Filipino WWII vets send get-well wishes to ailing US Sen. Hirono

U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (extreme right) poses for a photograph with Filipino World War II veterans in​ June 2015 during a press conference to introduce the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act.

WASHINGTON, DC — “Senator Mazie Hirono has our support, prayers and best wishes for a full recovery as she undergoes kidney cancer treatment,” said FilVetREP Chairman Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret).

“We know she will face this personal ordeal with courage and fortitude.  Senator Hirono’s fighting spirit has always been a source of inspiration for the Filipino American community, most notably for our Filipino World War II veterans who have looked up to her as a fearless champion for their cause.”

In June 2015, along with Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Senator Hirono introduced the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, granting national recognition to the more than 260,000 Filipino and American soldiers who served under the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE).

Through Senator Hirono’s leadership, the Senate passed the measure in June 2016. Congress eventually passed the bill, which was signed by President Obama in December 2016.

US Senator Mazie Hirono was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer.

Senator Hirono has also led efforts to reunite Filipino World War II veterans with their families. Her tireless efforts later led to the implementation by the Obama administration of the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole (FWVP) program.

“Our veterans overcame many challenges to finally get the recognition they deserve, thanks to Senator Hirono who was relentless in winning the hearts and minds of her colleagues,” Taguba said. “We are confident she will be as determined to win as she faces this latest battle.”