Mesothelioma risks high for U.S. military personnel Although the military discontinued use of asbestos 15 to 20 years ago, symptoms can take decades to appear in the human body. Sailors and Marines have a particularly higher risk of exposure, as
Mesothelioma risks high for U.S. military personnel
Although the military discontinued use of asbestos 15 to 20 years ago, symptoms can take decades to appear in the human body. Sailors and Marines have a particularly higher risk of exposure, as many of the components of naval ships used asbestos in pipe insulation, sleeping quarters, and ventilation units. It is important that all service men and women, who think that they may have been in contact with asbestos, seek yearly checkups for signs of mesothelioma. Veterans who have developed mesothelioma and feel it is a result of their military service should apply to the VA for compensation. The Mesothelioma Center now offers free assistance to veterans with VA claims. In an effort to make this process easier, they also offer an inclusive information packet to mesothelioma patients and their families. Visit www.asbestos.com for more information.
Anger mastery classes
Veterans, learn effective anger management and coping skills by attending weekly classes at the VA’s Vet Center classroom located on Kuhio Highway from 10 to 11 a.m. This eight to 10 week series of classes begins Sept. 23. Questions: 246-1163.
Upcoming veterans events (Questions: Call 246-1135)
• Veterans Day Parade: Nov. 6, 9 to 3 p.m., Kapa‘a Ball Park
• Veterans Day Celebration: Nov. 11, 11 to noon, Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe
• Veterans Christmas Party: Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kaua‘i Veterans Center, Lihu‘e
Kaua‘i’s VA community-based outpatient clinic relocation
On Nov. 22, the CBOC will move from its present location on Kuhio Highway to the Solypsis building at the corner of Kuhio Highway and Kalepa Street across from Macy’s in Lihu‘e. The Vet Center will remain at its present location on Kuhio Highway near Fish Express. Questions: 246-0497.
Free wireless Internet access and computer usage
The Kaua‘i Veterans Center located on Kapule Highway announces this new service to the Kaua‘i veterans community, including those veterans visiting our island. Our state-of-the-art computers are for in-center use only and have printing capability. Stop by anytime, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or call Aida Cruz at 246-1135 to reserve a time slot convenient for you.
Kaua‘i Veterans Military Museum
The Kaua‘i Veterans’ Military Museum offers a unique display of war memorabilia beginning in time with a regimental drum used in the Spanish American War to German mauser rifles once used by the Viet Cong in Vietnam. With more than 38 separate displays, the museum honors all services, all wars and all veterans. Located within the Kaua‘i Veterans Center on Kapule Highway near the airport, the museum is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday; closed Saturday, Sunday and all holidays.
Attention middle school students
The Kaua‘i VFW announces the annual Patriot’s Pen Essay writing contest. This nationwide competition, endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, is open to all students’ grades 6, 7 and 8 providing them the opportunity to write essays expressing their views on democracy. All essays (300-400 words required) must address this year’s theme “Does Patriotism Still Matter?” Application deadline is Oct. 15.
The winning essay from Kaua‘i will advance to statewide competition. State winners from all islands will advance to national level competition. (Top three essays from local and state level competition will be awarded.)
The national level winner will receive the grand prize of a $10,000 savings bond. The remaining top 15 winners each receive $1,500 saving bonds, and the remaining top 45 winners each receive $1,000 savings bonds.
For more info, contact: Johnny Rabasa, 4273 Kailewa Street, Lihu‘e, HI 96766-9411, telephone (H) 245-1625 (C) 346-0625, e-mail: kauaiveterans@aol.com.
Attention graduating seniors
The Kaua‘i Veterans Council is now accepting applications for “Miss Kaua‘i Veteran 2010 – 2011.” Bidding for one $1,000 college scholarship and the prestige of reigning as Queen of the annual Veterans Day Parade, the selected female applicant will appear at various veteran’s functions and activities throughout the upcoming year. Applicants must possess a minimum GPA of 2.5, be an active community services and student affairs volunteer, and be related to a veteran. Contact school counselors, any JROTC program director, or contact the Kaua‘i Veterans Center located on Kapule Highway (246-1135 or atkauaivc@yahoo.com) with questions or to pick-up an application. Application deadline is Sept. 30.
Military scholarships available
Seniors interested in becoming a military officer can learn more about the many educational and career opportunities offered by our military service academies, including Reserve Officers Training Corps programs, by contacting any of the following Service Academy/ROTC representatives:
U.S. Merchant Marine Military Academy: Mr. Mark Houghton, 808-864-2799, Markh@htbyb.com
U.S. Naval Academy: CAPT Alma Grocki, 808-781-1339, alma.grocki@navy.mil
U.S. Military Academy at West Point: COL (ret) Christine Gayagas, 808-218-1408, cgayagas@hawaii.rr.com
U.S. Air Force Academy: LtCol Robert Lietzke, 808-781-7529, Lietzke_robert@bah.com
U.S. Coast Guard Academy: ENS Lina Anderson, 808-522-8264, ext. 280, Lina.R.Anderson@uscg.mil
U.S. Army ROTC: CPT Jesus Cruz, 808-956-7766, jjpcruz@hawaii.edu
U.S. Air Force ROTC: CAPT Jamie Andrews, 808-956-7734, andrews2@hawaii.edu
U.S. Navy/Marine ROTC: http://www.facebook.com/nrotc
• Tony Elliott, Kaua‘i Office of Veterans’ Services, can be reached at 241-3348.
