Army an option
On June 14, 243 years ago, the U.S. Army was born, built on the backs of soldiers who fought for freedom. For centuries, our soldiers have continued to defend our freedom.
The U.S. Army is respected all over the world because of its people. Our all-volunteer Army is filled with fully qualified, trained and educated individuals who have a desire to serve.
As commander of the Honolulu Recruiting Company, I see amazing young people in Hawaii wanting to serve our nation. But often, they don’t know about the opportunities offered by the Army.
About 50 percent of today’s youth admit they know little about the military. They don’t know their Army will pay for education, and offers housing allowances, health care, retirement, family support and many other benefits beyond what is usually found in the private sector. If they don’t understand the educational and career opportunities available to them, they won’t consider service as an option.
The Army isn’t for everyone; however, our youth deserve to make an informed decision about their future. They deserve to understand every path — work, technical education, community colleges, universities, and, yes, the military, too — so they can find what best suits their future goals.
I challenge community leaders, educators and parents in Hawaii to learn more about your Army. Get to know soldiers and veterans in your community. Learn about what they do and the value of their service. I think you will be surprised with what you find.
I’m asking you to be ambassadors of our all-volunteer force. Celebrate the Army’s 243rd birthday by connecting with local soldiers and veterans to learn more about what the Army has to offer our youth.
Capt. Oscar Ibarra
Honolulu
League launches site
On Tuesday, June 12, The League of Women Voters launched VOTE411.org (www.vote411.org), an information hub for all election information.
The site includes candidate questionnaires, ballots for voters, polling locations and times. It is a one-stop shop for nonpartisan election information for the Aug. 11 primary.
VOTE411.org users can enter their home address on the site to get a sample ballot that lists all races and candidates that will appear on their actual ballot on Election Day.
The League of Women Voters does not edit or abridge the answers, so users can be confident they are reading the candidates’ positions in their own words.
We believe VOTE411.org will help voters make informed and confident decisions.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
Donna Oba and Susan Dursin
VOTE411.org coordinators