VETERANS DAY 2006
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Han Yun from the Korean War Veterans Association waited to lead the parade of flags and lei presentation at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery yesterday afternoon. CLICK FOR LARGE
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Honor in service
A Kalaeloa program gives homeless vets a chance to turn their lives around
UP UNTIL two years ago, Veterans Day was like any other day for retired Army Spc. James Alderman -- fruitless attempts at finding affordable housing, scrounging for money and food, and battling drug addiction.
But when he was given food, clothing, shelter and a second chance at life, the previously homeless Alderman celebrates Veterans Day with as much fervor with anyone else.
Yesterday, ceremonies honoring veterans were held across the islands, including at the U.S. Vets Hawaii housing facilities at Kalaeloa, where 180 veterans stay. Of the 180, about 100 were picked off the streets, including Alderman.
"Now that I'm here, Veterans Day is special to me," said the 55-year-old Alderman, who was in the Army during the 1970s.
One out of every three homeless men in the nation is a veteran, and nonprofit U.S. Vets hopes to reintegrate veterans back to society.
Alderman tested positive for drugs, lost his job as a cook, and was homeless for more than a year before he heard about U.S. Vets Hawaii, funded mostly through federal grants. Now he has a job shipping cargo at the airport, and yesterday received a plaque for being sober for two straight years.
U.S. Vets offers rehabilitation and self-management classes, said spokesman Kymberly Pine. The group hits the streets, the beaches and the alleyways to find veterans without a home, and gives them one.
First, U.S. Vets offers them lodging, food and clothing for free. The program then offers employment assistance and training, or substance abuse counseling if necessary. After finding a job, the veterans are moved to rental housing, at an affordable $500 to $600 a month.
Yesterday, the organization, along with the Aloha Mustang and Shelby and Corvette clubs, held a barbecue and car exhibition event at the housing.
Alderman said he hopes state and federal governments will work toward better care of veterans.
"For me, after I left the Army, it was like 'Thank you,' and you're on your way," Alderman said.
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Hibbert Manley from the 5th Regimental Combat Team prepared to present the veterans organization's flag during the 2006 Governor's Veterans Day Ceremony. CLICK FOR LARGE
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AT GOV. Linda Lingle's state ceremony at Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe, veterans will never be forgotten, said Edward Cruickshank, director of the state Office of Veterans Services.
Cruickshank said the Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home is on track to open next summer. The home, build by the Hawaii Health System Corp. in partnership with the state, will be a 95-bed nursing home on the Big Island.
U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, who is in line for the chairmanship of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, also has said he will try to restructure and improve benefits for veterans.
Dozens of veterans from several wars attended yesterday's ceremony, to honor veterans across the nation, as well as the roughly 116,000 in Hawaii.
During her keynote speech, the governor strayed from her prepared text to talk about how troops were used in political campaigns across the nation.
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Youth Challenge Academy Cadets stood behind a memorial wreath at the 2006 Governor's Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery yesterday afternoon. CLICK FOR LARGE
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"It was disrespectful for everyone who wears a uniform or has worn a uniform," said Lingle, her voice wavering. "Although I wanted to scream out, 'Stop it already. You're making a political spectacle out of their efforts and their sacrifice.'"
It was a sentiment that retired Marine Sgt. Maj. Allan Jay Kellogg, among the few awarded the Medal of Honor, agreed with.
"There were some remarks that were made this campaign season that should've never been made, especially when you start using our military people as pawns," Kellogg said.
The Kailua resident, a Vietnam War veteran, was awarded the congressional Medal of Honor for forcing a grenade into the mud, throwing himself on it and absorbing the blast to protect his unit.
Despite the current controversy over the Iraqi conflict, Kellogg urged all residents to thank men and women in uniform.
"War is not a good thing to get in," Kellogg said. "Just tell all the veterans 'Thank you,' regardless of what war they fought in."