Honorable Mention
Disabled man wins more than national honor

By Will Hoover
Advertiser Staff Writer

Warren Togo is a familiar face on O'ahu buses. He routinely greets the operators by their names and gives drivers goodies after their shift. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

"He isn't bashful," explained his mother, Eiko Togo, 78. "He just doesn't say very much. He's mentally retarded."

For Togo, 50, who has worked as a custodial trainee at Camp Smith since 1992, deeds speak louder than words.

"Warren's favorite extracurricular activities are acts of kindness," said Susanna Cheung, founder of Helemano Plantation, which, through its Opportunities for the Retarded, Inc., program, provides "real world" jobs for people like Togo who have developmental disabilities.

"Warren is just an all-around wonderful guy," said Tiffany Banks, program director at Helemano. "He has overcome lots of obstacles to get where he is today."

Togo, who was once so lacking in confidence that he didn't speak above a whisper, has overcome so many obstacles that on Tuesday, in Reno, he received the William Usdane Award for outstanding achievement and exceptional character — the first person from Hawai'i to be so honored.

Usdane was a leader in the movement to help disabled people find vocational opportunities. The Usdane Award is given annually to one disabled person by NISH (formerly the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped), a nonprofit agency that serves thousands of Community Rehabilitation Programs throughout America.

No longer one to shy away from a challenge, Togo accomplished something in Reno he had never done in his life: He gave an acceptance speech.

"Alooo-ha, everyone!" he began, reading from a prepared text that he had helped draft himself.

"I would like to thank my family for their support, and Mrs. Susanna Cheung and ORI for giving me the opportunity to work. Thanks to all the officers and staff at Camp Smith. And last, but not least, thanks to NISH for choosing me for this award. I would like to share this honor with everyone.

"Thank you, and mahaaa-lo!"

Togo's first public speaking engagement not only came off without a hitch, he received a standing ovation.

"We've watched Warren blossom," said Paulette Lee, project manager at Helemano. "He's dedicated, he's loyal, he's humble, and he wants everyone to be happy. The atmosphere at Camp Smith is very military. And Warren provides the aloha. He remembers everybody's name, rank and their birthdays. He has an incredible memory."

"That's Warren," agreed Sylvia Valdez, customer service representative for TheBus.

According to Valdez, Togo is a mobile encyclopedia of information about TheBus, which is not only his main means of travel, but his passion.

"Warren knows everything about TheBus. He's ridden every route we have. He knows all our schedules and all our operators' names. Warren calls us every day. He's the person who notifies us if something is happening regarding TheBus or the operators. And every day he calls in commendations for his drivers."

Togo regularly stops by TheBus headquarters and hands out goodies to drivers after they finish their shifts, Lee said.

Meanwhile, at Camp Smith, Togo's work as a janitorial trainee have received numerous commendations.

"Warren is a true professional," wrote Lt. Cmdr. P.D. Marghella. "His work in the office is beyond reproach; he is efficient, attentive to his assignments and exceptionally courteous to each of the staff."

Added Navy Cmdr. C.A. Carpenter, in a letter to Lee last July, "The officers and enlisted personnel at Camp Smith enjoy Warren's friendship and outstanding personality. You have a real good person working for you, and I just wanted you to know it."

Lee says Togo has introduced so many people from Camp Smith to Helemano's Country Inn Restaurant, he might want to consider a second career in public relations.

"We have high-ranking officers come in on weekends and say, 'Warren told us Helemano has terrific food, and to come visit.' "