As a gesture of gratitude and in recognition of their sacrifice, in 2007 the Hawai‘i State Legislature passed into law an act which provides World War II, Korean and Vietnam War veterans — and other whose education was interrupted by
As a gesture of gratitude and in recognition of their sacrifice, in 2007 the Hawai‘i State Legislature passed into law an act which provides World War II, Korean and Vietnam War veterans — and other whose education was interrupted by placement in World War II internment camps — an honorary high school diploma.
At 74, Korean War veteran, Henry Rabot, received his high school diploma from the Hawai‘i State Department of Education.
Rabot was born in Moloa‘a on Jan. 14, 1935. At 6, his family moved to Pueo Camp, a sugar plantation camp in Kapa‘a, by the current round-about, where he attended Kapa‘a Elementary, St. Catherine’s and Kapa‘a High School until leaving school at the end of the ninth grade to work in the pineapple fields to help out with family finances.
At 17, he joined the Hawai‘i National Guard and at 18 enlisted in the U.S. Army. After basic training at Schofield Barracks in 1954, he was ordered to Korea where he served for 15 months as a heavy vehicle operator. Upon completion of this assignment, Rabot joined the 6th Army Garrison at the infamous Presidio in San Francisco, Calif.
Upon discharge in 1957, Henry returned to Kaua‘i where he attended carpentry school. Missing the excitement of military service, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in Honolulu and after completing his six year obligation returned to Kaua‘i again continuing his trade as a carpenter until his retirement in 1987 from the union.
After flight training at Lihu‘e airport he received his pilot’s license and flew Civil Air Patrol rescue missions for 21 years. In addition to part-time construction projects and volunteering within the community, he enjoyed his hobby of cock fighting until it became illegal.
Having now retired he enjoys his daily breakfast and bull sessions with friends at the Kapa‘a Burger King.
Rabot is a member of the Kaua‘i Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association and is married to Kay, with whom he has three children: Jesse, Alan and Sarah.
• SgtMaj Tony Elliott USMC (Ret) is a member of the Hawai‘i Office of Veterans Services on Kaua‘i.
