Hawaii Island
Live! 
  Veterans Day Parade

(Registered Organizations As of 11 Nov 2022)

 

Entry Name and Description

 

2022 Parade Announcer NARRATIVE,

Hawaii Island Veterans Day Parade 12 Nov 2022

 

1. Hawaii Police Department escort

Our police escort vehicle is from the Hawaii Police Department. The Hawai‘i Police Department is committed to providing the highest quality of police service and forming partnerships with the community making the Big Island a safe place to live, visit, and conduct business. Mahalo to all the Special Duty Officers helping make this parade safe and fun.

 

2. Hawaii Island Motorcycles “Aloha Thunder”

Welcome to Hilo’s version of Washington DC’s Rolling Thunder motorcycle convoy. Our “Aloha Thunder” motorcycle group today consists of several island motorcycle clubs and others who want to show their support. Led by Jerry Chang, they are here to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our ‘Ohanas, state, and nation. The riders enjoy handing out small American flags to keiki and other parade spectators.

 

3. Hawaii Army National Guard (Carry Parade Banner)

Carrying today’s Hawaii Island Veterans Day Parade Banner are members from the Hawaii Army National Guard Recruiting & Retention Battalion.

 

4. Hawaii Air National Guard Color Guard (291 CBCS)

The colors of the United States and the State of Hawaii are being carried today in the Hawaii Island Veterans Day Parade by airmen of Hilo’s own Hawaii Air National Guard 291st Combat Communications Squadron, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Naldrett. Please stand and honor the flag as the color guard passes by your position.

 

5. Hawaii County Band (Music)

The Hawaii County Band has been a fixture playing music on the Big Island since 1883, making it the second oldest band in the state. It plays monthly concerts, both in Hilo and Kailua-Kona. The band director is Paul Arceo. As always, we are delighted to have them help us “celebrate service”!

 

5A. Mayor Mitch Roth

Say Aloha to Hawaii Island’s own Mayor Mitch Roth since December 2020 after 8 years as the County Prosecuting Attorney. His vision of a sustainable Hawaii Island is to create a thriving community where our keiki can raise their keiki and their keiki raise their keiki. Mitch is a champion of taking care of our Veterans every day!

 

6. Island of Hawaii, OVS – Office of Veterans Services

The Office of Veterans’ Services is the principal state office responsible for the development and management of policies and programs related to veterans, their dependents, and/or survivors. OVS acts as a liaison for veterans between the Governor, local veteran organizations, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our objectives are to advocate for veterans in obtaining State and federal entitlements.

 

7. State Representative Greggor Ilagan

Representative Greggor Ilagan served in the Air National Guard for six years before he was elected in 2012 and 2014 to serve as Councilmember for the County of Hawai’i 4th District. He was elected in 2020 to serve as the State Representative for House District 4 – Lower Puna. He is Vice Chair for the Committee on Transportation, and a member on the Committee of Housing and Committee on Finance.

 

8. County Council Member Heather Kimball

Heather Kimball - Hawaii County Council representing Council District 1 covers Hamakua Coast Wainaku to Waimea. On 5 December she will serve as Chair and Presiding Officer of the Hawai‘i County Council My staff and I want to extend our sincere Mahalo to all Veterans for your service to our county!

 

9. County Council Member Ashley Kierkiewicz

Ashley Kierkiewicz is the Council Member for District 4 since 2018, covering Hawaiian Paradise Park to Leilani Estates to the ocean, and serves as Chair of the Planning Committee and also Chair of the Governmental Relations and Economic Development Committee,

 

10. Following County Council members is a 1967 Chevy Chevelle driven by Randall Jardine, a US Army National Guard Veteran.

 

11. Veterans Advisory Committee (Teal Thunderbird)

The Veterans Advisory Committee advises and makes recommendations to the county on island-wide veteran matters. The Chair of this committee, Michael Doolittle, is a Vietnam Veteran who actively supports veterans in many ways. Committee members come from all over the island and include:  Vice-Chair, Marcia Brinkley, and today’s parade chair Deb Lewis. Cindy is riding with Michael today in his teal Thunderbird.

 

12. Banner 100/442 (Carry 100thBn/442ndRCT banner)

This banner honors the most highly decorated Army unit in history - the Infantry/Military Intelligence Service/and Engineer Soldiers of the 100th Battalion/442nd Regimental Combat Team. Our Hilo communitee includes one 100th Battalion Soldier who turned 100 this year: Wataru Kohashi

 

13. Cruising Vets

Some Veterans just enjoy hanging out with friends who share a love of classic cars

1) 1965 Ford Mustang, Randy Fernandez, US Army vet

2) 1970 Ford Mustang, Q-Frazier, US Navy vet

3) 1942 WIllys Jeep, Nikki Carvalho Not Veteran

4) 1945 Ford Jeep, Donny Gabriel Not Veteran

5) 1990 Chevy Corvette, GiGi Morita Not Veteran

6) 1972 Chevy Vega, Randall Laronal, US Army Iraq vet

 

14. Veteran Jeff Gray & netcom (PU Trk & Trl)

Jeff Gray - President of Netcom Enterprises (a veteran owned company) is a US Army M1A1 Tank Commander and US Army Drill Sergeant Veteran, Jim Aldridge is a US Army Lineman/Wireman Veteran.

 

15. Keaau High School Cougar Band (Music)

Let's get Hooked on a Feeling for the Cougars of the Kea'au High School Marching Band. Kea’au High School was established in 1999 and their current principal is Dean Cevallos. Under the direction of Christopher Ho, the Cougars would like to extend a heartfelt Mahalo to our Veterans and let them know they are a National Treasure.

 

16. Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii

The Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawai’i is a community service organization serving the Hilo area. The club’s signature project is the annual Police Officer and Firefighter of the Year banquet. As part of the National Exchange organization, the club is heavily involved in the prevention of child abuse. The club meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month and welcomes new members.

 

17. US Navy (Carry Grand Marshal banner)

Carrying today’s Grand Marshal Parade Banner is Hilo Navy Recruiting Station with leaders, Petty Officer Holley & Petty Officer Alesana alongside Big Island's Future Sailors. They continue what many proud Veterans have done by deterring aggression and allowing freedom of the seas. Hooyah Navy!

 

18. GRAND MARSHAL Gold Star Families (KMC BUS Vehicle)

Gold Star Families are the 2022 Grand Marshal of the Hawaii Island Veterans Day Parade. Please put your hands together for this year's grand marshal, Gold Star Families! These family members know all too well the sacrifice of their loved one who died while serving in a time of conflict. Each family member holds special memories and stories of their loved ones. Today, we know that their loved ones would wish to honor their families for the sacrifices they made as we honor their loved one’s memory, and celebrate them for ensuring the precious freedoms we enjoy today.

 

19. Hawaii Loa Chapter – Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) (car)

Hawai`i Loa Chapter DAR is a women's volunteer service organization based on Hawai'i Island. Our ancestors fought for independence in the American Revolution. Our mission is historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Helping veterans and shining a light of veterans' issues are one of the many ways we kokua our community every day.

 

20. Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home (Van)

Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home, is Hawaii's only Home that offers more than 24/7 nursing care to our Veteran. Their team works hand-in-hand with Physicians, nurse practitioners, and the community to serve the needs of our Veterans and their spouses here in Hilo. The Home’s latest vehicles greatly enhance their ability to care for and transport veterans in wheelchairs. Say hello to our 20 enthusiastic members from the home, their families who are in the parade or watching from the official tents along Kamehameha Avenue, and the home’s staff who make it all possible. Please join our staff and tell them "We love our Veterans!"

 

21. American Legion Post 3 (Decorated Vehicle)

The American Legion Hilo Post # 3 was first chartered on October 24, 1919 becoming the 3rd post to be chartered in what was then the Territory of Hawaii. This 103 year old organization is an active veteran service organization that augments the active duty funeral detail by providing an honor guard, bugler and rifle team to all qualified veterans, no matter their age, branch of service or their length of service with a dignified, honorable and worthy memorial at the time of their passing in East Hawaii from Naalehu to Honokaa. It is their great honor and dedication to duty that the American Legion Hilo Post # 3 respectfully renders these services to show their deepest gratitude to those who faithfully served and defended our country.

 

22. AARP Hawaii

Please put your hands together for an organization that does so much for our Kapuna and is one of the reasons we’re able to hold this parade as our lead sponsor. AARP Hawaii is a non-profit, social impact organization with 140,000 members age 50 and older in Hawaii. AARP empowers veterans and military families to navigate life's transitions by providing information about caregiving, fraud prevention, work and jobs, and veterans benefits.  AARP's goal is to help people choose how they live as they age by providing a wealth of information online along with an army of advisors along the way.

 

23. Lyman Museum and Mission House (1946 Willys Jeep)

Let’s welcome James Franco in his 1946 Willy’s Jeep from post-WWII days. He’s driving Bruce McClure and Pat Engelhard, Chair and Vice Chair of the Lyman Museum Trustees

Built in 1839, the Lyman Mission House is the Big Island's oldest wood frame structure and its first museum in 1931. Two Lyman grandsons, both West Point Graduates, were the first Hawaiian descendants to become generals in the US Army. Discover the powerful story of Hawaii, its islands and its people. Explore the Museum’s latest attraction - a state-of-the-art interactive Island Heritage Gallery that follows Hawaii's people - from the first Polynesian arrivals 1,000 years ago to current times. It's your museum - open Monday to Friday from 10 to 4:30. Visit this “true gem of Hilo”.

 

24. VFW 3875 & Auxiliary/DAV 6 (C&F Trk w 20’ Trlr) [2 groups one trk]

C& F trucking is carrying two special Veteran groups. Let’s hear it for the Veterans of Post 3875 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars – based in Hilo and known as the Orr/Onizuka Post. VFW’s 1.2 million combat veterans work tirelessly to take care of all veterans. Every veteran counts.

 

Like the VFW, the Hilo-based Disabled American Veterans, DAV #6 is one of many across the Nation where veterans help veterans, particularly those with service-connected injuries. DAV supports veterans and their families to include transportation to medical appointments, assistance with benefit claims, connect veterans with meaningful employment through job fairs and jobhunting resources. Like VFW, DAV is also a voice for heroes in Washington, influencing public policy and advocating for increased benefits and services for vets and their families.

 

25. Hawaii Care Choices (formerly Hospice)

Hawai‘i Care Choices, formerly Hospice of Hilo, is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization compassionately providing support to individuals with serious or life-limiting illness since 1983. They deliver palliative and hospice care, and bereavement services for the East Hawai’i community. Hawai’i Care Choices has been supporting our valued veterans for over 35 years in East Hawaii. A vast majority of Veterans are not enrolled in VA and may not be aware of end-of-life planning and/or care offered free through Hospice benefits as early as 6 months or more with diagnosis. At Hawaii Care Choices, ---We Honor our Veterans and Thank All Veterans for their Service.

 

26. Hilo High School Viking Band (Music)

The Hilo High School Viking band is led today by Drum Major Nikolas Galdones. They proudly march to honor all Veterans who have served to secure our the freedom for our country. Under the direction of Mrs. Ku'ulei Arceo, here is the Hilo High School Viking Band playing Star Wars.

 

27. Hilo High School JROTC

Hilo High School's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) Viking Battalion, commanded by Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Masuyama, consists of 126 Cadets ranging from grades 9-12. JROTC's Vision is to provide a quality citizenship, character, and leadership development program, while fostering partnerships with communities and educational institutions. Their Mission is to motivate young people to be better citizens. Hilo High's JROTC program is instructed by Retired Major Jeffery Nason. Marching cadence is provided by SFC Eti Vele Jr., U.S. Army Recruiter, for today's parade.

 

28. East Hawaii Rotarians

Welcome the members of the six East Hawaii Rotary Clubs. Rotary is an international service organization that has over 50 clubs in Hawaii. Rotaryʻs motto is "Service Above Self" and there are over 200 Rotarians in Hilo, Pahoa and Volcano. Rotary provides community service and financial support to many east Hawaii non-profits such as the Boys and Girls Club, Salvation Army and Hope Services and are part of over 1 million service-oriented Rotarians worldwide.

 

29. Aloha Council, Boy Scouts, Pukahi District

The Boy Scouts of America is dedicated to developing character; instilling citizenship and personal fitness in the youth of our island through a fun-filled educational resource program for boys and girls. Camping, fishing, hiking, and paddling are just some of their activities. Always accepting new applications, find a unit near you by calling 959-0079 or online at ScoutingHawaii.org Mahalo Veterans! We salute you!

 

30. BANNER/Community Parade Marshal: The Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island

Please welcome this year’s Community Parade Marshal – Boys & Girls Club of the Big Island has been a second home to various Big Island Youth for the past seven decades. From after-school academic support, cultural learning opportunities, and fun extracurriculars, BGCBI continuously supported members even during the loom of COVID19. This year BGCBI is back in full swing, serving a daily average of 232 members throughout nine site locations on Hawaii Island.

 

31. Botanical World Adventures (6 Segways)

Botanical World Adventures / botanicalworld.com / What a fun way to see the beauty of our Island Home. We ‘re offering FREE Garden Admission and 40% off Zipline tours for Veteran's and Active Duty Military all week/We're in Hakalau just 16 miles north of Hilo on Highway 19 by mile marker 16.

 

32. Ho’ola Farms (truck)

Ho`ōla Farms is a non-profit organization created to support military veterans and community members interested in farming and ranching on Hawaiʻi Island by providing exposure-based training and agribusiness education. Ho`ōla Farms also runs Hawai’i Farm-to-Car, a weekly online farmers market that is now accepting SNAP. Learn more about their programs at hoolafarms.org. Thank you Veterans for your service!

 

33. Hawaii National Guard Youth Challenge Academy

Youth Challenge Academy Hilo, Hawaii’s premier alternative educational program, supporting the growth and maturity of well-rounded young adults while helping them toward educational and workforce success. Call 808-430-4184 for details. Dream, Believe, Achieve, We are Youth Challenge Academy Hilo!

 

34. Hilo Vet Center (Van)

Denise Link is the Hilo Vet Center Director (Driver) and she represents the Hilo and Kona Vet Center and her passenger Veteran Chase Watts served in the Marines. Chase is a work study at the Hilo Vet Center studying to become a doctor. Vet Centers provide re-adjustment counseling for Combat Veterans and their families before, during and after any war time period. They also help with Military Sexual Trauma and Bereavement Counseling and referral to other agencies that help with homelessness, healthcare, elderly services, and financial needs. The Hilo Vet Center offers group activities such as fishing, golf, stand up paddle board, and basketball and host an annual Women Veteran Day Event and Veteran Fishing tournament. Make sure one of your first stops in this island to live is to register at your local Vet Center.

 

35. Red Ribbon

Red Ribbon Week Campaign is the largest, longest serving drug prevention organization in America. Red Ribbon Week October 23-31 memorializes DEA special agent Enriqué “Kiki” Camarena, tortured and murdered in Mexico in 1985. The red ribbon remembers his sacrifice and inspires our kids to be drug-free. Join us today in our MISSION!

 

36. HOPE Services Hawaii (PU trk/tlr)

HOPE Services Hawaii - We bring to life gospel values of justice, love, compassion and hope through service, empowerment and advocacy. We envision a world where those who face great challenges realize their value and self worth. A previous parade marshal, HOPE Services helps the homeless stay housed forever, improve the health and wellness of the people we serve, maximize their potential, and show why it’s economically in everyone’s best interest to end homelessness.

 

37. Hawaii Army National Guard (HMWWV & LMTV)

Give a warm welcome to our Hawaii’s Army National Guard. Joining us in

Vehicle 1: HMWWV(sounds like hum-vee)  is Drill Sergeant Christian Staszkow, Staff Sergeant Kipp Fujimoto, and Specialist Joseph Macdonald

In Vehicle 2: a LMTV (spell out letters) is Staff Sergeant Edgar Agonias, Sergeant Bobby Harrington, Specialist Legend Figueroa

 

38. VFW Post 3830 & Auxiliary (Pahoa) (2 vehicles PU Trk +netcom Trk)

In 2022, VFW Post 3830 Pahoa was again recognized with top honors as All State and All-American Post. Post Commander Kim Putnam served 21 years in the Army and the Air Force. and her post partner, VFW Post 3830 Auxiliary is led by Kathy Rodrigues-Herring. Post events include post events and projects throughout the year supporting veterans in need, military burials, the Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home, 4th of July 5K Run/Walk in Hilo, and Veterans Day Services.

 

39. Hilo Knights of Columbus

Hilo Knights of Columbus from Council 15952 and Sir Knights from Assembly 2938 are focused on selfless acts of charity, fraternity, unity and patriotism, with focus on family, church and the community. They act locally, such as with Hilo's Food Basket, and globally, in support of persecuted Christians in the Middle East. Their first Grand Knight was a veteran of the Civil War, and from the time of the First World War, they provided rest and recreational facilities for all soldiers, regardless of race or creed, and were honored for never drawing the color line. In service to One, in service to all.

 

40. Waiakea High School Warrior Band

The Waiakea high school band and color guard would like to honor our veterans through our performance of "America on Parade", led by drum major Landon Yanagisawa. Thank you to all veterans for your service to our country.

 

41. East Hawaii Republican Party

East Hawaii County Republican Party would like to thank all veterans for their service & sacrifice for our Republic. Hawaii Republicans Stand for Hawaii in support of freedom, liberty & justice for all citizens.

 

42. American Red Cross Hawaii County (Promaster Van)

American RedCross Hawaii County is a non-profit that depends on Volunteers and partners with donors and other organizations to take action in the face of emergencies. We work to prevent and alleviate human suffering and respond to disasters with compassion, provide shelters, medical assistance, spiritual care, and mental health assistance. RedCross honors all veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER! and let’s make a difference.

 

43. Lone Soldier Honor Guard (Truck with Trailer 12’ or longer)

The Lone Soldier Honor Guard and the Fire Mission-Military Honors supports and honors Veterans and their Spouses in meeting their funeral needs. In 1971, as a Pointman in Vietnam, our driver Jeno's Reconnaissance unit was hit by an explosive device which killed 3 men and wounding 4. Jeno stood as an honor guard rendering 21-gun salute. Since 1995, Jeno has performed over 300 military honors and other military and patriotic ceremonies and also assists in helping veterans (and their spouses) in filing veterans claims in attaining service-connected benefits. Call (808) 542-8666 anytime. Or, if you see Jeno in his RAM truck, stop him to talk story.

 

44. Exchange Club of Hilo & Miss Hawaii Jr High School America of 2023

Exchange Club of Hilo was chartered in 1974 and focuses on Americanism and prevention of child abuse. Walking with the Exchange Club of Hilo is Aspen Taylor Hanohano, Miss Hawaii Jr High School America 2023.  She's 13 years old and a 7th grader at Nawahi [sounds like Nava-HEE) (Ke Kula O’Nawahiokalani’opuu).  Aspen's an active advocate for Child Abuse Prevention (Parent Bullying) & the B.R.A.V.E organization which is a national anti-bullying campaign.  She prides herself in educating the Keiki of Hawai’i about bullying & serving her community, and recently received the President's Volunteer Service Award for completing over 240 hours of community service.

 

45. Big Pink Limousine

Jeffrey Byron Werle (Wer-Lee) is today’s Chauffer of one bright PINK Limo. Described as Kona’s premier vendor of Custom rides and tours, we at Big Pink Limousine, especially their founder and CEO Julia, a survivor herself, want everyone to know this is business actively supports breast cancer research and awareness through good laughs and greater moments.  Celebrate the PINK! At PinkLimoKona we go above and beyond for our guests. Inquire today about the tours, Weddings, Princess parties and more. What a thrill to travel to and from the airport in style for that special someone. Check out our specials! Ride in style with Pink Limo! 808 - 500 – PINK

 

46. Business Parade Marshal – The Home Depot (Protruck)

Please welcome Hawaii Island Veterans Day Parade's Business Parade Marshal The Home Depot. Busy every day of the week, Veteran Joe Brown and associate Lawrence Rowe proudly represent Store Manager Sam Urg and our Hilo Home Depot’s commitment to make a difference in the lives of local Veterans. Registered Veterans receive a daily 10% discount. The Home Depot Foundation has improved more than 50,000 veteran homes & facilities since 2011 and invested more than $400 million in support of veterans causes. They are on track to invest half of a billion dollars by 2025. We thank you for your business model of service and all that you do to support our veterans and community.

 

47. SSG James Kimo Pihana (CRV)

SSG James K. Pihana, better known as Kimo to his friends served in the 9th Infantry Division Vietnam. Kimo is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart for being wounded in combat. He is also a Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner and involved as an elder for the international American Indian Pow Wow festivities annually held in Hilo Hawaii and the first director for Hawaii for the international lunar observatory association.

 

48. Hawai‘i Classic Cruizers (10-20 cars)

Hawaii Classic Cruizers (with a z) live on the Big Island of Hawaii and love everything about classic cars! Many of our car enthusiasts build & restore their classics from the ground up. Here many preserve the old metal to these classic cars. We are a 501(c)7 non-profit organization. We plan several special events per year. Our group of car enthusiasts get together several times a month at local eateries throughout the island. We also hold a cruise run on the third or fourth Sunday of each month to various location on this beautiful island. We also participat at charitable events such as Toys-for-Tots drive, school fairs and more. Check out our calendar for specific dates and times.

 

49. Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) Command and 25 ID Soldier (Walkers)

Next Up is the US Army at Pohakuloa Training Area, the premier training center of the Pacific. Commonly known as PTA, please give a warm welcome to their Commander Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Cronin and his growing family. LTC Cronin is joined by members of the 25th Infantry Division Soldiers from Oahu who are training at PTA for the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Training Center Exercise. PTA provides service members from Hawaii and across the Pacific Ocean a center where they can train their skills in defense of liberty. PTA also allows HPD Special Response Teams, Federal Agents and others to train and meet their mission. PTA has their own Recycle center and cultural and natural resources offices caring for the aina year-round. Follow PTA’s social media sites to keep up to date on all activities!
 

50. UH-Hilo Vulcans Womens Volleyball Team
The players and coach Chris Leonard of the UH Hilo Vulcan Volleyball Team would like to thank all veterans and current military personnel for their service and sacrifice to our country. Without your dedicated service we will not be able to play the sport we love. Mahalo and Happy Veterans Day!

 

51. Taishoji Taiko (Conen’s Trk) (Music)

Conen’s is a proud Veterans Parade sponsor transporting our next parade unit. Closing out our music today is Hilo’s own Taishoji Taiko. Listen and see why they are fan-favorite! Founded in 1989, Taishoji Taiko celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2020. They are honored to be part of the parade and wish to dedicate their performance in gratitude to our veterans.

 

Be sure to SAVE THE DATE for 2023. Our next Hawaii Island Veterans Day Parade will be held Saturday, 4 November, 2023 starting again at 10 am.

 

52. Hawaii Fire Department/EMS (last parade vehicles)

Our last parade vehicle is our very own Hawaii Fire Department. They stay very busy with fire protection and suppression, pre-hospital emergency medical services, land and sea search and rescue, hazardous materials response, ocean safety, and fire prevention and public education for the County of Hawaii. Put your hands together to thank our island Fire Department team, who stay vigilant to keep us safe 24/7.

 

As we end today’s parade, please thank the many volunteers who gave their time, talent, and treasure to host an amazing parade today!

 

SPECIAL AVIATION UNITS

Awesome Aircraft Maintenance (1-5 aircraft, 3 passes)

53. Maybe Flying. Comanche 250 AVN Kert Shuster, LNY PharmD & AF Veteran (Fly by)

54. Flying Grumman. AVN Richard Bridges Vietnam Veteran (Fly by)

55. Flying. CAP Cessna 182 AVN Jason Ozbolt, EAA Chapt Sec and CAP pilot (Fly by)

56. Flying Hughes 500 (LOCH in Vietnam) AVN Mr. Okita

Bob Arthurs organizing