VFW to help veterans on Maui affected by fires
Veterans impacted by the August wildfires arrive at the VFW Post in Kihei to receive aid and share their stories in September. Photos courtesy VFW
Nonperishable food items are among the donations received by the VFW Post in Kihei to hand out to veterans.
Veterans impacted by the August wildfires arrive at the VFW Post in Kihei to receive aid and share their stories in September. Photos courtesy VFW
Nonperishable food items are among the donations received by the VFW Post in Kihei to hand out to veterans.
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The Maui News
Veterans of Foreign Wars service officers will be on Maui through Saturday to help local veterans impacted by the Aug. 8 wildfires.
Veterans can visit the VFW Post 3850 at 1136 Uluniu Road in Kihei to pick up donated items, consult with a veteran service officer, fill out forms to replace lost records such as DD-214s and other services. The post will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, Thursday and Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Transportation to the post is available, and veterans don't have to be VFW members to receive assistance. To arrange transportation, call (808) 463-5830.
VFW members from across the state, including Post 3030 in Pahoa and officers from the VFW Department of Hawai'i, also came to Maui for a week in September to offer services to veterans, including essential items. Post 3850 in Kihei received supplies from all over the country, including clothing, blankets, school supplies, nonperishable food items, household goods, baby formula and hygiene items.
"As fast as we are unpacking these boxes, more shipments are coming in and we have a lot more left in storage," Post 3850 Commander Alton Sanders, who has been handling the donations sent to Maui, said in a news release from the VFW. "Everyone has been incredibly generous."
The VFW also provided financial aid to veterans and their families, based on whether they lost their homes, vehicles and/or personal possessions.
"Many VFW Posts around the country donated money to help with our Maui brothers and sisters," VFW Department of Hawai'i State Commander Ron Schaedel said in the news release. "We've given out thousands of dollars so far this week and there's more to give. The support has been overwhelming."
VFW officials also offered help replacing important documents that veterans lost in the fire, as well as help with disability claims. Ben Fuata, a veteran service officer and senior vice commander for the VFW Department of Hawai'i, said he was able to help more than 20 veterans to either start a new claim, follow up on existing claims or increase their disability rating.
"There are hundreds of veterans who were affected and displaced by the fires," said Schaedel. "No matter how much we do this week, there's a lot more that needs to be done. Our hope is to spread the word and help everyone we can."
For more information on the VFW's visit to Maui this week, or to connect with a veteran service officer, call (808) 463-5830, (808) 446-5295 or (808) 741-1936.