LIHU‘E — Jeffrey Callejo of the Kaua‘i Line Dance group presented more than $6,400 to the Kaua‘i Veterans Museum group on Friday morning at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center that was bristling with activity in anticipation of the annual Kaua‘i Veterans Council Veterans Day Parade.
“I helped dress the lady Marine,” said Gen. (ret. USAF) Mary Kay Hertog, commander of the Kaua‘i Veterans Council. “I’m not done, yet. Don’t show their feet. The footwear is coming.”
To isolate from the pre-parade craziness, the group adjourned to the museum where work on restoring the displays of veterans’ memorabilia and artifacts continue.
The presentation represented a portion of the proceeds from an event presented by the Kaua‘i Line Dance group in mid-September that filled the veteran center’s parking to capacity over the two days of the event featuring crafters, demonstrations and guest speakers and dancers, as well as open dance was held.
“I guess it was successful,” Callejo said. “Everyone is asking when we’re going to do it, again.”
Aida Cruz, the Kaua‘i Veterans Center manager, and chair for the Veterans Museum annual giving fund, said with the success of the mid-September event, Callejo will be heading to Las Vegas to participate in the Vegas Dance Explosion, considered one of the world’s premier line dancing events.
“It’s going to be held Nov. 8 through 13 in Las Vegas,” Callejo said. “We have about 30 dancers from all over Hawai‘i that will be participating. I’m just one of the instructors.”
The Kaua‘i Veterans Museum, located inside the Kaua‘i Veterans Center, is currently closed due to the renovation work taking place. The Kaua‘i Veterans Center exists to promote and enhance the delivery of benefits to all veterans, their families, and dependents of those who have given their lives for their country. It is a standing monument that honors their service, promotes their military heritage and embraces their families.
