PACAF leadership recognizes education volunteers at forum

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jerome Tayborn
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
FORD ISLAND, Hawaii --  Gen. Herbert "Hawk" Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces commander, represented U.S. Pacific Command during the Joint Venture Education Forum Annual Meeting, currently in its 11th year, at the Ford Island Conference Center Aug. 30.

Carlisle addressed the audience, and introduced Gov. Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii, who served as the guest speaker and spoke on the JVEF's theme, "Partnerships Shine ~ Ka Pilina 'Ōlinolino."

During his presentation, Carlisle talked about the importance of education and organizations like the JVEF, and how these organizations help to develop and care for our Airmen and their families, one of PACAF's top priorities.

"Events such as the Joint Venture Education Forum Annual Meeting showcase the important work that the JVEF is doing, not only in our military, but also throughout our local communities," said Carlisle. "Their efforts are crucial to the success of our younger generation."

In addition to speaking, the general presented coins to approximately 80 men and women of the armed forces, educators and community members who have played a role in enhancing education in Hawaii public schools throughout the past year.

The JVEF is a partnership between Hawaii's military community, Hawaii public schools and other community organizations. Since 2000, Hawaii public schools have benefited from the $58 million appropriated by the Department of Defense to fund programs and partnerships that promote quality education through teacher training, computers in the classrooms, facility upgrades and other initiatives.

"The event was a great opportunity to publically recognize the efforts of the many military volunteers who have shared their time and talent at local schools, and to reaffirm our military's commitment to partner with the State of Hawaii in support of quality education initiatives for all our children," said U.S. Army Col. Christopher "Scott" Wilson, PACOM director for personnel and manpower and JVEF executive co-chair. "The testimony at the Annual Meeting from military service-school partnerships highlighted how much work has been done this past year, and also how mutually beneficial these relationships have been."

He went on to say that Hawaii is unique in that all the military branches of services are represented, which furthers the sense of community.

"Our families truly become part of the local community, and we rely on the active support of teachers, community leaders and local and state officials to help our children succeed. JVEF continues to be a valuable forum between the military community and state educators where we can raise and resolve issues of importance to the military and public school system together."

The JVEF encourages military participation in Hawaii public schools through open dialogue on educational concerns. JVEF promotes an understanding of and supports the needs and transition issues of military children and families, and also provides support for Hawaii's public school students.

"The JVEF actively works to facilitate initiatives designed to meet the education needs of military families," Wilson said. "JVEF strategy groups work to advance programs in science, technology, engineering and math to make our children both college and career ready. Additionally, JVEF programs such as the Military Culture Course help teachers and administrators understand the unique challenges of military children who frequently transition in and out of Hawaii schools."

The JVEF event also hosted the keiki ukulele and hula ensemble "Na Kamali`i O Iliahi" from Iliahi Elementary School and a special presentation of the colors by a multi-school Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps drill team.