Director's Veteran Message March 29, 2024

March 29, 1973, was the day the United States Military Assistance Command in Vietnam was disestablished, and the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. In addition, on and around the same day, Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war. 

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration honors all Veterans who served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces at any time from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location. To commemorate this important moment in history - and to celebrate our Vietnam Veterans - VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) held an event in the lobby of our Spark Matsunaga Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on March 28, 2024. Additionally, some of our employees will take part in the festival and parade in Honolulu on March 29, 2024. 

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration makes no distinction between Veterans who served in-country, in-theater, or those who were stationed elsewhere during the Vietnam War period.  Today, there are approximately 6.7 million men and nearly 300,000 women, living in America and abroad, who served from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975.

This year, the official Vietnam Veterans Day Parade will take place on March 29, 2024 in Waikiki at 6:30 p.m. and will run the same route as previous years from Kuroda Field, Ft. DeRussy down Kalakaua Avenue to Kapiʻolani Park.

In addition to celebrating Vietnam Veterans Day, we celebrated Medal of Honor Day on March 25, 2024. A warm salute goes out to our Medal of Honor Recipients in the Pacific Islands: Marine Corps Veteran Alan Kellogg, and Army Veteran Dennis Fujii. Mahalo for your service.

Parking Structure Closure
The 4th Floor of the parking garage at our Spark Matsunaga Ambulatory Care Center is closed from March 18, 2024, to May 12, 2024, for repairs. 

Please remember that we have a courtesy shuttle that picks up from the Park-and-Ride location at Ke'ehi Lagoon for Veterans who do not want to park on site at Tripler Army Medical Center. If you have questions about the VAPIHCS courtesy shuttle, please call 808-433-7982.

Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic Health Care Enrollment & Claims Event
We are also excited to invite you to a health care enrollment and claims event for the Daniel Kahikina Akaka VA Clinic at 91-1051 Franklin D. Roosevelt Avenue in Kapolei on April 5, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This event will include registration services, whole health, caregiver support, benefits advisors, and much more. If you are curious to see our new clinic before it opens, this is your chance! We expect to see our first patient for our soft opening on April 8, 2024, and will gradually increase services through the end of the calendar year.

Transgender Day of Visibility 
On March 31, 2024, the nation will observe the Transgender Day of Visibility. VAPIHCS is reaffirming its commitment to protecting the rights of all our Veterans and VA staff regardless of their race, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Discrimination against employees or Veterans who are transgender is inconsistent with VA policies and our commitment to gender equity and affirmation in health care. 

Together, we aspire to foster a safe environment that welcomes everyone to be their authentic selves, and to feel affirmed and respected without fear of persecution. Further, VA policies and Executive Orders unequivocally protect the rights of our Veterans, visitors, and our staff. 

We at VAPIHCS support health care equity for women, people of all races, and LGBTQ+ patients because we believe in providing safe, compassionate, quality care to all who served. Happy Transgender Day of Visibility! 

Whole Health: Increase Fiber Intake as You Age
The Whole Health theme of the month for March is Food and Drink. We all have important cultural and sentimental ties to food. As we age, we may not want to change our diet because we enjoy our comfort food. However, staying healthy requires making small adjustments like cutting down on sugary drinks and rice, eating less red meat, reducing salt intake, and most importantly, increasing your intake.

March is also Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and an important part of maintaining a healthy colon is getting enough fiber. While dietary supplements can help, natural fibers are preferable. This means it's wise to eat lots of fresh vegetables, raw or lightly cooked. Consider starting a garden or joining a community garden project to grow your own fresh vegetables in your yard of window. Shop at farmers markets for local produce that hasn’t wilted on its long trek across the ocean. VAPIHCS is here to help, but ultimately, the health choices you make are up to you! 

Happy Easter
Easter is celebrated this year on Sunday, March 31, 2024. Our hours will remain the same, including the hours for our Saturday clinic and the drive-up Pharmacy. We will also be open for our regular hours on Monday, April 1, 2024. Happy Easter! 

Aloha to Chaplain Richie Charles
Chaplain Dr. Richie Charles has taken a detail opportunity in the mainland, and I wanted to express our appreciation for the spiritual and emotional support he has provided. We wish him fair winds and following seas as he travels to his next adventure and look forward to welcoming him back.

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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