12/19/2025
Aloha Veterans,
You may hear or see news about organizational changes within the Department of Veterans Affairs. While some internal realignments are occurring, what matters most remains unchanged: our commitment to you.
VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) continues to focus on providing timely, high-quality, and compassionate health care. Our mission to serve Veterans with excellence remains unchanged
Your access to the services you earned, and your trust are VAPIHCS top priorities. It is an honor to serve you, and we will continue working every day, to deliver the level of care you deserve.
Happy Holidays
As we wrap up the week, we want to wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday. May this time bring happiness and peace to you and your loved ones.
During this time, we especially remember our active-duty service members who are away from their families, serving across the world to protect our freedoms. We keep them in our thoughts and hope for a safe return home to be with their loved ones soon.
Gynecology Direct Access
Veterans can now schedule VA gynecology (GYN) appointments without needing a referral from primary care. This initiative, directed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, is designed to improve access and enhance your care experience. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-214-1306.
Thoughts from Chaplain Richie Charles
At approximately 1,400 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea holds the distinction of having the lowest elevation and being the lowest body of water on Earth's surface. Nestled between the borders of Jordan and Israel, it has attracted tourists from around the world since ancient times. But why is such a renowned body of water called the "Dead Sea"? The answer lies in its extreme salinity—it’s about 10 times saltier than the ocean, making it impossible for most life forms, except for some microorganisms like certain bacteria, to survive in its waters. Fish carried into the Dead Sea by the Jordan River quickly perish.
The Dead Sea's condition is due to its lack of an outlet—there's no way for the water it receives to flow out into other bodies of water. Historically, it received large supplies of water from the Jordan River and other streams. However, the only way for this water to escape was through evaporation, leaving the remaining water increasingly concentrated with salt and minerals.
Without an outlet and no way to pass along its rich minerals to other bodies of water, the Dead Sea was able to receive, but unable to give.
During this season of giving, we can draw inspiration for our own lives. Throughout our existence, we receive many things—both tangible and intangible. Yet, despite the many gifts we may receive, many would agree that what truly gives life deeper meaning is what we are able to give to others.
Service is one of the greatest forms of giving, and few things can make one feel more alive than witnessing how using our skills and abilities positively impacts the lives we touch. When we use our talents and energies to benefit others, our own sense of personal fulfillment is often amplified. Receiving can certainly bring happiness in the moment, but a deeper, more profound sense of fulfillment comes from allowing our lives to benefit someone else.
Let’s be encouraged in our continued service, remembering that as we seek to fulfill the needs of others, we often end up “watering” our own souls.
