Mr. Benedict Lui Fuata was elected State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Hawaii on June 22, 2024. Ben was a National Honor Society graduate of Damien Memorial High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Santa Clara University, where he received a Regular Army Commission as a Distinguished Military Graduate. 

Ben served over a decade in the U.S. Army as an aviator and leader in multiple combat aviation units, including deployment as a Company Commander in Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Desert Comfort. He later transitioned to the Hawaii Army National Guard, holding dual civilian and military leadership roles for nearly two decades. Recalled to active duty in 2004–2005, he served as the Theater Aviation Sustainment Manager, overseeing aircraft readiness across Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. Following his military career, Ben worked with Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. evaluating safety measures for the Company.  Ben currently serves as the Airfield Operations Supervisor at Bradshaw Army Airfield, Pohakuloa Training Area.

As Post Commander of Post 3830, he has helped the Post achieve All-American Post for 2 years. He is also an Accredited Veteran Service Officer; he continues to dedicate countless volunteer hours assisting veterans throughout the islands. 

Ben holds a master’s degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix and numerous military decorations, including two Bronze Stars and Master Aviator Wings. He and his wife, Teresa, have been married for 37 years and reside in Mountain View, Hawaii, with their two daughters, Alaina and Alison.