Wounded Warrior Ohana Hosted Annual Memorial Paddle

The local organization gathered veterans and families in Honolulu for a day of therapeutic outrigger canoe activities.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy

Screen-print poster illustration of a traditional outrigger canoe on tropical waters, reflecting the therapeutic nature of the Honolulu veterans event.
The Wounded Warrior Ohana hosted its fourth annual memorial paddle at the Honolulu Elks Lodge, providing therapeutic ocean activities for veterans and families. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Wounded Warrior Ohana held its fourth annual MG Frank Tate Memorial Paddle and lunch at the Honolulu Elks Lodge 616. One hundred wounded warriors and their family members participated in the event.

Why it matters

The annual event provides therapeutic benefits to veterans and Gold Star families through ocean-based activities. It serves as an enriching community gathering designed to support the healing process for those affected by service-related injuries.

The gathering hosted 100 wounded warriors and their families at the Honolulu Elks Lodge 616 club. A team of 35 volunteers assisted in facilitating outrigger canoe rides for attendees.

The players

Wounded Warrior Ohana

This organization hosts monthly events in the local community to support veterans and Gold Star families.

Honolulu Elks Lodge 616

This local club facility served as the host site for the annual memorial paddle and lunch event.

The details

Attendees engaged in outrigger canoe rides provided by volunteers to foster healing through water-based recreation. The organization also hosted a picnic lunch to facilitate social connection for participating veterans and their families.

Timeline

  1. The former Wounded Warrior Ohana board member passed away in 2022.

  2. The 4th annual memorial paddle and lunch took place on September 20, 2026.

Market Landscape

This event reflects a broader trend of non-profit organizations utilizing therapeutic recreation to bridge the gap in veteran support services. By integrating community-led water activities, the organization distinguishes its outreach strategy from traditional clinical support models.

Local veterans and families interested in ongoing support can access monthly programming organized by the group. The event highlights the role of local community hubs like the Honolulu Elks Lodge 616 in hosting vital support initiatives.

The takeaway

Engaging in therapeutic water activities can offer significant emotional support and community bonding for wounded veterans. Regular participation in these memorial events helps sustain a network of peers and resources for service members and their families.

Further reading

Learn more about local efforts to support veterans through Philanthropy.

Source note: This article includes information reported by KHON2.

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