Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 2, Number 10, 1 ʻOkakopa 1985 — Proposed Vietnam Memorial Project Seeking Veterans [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Proposed Vietnam Memorial Project Seeking Veterans

Efforts to establish a Vietnam War Memorial Park to eontain a 15-figure monument are being coordinated by a group calling itself the Vietnam Veterans in Hawaii (WIH). The person behind the movement is former Vietnam War Sgt. Jimmy F. Enoeeneio, a part Hawaiian who served as point man in a reconnaisance sniper team with the American Division in 1970-71. Enoeeneio is also working on a book entitled, "Pineapples, War Stories," whieh is a compilation of Vietnam war stories to be placed in such categories as most inspirational, horrid, daring, funniest, brave, etc. The former Army sergeant has been talking with many Vietnam veterans and letting them tell their side of what it was like before, during and after Vietnam. ... ■ S«-Vit -«•* t. I • :J1.H I ('ulK al» u/1 . T i f

The drive to establish a memorial park is in recognition of these veterans. Enoeeneio said WIH will be working with other veterans organizations to get the project under way. Those wishing to help with the project or those wishing to be interviewed may contact Enoeeneio at telephone 672-8734 and leave a message. He'II return your eall as soon as possible. Fort DeRussy has been mentioned as a probable site for the memorial. The sketch above is just one of the designs slated for the monument. The other 14 are already on the drawing board. Enoeeneio observed that there are many Hawaiians and part Hawaiians who served in Vietnam. He would like to make contact with some or all of them. He notes, too, that its been 10 years since the war ended and yet many are fighting the battle within themselves, begging inside for someone to listen to their story; henee the idea of a book and the memorial.