Oahu Veterans Center

**THE GREAT HAWAIIAN SMOKEOUT IS THIS WEEKEND!**
This Veteran's Day Weekend just got a little bit tastier!

Join the Warrior BBQ Series' THE GREAT HAWAIIAN SMOKEOUT for a smokin' hot family event at Fort DeRussy in Waikiki on November 10th and 11th. Bring your friends and family for a day of mouthwatering BBQ, refreshing drinks, and good vibes as they celebrate and honor veterans and first responders.

Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast or just love to grub on some finger-lickin' treats, this event is a must-attend if you want to be the judge of the best BBQ in town.

Come and enjoy LIVE music, a beer garden by Beer Lab HI, food and craft vendors, bounce houses for kids and a co****le tournament!

🎤 Live Performances
🔸Payton Sullivan
🔸John Akapo
🔸Overcrowded Avenue
🔸C. Leon
🔸The Stick and Barrel Band
🔸Brant Swigart
🔸Josiah
🔸Jegaan Faye

The event is FREE to the public!

🔸November 10th and 11th
🔸Noon - 8 PM
🔸At Ft DeRussy - Kuroda Field in Waikiki
🔸2055 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815

Parking: “Chaser Tickets” will be available that will reduce parking rates at the Saratoga (open-air) and the Hale Koa Hotel (3-story garage) down to $8 for an 8-hour period.

No DoD or USMC endorsement intended.

2023 Veterans Day retail discounts, free meals and other offers - VA News Here is our annual Veterans Day discounts list. It will continue to be updated as we learn of more nationally available Veterans Day discounts and meals.

VA provides care to eligible Veterans’ family members - VA News Specialty VA programs offer health care and services to Veterans’ family members and beneficiaries who meet certain conditions and eligibility requirements

October is right around the corner! 😱

Check out our latest Happenings to find out all the events and activities going on on Bellows AFS!

We look forward to seeing you October 21st for our Annual Bellows Boofest! 🥳🤙 cheee hooo!

Veterans

We will be offering vaccinations tomorrow October 7, 2023 through our drive thru pharmacy from 8:00am - 12:00pm. Covid, RSV, and Flu vaccines. For any questions call 1-800-214-1306

VAPIHCS Veterans,
Government Shut Down

As the VA Secretary said during his recent press conference (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMG54ZvwH-U), in the case of a government shutdown, there would be:

• No impact on Veteran health care;
• Burials would continue at VA national cemeteries;
• VA would continue to process and deliver all benefits to Veterans – including compensation, pension, education, and housing benefits;
• And the Board would continue to process appeals.
Get Your Flu Shot
As the prevalence of COVID continues to rise in the pacific it is important we safeguard ourselves, our patients, and our families. VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) will begin providing the COVID vaccine in the next week, further information will be provided for staff to schedule a vaccine, veterans can call us at 1-800-214-1306.Each year, VAPIHCS works hard to vaccinate as many Veterans as possible against the flu virus. The flu vaccine helps you build immunity that can potentially protect you from getting the flu. Even if you do contract the virus, you are less likely to become seriously ill if you have been vaccinated.
The flu may not get the attention that other viruses get, but it can still be deadly. Between 2021 and 2022, approximately 5,000 people were killed by the flu, and many more became seriously ill. It’s important to protect yourself whenever you can, so please come in and see us to get your flu shot. Call 1-800-214-1306 to make an appointment.
Hunger Awareness Month
September is hunger awareness month. Unfortunately, many people in the US continue to struggle to get enough to eat. This can lead to malnutrition, and being malnourished can lead to many other health problems. As a Veteran myself, I know that Veterans are often the first to help others. Yet, many of us struggle to ask for help ourselves when we need it. Reaching out can be tough, but remember that you don’t have to wait until you’re hungry to get help. If you or a Veteran you know is hungry, help is available. Visit VA’s food security website (https://www.nutrition.va.gov/Food_Insecurity.asp) for available resources. You may also want to visit Hawaii Food Bank (https://hawaiifoodbank.org/) to learn more about the services they offer.
As Veterans, we feel a great deal of pride. However, that pride can sometimes stop us from admitting that we’re falling short in one aspect or another of our lives. I would urge you to remember that you fought for this country, and it’s okay to ask for help if you need it. Please speak with your doctor or with any VA staff if you’re having trouble getting enough to eat. We’ll find a way to help.
Community Events Coming Up
We have three community events coming up in October. On October 21, 2023, VAPIHCS employees will march in the Honolulu Pride Parade. There will also be a VAPIHCS booth at the festival after the parade. LGBTQ+ Veterans are encouraged to come speak with VAPIHCS staff and ask any questions they may have about gender affirming care, LGBTQ+ friendly providers, or whatever else you want to know. We’re here to help!
Additionally on October 21, 2023, VAPIHCS will hold a PACT Act Registration and Community Call event at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, 275 W. Kaahumanu Ave, Space 2809, Kahului, HI 96732. The space used to be the movie theatre, for those who know the area. We will be there from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with benefits counselors, health services, and PACT Act Registration.
October 28, 2023, VAPIHCS will participate in a Health Fair on the island of Lana’i. This event will take place at Dole Park, Lanai Avenue, Lanai City, HI 96763. Staff will be on site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with benefits counselors, health services, and PACT Act Registration.
Remember that you do not have to wait for a community event to speak with us. Please call us at 1-800-214-1306 with any questions. If you are an eligible National Guard or Reserves Veteran and you haven’t applied for combat status under the PACT Act yet, remember that the deadline is September 30, 2023. Call us immediately and press 4 for eligibility if you would like to get assistance with enrollment.
Thoughts from Chaplain Richie Charles
I would imagine that few people ever relish the idea of learning anything new about spiders, but there exists a particular species of spiders that promises to reveal a thing or two of the value of taking time to “breathe.” The water spider, also known as the diving bell spider, is the only kind of spider in the world that lives underwater.
Yet despite it making its abode under water, the water spider still manages to breathe by creating its own personal air bubble. This air bubble serves as its own portable air supply, functioning similarly to an oxygen tank used by a scuba-diver. Surrounded and enveloped by water, the water spider lives below, yet manages to catch the air from above.
But water spiders aren’t the only ones who need to be intentional about their breathing. In our desire to be of service to all those around us, we can sometimes forget the value of taking time to “catch our own breath”. Self-care can sometimes seem like an optional luxury. But water spiders understand that they cannot indefinitely operate effectively in the waters below without taking regular moments to “refill their tank.”
Taking time to “breathe” is about tending to our interior life, regularly engaging in activities of self-care that refresh and reinvigorate us internally. Whether it be spending quality time with our loved ones, cultivating our faith and spirituality, or basking in the outdoors, self-care allows for moments when we can “air out” our souls.
Like the water spider, we can then emerge from these moments of respite with our own renewed supply of vigor and encouragement to take with us where ever we go, being better able to address the issues before us, and be of even greater service to our Veterans.

One Team, One Ohana!

Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MD, MBA, CPE
Director, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
VADM, MC, USN, (RET)
36th Surgeon General, USN

Stay Informed
Website: https://www.va.gov/pacific-islands-health-care/– submit your email to get our updates
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAPacificIslands/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/va_pacific_islands/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PAOOffice1
Podcast: https://vapihcspao.podbean.com/

VA health care will not be impacted by government shutdown. Call for appointments 1-800-214-1306.

You don’t need to be an expert to make an impact. Showing genuine concern and care can be lifesaving to a Veteran going through a tough time.

Learn how to talk about su***de at VeteransCrisisLine.net/CrisisConversationHandout.

Connecting Veterans virtually and in-person: success stories from the Pacific Islands VEAC - VA News The Pacific Islands Veterans Experience Action Center event, held in-person and virtually, served as a beacon of unity across the ocean's expanse.

On September 25, 2023, Women Veterans Health Program Manager Denise Koutrouba coordinated a painting event at The Oahu Vet Center to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women's health care at VA.

Veterans and staff enjoyed an art lesson from Artist and Marine Corps Veteran Peter Koutrouba, and food and cake was served.

is a day to honor the incredible sacrifice and strength of mothers who have lost a child while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Today and every day, your loved one’s sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Today, on Gold Star Mother's Day, we pay tribute and our deepest respect to all who have lost a child in defense of our great nation. We will never forget your sacrifice.

Flu shots save lives! It is time to schedule and get your annual flu shot to protect yourself and your loved ones. Contact your local VA medical facility to schedule yours today.
www.womenshealth.va.gov/docs/Flu_infographic_final_11x17.pdf

VAPIHCS Veterans,

The Enduring Cost of the Wildfires in Maui

The island of Maui continues to work on recovery efforts after the deadly wildfires in August. Remember that you can still donate to help Veterans on Maui rebuild their lives. VA has a donations page (https://vaww.hawaii.va.gov/donations-online-portal/), but we are also working closely with our community partners like U.S. Vets and the Red Cross, and they have covered a significant amount of expenses for displaced Veterans from hotel room costs to groceries. Let us keep Maui in our prayers.

Our staff in Maui and throughout the Pacific Islands have been working tirelessly in support of recovery efforts. We know this is a marathon, not a sprint. When the wildfires first broke out, our brave Maui staff were out in the community volunteering after work and doing all they could to support the Veterans from the areas affected by the wildfires, as well as community members in general. They kept the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) open and operating smoothly, hosting partners like charities and federal agencies at the clinic to ensure that Veterans could get many different services in one place. Most importantly, they took the time to listen carefully to the needs of each patient, and to help them and the Maui community, in every way possible. I’m so proud of their efforts.

For our Maui Veterans who have been affected by this terrible disaster, please know that we are going to be with you through all of this. As we go forward, we know there may be an increase in the need for mental health services, as well as monitoring for any difficulty related to toxic exposures during the fires. Whatever your needs are, we plan do everything within our power to meet those needs. You will not be forgotten.

I’d also ask Veterans in Maui and throughout the Pacific Islands to please remember that if you find yourself in an acute mental health crisis, you can always call 988 and get immediate assistance. The COMPACT Act passed this year, allowing most Veterans increased access to emergency mental health care (https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/programs/veterans/emergency_care.asp). I strongly encourage Veterans who are having thoughts of harming themselves, experiencing depression, or having feelings of hopelessness to please reach out. Asking for help when you need it is a sign of strength. We all need help sometimes, and that’s okay.

The Importance of Research

At the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS), we are committed to helping further scientific research to develop better medical treatments for common health issues. We are proud to participate in the Million Veteran Program (MVP) (https://www.research.va.gov/mvp/), which is an effort to collect genetic information from one million Veterans in order to understand aspects of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) markers that may be connected to mental and physical health outcomes. If you haven’t already given a sample to the program, please consider doing so. They have almost reached their goal of one million Veterans. I participated, and if you’re ready to join me, you can call 808-861-3395, to speak with the Million Veteran Program (MVP) Coordinator.
Another project we are working on is our Neurofeedback research. This is a study focused on Veterans who have experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury and have resulting symptoms such as difficulty sleeping. If you think you might meet the criteria, please consider signing up with us. There is a modest financial compensation provided for participants, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you helped further scientific inquiry that could benefit your fellow Veterans. Call 808-433-3316 if you’d like to sign up for this paid opportunity.

Scientific research is important to me because I’m not just the Director of VAPIHCS, I’m also a doctor. I understand how crucial it is for the medical field to continue to study problems and test new solutions. We can always do better, and research is part of our commitment to offering safe, compassionate, quality care to those who have worn the cloth of our nation.

Toxic Exposure Legislation

VAPIHCS continues to work to sign up new Veterans under the PACT Act. This toxic exposure legislation can increase coverage and benefits for many Veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, and other toxins during their military service. If you think you had toxic exposure during your military service, you may call us at 1-800-214-1306 and speak to our enrollment department (option 4) and let them help you navigate the eligibility requirements.

The PACT Act also authorized certain Veterans to apply for combat status; a special eligibility that can increase your access to medical benefits through VA. This is for National Guard and Reserve Veterans who were called to active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan- or called to active duty to work in support of those missions. The deadline is September 30, 2023, so please check with us right away if you think you might be eligible.

Join us in person at the Young At Heart (YAH) Expo in Oahu on September 22 and 23, 2023. This event will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall at 777 Ward Ave, Honolulu, HI 96813. Come with questions and speak with staff who can connect you with services and programs, help you understand eligibilities, and so much more.

Remember that you can also interface with us online. There is a webpage that explains the PACT Act legislation (https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/). You can scroll down to “Can I still file a PACT Act Claim?” and click the hyperlink for “Learn How to Submit Your Intent to File for more information.” We are also hiring (https://www.usajobs.gov/Search/Results?l=Honolulu%2C%20Hawaii&d=VA&p=1) for several new positions in our new Environmental Management Services (EMS) department - as well as for positions at the new Daniel K. Akaka Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) which will open in Kapolei next year. Our new job listings are online at www.USAjobs.com . Additionally, you can always check the VAPIHCS website (https://www.va.gov/pacific-islands-health-care/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/VAPacificIslands/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/va_pacific_islands/), or our Podcast (https://vapihcspao.podbean.com/) for updates and information from our local station.

Special Observances

Each year on the third Friday of September, the nation recognizes former Prisoners Of War (POWs) and service members who are still Missing In Action (MIA). We call this national POW/MIA Day (https://www.defense.gov/Spotlights/National-Pow-Mia-Recognition-Day/). VA recognizes on 15 September, recognize POW/MIA Day and, we must never forget the sacrifices these Veterans have made for their country.

Beginning on September 15, 2023, we will also begin our commemoration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (https://vaww.insider.va.gov/2023-hispanic-heritage-month/), which runs from September 15, to October 15, 2023. During Hispanic Heritage Month, VA reflects on the contributions of Hispanic Veterans and employees, and on the diversity of their languages and cultures.

It’s important to mark these special moments as the year slips by us because they celebrate important people and ideas that I feel are valuable to celebrate and remember. Before we know it, we’ll be eating turkey and stuffing, giving holiday cards and presents to each other, and celebrating the new year. Let’s take the appropriate time to pause in our busy lives and remember the people who make this country great, and to give them the credit that they deserve. Thank you to all our Hispanic Veterans, and to all those POW/MIA Veterans who have given much in service of the United States and all that it stands for.

Thoughts from Chaplain William Kunisch

We all have them: Those two or three people that drive us absolutely crazy, push all of our buttons, and just the thought of them puts us in a bad mood. I bet you’re naming them in your mind right now! While the easiest thing to do would be to keep them at arms-length and dismiss them as obstacles to all things bright and beautiful, there may be a place for them in our lives after all.

Whether we like it or not, difficult people show us our faults. If we are honest, there may be some truth in their criticism of us. We can easily be blinded to our weaknesses and short-comings. We can rationalize away our misdeeds and make all kinds of excuses for areas in need of growth. But our defensiveness may indicate we need to take a second look at ourselves. They will say what our friends are too kind to say, and their calling us out may be just the intervention we need to correct our course.

Difficult people remind us of the diversity and complexity of humanity. We don’t all think the same way or see things the same way, and our way may not be the only way to do something. The same way one holds up a diamond to appreciate its beauty from different angles, when we take the time to hear others out who disagree with us, we can gain some valuable information and may even learn to see a situation differently.

Sometimes, however, difficult people are just plain difficult. But even then, they can be a blessing because they allow us to learn and practice patience. Every time they put us down, ridicule us or question our motives, and we do not respond in kind, our character grows bigger. We may never win them over, but by practicing patience, kindness, understanding, and gentleness, we are leaving behind an example that can inspire others.

One Team, One Ohana!
Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MD, MBA, CPE
Director, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
VADM, MC, USN, (RET)
36th Surgeon General, USN

Stay Informed

Website: hawaii.va.gov – submit your email to get our updates
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAPacificIslands/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/va_pacific_islands/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PAOOffice1
Podcast: https://vapihcspao.podbean.com/

Celebrating 100 years of health care for women Veterans - VA News Sept. 14, 2023, is the 100th anniversary of VA providing health care services to women Veterans.

VAPIHCS Veterans,

Continued Support for Maui

We at the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS), continue to prioritize the help and care of our Veterans and staff in Maui. The fires may be out, but the road to recovery and rebuilding continues, and we’re here to support. VA is still accepting donations (https://vaww.hawaii.va.gov/donations-online-portal/) for Maui Veterans who need it. We are committed to supporting our staff and our Veterans as they rebuild their lives.
I am proud of all of you who put our Veterans and our Maui community in front of themselves. It is the Aloha spirit I’m seeing in action – everyone pulling together to provide, safe, compassionate, and quality care to our Veterans and those on Maui, which truly embodies our One Team, One Ohana ethos.

Apply for Combat Status

There is a PACT Act related deadline coming up that all National Guard and Reserves Veterans need to be aware of to apply for combat status (https://news.va.gov/123237/next-pact-act-deadline-enrollment-combat-zones/) under the PACT Act. If you are a National Guard or Reserves Veteran who was called to active-duty status in Iraq or Afghanistan - or in support of the missions in Iraq or Afghanistan - you need to apply for combat status before September 30, 2023. This is not only Veterans who physically went to Iraq or Afghanistan; it’s Veterans who supported those missions from supply to logistics. If you’re not sure if you are eligible, please call us at 1-800-214-1306 and speak with someone in our enrollment department.

VA encourages all eligible Hawaii Veterans to visit https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/ or call 1-800-MYVA411 to learn more and sign up for VA health care. Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care are proven to have better health outcomes than non-enrolled Veterans, and VA hospitals have dramatically outperformed non-VA hospitals in overall quality ratings and patient satisfaction ratings. Additionally, VA health care is often more affordable than non-VA health care for Veterans.
Since the PACT Act was signed into law, VA has delivered more than $1.85 billion in PACT Act benefits to Veterans and their survivors. VA encourages Veterans and their survivors to apply for these benefits now at https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/.
Find more information on the one-stop-shop PACT Act website. This is the largest outreach campaign in VA history, which has one goal in mind: ensure that all Veterans – and their survivors – get the health care and benefits they deserve under the PACT Act.
Toxic Exposure Legislation Outreach Events

On August 31, 2023, and September 1, 2023, there was an outreach event at the Oahu Vet Center in Honolulu where hundreds of Veterans came to discuss benefits questions and get access to services. On September 7 and 8, 2023, we had an event at the Arc of Hilo on the Big Island with PACT Act enrollment and health services. We will continue to make outreach events a priority because we want to ensure that all Veterans can access VA services and learn about VA services.

Our next community event will be our booth at the Young at Heart Expo from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on September 22 and 23, 2023. The Expo will be located at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall at 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96813. You can come see us to learn more about eligibility and PACT Act enrollment, as well as our health care options, job openings, and more. Although the Young at Heart event targets senior citizens, all Veterans on Oahu are welcome to come see us.

Flu Season

Flu Season is here, and you can protect yourself and your family by getting a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are available now at our main location at the Spark Matsunaga Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) and at our Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) locations. The flu vaccine is safe and effective. For those who are older or who have compromised immune systems, the flu can cause serious illness, and even death. Being vaccinated protects you and others who live in your home, so call us to schedule an appointment for the flu vaccine as soon as possible.

Patriot Day

September 11, 2023, we will observe Patriot Day. Our clinics will be open, but we will mark the day all the same because of what it represents. It’s hard to believe that there are adults serving in the military today that weren’t born yet in 2001 when the 9/11 terrorist attacks shocked our nation. For those of us that were alive then, it is a day that still stands out in our minds because of the visceral sense of horror that we felt watching those events play out live on TV. The attacks on Sept 11, 2001, directly caused the deaths of 2,996 people, and led to conflicts in the Middle East that claimed more than 4,400 soldiers in Iraq and more than 2,400 in Afghanistan. Patriot Day is a day to reflect, and to be grateful that we still stand strong; a proud country with brave people serving in our Armed Forces and protecting us from those who would wish to do us harm. Thank you to those serving now and thank you to all Veterans who have worn the cloth of our nation.

Thoughts from Chaplain Richie Charles

It’s not uncommon to find ourselves wondering if the grass is greener on the other side. We've all been there - contemplating different paths, imagining alternative lives, and pondering the allure of the unknown. Sometimes, the perception that the grass is greener elsewhere can be so compelling that it can be a strong factor in sparking irreversible life changes and decisions. But at times these decisions are met with disappointment, because what appeared to be better pastures from a distance only turned out to be a different combination of pros and cons up close.

Now this doesn’t mean that change is never called for. However, I have found that the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side; it’s greener where you choose to water it.
Every domain in our lives is enhanced or diminished by our investment into it. Dwelling on the idea of greener fields elsewhere can take one’s eyes off the opportunities that are already present within one’s reach. No matter where you are in your journey, be it in your career, relationships, or personal pursuits, there's immense value in cultivating the mindset that deeper fulfillment can be found in investing in what’s before you. Notice that a perceptive gardener typically does not expect a plot of land to yield a stunning array of flowers spontaneously or by chance. To bring out the best of the land’s potential, the gardener carefully cultivates the ground to form a well-ordered garden. One ancient wise saying says, “whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” Whatever worthy pursuit one is already engaged in, make the most of it, seizing the opportunities that are already within your reach. So, let's embrace the beauty and potential of the here and now, and watch your grass get greener and greener.

One Team, One Ohana!
Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MD, MBA, CPE
Director, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
VADM, MC, USN, (RET)
36th Surgeon General, USN

Stay Informed

Website: hawaii.va.gov – submit your email to get our updates
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAPacificIslands/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/va_pacific_islands/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PAOOffice1
Podcast: https://vapihcspao.podbean.com/

Join us on September 18, 2023 at the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System in celebration of the USAF’s 76th Birthday, with the cake cutting ceremony to commence at 9:00AM and special guest appearance of the USAF Band of the Pacific’s “Small Kine.” Cake and refreshments will be provided to all who attend.

VAPIHCS Veterans,

Maui Veterans Continue to be VAPIHCS Priority
VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) is helping all Maui residents affected by the tragedy of the wildfires this month. This continues to be our priority, and VA has created a resource page (https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVA/bulletins/36a098d) for Veterans affected by the devastating wildfires in Maui, and Veterans who need assistance can also call 1-800-214-1306 to speak with someone about resources that are available to them.
Veterans impacted by the Maui Wildfires can call or walk-in to the VA Maui Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) for health care needs.
203 Ho’ohana St
Kahului, HI 96732
Phone Contact: 808-871-2454
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. -4:00 p.m.
VA Prescriptions/Medications for Maui Veterans
• Access to prescription medications needed urgently/emergently are provided through VA Maui CBOC
• Coordinate prescription pickup for routine medications through the VA Maui CBOC, or call 808-873-3680
VA Social Services for Maui Veterans
• If you are a Veteran currently staying at a hotel or temporary shelter in Maui, please contact the VA Maui CBOC at 808-873-3689. If you are currently not enrolled in VA medical care and would like to inquire about eligibility and registration, please reach out. CBOC staff continue to provide outreach in the community at shelters, hotels, and additional events to share resources, and provide medical care and supplies.
VA Contact Center (24-hours)
• For other information and services, Veterans may call 1-800-214-1306
Additional Resources:
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Assistance: All individuals who were impacted by the Maui fires should apply for FEMA assistance. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to apply. FEMA officials also advise that impacted individuals begin their insurance claims ASAP.
How should I call FEMA and what should I say?

1. Call 1-800-621-3362
2. Say "Agent"
3. Social Security Number, Date of Birth, and the Name of Homeowner/Rental Insurance
4. Bank Account information w/routing number
5. All Household members at the time of the disaster

Maui Emergency Management Agency can help with immediate needs, clothing, shelter, and food. Contact them at 808-270-7285 or 808-733-4300.
Child & Family Service
VA Fox Grant - This grant offers case management services for non-VA participants.
Contact: Jane Covington, Phone: 808-753-7201
Red Cross - meeting critical needs, and access to financial assistance: If you are a Veteran survivor displaced by the Maui wildfires, please come to the VA Maui CBOC on Sunday, August 20 between 0900-1200. The American Red Cross, and other resource tables will be available for Veterans to receive information.
Phone: 1-877-272-7337 | Online: redcross.org/HeroCareNetwork

DONATIONS
If you have questions about other ways you can help, please contact our Chief of the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE), Schoen Safotu at (808) 433-7725 or [email protected].
Veterans need these items:
• Non-perishable foods
• Men’s underwear, t-shirts, socks, & slippers
• Adult Disposable Diapers - all sizes but need L and XL, pull-ups.
• Hygiene products
If you’d like to donate items, the drop off location is at the VA Maui CBOC. Mahalo to everyone who has donated to help us serve our Veterans and the Maui community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Maui in this difficult time.
Labor Day 2023 Closure
In observance of Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, all VA Pacific Islands Health Care System’s Clinics will be closed.
Next PACT Act deadline: Health Care Enrollment for Veterans Deployed to Combat Zones
Veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care and left the military between Sept. 11, 2001, and Oct. 1, 2013, are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care through the PACT Act. This special enrollment period gives Veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones an opportunity to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for disability compensation benefits.
VA encourages all of these Veterans to visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 to learn more and sign up for VA health care before the deadline (September 30, 2023, at 11:59p.m. EST).
Even if you don’t need this care now, you may need it in the future. Apply today.

Hilo Community Call

The next PACT Act & Community Call event will be at The Arc of Hilo at 1099 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720. Staff will be on hand to speak with Veterans and provide health services from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 7 & 8, 2023. Please call 1-800-214-1306 if you have any questions, or if you need more information.

These events are intended to give Veterans an opportunity to talk with staff in their communities. Veterans are still welcome to make an appointment and come see us at our clinic locations if they’d like to enroll under the PACT Act. They can also call or go online (https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/?fbclid=IwAR3A-jJFERrRi1rkSvnaSG4UfuKFwcpZy3LQsUwwLFa_TsXD2u7gbtHNwtE) to enroll. Making services available in the community is just one of the ways we are making access to health care easier.

Memorial for Col. Ron Han, director, State of Hawaii Office of Veterans Services
Last week we lost a dear colleague and friend, Air Force Col (retired) Ron Han Jr., Director, State of Hawaii Office of Veterans Services. VAPIHCS honored his memory with a Final Salute. His wife Terry, son Ron Han III, and his daughter Shondie-Rose Takemoto attended to help us honor him. Please keep the Han family in your thoughts and prayers. We are deeply saddened by this loss – Ron Han has been a part of our VAPIHCS ohana, and we will miss him dearly.
The family would like to share that there will be a Memorial Service for Air Force Col (Ret) Ronald P. Han, Jr., Director for State of Hawaii Office of Veterans Service on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Mililani Memorial Park Cemetery -Mauka Chapel. Public viewing will be at 8:30 a.m. and services will begin at 11 a.m. Committal Service with full military honors at 2 p.m. at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe.

Thoughts from Chaplain Richie Charles
For years prior to 1954, it was believed by many sports experts that it was simply impossible to run a mile in under four minutes.

But there was one individual, Roger Bannister, who sought to defy the odds and attempt to challenge that belief. On the morning of May 6, 1954, Sir Roger Bannister did the impossible, becoming the first person to run a mile in under four minutes! Before the announcer could even finish saying 3 minutes, 59.4 seconds, the audience erupted in a sea of applause.

He accomplished a great feat indeed. But what happened afterward is even more interesting.
Just 46 days after Bannister’s victory, John Landy, an Australian runner, not only broke the same 4-minute barrier again, but this time with a time of 3 minutes 58 seconds. Then, just a year later, three runners broke the 4-minute barrier all in a single race. And over the past half century, more than a thousand runners have conquered a barrier that had once been considered humanly impossible.
The question becomes, did human nature magically change just 46 days after Sir Bannister’s victory? Of course not. Instead, what changed was their mindset. That is, the runners of the past had been held back by a belief that said they could not surpass the 4-minute mile, and that artificial limit became the invisible barrier holding them back. Runners must have unknowingly adjusted their abilities to fit the popular belief of the time, leaving them to lose the race to beat the 4-minute time before the race even began.

Are there artificial limits that you have accepted as being true? Can those limiting beliefs have an impact on what you can accomplish?
Henry Ford once said: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't -- you're right.”

One Team, One Ohana!
Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MD, MBA, CPE
Director, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
VADM, MC, USN, (RET)
36th Surgeon General, USN

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