Annual memorial services were held yesterday at the Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery. The services are held each year on the last Sunday of September, which is the Sunday closest to the first battalion member killed in action in the war in
Annual memorial services were held yesterday at the Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery. The services are held each year on the last Sunday of September, which is the Sunday closest to the first battalion member killed in action in the war in Europe.
Veterans Day parade
The annual Veterans Day parade will be held on Nov. 8 in Kapa‘a. The theme is “Tribute to all World War II Veterans.”
Memorial services will be Nov. 11 at the Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery. Those interested in participating in the parade can call Aida Cruz at 246-1135 or request and submit an application via e-mail at kauaiveterans@aol.com.
The application must be in the possession of the parade committee no later than Oct. 31.
Veteran statistics
Statistically, the number of veterans on this island is being reduced. The 2000 census showed that there were 5,688 veterans on Kaua‘i. The estimated figures were 5,334 in year 2004, a loss of 354 or some 90 veterans a year. This number is consistent with current trends.
Figures released by the Army Recruiting Command reflect a total of 32 individuals enlisted in the Army in the past three years. The report from the Office of Veterans Services indicated that there were 85 veterans who passed away in 2007. The figures only include those who requested assistance from the office.
Veterans fundraiser
Tickets for the Veteran Council’s annual fundraiser are available. Veterans will be at the K-Mart parking lot on weekends and at various other locations on the island. For a donation of $10, individuals are eligible to win a pickup truck or one of the many other prizes, including a trip to Las Vegas. Winners will be announced during the ceremonies following the Veterans Day parade.
Miss Kaua’i Veteran 2008-2009
Application for Miss Kaua’i Veteran have been extended until Sept. 30. The selection board will convene on Oct. 11 at the Veterans Center. The winner will participate and be introduced at the Veterans Day parade. She will receive a stipend of $1,000.
For an application, contact Aida Cruz at 246-1135.
Tax reform and the veteran
The tax reform bill, No. 2274, has been deferred. Veteran advocates had hoped to include some type of home tax credit. The council will schedule another workshop hopefully within the next two months.
Veterans who served in a combat zone or hazardous duty area after June 30, 2008, are still eligible for full exemption of their real property tax on their primary residence.
The veteran or military member must obtain Form P-9 and file the form before June 30, 2009. This was part of the tax credit package approved by the council in December 2007.
Flu shots
Veterans registered at the Community Based Outpatient Clinic interested in getting a flu shot can call 246-0497 for an appointment.
Direct VA Loans
The Veterans Administration has arranged a Web site allowing veterans to pre-qualify for a VA loan or apply for refinancing. The site is www.directvaloans.com.
The site also provides information on a VA debt consolidation program. If the area of interest is not available, then an information packet or a Home Loan guide may be requested.
Motor vehicle weight tax exemption
Effective Wednesday, the motor vehicle weight tax exemption will be in effect for Hawai‘i residents who are members of the military to include those in the National Guard, Coast Guard and Reserves.
Non-resident service members assigned to a Hawai‘i unit are exempt for taxes and fees based on the Service Members Civil Relief Act of 2004. The act excluded service members assigned to a unit in their home state. This new law supplements the act for Hawai‘i residents.
Meet a veteran
This month we feature Alfonso Garcia, a war veteran from both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Garcia’s birth place was ‘Ele‘ele and after high school he attended the Kaua‘i Technical School. His military career began when he enlisted in the National Guard in 1947 and then transferred into the regular Army in 1948.
When the North invaded the South in 1950, Garcia was deployed for his first war time duty in South Korea.
After a short stint on the Mainland, he returned to the Kaua‘i National Guard and retired after 25 years of guard and active service. His unit was activated in 1968 and he was deployed to Vietnam.
Garcia was also with The Gas Co. for 36 years.
Garcia has been active in veteran and senior activities. He has held several leadership roles in veteran organizations and was the commander of the Disabled American Veterans until June. He is an active member of several veteran clubs and also with the honor guard.
• Johnny Rabasa, a Hanama‘ulu resident and Kaua‘i High School graduate, served for 30 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a command sergeant major. He served in Vietnam. He also retired from the U.S. Postal Service, was postmaster at the Kaumakani post office, and worked at the Lihu‘e post office. He writes this monthly column exclusively for The Garden Island.
