Director's Message May 23, 2025
VAPIHCS Veterans, As we observe Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave individuals of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
Their courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten. In these islands where so much history was made, that courage echoes in every breeze.
For the staff of the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System privileged to serve Veterans each day, this moment of remembrance holds deep meaning. We are eternally grateful for their profound dedication and for safeguarding the freedoms we hold dear. We are also reminded of the sacred responsibility we carry—to care for those who have borne the battle, and to honor the legacies of those who did not return.
To our cherished Veterans across the Pacific Islands, your strength and service are deeply respected. If you’re struggling this weekend, or if you know of anyone who is struggling, please know you’re not alone and help is available. We’re here for you if you would like to speak to someone. Please dial 988 then press 1.
VA 2K Donation Boxes Out Now
In May, the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) participates in a national Veterans’ Affairs event called the VA2K. The annual VA2K event encourages people to live active lifestyles and allows participants to support houseless Veterans and disadvantaged Veterans through voluntary donations of food and new clothing items. In honor of this event, we have placed boxes at each of our locations to collect donations for unhoused and at-risk Veterans.
Suggested donation items include:
• Nonperishable and canned foods
• New or gently used clean clothes
• New underwear and hygiene items
• Household items like towels, blankets, and toilet paper
• Pet food, gift cards, and other common use items
Donations will be collected until June 2, 2025. The donations that were collected will be picked up by local HUD-VASH program employees who will distribute these donations to Veterans.
Monthly Events for Veterans
On the second Friday of every month, VAPIHCS holds an Ohana Open Market from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic. The event is an opportunity for Veterans and active-duty service members to pick up cost-free groceries and to learn more about VAPIHCS services and programs. For more details, contact our Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Chief Schoen Safotu at Schoen.Safotu@va.gov.
On the third Monday of each month, VAPIHCS holds a Chaplains and Tea event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the lobby of the Spark Matsunaga Ambulatory Care Center (ACC). Light refreshments and spiritual care materials are provided, and it is an opportunity for Veterans to connect with VAPIHCS and learn more about all we have to offer. For more details, contact Chief of Chaplain Services Dr. Richie Charles at Richie.Charles@va.gov.
Clinics Closed
In honor of Memorial Day, clinics will be closed on Saturday, May 24, 2025, and Monday, May 26, 2025. If you need assistance, you can call the Clinical Contact Center at 833-983-0487.
Thoughts from Chaplain Richie Charles
One of America’s most remarkable National Parks has attracted countless tourists over the years—not for its comfort, but for its extremes. Death Valley National Park, straddling eastern California and Nevada, holds the world record for the hottest air temperature ever recorded—a scorching 134°F. It’s also the driest place in the U.S. and the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level.
Yet despite the sweltering heat, the desert valley manages to draw tourists for reasons which may be surprising. Despite the extreme conditions of the desert, after periods of rainfall, the valley yields a stunning array of vibrant wildflowers of varied colors that beautify portions of the landscape. But it’s not simply the flowers that they admire, it’s the fact that such beauty could emerge amidst circumstances so severe. Tourists come to witness beauty thriving where it shouldn’t.
These wildflowers offer lessons of resilience for us all. You and I may not be living in a desert, but we all face challenging circumstances. It’s tempting to believe that if only we had more favorable conditions—better timing, fewer setbacks—we could finally grow into our full potential.
But the desert wildflowers teach a deeper truth: we don’t have to wait for perfect conditions to thrive. We can bloom wherever we’re planted. Without the ability to adjust nature’s thermostat, the wildflowers do what they can with what they have.
Our greatest growth often comes by enduring and rising through difficulty. As someone once said, “It’s not about having what you want—it’s wanting what you’ve got.”
Like deeply rooted trees, we grow strongest when we stand firm through adversity. Challenges, met with resolve help shape the character and strength needed to truly flourish.
One Team, One Ohana!
Thandiwe (Tandi) Nelson-Brooks, MPH, FACHE
Interim Medical Center Director
VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
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