Welcome to

The O’ahu Veterans Council

The Gathering of Heroes

  • The mission of the Oahu Veterans Council is to provide a forum for Veterans’ organizations to

    gather and share information pertinent to Veterans and Members of the Council, and to promote

    Veterans rights and benefits.

  • To provide a gathering place for Veterans to share camaraderie and to promote Veterans

    rights and benefits.

  • a. To preserve the memory and pride of its members who served in the United States

    Armed Forces

    b. To honor the sacrifices made by our Service Members.

    c. To promote and foster understanding and unity amongst our members, civic

    organizations, and the community at large.

    d. To support all recognized state and national Veterans Service Organizations, their

    activities, goals, and to foster good will and fellowship among them.

    e. To liaison with City and County of Honolulu and State of Hawaii government and

    legislative officials to support and promote Veterans’ issues.

The Oahu Veterans Council was founded in 1992 by Fred Ballard, George Sullivan, and Colonel Edward Cruickshank, United States Army (Retired), with a shared vision of creating a central gathering place where veterans could connect, collaborate, and share vital information. Their goal was simple but powerful — to unite the veteran community on Oahu under one roof and strengthen coordination among Veteran Service Organizations.

From its inception, the Council was built on cooperation rather than competition. It was designed to serve as a neutral forum where organizations could exchange updates, address common challenges, support one another’s initiatives, and collectively advocate for Hawaii’s veterans.

Today, the Oahu Veterans Council includes representation from more than 40 Veteran Service Organizations across the island. Participation continues to grow, including increasing collaboration and representation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other key partners serving the veteran community.

The Council meets on the fourth Saturday of each month, providing a structured forum for updates, coordination, and strategic discussion. Through regular meetings, shared resources, and community partnerships, the Oahu Veterans Council remains committed to advancing services, strengthening communication, and honoring those who have served.

To connect with our member Veteran Service Organizations or discover upcoming veteran events happening across Oahu, please explore the sections below.