Retiree News

Embracing Change

On June 30th, I attended Tripler Army Medical Center’s (TAMC) change of command ceremony. TAMC bid farewell to the former commander, COL Michael Ronn, and aloha to the incoming commander, COL William Bimson. The change of command is part of a longstanding tradition with one of our closest partners. VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) has shared space and purpose with Tripler since our first clinic opened on the campus in 1980. Over the years, our partnership has grown through shared training, joint services, and a mutual commitment to those who have served. Many of our nurses and medical residents receive critical training at TAMC, and Veterans continue to rely on Tripler for specialized and emergency care.

The Greek Philosopher Heraclitus is credited with the saying: “Change is the only constant in life”. As changes unfold—from the national level to leadership transitions here at VAPIHCS and TAMC—what doesn’t change is our focus. People come and go, but our mission endures. We remain committed to providing safe, high-quality, and compassionate care to Veterans and their families. Let us embrace the changes ahead with confidence and dedication.

Upcoming Construction

Beginning July 14th through October 3rd, VAPIHCS will be modernizing the ACC Main Entrance at our Spark Matsunaga VA Clinic in Honolulu, requiring the closure for concrete and roof work on the entryway covering. For everyone’s safety, the side entrance facing west will serve as the new temporary main entrance and exit, as well as the drop-off location, from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM each day. We anticipate that this rerouting should pose minimal disruption, and we encourage you to look for the designated signage for the nearest entrance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause during the construction period.

Thoughts from Chaplain Richie Charles

A successful businessman was vacationing in a small coastal village when he noticed a local fisherman docking a small boat with several large fish. The businessman complimented the quality of the fish and asked how long it had taken to catch them.

“Only a little while,” the fisherman replied.

“Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?” the businessman asked.

“I catch enough to support my family’s needs,” said the fisherman.

“But what do you do with the rest of your time?”

The fisherman smiled. “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a nap, spend time with my wife, and stroll into the village in the evening to play guitar with my friends.”

The businessman scoffed. “I am an expert in business. I could help you. Here’s what you should do instead: spend more time fishing. With the extra profits, you could buy a bigger boat. Then, with more boats, you could open your own cannery, move to the city, and run your expanding enterprise from there.”

The fisherman asked, “But how long would that take?” “About 15 to 20 years”

“And then?” asked the fisherman.

“Then you’d retire. Move to a small coastal village where you could sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take naps, spend time with your wife, and enjoy evenings with friends.”

The fisherman smiled and said, “But I’m already doing that now.”

This well-known story has resonated throughout the years with many because it homes in on something that is profoundly human: the relentless pursuit of more. Bigger, better, and grander are pursued so strongly that the concept of “enough” can sound almost foreign. While the businessman was deferring his happiness to some distant future, the humble fisherman understood that life’s greatest gifts and opportunities were already within his grasp.

Some hold the belief that achieving something grand or attaining the “next thing” is necessary to make an impact and leave a lasting mark. But each day, life presents us with countless opportunities – though often humble and without much fanfare – to make real, tangible differences in the lives of those within our reach. The fisherman revealed that what is often needed most is not new circumstances, but rather fresh eyes to discern the impact we are already making.

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