Chance, 55, who was working on his bachelor’s degree at the time, couldn’t reconcile how the country had let such an important site — both environmentally and historically — fall into such neglect. Pollution, invasive plants, and sediment have overtaken the once pristine waters, so much so that the Environmental Protection Agency has enacted a fish advisory to prevent people from eating fish caught in the area since 1998.

A retired Navy Seabee senior chief, Chance credits his 21 years in the Construction Battalions with first putting him in the headspace of how to give back to his community. But it was after retirement, during a university trip, that Chance asked Hawaii State Legislature Representative Ty Cullen if anyone was going to do anything about the state of the shore, a once thriving ecosystem turned superfund site.

“Community-led efforts face challenges when getting proper authorization to do cleanups, making it difficult to coordinate on a consistent basis,” Cullen told Military Times.

Chance realized that an earnest cleanup would be next to impossible. And that gave him an idea.

“Being a Seabee, we have a saying: the difficult task we do at once, the impossible takes a bit longer,” Chance said. “It’s not just a mantra. That’s our DNA.”

That’s when Chance decided to start a non-profit organization dedicated to cleaning up Pearl Harbor in April of 2015. At the suggestion of his classmate, Jasmine Choy, Chance named his organization Hui O Ho’Ohonua, a Hawaiian phrase that roughly translates to “a group of people united for a purpose to set the earth right.” Hui O Ho’Ohonua, or HOH808, was officially incorporated as a 501c3 nonprofit that December, and adapted a familiar Seabees mentality as the core of their mission: “Impossible is where we start.”

But once the adrenaline wore off, Chance grew overwhelmed.

The military, along with several other sectors, like agriculture, have all contributed to the negative impact on the local environment and culture. Long before it was the site of the attack that dragged the U.S. into World War II, Hawaii had a fraught history with the mainland. The monarchy was overthrown by a group of Americans in 1893, and annexed by the U.S. two years later.

“How is a non-Hawaiian — a white person — going to start a Hawaiian nonprofit?” Chance asked himself.

During his service as a Seabee, Chance was deployed to several locations to help build essential infrastructure. Thinking back to those experiences, Chance began brainstorming ways in which he could take on this project without steamrolling the local community.

“We Seabees do incredible things all around the world,” Chance said. “When we get to these places, we have to work with the local community.”

After his time in the Navy, Chance struggled with the transition to civilian life. Though he always knew he had wanted the military to be chapter in his life, and not his entire life, it wasn’t until a friend suggested social work that Chance really felt he’d found new purpose. Eventually, he earned his master’s of social work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He credits his Seabee experience with giving him all the tools he needed to take on the onerous task of a superfund site cleanup, and his education with the awareness to do it right.

“We (at HOH808) are very sensitive to the fact that we don’t want to be the white saviors or the colonial environmentalists,” Chance said. “We have cultural advisors that everything gets vetted through, and we don’t do anything until they give us the thumbs up.”

The organization’s first cleanup consisted of just Chance and one other person. Eventually, members of the community began showing up to help, and the organization itself grew — all with the shared goal of trying to restore land that had been through occupation, war, and years of pollution.

On HOH808′s website, the organization states its primary mission is to “end the perpetuation of historical trauma to the land, water, and people in the `Ewa Moku on `Oahu.” It’s a daunting goal, but in just a few years the organization has already made a noticeable dent.

“You immediately recognize the impact of their work the moment you enter the park, especially on the invasive mangrove removal, replanting of native fauna, and maintenance on Honouliuli stream that has been done to address the heavy flooding concerns,” Cullen, the state legislator, said of the organization’s impact. “They have brought many members of the community together and ultimately gave the community a sense of pride in the restoration of the area.”

In addition to the ongoing restoration of Pu`uloa’s physical environment, Chance and his organization have spearheaded significant changes to the cultural and political landscape of Pu`uloa and the greater community. With Cullen’s support, Chance has successfully lobbied the state legislature of Hawaii to restore and protect the region’s legacy. In 2017 the West Loch Shoreline Park in Oahu was officially renamed to Kapapapuhi Point Park to honor it’s original Hawaiian name. In 2018, he helped establish Malama Pu’uloa Month, an official state celebration of the cultural, historical, and environmental importance of the Pu’uloa region every fall. This year’s celebration runs through Oct. 31. Though these changes don’t have the visual impact of a cleaner shore or more sparkling water, in many ways they mean even more to the community.

“Tonyʻs impact is on-going,” said Dr. Manulani Aluli Meyer, an associate faculty specialist at the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu. “I appreciated that he helped bring back the Hawaiian name of Kapapaʻapuhi Point, and he is consistent in using the older name for Pearl Harbor, Puʻuloa. He also works to clean, clear and bring awareness to the needs of Puʻuloa in all he does and speaks about. His persistence inspires.”

With his experiences as a combat veteran and his work with homeless veterans in Hawaii, Chance believes the military made him uniquely prepared to take on the enormous task of trying to clean up a superfund site with a complicated history. But he doesn’t think he’s special for it.

“There’s so much untapped resources out there in retirees,” Chance said. “These are all people that have just incredible skill sets that aren’t being used.”

Chance is pushing for HOH808′s continued growth so that Pearl Harbor can return to its pre-colonial glory. In addition to the shoreline restoration project, the group has expanded to maintain other nearby parks and waterways, and pushes several grassroots education programs to teach young community members about everything from the area’s unique ecosystem to the importance of preserving indigenous history.

While he may have found his passion in restoring one specific place, he’s stresses that the core values he learned as a Seabee can apply to almost any problem.

“The things we’re learning here don’t just have an impact on Hawaii or this island,” he said. “This has a global impact. What we learn here can be used anywhere.”

Post officials did not release a cause of death.

Spc. Maxwell Hockin, 26, who was assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, entered the Army in March 2017 as a combat engineer. Hockin had been assigned to the 91st Engineer Battalion since July 2017.

“The entire Saber family is devastated by the loss of our true teammate and friend Specialist Maxwell Hockin,” Lt. Col. Patrick Sullivan, the deceased’s battalion commander, said in the statement.

“He had an outstanding work ethic, was a mentor to his peers, and was always willing to help out the team,” Sullivan added. “He will truly be missed. Our thoughts and our prayers are with Maxwell’s family during this difficult time.”

The incident is currently under investigation Army Criminal Investigation Command. It comes just days after another soldier was thought to be missing at the central Texas installation.

That soldier, Pfc. Jennifer Sewell, was found safe and returned to post earlier this week, according to the Army.

In 2020, Fort Hood saw more than two dozen soldier deaths, as well as scrutiny from an independent review committee over the manner in which deaths were investigated.

“As the stewards of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it’s our honor to lead the centennial commemoration of this site,” said Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of Army National Military Cemeteries and Arlington National Cemetery in a statement. “The Tomb has served as the heart of Arlington National Cemetery. It is a people’s memorial that inspires reflection on service, valor, sacrifice and mourning. As a sacred memorial site and the grave of three unknown American service members, the Tomb connects visitors with the legacy of the U.S. armed forces throughout the nation’s history.”

Arlington National Cemetery is holding the two-day event on Nov. 9 and 10, called The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Centennial Commemoration Public Flower Ceremony. Anyone interested can pay respects to the Unknown Soldier. In addition to allowing the public to walk directly next to the tomb for the first time in decades, those paying their respects will also be able to lay flowers without having to go through the usual request process to do so.

Usually, wreath-laying ceremonies are scheduled through a formal request process submitted by groups well in advance, and only four ceremonies can take place per day. The November event will allow those who register to pay their respects without the usual process’s limitations.

The memorial will be open for the flower ceremony from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the event’s two day run, and while visitors are encouraged to bring their own flowers, complimentary roses, daisies and sunflowers will also be available.

A representative from the Crow Nation will open the ceremony on Nov. 9 by reciting the same prayer given 100 years ago by American-Indian Chief Plenty Coup, and placing flowers on the tomb.

The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

The incident took place aboard the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California.

Lance Cpl. Jonothan Barnette, 24, wasn’t wearing chest protective equipment when he was hit, his family told local news stations. He was a rifleman with Kilo Company.

In an interview with WRCBtv, an NBC affiliate based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Barnette’s mother said the family is still seeking answers on the exact circumstances of her son’s death.

“There’s an hour and 13 minutes that are unexplained to us,” the Marine’s mother, Robin Hayes, told WRCBtv.

The cause of the incident is currently under investigation. The latest data from the Naval Safety Center’s mishap summaries includes a corresponding Oct. 3 Marine death.

Barnette was originally from Chatsworth, Georgia, according to his obituary. He enlisted in 2018, and graduated from the School of Infantry — East in May of 2020.

His wife, Savannah Barnette, is pregnant with their second child.

“He will not be here to watch our daughter grow up or to be here to experience is our baby being born,” she told Chatanooga-based ABC affiliate, WTVC. “It kills me every day. Every day, it kills me.”

Barnette’s body remains in the custody of the Marine Corps as it conducts final investigations, according to these local reports, so the family has been unable to finalize funeral or memorial arrangements.

A GoFundMe campaign was set up by one of Barnette’s acquaintances to help the Marine’s young family, according to the campaign’s page.

“All of us in the Betio family are devastated by the untimely death of Lance Corporal Jonothan Barnette,” said Lt. Col. Charles Nash, commanding officer, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines. “Lance Cpl. Barnette was an invaluable member of our team, and our deepest condolences go out to Jonothan’s family, friends, and loved ones. We extend our full support during this very difficult time.”

His awards included the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Navy Arctic Service Ribbon and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Pfc. Jennifer Sewell “is a valued member of our team, and our number one priority is ensuring her safe return. We are in regular contact with her family and will provide any assistance she and her family may need to return to Fort Hood,” said Ltc. Octavia Davis, commander of Regimental Support Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment, in a statement.

Sewell was last seen leaving the base on Oct. 7, and didn’t report for duty later that day. Following her initial disappearance on Oct. 7, family and Fort Hood leadership were unable to get in contact with her. An initial investigation at Fort Hood pointed to Sewell leaving the base on her own accord, but no additional information regarding the circumstances of her departure from the base have been released. Officials are in communication with her family and are seeking to facilitate her safe return to base.

Sewell’s disappearance sparked fears and concerns as Fort Hood has been the center of a number of soldier disappearances and deaths in recent years. In 2020 alone, the base saw over two dozen soldier deaths.

The trailer for ABC’s 3212 UN-REDACTED dropped Tuesday in anticipation of the film’s Nov. 11 release on Hulu.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Jeremiah Johnson, Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright, Sgt. LaDavid Johnson and Staff Sgt. Bryan Black were killed Oct. 4, 2017, when militants ambushed the troops assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group.

Following a three-year investigation, the film examines both the lead-up and aftermath of the attack, putting special focus on the soldiers’ families as they hunt for answers. In the trailer, family members of the fallen tease the inconsistencies in reports given to them by officials.

Military officials conducted an investigation following the attack, which pointed to inadequate training and integration both before the deployment and on the ground in Niger.

Military leaders also claimed that the Army team filed inaccurate paperwork that withheld details on the nature of the mission.

Lt. Gen. Roger L. Cloutier, appointed to lead the investigation, presented a summary of findings alongside other officials in May 2018, noting that much was still unknown.

“No single survivor of the attack that we interviewed had a complete picture of the events of the 3rd and 4th of October,” Cloutier said during a 2018 press briefing.

The documentary alleges that the Pentagon’s narrative included a cover-up intended to protect senior officers responsible for the mission’s failure. It includes interviews with the team’s commander, a Pentagon whistleblower, a former general in charge of special operations in Africa and most of the immediate family members of the four soldiers killed in action that day.

Director Brian Epstein worked with ABC News investigative reporter James Gordon Meek to compile the investigation. Meek previously worked as a counterterrorism advisor of the House Homeland Security Committee and has produced several ABC News investigative specials.

The French military announced last month that they believe a drone strike killed a top ISIS leader in Africa associated with the 2017 attack.

Watch the trailer for 3212 UN-REDACTED below.

Kheydon Gracie, the famed fighter’s 19-year-old son, plans to join the 75th Ranger Regiment, according to a weekend post on his father’s Instagram account.

The younger Gracie enlisted on an infantry contract with a Ranger option on Sept. 22, an Army spokesperson told Stars and Stripes. That means the new recruit will have the chance to attend the intense, two-month Ranger Assessment and Selection Program at Fort Benning, Georgia.

The Gracie family is renowned for creating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the 1920s.

Royce Gracie moved to the United States from Rio de Janeiro as a young man, where he competed in mixed-martial arts and was eventually inducted into the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s Hall of Fame in 2003.

Royce Gracie has led martial arts clinics for military personnel, as well, including a 2011 training event with soldiers in Colorado, according to the Army.

Kheydon Gracie’s enlistment ceremony was performed by Maj. Miguel Diaz in Huntington Park, California, with the Gracie family in attendance, according to Royce Gracie’s Instagram post.

“What a special day, I’m a proud father,” Gracie wrote of his son on Instagram.

The Air Force estimates the squadron will include around 60 personnel and 27 aircraft. The first F-35A is scheduled to arrive at RAF Lakenheath later this year. The squadron was previously deactivated in 1991.

“There has been a great deal of work done to get us this far, but there’s a lot more that needs to be done prior to getting jets this winter,” said the squadron’s new commander, Lt. Col. Ian D. McLaughlin in a press release. “The 495th has a proud history and we’re excited to take the guidon forward to start building the foundation for first USAF F-35As stationed in Europe.”

The Air Force cited RAF Lakenheath’s infrastructure, airspace, and the existing partnership between the U.S. and the United Kingdom as prime motivators for the decision to host the squadron at the base. RAF Lakenheath currently serves as the Air Force’s only F-15 fighter wing in Europe, and is the largest U.S. Air Force-operated base in England. It’s located about 70 miles northeast of London.

The 495th Fighter Squadron, nicknamed the “Valkyries” was reactivated on the 30th anniversary of its original designation as a fighter squadron.

Last month, Detroit VA Police Services received a tip from a confidential source alleging that a registered nurse had been selling falsely filled-out Centers for Disease Control vaccination to both veterans and non-veterans, according the court documents. Bethann Kierczak, 37, had access to unissued cards because she was one of the nurses responsible for administering the shot at the VA facility.

The criminal complaint against Kierczak includes excerpts from conversations she had over Facebook Messenger, one of the platforms she used to sell the cards, complete with emojis and “lols.” Kierczak charged between $100 and $200 for each card. The source had already had previous conversations about the cards with Kierczak when law enforcement began monitoring their interactions with the source’s help.

“If you don’t forget to grab me about 10 of those things.. cough cough” [winking emoji] Ya know,” the source wrote on May 22, according to the court file.

“I am here, I will do my best, this pharmacist seems to be a little protective of the cards, lol,” the nurse replied.

According to prosecutors:

Working with law enforcement, the confidential source was able to facilitate the purchase of a fake card, which Kierczak delivered to the source’s home. She gave the source information about manufacturer name, lot number, and realistic dates that the source could write on the card to ensure it was believable. The source also maintained continued contact with Kierczak, reaching out several times to purchase more cards throughout the summer. On Sept. 27, a warrant was issued for Kierczak’s arrest by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. She was arrested and charged on Sept. 29.

Kierczak was charged with theft of government property and theft or embezzlement related to a healthcare benefit program.

“VA’s COVID-19 safety protocols, including ensuring accurate vaccination records, exist to keep both veterans and VA’s healthcare workers safe during this global pandemic,” said Gavin McClaren, Acting Special Agent in Charge, VA-OIG, Central Field Office, in a statement issued by DOJ. “These charges symbolize VA OIG’s commitment to protecting the integrity of VA’s healthcare delivery system, and diligently investigating any potential criminal activity that could threaten the safety of its patients and employees.”

DOJ announced that a second individual was charged in an unrelated vaccination card crime the same day. Prosecutors say Rapheal Jarrell Smiley, 32, purchased and sold counterfeit cards purchased from China. Like Kierczak sold his fake cards over Facebook, as well as Instagram. He was charged with fraud involving department or agency seals, identity document fraud, and trafficking in counterfeit goods.

These cases come months after the department announced a dedicated task force to combat pandemic-related fraud. In the year preceding the announcement, DOJ said that almost 600 people were charged for COVID-19 related fraud crimes involving over $600 million. Thousands of fake vaccine cards have been seized by Customs and Border patrol across the country.

Kierczak’s case is being investigated by the VA’s Office of Inspector General, VA Police Detroit and the Medicare Fraud Strike Force partners, a partnership among the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the FBI and U.S. Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General.

Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Robert, and Marine Staff Sgt. Hollie Mulvihill, filed the complaint on Aug. 17 with Colorado’s U.S. district court, alleging that the Defense Department’s personnel vaccine rollout is illegal and unconstitutional. The lawsuit followed DoD’s August announcement that members of the military would be required to take the vaccine. The two troops believe they should be exempt from the vaccine mandate because they already had COVID-19, and they’re pushing to get the case certified as a class action lawsuit.

Court documents were filed just days before the Pfizer vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Aug. 23. The next day, the Pentagon released a memo confirming that mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 would only use drugs with full FDA licensure, though service members could voluntarily take any vaccine on the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization list and still be considered compliant with the mandate.

Largely basing their argument on the COVID-19 vaccines’ expedited Emergency Use Authorization status, the plaintiffs cited a federal law, 50 U.S.C. 1520, that prohibits DoD from using human subjects for testing of chemical or biological agents. However, the vaccines approved for use in the U.S. were not considered experimental, a claim debunked by Reuters.

The service members call the vaccine requirement “a naked attempt to leverage the Plaintiffs’ military status against them in order to move forward with an unnecessary public health mandate,” according to court documents.

To back up their claim, the two troops cite Army Regulation 40-562, which allows exemptions to vaccine requirements can be granted if there is “evidence of immunity based on serologic tests, documented infection, or similar circumstances.” These regulations were written before the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented unprecedented infection and hospitalization rates across the country.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone over 12 years old — including people that have already had the disease. In August, the agency released a study which found that unvaccinated people who had already had COVID-19 were more than twice as likely than vaccinated people to be reinfected. Additionally, previous research from the CDC found that unvaccinated people are 11 times more likely to die from the infection.

Robert and Mulvihill also make the argument that the vaccine should not be compulsory if alternative treatments are available. They list Ivermectin — an anti-parasite medication that is primarily used to treat roundworms that has not been proven to be effective against COVID-19 — as a viable alternative. Ivermectin is not approved to treat COVID-19 and no reliable evidence supports its use for that purpose, according to researchers across universities in Germany.

However, one of the plaintiffs’ requests in the complaint is that the court “find that the use of investigational new drugs or drugs unapproved for their applied use is illegal.”

In addition to asking the court to declare the vaccine requirement illegal and exempt service-members from it, the plaintiffs ask the court to award them money for their attorneys’ fees and “any other relief” deemed appropriate. Both service members are based in North Carolina.