A Blogger's Salute to Commander George Kelly -- The Vet's Vet!

© Write-Matters, 2011

On  18 June 2011 the State of Hawaii honored and recognized VFW Post 3830’s Commander, George Kelly! Governor Abercrombie, Senator Daniel Inouye the Veteran’s advocate in the US Senate, Mayor Kenoi of Hawaii Island and the Legislature proclaimed June 18^th ‘George Kelly Day’. 

The individual quality of leadership is best defined in Commander Kelly. He is not sitting atop some organization barking orders, ruling with a fist or engaging in arrogance at the expense of his subordinates. What he IS doing is demonstrated in the good things Vets in the area and those who come to visit can now experience thanks in no small way to Commander Kelly. 

He commenced his second tour of duty to his country as the Post Commander in 2008 and continued until June 2011. During that time services to the Veteran have grown to include retrofitting disabled Vet’s homes with handicap access; providing transportation for disabled Veterans to medical appointments; providing aid to Vets in need; visiting Vets in the Veteran’s Home; transportation of Vets; work on Veteran’s Memorial; providing proper burial services for Veterans; providing wheel chairs and other medical equipment to Vets in need; worked with local Veterans Administration Hilo Clinic to coordinate care Vets on the Big Island, and more….

If that wasn’t a full plate, and we all know how much RED TAPE is involved no matter what is done and no matter the great cause, Commander Kelly has taken an expansive look at our Military and their families who serve abroad but may have family locally, or, Vets who are moving to Hawaii Island who can connect with an active Veteran’s Advocacy group, like VFW Post 3830. Post 3830 has adopted Company C, 1^st Battalion, 207^th Aviation Regiment based in Hilo…there are 43 soldiers from East Hawaii assigned to the Air Assault Company, brothers, sisters, friends…But, this isn’t the only adoption! VFW Post 3830 has also adopted the Civil Air Patrol Lyman Squadron, which includes their Air Rifle team! In 2009, Vets and active military  around the world found they could now stay up to the minute in the news about ‘the happenings’ with their dedicated website: www.vfwpost3830.com updated often with photos, stories, newsletters, calendar of events and activities from this very active Post.

Just when you are out of breath from so many things going on news of yet another successful event, the first annual ‘Salute to Veterans’ 5k walk! This event raised funds for expansion and improvements to the Post home, to include a commercial kitchen, showers, and a much anticipated ‘stand down program’ which will bring in doctors, dentists and a resource to assist Vets in signing them up for various services.  The goal of this annual event will be to reach $250k by 2013! The 5k was held on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at Hilo Bay and had approximately 140 participants, some from as far as away as Guam! 

As Commander George Kelly steps into yet another chapter of his life he leaves the Post in the hands of the new Commander, Vern Gawith.

Surely, these words by Thomas J. ‘Stonewall’ Jackson are true of Commander, George Kelly: “The patriot volunteer, fighting for country and his rights, makes the most reliable soldier on earth.” ---Mahalo George for your visionary leadership, endless devotion to the Vets and your kind and gentle spirit. Thank you for being a PATRIOT!