VA Pacific Islands Health Care System

06/10/2026

06/09/2026

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06/08/2026

For Army Veteran Daniel Bremer, “There’s something about the arts that skips all the non-essentials and gets right to the point: It brings you to a point where the therapy can work.” From June 9–14, the lifelong pianist will attend his third consecutive National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF).

YouTube: Pianist Daniel Bremer https://youtu.be/aSiJYuQrGHo

06/05/2026

Veterans Showcase Skill and Determination in Adaptive Air Rifle Competition

Veterans from the Sparks M. Matsunaga VA recently competed in a local Wheelchair and Adaptive Athlete Air Rifle Competition, demonstrating remarkable focus, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the event. Using adaptive equipment designed to support mobility and precision, participants put their skills to the test while enjoying the camaraderie and competitive spirit that adaptive sports provide.
Competition Results
Precision
🥇 1st Place – Garrett Kuwada
🥈 2nd Place – Jose Nater-Rodriguez
🥉 3rd Place – Ipo Valdez
🏅 4th Place – Jesse Sotelo
Timed
🥇 1st Place – Garrett Kuwada
🥈 2nd Place – Ipo Valdez
🥉 Tied for 3rd Place – Jesse Sotelo & Jose Nater-Rodriguez
Grouping
🥇 1st Place – Garrett Kuwada
🥈 2nd Place – Ipo Valdez
🥉 3rd Place – Jose Nater-Rodriguez
🏅 4th Place – Jesse Sotelo

This event provided Veterans with an opportunity to challenge themselves, build confidence, and stay engaged through adaptive sports. The dedication, perseverance, and positive attitudes displayed by all participants were inspiring to witness.

Several of these competitors will now advance to represent the program in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games At-Home Trap Shooting Competition. We wish them the best of luck as they continue their journey.

06/05/2026

Veterans and staff at our Community Living Center (CLC) were treated to a special live performance today by The WAITIKI: Classic Exotica for Modern Listeners. The Waitiki 7 talented group brought the sounds of Hawaiʻi's iconic Exotica music tradition to life, filling the room with uplifting melodies, warm island vibes, and plenty of smiles.
The performance was especially meaningful as one of the founding members of The WAITIKI 7, Randy Wong, has a family member who is both a Veteran and a resident of the CLC. His connection made the visit even more personal, serving as a reminder of the important role family, community, and shared experiences play in supporting our Veterans.
Music has a unique way of bringing people together, sparking memories, lifting spirits, and creating moments of connection. Throughout the performance, Veterans, staff, and family members enjoyed an afternoon filled with joy, fellowship, and appreciation for the healing power of live music.
Mahalo to Randy Wong and The WAITIKI 7 for sharing their time and talents with our CLC community and for helping create a memorable day for our Veterans and their loved ones.

06/04/2026

Today at the Daniel K. Akaka VA Medical Center, part of the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS), our Human Resources team hosted a highly successful hiring fair that brought together more than 300 applicants interested in serving our nation’s Veterans.
The VA Pacific Islands Health Care System serves Veterans across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region, delivering care, support services, and outreach across multiple islands and communities. Events like today’s hiring fair highlight the strength of our mission and the continued interest in joining a workforce dedicated to Veteran care.
The event featured on-the-spot interviews and opportunities for potential direct hire, helping connect qualified candidates with meaningful careers in service to those who have served our country.
Working for the VA is more than just employment—it is a commitment to purpose, service, and improving the lives of Veterans every day. Every role, clinical or administrative, contributes directly to delivering high-quality care across the Pacific.
We extend our appreciation to our HR team, hiring managers, and all participants who helped make today’s event a success. Together, we continue building a strong and mission-driven workforce for our Veterans.

06/03/2026

Today, the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System welcomed Veterans, family members, and community partners to a Community Call and Veterans Town Hall at the Vet Center on Kauaʻi.

The Community Call brought together representatives from several VA programs and services, including Beneficiary Travel, Chaplain Services, Whole Health, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), and other local VA offices, giving attendees the opportunity to learn more about available resources and ask questions.

During the event, Interim Director Thomas Steinbrunner presented the Patient Experience Superstar Award to Charlene Burgess in recognition of her dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts in serving Veterans.

Following the Community Call, Veterans participated in a Town Hall where they heard updates from VA leadership and VBA representatives, asked questions, and shared feedback on the services that matter most to them.

Mahalo to everyone who attended and helped make this event a success as we continue working together to serve Veterans across the Pacific Islands. 🇺🇸

06/02/2026

Job Fair
June 3, 2026
10:00 am - 3:00pm
Daniel K. Akaka VA Medical Center

06/01/2026

For 80 years, VA health care has been shaped by research and informed by Veterans’ experience, setting the foundation for a future of exceptional health care.
Every study and every advancement builds on the one before it—pushing Veteran care forward.