Walk Across Oahu 

"We're Walking 135 Miles for Our Disabled War Veterans and Wounded Warriors"

Yvette Lee

Born and raised in beautiful Honolulu. McKinley graduate currently residing in lovely Makiki with her two amazing children and two funny cats. Current student at UH.

INTERESTS: I enjoy anything that keeps me laughing, content and feeling good. On the outside, I feel good when surrounded by natural things; on the inside I am nourished by yoga, meditation and living a divine and purposeful life. One of my favorite things to do is coordinate weddings. I feel weddings are the greatest celebrations that share the ultimate emotion - love!

REASON FOR WALKING: My heart has been personally touched by many who have served in the military and I feel blessed to have this incredible homegrown opportunity to show my appreciation. Because of their contributions, I feel I live a good life and am thankful for all that I have. I feel this is a simple, fun and adventurous way to give back.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I, like so many, have an amazing life story. I am the first born of four girls. Though a happy child, my family suffered the abuse of a deadbeat father. Taking strength from my mother and learning through many trials, my life has become one of accomplishment filled with continuous “A-ha and Wow” moments and life-long friends. Today, I work for the government, teach CPR and volunteer mentoring young adults on believing in themselves, setting goals and speaking in public. I serve on the PTSA Board of Directors for my son’s school and truly believe all my wants and dreams become reality!

John Mahi’ai Cummings III

Born and raised in Honolulu, McKinley HS (c/o '81). Currently resides in Pauoa Valley with his wife Adaline and three cats.

INTERESTS: Hawaiian cultural practitioner and chanter trained by the late Kumu Hula John Keola Lake. I love hiking and working with young adults through the Sierra Club High School Hikers program. Also enjoy public speaking and is a member of the Hawaiian Electric Company Toastmasters.

REASON FOR WALKING: My dad served 42-years in the Hawaii Army National Guard and while growing up I learned to truly appreciate the dedication of our enlisted men and women. We need to continue to honor their sacrifices during times of peace, conflict and when they return home. If our walk spurs even one person to reach out to our wounded warriors then every foot we have traveled will be well worth it.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: 2004 graduate of the Royal Hawaiian Academy of Traditional Arts - Ka Pa Ku’i A Holo. Trained in the traditional Hawaiian martial art of lua under the tutelage of Na ‘Olohe Mitchell Eli and Jerry Walker.

Tofi Mika Jr.

Born: Pago Pago, American Samoa - Raised: Kalihi. Farrington HS graduate; current Hawaii Pacific University Graduate Student (joint-MBA/MA '10).

INTERESTS: Family, Community Service, Exercise (especially long distance running), Traveling, Singing, Dancing, Collecting Foreign Currency, International Affairs, Politics, Government.

REASON FOR WALKING: My childhood friend Malua is my personal inspiration and hero. I have never once heard him say that he regretted putting his life on the line for me, my family, my friends and my fellow American Citizens, even though he now confined in a wheelchair, perhaps for the rest of his life. This walk is really nothing compared to all the sacrifices our military men and women make everyday. Our warriors deserve all the support they can get.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT ME: I have already been on two VolunTours – one to Phnom Penh, Cambodia ('08) and Baguio City, Philippines ('09). A “VolunTour” is a goodwill mission, doing community service while traveling abroad, particularly to developing nations. In Phnom Penh, I worked with 94 orphans at the Palm Tree Orphanage. In Baguio City, together with the Honolulu Rotary club we participated in the construction of a building that would become a life-skills and carpentry training center for at-risk youth. I am committing myself to going on at least one VolunTour every year for the rest of my life.