Alaka'i consistently shows dedication to treating our Veterans with respect and compassion, ensuring they are getting the best possible care. This is one example of many where Alaka'i went above and beyond.

At 4:01 P.M. on Monday afternoon, she received a message that a Veteran only received one battery for his portable oxygen concentrator, and he was scheduled for a long flight to the mainland at 10 am the next morning. In his message, he noted he hoped there was a way to plug in the unit on the plane as his battery would only last one hour. Knowing this was not a safe plan, Alaka'i immediately called Apria. She was advised that the extra batteries were not part of the original consult. Since everyone was gone for the day, she sent out emails to prosthetics and the VA Apria support team.

When she got to work early Monday morning, she learned the batteries were available for the Veteran, but unfortunately, Apria could not reach him as he had left for the airport. Alaka'i was able to find a cell number in his chart and called the Veteran. She then made a plan with the Veteran to go to Apria herself, pick up the extra batteries, and meet the Veteran curbside at the airport. When she arrived at the airport, the Veteran excitedly thanked her, stating, "This is like being on a mission in the Marines."