lack an area to congregate. Nevertheless it still was a great golf outing. The weather was super, plus we had another case of a foursome of wahine golfers, a few golfers that we have not seen for a while, namely, Chuck McCauley and Jerry Nichols. A first timer Charles Moriyama, welcome aboard. We also had a brave sole, Hal Okita, who had dislocated his shoulder, had it set by his doctor and came out to join us, he said he will give it a try and he did for 18 holes; good show Hal! Because we lacked a meeting place I am missing the score card for the first group. Therefore, I am unable to determine who are the mega jackpot winners. Since we decided to cancel that portion of our game, I thought it would be appropriate to award a "Atta Boy" award to the low handicappers. With the score card in my hand the super "Atta Boy" award goes to Gordon Cho and Mert Agena. Since some of you may wonder who the twenty eight players were, we were lead by Allen Ono, Ken Munechika, John Ma and Mel Soong, followed by Mert Agena, Kelly Lau, Hal Okita, and Leroy Perry, then Gordon Cho, Chuck McCauley, John Holmes and Dick Towne, close behind was Len Katsarsky, Larry Enomoto, John Seeley and Ira Tagawa, followed by Jack Bohman, Ken Yamada, Jerry Nichols and his guest Mike Yamamoto in the 6th group were Joe Kuroda, Curtis Lee, Charles Moriyama and yours truly, bringing up the rear was our wahine group Alice Fujiwara, Eleanor Paek, Betty Hashimoto and Honeyjean Katsarsky. Now for our thought of the day: Why is that a minute contains 60 seconds except when it's preceded by "Just a?" Our next golf outing will be on Monday, August 24 th, at Mamala Bay Golf Course; see you all there. Recruit A New Member! Your Aloha Chapter is always looking for new members active duty, retirees, and auxiliary members all are welcome and will enjoy the camaraderie of the Aloha Chapter. Make it your goal to recruit at least one new member in Cut out the Membership Application on Page 7 of this newsletter to give to a prospective member.

7 No. 8, August 2009 Na Leo O Na Koa Page 7 Chapter President LTC (USA, Retired) Bob Kozuki and wife Mazie. COL (USA, Retired) Joseph Kuroda and wife Betty. COL (USA, Retired) Nari Hamlin. COL (USA, Retired) Nobu Matsuda and wife Nell. LTC (USAF, Retired) Cedric Chong and wife Barbara. LTC (USA), Retired) Tom Kimura and wife Betty. Twinning Coordinator COL (USA, Retired) Les Ihara and wife Shirley. Exciting Opportunity A member is needed next year to assume the duties of the publisher of our monthly newsletter and annual directory. Training will be provided by the current publisher who has done this task for the last 3½ years and would like to do more traveling. If you would like to tackle this challenge, please contact Mark Webster at Markster96816@gmail.com. Mahalo.

8 Aloha Chapter Military Officers Association Of America P.O. Box Aloha Chapter Awards Honolulu HI * Star Chapter * Star Chapter * 2004 Winner Best Website * nd Runner-Up Electronic Newsletter * Star Chapter * 2005 Winner-Cat VII "Give Me 10" Recruitment Campaign * Star Chapter * Star Chapter * nd Runner-Up Print Newsletter * Star Chapter * nd Runner-Up Print Newsletter Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Honolulu HI Permit No Aloha Chapter Leadership Directors Chairman Allen Ono, USA onoa002@hawaii.rr.com President Robert Kozuki, USA kozukir@hawaii.rr.com Vice Pres. Norman Fujiwara, USA nfujiwara@hawaiiantel.net Treasurer Vernon Von, USAF vvon777@gmail.com Secretary Vernon Von, USAF vvon777@gmail.com Mitzi Austin, AUX Lawrence Enomoto, USAF lawrence.enomoto@gmail.com Jerry O. Lesperance, USCG jlesperance@hawaii.rr.com Joe Magaldi, Jr., USMC Mark Webster, USNR italiahawaii@hotmail.com markster96816@gmail.com Officers and Committee Chairs Robert Kozuki, USA President: kozukir001@hawaii.rr.com Vice President: Norman Fujiwara, USA nfujiwara@earthlink.net Community Affairs: Tom Marzec, USN tom.marzec@1987.usna.com Membership: Gordon Cho, USA gcho440443@aol.com Personal Affairs: Robert Kozuki, USA kozukir001@hawaii.rr.com Programs: Robert Kozuki, USA kozukir001@hawaii.rr.com Publications/PR: Mark Webster, USNR markster96816@gmail.com ROTC/Veteran Affairs: Wesley Fong, USA wesleyf.fong@hawaiiantel.net Fundraising: Herb Nakagawa, USAF shibikoherb@yahoo.com Historian: Nari Hamlin, USA narivee@aol.com