Serving those who served

The Molokai Times
Wednesday, July 16, 2008

By J. Kalani English

Many of us, in public and private life, talk about service. We are rightfully proud of the time we devote to the community, whether supporting the local high school fundraiser or pushing for needed changes in our laws. And yet few of use can lay claim to the same level of service as those who have served our country.

It takes immense strength and dedication to step away from home and family to serve, and an unimaginable amount of dedication to face danger halfway around the world. Whether we call it a war, a police action, or a peacekeeping mission, facing that danger is a day-to-day reality most of us will not encounter, but all must respect.

That is one reason I was proud in the last legislative session to support a Grant in Aid request from Molokai Veterans Caring for Veterans for money to help build a Molokai Veterans' Center. After trying without success to pass a bill to fund the Center, the Legislature found an alternative way to support the effort through the grant process.

Even if the center was just a place to remind us of the bravery and service of the men and women of Molokai who served us by serving our country, it would be a commendable use of our state funds. But the Veterans' Center will be more. It will provide a place for the community to meet, and offer medical and counseling services, along with other support programs, for veterans and their families. It will include a certified kitchen, and offer space for local community and educational groups to stage public events.

Part of the funding will allow MVCV to plan the facility, which is envisioned at 6,444 square feet, large enough to become a center of our community. That is appropriate. We should never forget the service of our veterans, and they are certainly deserving of a substantial facility.

The Veterans' Center will serve roughly 600 veterans on Molokai, but it stands for more than that. It stands for a recognition of what they have given, and our commitment to ensuring that their service never goes unrewarded. When any of us attends a future event there, we should not lose sight of what the center represents: a small token of appreciation for their service.

The Legislature's award of the Grant in Aid, and the Governor's recent release of the funds, will help move the project forward, with $25,000 in design funds, and $225,000 to go toward construction. Needless to say, that amounts are not enough to foot the entire bill. Molokai veterans Caring for Veterans will continue to raise money, as they have from the beginning, to help pay for construction. It is still a grassroots effort, relying in large part on the continued support of the community they eventually will serve.

You know where this goes now: right back to you. When the time comes, whether a knock on your door or a call that says, "We could use your help," do whatever you can. As a way of serving those who have served us.

Original article URL: http://www.molokaitimes.com/articles/871614452.asp

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