Director's Message January 24, 2025
VAPIHCS Veterans, Effective January 21, 2025, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) implemented actions as mandated by the Hiring Freeze Executive Order, following additional guidance from VA Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO) and VHA Workforce Management Consulting (WMC).
Positions critical to delivering care to Veterans in the Veterans Health Administration are exempted under the category of public safety.
Per the Executive Order on Ending Radical and Wasteful DEI Programs and Preferencing, VAPIHCS has discontinued all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Programs. Equal Opportunity Employment (EEO) is available as needed.
We have not received additional guidance regarding the Return to In-Person Work Executive Order and at this time, remote employees will continue to work remotely until otherwise notified.
We appreciate the unwavering dedication of our VAPIHCS staff to their fellow colleagues and our Veterans as we continue to serve those who served.
Holocaust Remembrance Day
On January 27, 2025, we observe Holocaust Remembrance Day, a solemn occasion to reflect on one of history’s darkest periods. The Holocaust began with the opening of Dachau Concentration Camp on March 22, 1933, and ended with the surrender of Germany on May 8, 1945. During this time, millions of innocent people—among them those with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, people of Jewish heritage, and Romani communities—were systematically exterminated.
Let this day serve as a reminder to treat all individuals with dignity and respect, and to guard against judgment and prejudice in all its forms.
Base Access for Eligible Veterans and Caregivers
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (DOD) announced an improved installation access process for Veterans and eligible caregivers for medical appointments, shopping, and certain morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) services. Veteran and caregiver eligibility will now be electronically verified during the installation access process. A criminal check, ID check, and establishment of purpose for access will occur during this new procedure. For details, please click here.
Thoughts from Chaplain Richie Charles
Our modern-day Olympic games is almost 3,000 years old, dating back to 776BC. In the ancient foot races, the athletes shrank from no effort to gain a competitive edge. These games were often witnessed by kings, nobles, and statesmen. The Olympians all ran barefoot and were covered only in a layer of olive oil and fine sand to protect themselves from sunburn and regulate their body temperatures. They laid aside every hindrance imaginable that they felt could slow their bodies down.
The same way the Greek athletes were uncompromising in laying aside every physical weight that could hinder them moving forward, I’d like to focus on three barriers that can hinder our forward progress in the new year.
1. Dwelling on past regrets.
Looking back in a race is always risky business. While tempting, the runners understood the value of having a single-minded focus on reaching the finish line ahead. While looking back and learning from past mistakes is wise, to harp on our past regrets excessively, and dwell in the past, can hinder our forward progress in the new year. When we can accept our past, and strive to press onward, we can make progress towards our goals in the new year.
2. Waiting for the perfect moment.
Many delay their goals, waiting for the “perfect” time and circumstances. However, conditions are rarely ideal, and waiting can cause motivation to wane. Usually, the best time to venture on our goals is now.
3. Lack of focus and purpose.
Ancient Olympians trained rigorously with a clear vision of victory. The competitors were spurred on by a vision, a singleness of purpose to which they focused all their energies. Clear goals help us prioritize our efforts. It assists us in filtering out distractions. But without a purpose, without a vision, we can feel less motivate to surmount our personal obstacles and remain steadfast.
Let’s commit to removing any barriers, staying focused, and maximizing our potential in the new year.
One Team, One Ohana!
Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MD, MBA, CPE
Director, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
VADM, MC, USN, (RET)
36th Surgeon General, USN
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