Java Jazz Continues Support of Purple Heart Recipients

Farzad Azad (middle) poses with soldiers from previous visits. Courtesy photo.

Java Jazz owner Farzad Azad is an Iranian-born American—or as he puts it—“I’m an American with an accent.”

The proprietor of the Honokowai coffee house and diner first came to America when he was 16 and later became a citizen.

During the immigration process, Azad was required to learn about American history and social studies.

In these classes, Azad learned about America wars—from the Civil War to the latest Gulf conflicts.

As a native of war-torn Iraq, Azad is very familiar with human conflict.

What impacted him most was what our soldiers were fighting for—and he felt obligated to give back to those American soldiers who fought for our hard-earned freedoms.

Java Jazz started bringing soldiers to Maui in 2005 for all all-expenses-paid vacation, working every year with members of the 82nd All American Airborne Facebook group.

So far, Java Jazz has helped 38 service men and women come to paradise.

The service men and women usually travel by themselves or family caretaker—all of them have been awarded a Purple Heart.

Robert Peck. Courtesy photo.

This year, Java Jazz is bringing Robert Russell Peck and his wife, Allison Rebecca Peck, of North Carolina to Maui.

A money tree in Java Jazz gives customers the opportunity to contribute to the fund for travel, accommodation and activity expenses.

Azad has donated all the proceeds of his first album—Java Jazz Volume 1, What’s Your Function?—to the fund as well.

Robert and Allison will be here tomorrow, Sunday, Oct. 15, and attend nightly activities, including a lūʻau, a dinner cruise and shows.

They will be staying at Napili Kai BeachResort.

Java Jazz is located in the Honokowai Marketplace, 3350 Lower Honoapi‘ilani Road.