Dr. Arthur N. Tulak, Ed.D., COL (Ret.), U.S. Army

Dr. Arthur N. Tulak receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Oʻahu Veterans Council President LTC (Ret.) Reuben L. Bilan for his exceptional leadership, patriotism, and dedication to preserving military history, supporting veteran and youth programs, and advancing Hawaiʻi’s America 250 commemoration.

Oʻahu Veterans Council

Annual Awards Ceremony

Each October, the Oʻahu Veterans Council proudly recognizes outstanding individuals, groups, and organizations whose dedication, service, and contributions make a meaningful difference in Hawaiʻi’s veteran community.

Nominations are submitted by Council members and individuals from the broader community, highlighting those who go above and beyond in their commitment to supporting veterans and their families.

We recognize that service comes in many forms. Sometimes, one individual can make an extraordinary difference. Other times, it takes a group of dedicated people or an organization working together to create lasting change. No act of service is too small, and every contribution has the power to make an impact.

At the heart of our Annual Awards Ceremony is our belief in the power of community and the spirit of service. Whether through leadership, advocacy, volunteerism, compassion, or unwavering dedication, we are united by a common purpose: to honor those who have served, support those who continue to serve, and ensure that Hawaiʻi’s veterans and their families are never forgotten.

Together, we celebrate the people who embody the spirit of veterans taking care of veterans.

2026 Awardees

  • Janet Covington

    Janet Covington, LMFT, LMHC, NCC
    Clinical Supervisor, Child & Family Service

    Janet Covington receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Oʻahu Veterans Council President LTC (Ret.) Reuben L. Bilan for her compassionate leadership and dedication to expanding behavioral health support and resources for Hawaiʻi’s veterans, servicemembers, and military families.

  • Margaret “Maggie” Gaukler

    Margaret “Maggie” Gaukler
    Women Marines Association, Wahine Koa Chapter

    Maggie Gaukler receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Oʻahu Veterans Council President LTC (Ret.) Reuben L. Bilan for her outstanding volunteer service, leadership, and longstanding dedication to Veterans Day ceremonies, Hawaiian Islands Honor Flight, and Hawaiʻi’s veteran community.

  • Edgar Riveria

    LTC (Ret.) Edgardo “Edgar” Rivera
    JROTC Program Manager, Hawaiʻi

    LTC (Ret.) Edgardo Rivera receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Oʻahu Veterans Council President LTC (Ret.) Reuben L. Bilan for his outstanding leadership and dedication to developing future generations of leaders through Hawaiʻi’s JROTC programs and strengthening connections between students and the veteran community.

  • Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association

    Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association – Hawaiʻi Chapter 8
    Represented by Josh Shimer

    Josh Shimer accepts a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Hawaiʻi Chapter 8, presented by Oʻahu Veterans Council President LTC (Ret.) Reuben L. Bilan, recognizing the organization's compassionate support of veterans and their families, particularly those receiving end-of-life care.

  • COL (Ret.) Dennis H. Levesque, U.S. Army

    COL (Ret.) Dennis H. Levesque, U.S. Army
    Hawaiʻi Team Leader, Sheep Dog Impact Assistance

    COL (Ret.) Dennis H. Levesque receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Oʻahu Veterans Council President LTC (Ret.) Reuben L. Bilan in recognition of his outstanding leadership, community service, and dedication to Hawaiʻi’s veterans and first responders, including his disaster relief efforts during the 2026 Kona Low flooding.

  • COL (Ret.) Richard “Dick” Rankin, U.S. Army

    COL (Ret.) Richard “Dick” Rankin, U.S. Army
    Founder and President, Wounded Warrior Ohana

    COL (Ret.) Richard Rankin was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Oʻahu Veterans Council for his outstanding leadership and longstanding dedication to Hawaiʻi’s veteran community. Through his founding and continued leadership of Wounded Warrior Ohana, he has provided meaningful support, experiences, and opportunities for wounded and injured servicemembers, veterans, Gold Star families, and their loved ones throughout Oʻahu.

    Recipient not pictured.

  • Glenn Uejio U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Community Volunteer

    Glenn Uejio
    U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Community Volunteer

    Glenn Uejio was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Oʻahu Veterans Council for his outstanding service and more than 13 years of compassionate dedication to Hawaiʻi’s veterans. Through his regular visits to veterans at Tripler Army Medical Center and its Community Living Center, he has provided companionship, dignity, and comfort to those in need, exemplifying the enduring spirit of veterans caring for veterans.

    Recipient not pictured. here