Big Island Soldiers Honored for Vietnam War Sacrifices

Memorial service marks National Vietnam War Veterans Day, remembering 52 local service members who died in combat.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A memorial service was held at the Keaukaha Military Reservation in Hilo, Hawaii to honor Big Island soldiers who died during the Vietnam War. The event, hosted by the Big Island National Guard Retirees' Association and the 1st Squadron 299th Cavalry Regiment, marked National Vietnam War Veterans Day and remembered the 52 local service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, including 1st Lt. John Kauhaihao and Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Yano, who were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and Medal of Honor respectively.

Why it matters

The memorial service and the recognition of these fallen soldiers serves to honor their memory and sacrifice, as well as to acknowledge the ongoing impact of the Vietnam War on the local community. It also highlights the continued service and sacrifice of Hawaii's National Guard members, even in the face of more recent conflicts.

The details

The memorial service featured the reading of each fallen soldier's name and the tolling of a bell. In addition to Kauhaihao and Yano, the 52 service members honored included soldiers from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Navy, all with roots in communities across Hawaii's Big Island. The event was emceed by Retired Col. Gerald Takase, president of the Big Island National Guard Retirees' Association, and the keynote address was delivered by Maj. Keoki Leong on behalf of Brig. Gen. Tyson Tahara of the Hawaii Army National Guard.

  • The memorial service was held on Friday, March 29, 2026, marking National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
  • March 29, 1973 was the day the U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, was disbanded and the last U.S. combat soldier departed Vietnam.
  • Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Yano's remains were re-interred on November 11, 2025, Veterans Day, at the West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery in Kailua-Kona.

The players

1st Lt. John Kauhaihao

A U.S. Army officer from Captain Cook, Hawaii who was killed in action on September 5, 1969 in Tay Ninh Province during the Vietnam War. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army's second-highest military decoration for extraordinary heroism in combat.

Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Yano

A U.S. Army air cavalryman from Kealakekua, Hawaii who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for sacrificing his own life on January 1, 1969 near Bien Hao to clear a helicopter of prematurely detonating explosives that could have downed the aircraft and killed his crew mates.

Shirley Kauhaihao

The 83-year-old widow of 1st Lt. John Kauhaihao, who attended the memorial service to honor her late husband and the other fallen soldiers.

Retired Col. Gerald Takase

The president of the Big Island National Guard Retirees' Association and the emcee of the memorial service.

Maj. Keoki Leong

The executive officer of the Hawaii Army National Guard's 1st Squad, 299th Cavalry, who delivered the keynote address written by Brig. Gen. Tyson Tahara, the commander of the Hawaii Army National Guard.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These veterans are inspirations of bravery, the standard of heroes in the flesh — and they are the most valuable reminder of the cost of war.”

— Maj. Keoki Leong, Executive Officer, Hawaii Army National Guard's 1st Squad, 299th Cavalry

“To the 'ohana of Vietnam veterans, you served as well. You endured long separations, uncertainties — and for some, profound loss. Your strength sustained those who wore the uniform, and your sacrifices are part of this legacy.”

— Brig. Gen. Tyson Tahara, Commander, Hawaii Army National Guard

“Whether private or general, when called upon, like these brave soldiers we honor today, we answer.”

— Maj. Keoki Leong, Executive Officer, Hawaii Army National Guard's 1st Squad, 299th Cavalry

What’s next

The memorial service and recognition of these fallen soldiers serves as an important reminder of the ongoing impact of the Vietnam War on the local community. As the nation continues to grapple with the legacy of that conflict, events like this one will help ensure the sacrifices of these service members are never forgotten.

The takeaway

This memorial service highlights the deep and lasting impact of the Vietnam War on Hawaii's Big Island community. By honoring these fallen soldiers, many of whom were members of the National Guard, the event underscores the continued service and sacrifice of local residents, even in the face of more recent conflicts. The recognition of their bravery and the community's enduring support for their families serves as an important testament to the resilience and values of this island ohana.