VA Pacific Islands Health Care Summer Vet Fest and Ohana Market

In addition to the open market, VAPIHCS also hosted the second annual Summer Vet Fest from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. where VAPIHCS services and community partners set up tables and provided a fun open house event for Veterans. Representative Jill Tokuda attended to tour the clinic, along with several hundred Veterans. 

“I came for the benefits folks because I wanted to check on the status of my claim,” said Marine Corps Veteran Ryan Franz. “But while I was here, I tried a coffee at the Brew Cafe, which is great. I also had no trouble parking, which I appreciated. I also look forwarded to looking around later after they call my number.” 

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) is the division of the Department of Veterans Affairs that handles things like the G.I. Bill, monthly payments for disability, VA Home Loans, and much more. They were setup at the event and had a long line, but they were able to see every Veteran that wanted to see them. The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) -the VA division in charge of burials and cemeteries, also attended. Between VAPIHCS departments, other VA divisions, and community partners, the event was a one-stop-shop for Veterans. 

“This is a fine example of the VA Pacific Island Health Care System’s ability to interface with community organizations and put together a collaborative effort to help Veterans,” said Army Veteran Micheal Peacock. “I’m proud to be here today at the suicide prevention table.” 

Women’s Health Program Manager Denise Koutrouba organized a “Coffee and Conversation” event, and women Veterans were invited to paint a bird of paradise with professional artist and husband to Denise Koutrouba, Marine Corps Veteran Peter Koutrouba. VAPIHCS Recreation Therapy program set up games, and many of the community organizations also set up games to add an element of fun to the event. Navy Veteran Disc Jockey (DJ) Matthew Gibbons played music in the lobby that had Veterans and staff dancing and playing air guitar as well. 

“I’m thrilled to see so many people enjoying our clinic,” said Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic Chief April Seghorn. “I’m grateful to all the employees and community organizations who came together to make this event possible.” 

In the hallways of the Akaka Clinic, many community partners set up tables, including Seaside Realty, Irreverent Warriors, Rosita Johns of National Veteran Market Research, Access Surf, Big Tire Boot Camp, the Broker Mortgage Experts, Wounded Warriors, American Veterans (AMVETS), AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, Trident Adventures, Grand Canyon University, and a Medicare Resource Table. In Addition to Women’s Health and Recreation Therapy, VAPIHCS Member Services Team and VAPIHCS Veteran Experience Services (VES) also had tables set up. Brightside In-Home Health Help didn’t have a table, but they brought a large box of cookies to be distributed with the pizza provided by Montare Behavioral Health Renewal Group. 

“We work with Care In The Community and try to bridge the gaps that they can’t fill,” said Rosita Johns of the Montare Behavioral Renewal Group. “We were so excited to be able to help with the event today by providing pizza for all the Veterans and staff to enjoy.” 

Outreach Coordinator Maurice Martin led the organization of the second annual Summer Vet Fest event. He was excited to see everything come together, and pointed out Environmental Management Staff and VA Police were kind enough to be there to ensure the Veterans safety and comfort. He also thanked the employees and community partners for coming together to make the event fun and enjoyable for Veterans. The cost-free groceries at the Ohana Open Market also added to the event, allowing Veterans access to food in a time when prices at the grocery store are high. The Mauka Makai Off Road Club set up in the parking lot as well, adding a dimension of fun. It was a successful event that was fun and engaging for Veterans of Oahu. 

Quick Facts:

• Last time, the Ohana Food Market fed 327 families. 
• Groups that sent volunteers for the Ohana Open Market were the Freemasons, Lockheed Martin, Elks Lodge Hawaii, State of Hawaii Veterans Center, Active Duty Army, Navy and Marines, American Veterans (AMVETS), the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), the American Red Cross, the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, the Kaneohe Officers Club, Army Civilian Human Resources, Rainbow Family 808, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) employees, and the VAPIHCS Police Force.
• Many people set up tables inside the Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic, including VA Pacific Island Health Care System (VAPIHCS)’s Recreation Therapy, Women's Health, Veteran Experience Services, and more. Additionally, community partners such as Big Tire Boot Camp, AMVETS, AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, Seaside Realty, Harosky Homes, and many more. 
• The Vet Center brought their mobile unit and Vet Center employees Ed Guzman, Solomon Dupont, Ulises Campa, and Elaine Estacio. 
• The event also had the Mauka Makai Off Road Club set up in the parking lot. 
• Pizza was provided by Montare Behavioral Health Renewal Group provided the pizza for the event. They are a Care In The Community (CITC) partner of VA. 
• The event was attended by Representative Jill Tokuda. VA Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic April Seghorn and Akaka Activation Manager Chad Watanabe gave her a tour of the clinic. 
• The Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) was recruiting volunteers for the Compassionate Contact Corps, a program which pairs volunteers with Veterans for regular chick-in phone calls.

Vet Center Move: 

The West Oahu Vet Center at 885 Kamokila Blvd Ste 105, Kapolei, HI 96707, will be closing at the end of August 2024. They will be available for online appointments during the month of September 2024. On October 1, 2024, they will open their new location in the new Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic at 91-1051 Franklin D. Roosevelt Avenue Kapolei, HI 96707.