Director's Message September 27, 2024
VAPIHCS Veterans, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) announced the new Veteran Transportation Service (VTS) in Guam when it began in December of 2023.
This essential service continues to underscore the VA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all qualifying Veterans on Guam have access to necessary medical care through reliable, convenient, and free transportation. The service operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and scheduling is available 7:30 a.m. to noon (Chamorro Standard Time (ChST)) Tuesday through Friday. Veterans are asked to schedule their rides one week in advance by calling 671-475-5833.
To learn more about any of our programs, call us at 1-800-214-1306.
Upcoming Events
VAPIHCS will hold a PACT Act Enrollment and Community Call event on the island of Hawaii in Hilo from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time (HST) on Saturday, October 5, 2024. The event will be at the Prince Kuhio Plaza at 111 East Puainako Street in Hilo, and will feature health services, PACT Act and benefits enrollment, and much more. Get your questions answered at this free event and find out how VA can help you stay healthy.
VAPIHCS will also hold a PACT Act Enrollment and Community Call event in Guam from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Chamorro Standard Time (ChST) November 2-3, 2024, in the Micronesian Mall at 1088 West Marine Corps Drive Dededo, Guam 96929, in space 121, 122, and center court. The event will have member service representatives ready to enroll Veterans who have never enrolled or those who have become newly eligible under the PACT Act. Veterans who are already enrolled may also come for health services such as diabetic foot checks, vaccines, and blood pressure checks. All Veterans can come with health and benefits questions.
Thoughts from Chaplain Jewel Davis
Our Aiga
As we continue to explore of our wonderful world, our next stop has landed in American Samoa, our sister island. American Samoa is in the South Pacific Ocean on the eastern of side of the more than 300-mile Samoan archipelago. It is a cluster of seven islands and two atolls, and like Hawaii, American Samoa was originally settled by Polynesian voyagers. It is situated in the Southern Hemisphere and considered to be the United States’ most southern territory. The National Park of American Samoa encompasses three islands renowned for their forestry, rugged shorelines, and vibrant coral reefs. With all its splendid foliage, roughly 90% of American Samoa is covered by rainforests. This territory’s current population ranges between 43,500 and 47,000 people. Samoan and English are the languages most spoken in American Samoa.
Dating back to over 3000 years, Samoan culture is the oldest of the Polynesians in that region. This culture, referred to as Fa’a Samoa or “The Samoan Way” is deeply rooted in multiple generations of traditions and values. Aiga, which is the Samoan word for family, includes both nuclear and extended family members who share responsibilities and resources to meet the needs of the communities. The Samoan Way is very sociable and welcoming of newcomers.
To embrace American Samoan culture is to appreciate the things that it holds most near and dear. Significant to the culture are its passions for dance and telling stories of myths and legends, and observing those stories in art, crafts, music, and dance. To embrace the culture is to notice the intricate tattoos worn by both men and women. The “tatau” for men and the “malu” for women are worn with pride in the beauty and traditions of Samoan culture. Another major component of American Samoa culture is its religious practices and church life. Because a large number of NFL players hail from American Samoa, it is often called the “Football Island.” While valuing the culture and people of American Samoa, visitors to the islands also enjoy hiking, snorkeling, touring, and sunbathing.
As we continue to care for our Veterans and each other, may we embrace “The Samoan Way” as our way of continuing to share responsibilities and resources for the good of our VAPIHCS community. May we take pride in our culture to invite and welcome and recognize everyone as members of our aiga. 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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