LIHUE — An organization of Purple Heart recipients is looking for more of the new generation of servicemen and women. “If you are a recipient of the Purple Heart or know someone who is then let them know about us
LIHUE — An organization of Purple Heart recipients is looking for more of the new generation of servicemen and women.
“If you are a recipient of the Purple Heart or know someone who is then let them know about us if they need help or they want to help,” said John Iwamoto, Kauai chapter commander of The Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Chartered by an Act of Congress in 1958, MOPH is composed of military men and women who received the Purple Heart medal for wounds suffered in combat.
Iwamoto, who was wounded while serving in the Korean War, said he wants the Purple Heart recipients of Afghanistan and Iraq to know they can help one another as wounded veterans.
The local MOPH Chapter believes there are around 30 Purple Heart recipients Kauai.
“We are getting old and we would like to get some of the young ones who were wounded in action to get involved with the organization to help each other,” Iwamoto said.
Dick Godbehere, a lifetime member who was wounded three times as a patrol boat officer during the Vietnam War, said he understands what wounded veterans are going through when they return.
“We get together first of all for the camaraderie and after that we try to help the veterans get any assistance they might need,” Godbehere said. “You can talk openly with other people who went through the same type of things.”
Amyn K. Hirani, a clinical psychologist at the Kauai Vet Center, said for returning wounded combat veterans, dealing with emotions, work and personal issues can be a struggle.
Hirani encourages Purple Heart vets to attend MOPH meetings because they can provide opportunities to interact with others who identify with their struggle.
“Depending on the nature and extent of one’s injury, ability to ambulate, carry out activities of daily living, and maintaining gainful employment and meaningful relationships can be significantly impacted,” Hirani said. “The loss of appendages or previous abilities that one may have taken for granted can engender grief, anger, resentment and depression.”
MOPH meets monthly on Saturday mornings at the Kauai Veterans Center.
Info: John Iwamoto, 245-3137
