Retired from the service, but still serving

Mary Kay Hertog might have retired in 2012 from the U.S. Air Force after serving in uniform almost 34 years, but she didn’t retire from service.

Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami on Nov. 8 honored Hertog, recognizing her outstanding dedication to Kaua‘i veterans and the entire Kaua‘i community, during a small ceremony.

Hertog has touched many lives throughout her 12 years of volunteerism on the Garden Isle.

She has given her time to and worked freely with various organizations, including the Kaua‘i Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, Hawai‘i Literacy, Kaua‘i Police Commission, Grove Farm Homestead Museum and Zonta Club of Kaua‘i.

Most notably, however, is Hertog’s involvement with many veterans organizations.

“She has worked tirelessly to keep veterans’ needs and issues at the forefront, keeping veterans aware of what they are entitled,” says Kaua‘i County in a post on its Facebook page accompanied by photos from the Nov. 8 ceremony.

Hertog is on her second 4-year term representing Kaua‘i on the Governor’s Advisory Board on Veterans Services and is commander of the Kaua‘i Veterans Council, which she has served on for 6 years.

She also has served as adjutant and commander at different times for Kaua‘i’s Disabled American Veterans Chapter 5 since 2016.

Hertog has always thought leadership is about making a positive difference in the lives of others and to give back to your community in any way you can.

“There is no question that Mary Kay shows her strong, outstanding leadership through her actions, and we are grateful for her volunteerism, wisdom, service and care that she has poured into our Kaua‘i community for many years,” the county’s post says. “Mahalo, Mary Kay Hertog, for all that you do!”

Several members of the community also offered Hertog congratulations and thanks in comments on the county’s post.

“You are so deserving of this wonderful recognition!!” exclaimed Mary Lardizabal. “Congratulations, Mary Kay Hertog!! We love you and appreciate you so very much!!”

Laurie Nakama and Kathryn Callander agreed Hertog is more than deserving of the recognition, with Nakama thanking her for all she does and Callander saying, “You’re the best!”

“She is the best!” commented Mary Jo Soccio Tydingco. “Leadership at its finest!!!”