Nov. 13, 2015

Contributed by Nadine Lagaso

In honor of Veterans Day, the Kamehameha Schools Alumni Relations Office recently hosted over 40 alumni veterans at a breakfast held at Kawaiaha‘o Plaza.

“Many of our alumni have contributed greatly to protecting our country,” said Denise Ka‘a‘a, Alumni Relations coordinator at the Pauahi Foundation. “The breakfast was an opportunity to mahalo these men and women, and give them a chance to connect with other alumni veterans.”  

The event started with morning pule and mele with KS staff, followed by a breakfast buffet. During the breakfast KS Chief Executive Officer Jack Wong and the foundation’s Interim Executive Director Pono Ma‘a provided updates on the KS Strategic Plan 2020 and the foundation.

“It was great to meet the other alumni veterans because we share a stronger bond than just being from the same high school,” said Maj. Jeff Hickman. “I love the fact that every year you meet different veterans but that really doesn't matter, because of the military bond.”

Hickman joined the Hawai‘i Army National Guard right after graduating from Kamehameha in 1989. He has been deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Currently, he works full-time as the deputy state public affairs officer for the State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense.

After the morning activities, a handful of the veterans headed up to Kamehameha Schools Kapālama to speak to high school haumāna and offer insight to students interested in a military career. 

“Returning to campus brought back many memories for me,” said Lt. Col. Jon Ishikawa, a class of 1993 graduate. “It was a great honor to share my experience with students and answer their questions about military service,”

Ishikawa is a 15-year veteran who is the lieutenant colonel and deputy commander of the Hawai‘i Army National Guard’s 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Hickman added, “Kamehameha instills the brother/sisterhood mindset that is vital for success in the military. The physical tolls are matched by the P.E. program that all classes must endure. If they really wanted to join the military, whether it is for education benefits, patriotism, a career, professional training or just a sense of adventure, Kamehameha graduates make great warriors in the U.S. military.”

To learn about upcoming alumni events or volunteer opportunities, please contact Denise Ka‘a‘a at denise@pauahi.org or (808) 842-8560.

Kamehameha instills the brother/sisterhood mindset that is vital for success in the military. The physical tolls are matched by the P.E. program that all classes must endure. If they really wanted to join the military, whether it is for education benefits, patriotism, a career, professional training or just a sense of adventure, Kamehameha graduates make great warriors in the U.S. military.
Maj. Jeff Hickman, Hawai‘i Army National Guard