Director's Message June 14, 2024

-which had been passed a full two years earlier. 

Communication in those days was more difficult, and it took more time for information to spread. However, two years was much longer than it should have taken. Plantation and farm owners intentionally kept the news from slaves. When Major General Granger marched through Texas, he freed over 250,000 Black Americans who were still working as slaves even though they had legally been free men for two years. 

Juneteenth is a significant holiday in African American history and culture, and it has traditionally been celebrated in churches, or with a parade or festival. The holiday is considered the longest-running African American holiday and has sometimes been referred to as “America’s second Independence Day.” It is an opportunity to both look back at the history of African Americans in the United States, and to look towards the future and make sure that the notion of “freedom” always includes everyone.

This is also LGBTQ+ Pride month, and I want to take a moment to mention that until December 22, 2010, LGBTQ+ Americans could not serve openly in the United States military. Until June 26, 2015, LGBTQ+ Americans could not enter a same-sex marriage. When we say that we want to look towards the future and make sure the notion of “freedom” includes everyone, we don’t just mean Black Americans or Transgender Americans or Veterans. 

We mean everyone. 

As Solomon Burke said: “None of us are free if one of us are chained.” 

It is critical that we bear this in mind as we move through our lives. If we would not want to endure a suffering, then we should not want others to endure it either. If we have a freedom, then we should want all people to have that freedom. We cannot stand as monoliths within our own spheres of influence and ignore the larger ramifications of our actions, our decisions, and our situations. History has not looked favorably on those who have sought to deny rights to others, and if no other motivation such as compassion or empathy should stir you, then at least the opinion of history can help you see the best path forward. 

Our clinics will be closed on June 19, 2024, to honor the Juneteenth holiday. They will re-open on June 20, 2024, at the usual times. 

Happy Juneteenth to you all.

Koa Challenge

At VAPIHCS, we are proud to work with Veterans to help them recover from many different physical and mental challenges. One of the types of therapy we have great success with is Recreation Therapy, where we help Veterans to be active through recreation and sports. For some, it will be part of a comprehensive treatment approach to regain mobility after a stroke, a surgery, or a fall. For others, it may be part of a plan to overcome depression, aid in recovery from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or help a Veteran to find a healthy outlet for competitiveness and aggression. There are so many ways that getting out and moving our bodies can improve our mental, physical, and even spiritual health. 

Last year, the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE), our Recreation Therapy program, and the AMVETS West Oahu Vet Center put together a wonderful event called the Koa Challenge, where Veterans were able to compete in activities such as horseshoes, archery, and pickle ball. It went so well that we have decided to make it an annual event. This year’s Koa challenge will be held on November 12 – November 16, 2024, and registration is taking place now through the end of June. 

Veterans not currently referred to the Recreation Therapy program can complete their Koa Challenge application and follow up with their Primary Care Provider for a “Recreation and Creative Arts Therapy” consult and medical clearance for the events that have been registered for. Make an appointment now by calling 1-800-214-1306.  We’re excited to see everyone for the 2nd annual Koa challenge in November.

Upcoming Events

On June 28th and June 29th, 2024, there will be a Guam PACT Act and Claims Workshop at the Hilton Hotel at 202 Hilton Road, in Tumon Bay. VA employees will be on site from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2024, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The PACT (Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics) Act is a historic new law that will help VA deliver for millions of Veterans — and their spouses or survivors — by empowering us to presumptively provide care and benefits to Veterans suffering from more than 20 toxic exposure-related conditions. It will also bring generations of men and women who have served into VA health care, which will improve Veteran health outcomes across the board. VAPIHCS will continue to make PACT Act enrollment a priority. For more information regarding VA health care in the Pacific call: 1-800-214-1306.

On Saturday, June 15, 2024, VAPIHCS staff will participate in the yearly Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) walk. There will also be a table at the event after the walk, which is at Kapiolani Park. The walk begins at 10 a.m. and Veterans are welcome to attend the walk and the festival afterwards and bring their questions for VAPIHCS staff. Please allow ample time for parking, and carpool if you are able.

Dementia Awareness and Support Month

VAPIHCS has services to address the needs of Veterans, their spouses, their caregivers, and even dependents. During Dementia Awareness and Support Month, remember that it’s important to reach out if you are experiencing negative consequences due to a loved one suffering from memory loss, and we want to do all we can to help. 

Is a loved one’s dementia impacting your relationship, health, and safety? Approximately 20 percent of home-based dementia caregivers experience violence or aggression. VA can help.  For more information, talk to your local VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance and Prevention (IPVAP) Coordinator, visit the VA IPVAP website, or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Find information online at: https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV/Index.asp   

Reaching out isn’t only important if you are struggling. Even if you feel comfortable with your loved one’s illness at this time, you may find that things become more challenging later. Speaking with someone now about techniques and useful practices can prepare caregivers for the future. As dementia progresses, symptoms can become more difficult to manage. There are useful tips and techniques that can help. Don’t wait until you are overwhelmed. Reach out now and speak to someone about preparing for what will come. 

Thoughts from Chaplain Jewel Davis

“Ah, So Comfortable”

Shoes are the marvelous invention of footwear designed to essentially protect and comfort our feet when we stand, walk, or run on diverse surfaces and in various climates. Shoes were originally designed for specific purposes and functions; however, they have evolved to become iconic fashion statements. Shoes range in styles from slip-on breathable sandals to business-day casuals, to boots, sneakers, and athletics, and to dress shoes for special occasions.

Now we've all probably heard numerous sayings that refer to what shoes say about their wearers.  For example, Bette Midler said, “I firmly believe that with the right footwear one can rule the world.” Coco Chanel declared, “Keep your head, heels, and standards high” and Forrest Gump chimed, “My Mama always said you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes, where they are going, where they been.” 

But let’s consider what we may implicitly or explicitly communicate about our footwear, particularly well-worn shoes that have withstood the tests of time and terrain. Someone once said that “No matter how much I eat, the shoe still fits.” Those faithful soles and silent companions that never complain or put up a resistance. They’re so adaptable and loyal.  They keep themselves available and proudly boast of their endurance and longevity. They've created familiarity. They've weathered storms and overcame challenges. These are the shoes that form special bonds with their wearers. They are the tried and true and, “Oh, so comfortable” and difficult to replace. 

Like clinging to shoes that have lasted well past their prime, it is often difficult to replace the comfortable and familiar with the newness of adventure that invites opportunities for learning, acquiring, and developing new skills, personal and professional growth, self-improvement, and broadened exposure.  Through a willingness to embrace change, we participate in a world that is in constant transition; the advantages of which can be quite extensive. So, the takeaway for today is, change can be good for the body, good for the mind, and good for the sole.  

In recognition of Aphasia and Alzheimer Awareness and LGBTQ + Month, may we honor, appreciate, and value the many individuals who have served, and continue to serve, our nation. 

Blessings and Mahalo

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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