Retiree News

Veteran’s Outdoor Challenge

Have you heard of the Veterans Outdoor Challenge? This is an inspiring initiative inviting Veterans across the nation to embrace the great outdoors for improved physical health, mental well-being, and camaraderie. This challenge is presented through a beautiful partnership with Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB).

Participants can log their activities – like hiking, swimming, paddling, or walking – using the Team RWB app to earn badges and track their progress. This engaging challenge encourages our Veterans to reconnect with nature and their communities, aligning perfectly with the VA’s Whole Health approach to wellness.

Every step you take, every mile you cover, and every trail you conquer carries immense purpose. Together, we are on a mission of healing through movement.

Looking forward to seeing you out there, breathing in the fresh air and finding strength in every stride.

National Airborne Day

I want to take a moment to honor the incredible Veterans who have served in America’s Airborne units, whose courage, skill, and readiness have shaped our nation’s military history since the first parachute assault in 1940.

August 16th isdedicated to recognizing the brave contributions of American airborne troops in all campaigns, theaters, and peacekeeping missions. From rapid deployments to missions behind enemy lines, airborne forces have exemplified bravery and teamwork in the most challenging conditions. We are grateful for their service.

Strengthening Your Well-Being 

At VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS), we strongly support an active and healthy lifestyle, encouraging activities that nurture both body and mind. Living in the beautiful Pacific Islands, we are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and inspirational natural beauty that provide the perfect backdrop for embracing well-being. By incorporating exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation into your routine, you build a foundation for resilience and vitality.

Taking care of yourself benefits your health and empowers you to face daily challenges with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Embrace this month’s focus on self-care as an opportunity to invest in your well-being and celebrate its positive impact on your life. #LiveWholeHealth

Thoughts from Chaplain Richie

When one thinks of greatness, the idea of humility often doesn’t make it to the top of the list of helpful qualities. But I think humility can still define greatness today for at least three reasons:

Humility keeps one grounded in truth. Humility is often thought of as being self-deprecating, and in the minds of many, means that one must become a “doormat”. But the opposite is true. The word “humble” is derived from the Latin word humus, meaning “earth” or “ground”. Thus, to be humble is to be grounded – to have one’s feet planted on reality. Humility therefore allows one to be honest about both one’s strengths and limitations.

Humility enables a person to be in-tuned with what’s true, despite how difficult it might be to accept reality. Humility is thus a great asset, because only when one can honestly accept reality can one be best prepared to make effective choices. Humility can admit mistakes and address errors when they are brought to notice.

Humility is critical for self-development and growth. Humility is willing to learn and grow, even when growth involves rethinking cherished thoughts and ideas on a subject. Humility predisposes one to be a life-long learner. Humility also allows one to tap into the wisdom of others, because humility understands that it does not possess all the answers. Thus, one can make the best quality decisions, as humility will incorporate the expertise of others and take advantage of available knowledge.

Lastly, humility expands one scope of thought. Humility allows one to not merely narrowly think of what’s best for oneself, but what would be best for the whole. Humility helps one embrace their place in the bigger order of things. Humility does not view oneself as the center of all matters. Thus, it is the best quality for service. And if one can truly be of service to others, then they have embraced what true greatness is always about.

---

The State of Hawaii, Department of Defense (HIDOD)’ Retiree News does not endorse any of the external hyperlinks listed or posted on this site. This includes linked websites, information, products, or services contained therein. We are a government run website for which transparency and accountability are paramount. HIDOD cannot have the appearance of endorsement and are bound by the HIDOD Social Media Policy concerning political posts being respectful, honest, and accurate. Operational Security will additionally be adhered to. Retiree News does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at linked sites. Some of the sites linked to may limit the number of stories you can access without a paid subscription. All links were provided with the intent of meeting the mission of the HIDOD’s version of Retiree News.