By Patrick Filbert
The heart of our Las Vegas Hawaiian community is heavier as we mourn the loss of Uncle Patrick Kaʻanoʻi, beloved pillar and gentle cultural ambassador who carried the warmth of the islands wherever he went.
In researching a memorial resolution for the 2026 Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs Convention, I found Uncle Patrick wore many hats with effortless grace – he was a cultural specialist, a devoted Hae Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian flag) historian, an author, a video documentarian, a Native Hawaiian rights advocate, and a soulful singer-composer. He was also a proud Army veteran and a cherished member of our Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club.
It feels entirely fitting that, while uncovering the depths of this modern-day koa (warrior), his spirit guided me to a hidden treasure in our collective past – the All-Hawaiʻi Army Companies.
As reported in the Honolulu Advertiser, a total of 3,370 men and women from the Territory, and later State, of Hawaiʻi volunteered for service under this unique concept between 1955 and 1969. Enlisting and training together, 15 distinct companies were formed.
Developed by Captain David Cho, the program launched in July 1955 with 179 high school graduates. Sworn in at Palm Circle, Fort Shafter, by LTC William Martasin, they were addressed by Pacific Army Commander LTG Bruce C. Clark and Secretary of Hawaiʻi Farrant Turner.
Traveling by ship to California, they completed basic training at Fort Ord distinguishing themselves as the most outstanding company ever produced there. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by LTC Bernard Nahonoopiʻilani Farden – granduncle of Hailama Farden, OHA’s senior director of Hawaiian Cultural Affairs.
The project’s success caused the Army to approve annual cohorts. Ceremonies took place at ʻIolani Palace and the Kapiʻolani Park bandstand drawing hundreds of ʻohana. In 1957, 20 women formed the first All-Hawaiian Women’s Army Corps Platoon, training at Fort McClellan, Ala- bama. While early cohorts traveled by ship, the 12th Company pivoted to military aircraft in 1966.
During the Vietnam era, most members deployed to Southeast Asia, but some served in Europe. Uncle Patrick joined the 11th All-Hawaiʻi Company in 1965, serving as an Army Signalman in West Germany from 1966 to 1968. Ever the cultural ambassador, he organized kanikapila events and sang across Germany, proudly sharing aloha.
The company program concluded in 1969, but its legacy endured. In 1973 and 1976, platoons formed for training at Fort Ord and Fort Polk, Louisiana, with members serving in the famous 100th Battalion, 442nd Regiment and 411th Engineer Battalion (Construction). Mahalo, Uncle Patrick. Your legacy remains forever woven in our hearts.
