Vets statewide and on mainland signing up
David Helela, one of the organizers of the Old Soldiers Reunion being held for the first time on Kaua’i this year, wants veterans on the fence to know that the time to act is drawing nigh.
Helela said registration for the Sept. 28-30 event, which will include tours and parties, is slated to end June 30, although a slight extension is possible. (Write to the Old Soldiers Reunion at P.O. Box 893331, Mililani, HI 96789-0331.)
Helela stressed the reunion is open to all veterans. He said vets from all over the islands have registered.
“We’ve gotten responses form the mainland, too. Old soldiers are coming from Florida, Texas and especially the West Coast,” Helela noted.
Hawaiian Airlines is offering attendees special airfares. Aloha Airlines is also offering a group rate, according to Helela.
Veterans and their families and friends will be headquarted at the Kaua’i Coconut Beach and Holiday Inn Sunspree resorts.
“We’re encouraged by the support we’ve been getting from the community,” includng Kaua’i County Mayor Maryanne Kusaka and the Kaua’i Visitors Bureau, and businessman Gregg Gardiner “is publishing our reunion welcome magazine, which will be Kaua’i-specific, gratis,” Helela said.
He said the reunion is shaping up “very well.”
“Whoever comes will have a good time with their buddies and see our beautiful island,” he promised.
Staff writer Dennis Wilken can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) and mailto:dwilken@pulitzer.net
