Director's Message June 24, 2022
VAPIHCS Veterans, In early March 2022, the White House announced an effort to further reduce financial hardships for Veterans by simplifying the process by which veterans can apply for medical debt relief.
On June 13, 2022, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) launched a streamlined and simplified application process, meant to allow veterans easier access to the medical debt relief they might need. It is still necessary to complete VA form 5655 to demonstrate the need for assistance. Call 1-800-214-1306 for more information.
Korean War Veterans
The Korean War, often referred to as “The Forgotten War,” was fought from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953. On behalf of VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS), we thank and honor all the veterans of the Korean War, their families, and especially those who lost loved ones in the war.
Veteran Affairs will never stop honoring the service and sacrifice of our Korean War Veterans. Although it has been 72 years since the beginning of the Korean War and while many may have forgotten, those who lived it still come together every year in honor of those they lost. We are fortunate that we have a lot of people who still remember what it takes to serve. Since the end of this war, there is not much that has not been said about the war and its effects on Korea and the veterans who fought in the war as well as their families.
However, today the Republic of Korea stands as a modern, prosperous, vibrant democracy because of your courage and selfless sacrifice. As a veteran, I am humbled to continue to serve all of you who are Korean War Veterans. Mahalo Nui Loa for your service and the sacrifices you have made on behalf of our nation.
Warrior to Soulmate Training
Chaplain Richie Charles will be hosting a class called “Warrior to Soulmate” from June 30, 2022, to July 7, 2022. This class will be for veterans and their spouses, and it seeks to help couples communicate and strengthen relationships. If you’d like to RSVP for the class, please contact the Chaplain at 808-913-4479 or Richie.Charles@va.gov
June is International Men’s Health Month
Men’s Health Month is a time to be mindful of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and diseases that men can get which are often overlooked, such as Fibromyalgia and Lupus. It’s also a time to remember that fathers need to teach healthy coping strategies to their sons. Please take some time to read about international men’s health month, and the issues that men face.
Ongoing COVID-19 Response
VA’s priority remains vaccinating as many individuals as possible and getting booster shots to those who have already had the vaccine. Vaccination is still the best way to prevent serious illness, and hopefully to end this pandemic. Cases are high in Hawaii right now, so please give us a call and make an appointment to get your shots today.
Many veterans are taking COVID-19 tests at home and testing positive. Please don’t wait until you are sick to reach out! Call your doctor as soon as you test positive, and VA will send you anti-viral drugs when appropriate to help you through your illness. Call 1-800-214-1306 to get vaccinated or to get antivirals.
Thoughts from Chaplain Richie Charles
In the eyes of many in Gelhaur Village of Northeast India, Dashrath Manjhi was an ordinary farm laborer. But little did many realize how this one man would become an iconic hero for his display of unwavering perseverance and relentless determination.
In 1959, Manjhi’s wife suffered an injury while travelling across a mountain near their hometown. Unfortunately, the very mountain upon which his wife suffered her injury also separated them from the nearby cities, making travel slow and laborious. With his wife unable to get medical attention in time, she lost her life.
Heartbroken, Manjhi reflected that for decades, the perilous terrain of this region had also divided other local villagers from essential services in the neighboring areas. Resolving to seek to prevent a similar fate from befalling others, Manjhi decided to do the unthinkable. With no local support extended to Manjhi, he decided that if a mountain would get in the way of his people getting the help they needed, then he will have to “move” the mountain himself.
With a pick, hammer, and nails, Manjhi decided to personally chisel a pathway through the hill. Mocked and ridiculed by villagers, Manjhi continued undeterred in his work for the next 22 years. When completed, he was able to form a path through the mountain measuring 360 feet long and 25 feet wide! The path drastically reduced the distance between his village and the nearby city, allowing for car transportation and ultimately made the hills a safer place to live.
Manjhi serves as a testament to the power of determination and unwavering resolve. It’s often true that we cannot rise any higher than the aim we set for ourselves. Hence, Manji wisely aimed high. Rather than be deterred and discouraged, Manjhi later recounted that the opposition and ridicule he received only served to make him even firmer in his resolve.
Likewise, the path to us accomplishing our goals may also be beset with “mountains” that can impede our forward movement. But whether it be a “mountain” of discouragement or opposing circumstances, let’s resolve to not allow these challenges to deter us. The greater the mountain we encounter, the firmer we can resolve to overcome them. And in persevering, we can bring about results that make a lasting difference for others.