Gov. Ige Proclaims May 2017 as “Hawaii Military Appreciation Month”

Outstanding Community Service Contributions by Military Service Members Recognized

News Release from Office of the Governor, May 5, 2017

HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige, in partnership with the Military Affairs Council (MAC) of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, declared May 2017 as “Hawaii Military Appreciation Month.”

In 1999, Congress designated May as national Military Appreciation Month as an opportunity to acknowledge and recognize the sacrifices and achievements of the members of the nation’s armed forces.

“More than 50,000 active duty members of the military are a vital part of our island community. Not only are they protecting our country and contributing to society, the defense industry is also a major economic driver in Hawaii,” said Gov. David Ige. “Military Appreciation Month is an opportunity for us to say mahalo to the servicemen and women who have answered the call of duty.”

As a part of the ceremony, seven service members will also be recognized for their outstanding community service contributions. The MAC works with the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) and the six service components in identifying their respective honorees. The seven honorees have spent countless hours of their time in mentoring youth, helping with the homeless through established organizations or creating their own initiatives, and even saving lives. This year, the following individuals were honored for their contributions statewide:

• U.S. Pacific Command: L2 James Downs
• U.S. Army: SFC Anastassia Doctor
• U.S. Marine Corps: GySgt Kraig Andrews
• U.S. Pacific Fleet: FC2 James Masterson
• U.S. Air Forces: MSgt Aaron Gufford
• U.S. Coast Guard Fourteenth District: BM2 Scott Lee
• Hawaii National Guard: SFC Clayton Perreira

“We are honored today to recognize these outstanding individuals who devotedly and selflessly serve our nation and our community,” said Jeff Remington, MAC secretary. “The Military Affairs Council and the state of Hawaii are pleased to continue to partner in bridging Hawaii’s defense community and our local community.”

Gov. Ige encouraged the people of Hawaii to join in in recognizing the commitment, vigilance and sacrifices of all of the members of the armed forces in Hawaii to ensure the freedom, security and prosperity of the nation.

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About the Hawaii Military Affairs Council:

The Hawaii Military Affairs Council (MAC), part of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, acts on behalf of the state of Hawaii to advocate and liaise with the military. As a major economic generator for the state, the MAC supports efforts that will preserve the military’s role as a strategic headquarters in the Asia-Pacific region. Comprised of business leaders and retired U.S. military personnel, the organization also aims to bridge the military and the community, endorse the needs of Hawaii-based military commands, and attract public-private ventures with the military.