Mr. Lynn B. Mariano was elected State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Department of Hawaii on June 20, 2026, during the 88th VFW Department of Hawaii Convention at the Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu.

Lynn served in the U.S. Army from 1978 until his retirement in 1995, concluding his military career with the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). He earned VFW eligibility through service in the Republic of Korea, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and multiple classified special operations missions. Following his military service, he received the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service for his work with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency from 2008 to 2015. His contributions to major security initiatives, including the Pentagon Sentry and Shield Programs, significantly enhanced the protection of the Pentagon and numerous Department of Defense facilities.

A VFW Life Member since 1990, Lynn joined VFW Post 8469 in Virginia and transferred to VFW Post 8616 (Waikiki Post) after returning to Hawaii in 2015. He has served in numerous leadership positions, including Finance Committee Chairman, Buddy Poppy Chairman, Senior Vice Commander, and Post Commander. Under his leadership, Post 8616 achieved multiple All-State and All-American honors. He also served as Department Junior Vice Commander in 2023–2024 and Senior Vice Commander in 2025–2026, helping lead the Department of Hawaii to All-American recognition.

Lynn earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Business from Chaminade University of Honolulu and an MBA from Golden Gate University. He was recognized as a Distinguished Military Graduate through the University of Hawaii ROTC program and Outstanding Student of the Year at Chaminade. His professional education includes the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Joint Special Operations Staff Officer Course, Continuity of Operations and Government training, and numerous FEMA and Department of Homeland Security certifications.

In June 2025, after more than 50 years of service in the military, private sector, civil service, and government consulting, Lynn retired from Headquarters U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) as a Subject Matter Expert in Continuity of Operations, Continuity of Government, and Command and Control. His distinguished career earned numerous awards, including two Bronze Star Medals, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, four Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, multiple Army Achievement and Commendation Medals, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, and several unit awards and commendations.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lynn remains deeply involved in community service. He volunteers with local civic organizations, serves as a regional representative for the Japanese American Veterans Association, Vice President of the Special Forces Association MSG Earl Kalani Chapter VIII, and Vice President of Hawai‘i America250. He also teaches ukulele to seniors and rehabilitation patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries. As a professional musician, he performs traditional Hawaiian music with Barry Choy as part of the duo "Hale Hou” ("Home Again”).

Lynn and his wife, Jade, reside in Honolulu, Hawaii.