Mission Programs & Activities
MISSION STATEMENT
KMO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Each year, the KMO Board of Directors approves funding to assist selected applicants pursue educational opportunities that lead to a college degree; professional license or certificate; or skills designation or certification from any accredited college/university, vocational trade school, or other post-high school skills training educational institution or program. The awards have a dollar value and are accessed by scholarship recipients through their school of enrollment. Funds are credited to the recipient’s school account for payment of educational expenses payable to the school.
TOMMY KAKESAKO SCHOLAR ($5,000) – This award honors the memory and legacy of Tommy Kakesako who was a member of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Company L. He provided the leadership and drive to establish the DAV in Hawaiʻi, KMO and the Keʻehi Lagoon Memorial as a living memorial to honor all veterans, especially the fallen. It is through his tireless and selfless efforts that the KMO Scholarship Program was created and continues today for the benefit of future generations.
SENATOR DANIEL K. INOUYE SCHOLAR ($2,500) – This award honors the memory and legacy of Senator Daniel K. Inouye, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient as a member of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team. He distinguished himself in combat and served Hawaiʻi and our nation with distinction in Congress as Hawaiʻi’s Senior Senator and statesman. He was a relentless advocate and champion for honoring the sacrifices of all veterans and ensuring that our veterans received their rightful benefits for service to their Country.
SENATOR DANIEL K. AKAKA SCHOLAR ($2,500) – This award honors the memory and legacy of Senator Daniel K. Akaka, a World War II veteran, a distinguished educator, and member of Congress. He was a tireless advocate for education and for veterans, and as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Senator Akaka was a champion for the expansion of VA services to include the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill that improved education benefits for the new generation of service members and veterans.
KE’EHI MEMORIAL ORGANIZATION SCHOLARS ($1,000 to $1,250) – This award recognizes the efforts of all veterans, past and present, and pays tribute to their selfless service to safeguard our democratic principles and ensure our individual and collective freedoms.
VA COVID-19 VACCINATION SUPPORT
In March 2021, Ke’ehi Memorial Organization donated the use of the John A. Burns Hall to the Veterans Administration (VA) to host a series of COVID-19 Vacination Events.
The VA used the 6200 square feet of this event meeting space to set up its vacination center with registration tables, patient waiting areas, vacination stations and post vacination observation areas. The VA Vacination Team of 40 dedicated professionals provided over 600 veterans with COVID-19 vaccinations.
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII ARMY ROTC SUPPORT
The Ke’ehi Lagoon Memorial Organization has a rich history that intertwines with the Universary
of Hawaii Army ROTC program. From as early as World War II, UH Army ROTC program has
produced outstanding Cadets who answered the call to arms. By serving in the Varsity Victory Volunteers, Hawaii Territorial Guard, the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, UH Army ROTC Cadets lived by the motto Ikaika Imua, “to go forward with strength.”
DISABLED VETERANS & THEIR FAMILIES
- Veterans Organization Support Grants and Sponsorships
- Short-Term Accommodations for Medical Appointments at the VA Clinic/TAMC
- VA Satellite Service Delivery Facility and In-Kind Support
- DAV and Purple Heart Association Facility and Meeting Support
- Veteran Stand Down Support
- VA/KMO Mana'olana Homeless Vets Rehab Program
SUPPORT FOR AT-RISK YOUTH
- At-Risk Youth Organization Support Grants and Sponsorships
- Annual Post High School Scholarship Program
- Youth Group Camping Activity Support
- Kalihi-Palama Schools and Community Organization Financial and In-Kind Support
- Salvation Army School Lunch Bag Program
- Papa Ho'ike Kuleana Family Court Youth Accountability Program