Hawaii’s exceptional seven recognized during Military Appreciation Month

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Jerome Johnson | HONOLULU—The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii’s Military Affairs Council, government officials, and U.S. Pacific Command leadership take a group photograph with honorees at the state capitol building, during the Annual Hawaii Military Appreciation Month ceremony on May 6. The Ceremony was an opportunity for government, business, and community leaders recognize and honor Hawaii-based service members and their families for their sacrifice. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jerome D. Johnson)  

HI, UNITED STATES

05.06.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal 

DMA Pacific - Hawaii Media Bureau   

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAWAII – Governor of Hawaii David Ige and the Military Affairs Council (MAC) recognized seven military members for their sacrifices and achievements as part of Military Appreciation Month here, May 6. The MAC worked with PACOM and service components to select the honorees.

Ige said that it is important to highlight service members who go above and beyond.

“There are more than 50,000 active duty military personnel in our state, and they are an important part of our community, said Governor of Hawaii David Ige. “Military Appreciation Month is an opportunity for us to say mahalo to the men and women that serve our nation and are a part of Hawaii’s ohana.”

In the Hawaiian culture, Ohana means ‘family,’ a word that some might say these honorees epitomize through their efforts to give back to the community.

“While selfless service is demonstrated by all of our service members, the individuals being recognized today have truly gone the extra mile,” Wendt said. “In addition to their regular duties they’ve dedicated their limited personal free time towards making our community here on these beautiful islands and even better place to live and in the process they’ve accomplished their task. In addition to wearing their uniforms that you see them in today, these men and women are also youth coaches, JROTC mentors, Wounded Warrior volunteers, Red Cross volunteers, and so much more.”

Maj. Gen. Eric Wendt, Chief of Staff, U.S. Pacific Command, congratulated the honorees for their efforts both on and off duty.

“To the service members we’re about to recognize on behalf of Admiral Harris and U.S. Pacific Command, I thank you for your exemplary service to our nation and for stepping up and volunteering in this beautiful state with and for the people of these very special islands,” said Wendt said.
U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Renee Cook, U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dominique Craig, U.S. Coast Guard Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Steven Gelety, U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Felipe Pinero, Jr., U.S. Navy Headquarters Culinary Specialist 1st Class Dong Ruan, Hawaii Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Donovon Tuisano, Sr., and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Khin Myat Thu Tun were those recognized for their exceptional performance during the event.

“It definitely humbles us,” Cook said. “We do it because we love doing it and we don’t do it for the recognition but to be recognized it definitely helps you.”

Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to ensure the nation was given the opportunity to publicly demonstrate their appreciation for the sacrifices and successes made by our service members - past and present.

• Date Taken: 05.06.2016
• Date Posted: 05.06.2016 18:29
• Story ID: 197583
• Location: HI, US