Briefs
By William Cole
Advertiser Military Writer
ARMY
Top soldier to retire June 11
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric K. Shinseki recently made what will likely be his last trip to Hawai'i as the Army's top soldier.
A retirement ceremony for Shinseki, 60, who grew up on Kaua'i, is scheduled June 11 at Fort Myer, about three miles from the Pentagon.
Gen. Eric K. Shinseki
Shinseki visited Fort Shafter and Schofield Barracks as part of a farewell to Army commands.
In recent weeks, Shinseki has visited Poland, Italy, Bosnia, Kuwait, Iraq and South Korea, and talked with soldiers from six of 10 Army divisions.
NAVY
Pearl Harbor marks tragedy
Sailors from Naval Magazine Pearl Harbor recently gathered to commemorate the 59th anniversary of the May 21, 1944, West Loch explosion and fire that killed 163 and wounded 396.
Twenty-nine tank-landing ships, or LSTs, were preparing for a massive U.S. attack on the Japanese in Saipan. For reasons still not clear, one of the LSTs exploded, creating a chain reaction of fire and destruction.
Navy Region Hawai'i spokeswoman Lt. Cmdr. Jane Campbell said six LSTs were sunk, and several were severely damaged.
"Most people are completely unaware of the event that we are remembering today. But we remember," said Capt. John McLawhorn, commanding officer of Naval Magazine Pearl Harbor.
Just across from the naval magazine is the rusted bow of LST 480, the only remaining visible evidence of the loss of life in Pearl Harbor's second disaster.
ARMED FORCES
Opinions on schools sought
U.S. Pacific Command has begun its second survey seeking military families' feedback on Hawai'i public schools.
"Customer satisfaction" surveys have been mailed to parents of approximately 15,000 military children enrolled in Hawai'i public schools.
Parents and students who receive the poll are asked to complete and return the questionnaire.
The results will be compared with last year's survey to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of public schools as perceived by military families.
Money available for those in need
In an effort to provide relief to families of military personnel affected by the war in Iraq, the Salvation Army in Hawai'i has received $50,000 through the Lilly Foundation to provide financial assistance to those facing economic hardship.
Financial assistance of up to $1,000 per military family is available to help meet expenses including rent and mortgage payments, food vouchers, utilities, transportation and childcare.
To qualify for assistance, applicants must have a referral from a military service agency and proof of military deployment of a family member to the Middle East, including those recently returned. For more information, call 845-2544.
