WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii - The Hui O' Wahine club at Fort Shafter and its sister club, the Hui O' Na Wahine at Schofield Barracks are looking for new members during two "Super Sign-Up" events, here, Aug. 26 and 31.
Both all-ranks spouses groups, whose names mean "women's club" in Hawaiian, raise money to benefit Soldiers and their families by funding college scholarships and welfare grants to community organizations.
Oahu South Club, Hui O' Wahine
The Hui O Wahine club at Fort Shafter serves Oahu South communities, to include Fort Shafter, Aliamanu Military Reservation, Tripler Army Medical Center and Fort DeRussy.
"It's a great way to get plugged into things you might not have known about before," said Cyndi Gilbert, first vice president, Hui O' Wahine club.
Gilbert said the south club invites spouses from all branches of the military to join, and it offers funding for continuing education for which spouses can apply.
During the past year, Hui O' Wahine distributed grants totaling $20,000. The grants help a multitude of community organizations like the Fort Shafter Elementary School and library, the Fisher House, and local Boy Scout troops.
Additionally, grants were given to help host a Joint Spouses Conference this year.
Gilbert said the club had more than 100 members last year and anticipates even more.
Members can look forward to monthly luncheons and a smorgasbord of activities such as Bunco, surfing, bowling, game nights and hikes.
Gilbert adds that the club also hosts guest speakers like Miss Hawaii Raeceen Woolford, who is scheduled to speak at the first luncheon, Sept. 10.
Oahu North Club, Hui O' Na Wahine
The Hui O' Na Wahine club at Schofield Barracks serves Oahu South communities, to include Schofield Barracks, Wheeler Army Airfield and Helemano Military Reservation.
Like the Fort Shafter club, the group also provides opportunities for social, cultural and creative pursuits, and it supports service and community projects.
"In May 2009, we distributed over $33,000 in scholarship and welfare grants," said publicity chairwoman Criztina Jean. The distributions have supported and enriched community schools, libraries and the American Red Cross, she explained.
Jeans said the Schofield Barracks-based group is also a great place to socialize and for branching out and getting active in the community.
With more than 300 members last year, Jean hopes the "Super Sign-Up" event will help increase the club's numbers this year.
"We are setting our standards and goals very high, and I believe we are going to surpass them. It will be an awesome event," Jean added.
In support of their 2009/2010 theme, "The Year of the Volunteer," club members are working to provide more information about where and how to volunteer in the community.
"A lot of people want to give back, but don't know how and where," Jean said.
Annual membership for the Hui O' Na Wahine is $20 for E-6 and below, and $25 for others.
Both North and South club membership is open to enlisted, officer and civilian spouses, whether women or men.
The "Super Sign-Up" events (Fort Shafter, Aug. 26, and Schofield Barracks, Aug. 31) will feature local vendors and organizations. Attendees can enjoy pupus, drinks and shopping while mingling and meeting other members.
For those unable to attend the events, membership is open year-round; new members are always welcome.
Upcoming Super Sign-Up Events
North
Aca,!AcAug. 31, 5-8 p.m., at the Nehelani, Schofield Barracks. Contact the Hui O' Na Wahine club, Criztina Jean, at 808-888-0907 or <a href="mailto: armyjeans@msn.com">armyjeans@msn.com</a>. Visit <a href="http://www.schofieldspousesclub.com">www.schofieldspousesclub.com</a>.
South
Aca,!AcAug. 26, 5-8 p.m., Hale Ikena, Fort Shafter. Contact the Hui O' Wahine club, Cyndi Gilbert, at 808-744-7911 or <a href="mailto: cynthiayg@gmail.com">cynthiayg@gmail.com</a>. Visit <a href="http://www.huispirit.com">www.huispirit.com</a>.
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