Page 8 - MidWeek - Nov 9, 2022

8 MIDWEEK NOVEMBER 9, 2022
Angels Offer Aid To Accident Victims
Dear Darah,
We would like to acknowledge and express our gratitude to two kind good Samaritans when a car drove through a red light and collided with our car on Sept. 18. This happened in a large intersection and two witnesses, Steve and Richard, each stopped and pulled over to come to our aid, as well as provide information and vid- eos from their dash cams. This was invaluable information for our insurance company. We can’t thank both of these kind individuals enough. It warms our heart to know our community is still supportive of one another, and the spir-
it of aloha thrives. We wish these two angels many bless-
Dear Darah,
I was totally stymied in attempting to resolve a frustrating and inequitable issue regarding my veteran benefits. Based on my 42 years of honorable service with the Hawai‘i Army Na- tional Guard, I am eligible for Veterans Affairs benefits and currently receive 40% medical compensation for hearing loss. Due to the ini- tial interpretation by the local Veterans Affairs Office, I was informed that I was not eligi- ble for burial privileges at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl, where my parents are buried.
Punchbowl is due to the fact that I do not possess a DD Form 214.
In desperation, I wrote to the offices of U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele where case worker Nicole Gray researched my situation. Nicole’s diligent ef- forts resulted in the determina- tion that I am indeed eligible for burial at Punchbowl. She recommended I apply using the VA pre-need eligibility application form. After some time, I received the great news that I was eligible for burial in Punchbowl. Had Nicole fallen back on the original denial of my request, I would have sad- ly accepted that wrong inter- pretation of my eligibility and given up all hope of someday joining my parents.
I truly appreciate Nicole’s diligent efforts and persever- ance in researching my eligi- bility. I realize that my situa- tion was unusual, and I was not very hopeful of a positive resolution. Thank you to Ni- cole’s persistence, profession- alism and going above and be- yond the call of duty.
Thomas Mato Kailua
We are very grateful for your many years of ser- vice to our country. My dad served in the Hawai‘i Air National Guard, and his dedication and loyalty to our country instilled in me a strong admiration to- ward our men and women
sacrificing their lives for us. Nicole’s empathy also demonstrates how much she cares for our veterans and we should all be very grateful for her dedicated perseverance. A big ma- halo nui to Nicole for her compassion and service to those who have served our country.
Mail letters to MidWeek c/o Mahalo Nui at 500 Ala Moa- na Blvd. Ste. 7-500, Honolulu HI 96813, or email mahalo- nuiwithdarah@gmail.com. Include your name, where on the island you reside, phone number and, if possible, the phone number of the person you’ re thanking so she can contact him or her.
ings!
Cameron and Sonya Kubota Honolulu
Dear Cameron and Sonya,
I am glad that all parties are OK.
Richard says, “I knew the incident with Sonya was going to be difficult, and I am grateful that my dash cam was able to help.”
Dear Thomas,
Steve says, “I was glad to provide eyewitness in- formation and was relieved that the occupants of both cars escaped injuries.”
I was contacted by a local VA representative that my disqualification for burial at
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