The University of Hawaiʻi Elder Law Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa William S. Richardson School of Law will offer a free program on February 16, 1:30– 6:15 p.m. in the Moot Court Room, that provides information about the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. The event celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Elder Law Program, as well as the Elder Law and Veterans Clinics that it launched.
The event also reflects on important World War II history shaped by UH students who started the Varsity Victory Volunteers after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The afternoon sessions will open with reflections by UH alumnus Ted Tsukiyama, a World War II veteran with the Military Intelligence Service, and one of the UH students who formed the VVV. Tsukiyama will discuss the founding of the VVV, and explain how many students went on to serve in the MIS, the 442 Regimental Combat Team, the 100 Battalion and other distinguished military units.
The program also includes a presentation and a question and answer session with the Honorable Coral Pietsch, a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC). Judge Pietsch will offer an overview of CAVC and will cover unique aspects of practice before this court. Later, she and her husband, Professor James Pietsch, who launched the Elder Law and Veterans Clinics at the law school, will reflect on their service as military lawyers on active duty, in the Army Reserve and as civilian Rule of Law Advisors in Iraq.
“This will be an ideal opportunity for veterans to ask questions and probe aspects of CAVC as well as for the public to meet a valiant member of the VVV who later went on to serve his country and community with distinction,” said Professor Pietsch.
Said School of Law Dean Avi Soifer, “Once again Professor Pietsch makes us very proud of him and all his extraordinary outreach work in addition to all the other things he does for our students and the Law School. In addition, Judge Pietsch has a remarkable record of service herself, now topped off by her critical role on Veterans Appeals highest court in Washington, D.C. “
Event information
The public is invited to attend one or more sessions but seating is limited, so please make reservations. The afternoon will include tea and refreshments.
For reservations or directions, call UHELP at 956-6544 email Uhelp.edu@hawaii.edu or go to www.hawaii.edu/uhelp.
Parking is available for $5 in the parking structure before 4 p.m. and $6 after 4 p.m.
—By Beverly Creamer
