KAILUA-KONA — There isn’t much in the way of recreation for military members stationed at the desolate Pohakuloa Training Area, located high in the Big Island’s saddle between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
KAILUA-KONA — There isn’t much in the way of recreation for military members stationed at the desolate Pohakuloa Training Area, located high in the Big Island’s saddle between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.
But a new USO facility opened there in early August has helped alleviate some of the disconnectedness for soldiers at PTA — a facility that was recently supplemented by a $10,000 donation from the Don and Carole Zero Charitable Fund.
Don and Carole presented the donation to Jody Brissette, center manager for the USO, and Leigh Leilani Graham, area director for USO Hawaii and Guam, Monday afternoon at the West Hawaii Today offices in Kailua-Kona.
“You have to give back sometimes, but you have to pick and choose because there are so many (worthy causes),” Carole said. “We get troops in there all the time training, and they’re stuck. It isn’t like there’s a regular bus to town. There’s nothing up there.”
Brissette said the new USO facility — where service members can catch a game on big screen televisions, connect with loved ones over the internet or just hang out on a soft, leather couch strumming a guitar — registered 12,000 sign-ins during its first three months.
“The facility gives the soldiers a place to unwind and relax when they’re not actively training,” Brissette said. “The closest town is Hilo, and that’s 40 miles away. They’re very limited on services.”
The number of people stationed at PTA fluctuates every month, Brissette said, but the military prefers to keep specific figures confidential.
Still, it’s clear the new facility is a welcome addition, and the donation from the fund will contribute to its mission.
Don said the $10,000 will go toward the purchase of a commercial ice maker for the kitchen.
The money left over will support programs like Sunday meals.
Graham said donations like the one from the fund are vital to helping the USO carry out its mission.
“We realized there was a significant need at PTA,” she explained. “We’re thankful to the command, this very generous community and incredible support from not only (Don and Carole), but from the VFW and the other volunteers and sponsors who are supporting us.”
The Don and Carole Zero Charitable Fund is just getting started on Hawaii Island and is already eyeing other philanthropic opportunities.