LIHUE — Today’s soldier is tomorrow’s veteran, said Ed Kawamura of the Veterans Helping Veterans program. This slogan had associates, guests, and owners of the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club spending part of their afternoon packing care packages for
LIHUE — Today’s soldier is tomorrow’s veteran, said Ed Kawamura of the Veterans Helping Veterans program.
This slogan had associates, guests, and owners of the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club spending part of their afternoon packing care packages for “Any Soldier” at Kukui’s restaurant on Veterans Day.
“I know what it feels like when your husband is gone,” said Shana Andres, Marriott’s human resources director and spearhead for the program. “My husband serves with Jonette Chun and Philip Eliana and I know what other spouses go through when their husband, or wife, is gone and leaves you with the family.”
Bill Countryman, Marriott’s general manager, said the package party was one of the ways Marriott observes Veterans Day. In addition to the Any Soldier Care Package event, the grounds were decorated with patriotic buntings hung from the second floor facing the pool, and American flags decorated the row of anthuriums lining the escalator.
“We do this for all of the major observances,” Countryman said. “For Veterans Day, we invited the guests and owners to be part of this event. There are a few veterans among our guests. At one time, we hosted a golf tournament to benefit the Vietnam veterans and I remember soliciting other Marriott properties for prizes.”
Alyssa Racca works at the Kalapaki Grill and packed one box this year.
“I only did one box because my letters are too long,” Racca said. “Last year, I only packed one box, too.”
That one box was special because Countryman said the person who received the box was touched by the aloha spirit and made a special trip to Kauai to meet Racca.
“I was on vacation when he came,” Racca said. “But the managers and other associates kept texting me saying this guy was asking for me by first and last name.”
The soldier was on R&R and brought his wife, Racca said.
“At first, I thought it was just coincidence,” the grill associate said. “But then I found out he made a special trip to Kauai just to meet me.”
He was so happy, Racca said.
“He stuck his hand out to give me a handshake,” she said. “But, you know aloha style? I had my arms wide open and gave him a big hug. It’s just the little things that make a big difference. I just sent him a little card.”
