044: REPLAY: Chelsea Fernandez and the Importance of Connection for Maui Veterans

Aloha and welcome back to Taking Care of Tutu.

Today is Veteran’s Day, and in recognition of that, we’re replaying one of our favorite episodes — a conversation with Chelsea Fernandez, a U.S. Army veteran who’s dedicated herself to supporting other veterans right here in Hawai‘I, especially younger veterans from more recent conflicts who were not aware of the resources available to them through the VA. She’s also the founder of Na Koa Kahiko Wahine, a women’s veteran’s group that she founded 11 years ago.

She does a massive amount of volunteering, and those efforts are focused on ensuring veterans have a sense of community and camaraderie.

We reached back out to Chelsea, and she asked us to remind everyone that today at the Makawao Veteran’s Cemetery there will be a ceremony from 8:30-10 a.m. and at Kalama Park Pavillion in Kihei, they are hosting a picnic from 11 am to 3pm. We added those to the show notes, below.

Let’s listen in again.

This week on the Taking Care of Tutu Podcast, we are delighted to welcome Chelsea Fernandez, U.S. Army Veteran and tireless volunteer for veterans.  Born on the Big Island, Chelsea moved to Maui after she returned from Iraq in 2005. Recognizing that many younger veterans—especially those from recent conflicts—weren’t aware of the resources available to them through the VA and other community organizations, Chelsea felt it was crucial to bridge this gap and provide support to veterans returning home. Chelsea noted that younger veterans often don’t identify as veterans because they don’t fit the traditional image of older veterans. She wanted to create a space where younger veterans could feel understood and supported by their peers.

Chelsea founded Na Koa Kahiko Wahine, a women’s veterans group that celebrates its 10th year this year. The organization brings together women from various military eras, focusing on shared experiences and challenges that women face both in the military and when transitioning back to civilian life. The group offers a sense of camaraderie and support to women veterans, providing opportunities to connect and share experiences.

Chelsea serves as president of the Maui County Veterans Council, which helps organize events to honor Veterans Day and Memorial Day and also supports other veteran organizations. She works with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and has served on the Governor's Advisory Board for the Office of Veterans Services. Her motivation stems from her grandfather's service in the Korean War.

Earlier this year, Chelsea played a pivotal role in bringing us the Wall That Heals, in which a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was brought to the Big Island and Maui. She tells us all about how they got the wall here and how it was viewed by 13,000 people!

Chelsea offers multiple avenues for veterans to connect with support groups, including through the Maui County Veterans email, the Office of Veteran Services, and the Student Veterans Lounge at the University of Hawaii Maui College. She encourages veterans to make the most of opportunities to meet others who share similar experiences. This sense of community and camaraderie is crucial, even if veterans do not need specific services right away.

In this episode, you will hear:

•  Why don’t some younger veterans seek out support?
• What is Na Koa Kahiko Wahine?
•  What is the role of the Maui Veterans Council, the VFW, and the Governor’s Advisory Board in assisting veterans?
• What is the Wall That Heals, and how were we so lucky to get it to Maui?
• What are some ways for veterans to seek out support?

Resources from this Episode

Na Koa Kahiko Wahine: www.facebook.com/NaKoaKahikoWahine 

Maui Veterans Council: [e-mail] 

Veterans of Foreign Wars: www.vfwmaui.org 

The Wall that Heals: https://www.vvmf.org/The-Wall-That-Heals/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAudG5BhAREiwAWMlSjB57sKIg96rx7SrJSHLwAyW0KASnWMh59_VTRAi7hVF6DEFq-Qc5vxoCPDsQAvD_BwE

Veterans Service Council, 333 Dairy Road, Kahului, Maui

Community Based Outreach Clinic (CBOC) - Maui Clinic

Vets Center - Rehab & Counseling Center in Maui Lani

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