PRESS RELEASE NO. 35-2022
22 August 2022 – In a ceremony at the Historic Palm Circle in Fort Shafter, Hawaii, General Charles Flynn, Commanding General of the United States Army Pacific, presented the 2020 Mana O Ke Koa “Spirit of the Warrior” award to the late Domingo Los Banos, a well-known Hawaii educator, World War II veteran, community leader and advocate for fellow Filipino veterans. Born in Wahiawa, Hawaii, he is the son of Filipino immigrants. At the young age of 19, he arrived in the Philippines with 300 other recruits from Hawaii as part of the 1st and 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments, facing Japanese soldiers in jungle combat throughout the war.
Mr. Los Banos’ life was described as one of achievement and perseverance. His legacy is said to rest on his commitment to inspiring and teaching others throughout his community. Earning a Master’s degree from Columbia and completing a fellowship in School Administration from Stanford University, he dedicated over 30 years to Hawaii’s education system. Among his countless community outreach activities, Mr. Los Banos was also an outspoken leader in fighting for Filipino veterans’ rights and benefits.
The Mana O Ke Koa “Spirit of the Warrior” award honors individuals who have distinguished themselves by their “steadfast support to soldiers, their families and the Army community in the Pacific.” Past recipients included legislators, business and industry leaders, members of the academe and elected officials, such as Senator Daniel Inouye. This year marks the 16th anniversary of the award and, because of the pandemic, recipients for 2020, 2021 and 2022, were presented with the recognition at the in-person gathering. The other honorees were Ret. Major General Robert Lee (2021) and Ret. General David Anthony Bramlett (2022). Receiving the award on behalf of Mr. Los Banos was his son, Roberto.
Right photo: Shown in the photo above are (left to right) Consul General Emil Fernandez, Roberto Los Banos, son of the late Domingo Los Banos, and General Charles Flynn, Commanding General of the US Army Pacific, during the Mana O Ke Koa “Spirit of the Warrior” recognition ceremony at the Historic Palm Circle in Fort Shafter, Hawaii on August 18, 2022.
