Soldiers saluted at Wheeler
By Will Hoover
Advertiser Staff Writer
Yesterday morning, in a first-of-its-kind occasion in Hawai'i, the state and the military recognized the role Army National Guard soldiers, their families and their employers have played in
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Operation Enduring Freedom and the war on terrorism.
Staff Sgt. Willie Ray holds his son, Masaki, 3 months, at the Freedom Salute Ceremony for 60 soldiers of the Hawai'i Army National Guard's Company B, 193rd Aviation. After 10 months in Afghanistan, the soldiers were relieved in May by a second rotation of Company B troops.
The welcome-back Freedom Salute Ceremony for 60 soldiers from Company B, 193rd Aviation took place inside the unit's hangar at Wheeler Army Airfield.
After 10 months as part of the U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan, the unit was relieved by a second rotation of Company B troops in May. While there, the company specialized in helicopter service and maintenance for the Army. Yesterday marked the official salute of thanks.
"This is the first unit from the Hawai'i National Guard that deployed to the war on terrorism when it left for Afghanistan last summer," said state Department of Defense public affairs officer Maj. Charles Anthony, as the 111th Army National Guard Band played in the background.
"This is just a way to give them a nice thank you now that they've had a chance to settle in and relax with their families."
Anthony, who's with the Hawai'i Air National Guard, completed his own tour of duty in Iraq two weeks ago. He and Air National Guard Maj. Pat Fierro were also honored yesterday.
The salute was one of numerous National Guard recognition ceremonies around the country yesterday. The Wheeler celebration, attended by about 350 people, may have established a new standard in military memorabilia disbursed as a way of showing appreciation.
Each soldier received an American flag encased in a glass-and-wood frame, a limited edition commemorative coin, a certificate of appreciation, and a lapel insignia. Spouses of soldiers got their own special lapel insignia and a round of well-deserved applause. Employers and organizations were singled out for awards and Defender of Freedom certificates for their support of the troops.
But the show-stealing focus of fascination turned out to be the Future Soldier footlocker kits that were given to soldiers' kids. The footlockers, which looked like wood but were actually cardboard, contained games, trading cards, a comic book and a file full of "Top Secret" information.
"The awards were really something," said Staff Sgt. Mark Rivera of Waipahu, who like most of the 60 soldiers dressed in desert-camouflage uniforms, wrestled with an armload of thank you remembrances. "This has really been an honor for the soldiers, the families and the employers."
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As guest speaker, Gov. Linda Lingle thanked the unit members for their dedication and sacrifice in helping to liberate the people of Afghanistan and fighting for the ideals of this country.
Gov. Linda Lingle welcomes home Spc. Sean Kaupu at the Wheeler ceremony. Before leaving, Lingle walked up and down the aisles, shaking hands and thanking every soldier for their service.
"You were representing our country and protecting our freedom, and that's what your families will remember you for in the years ahead," she said.
But there was more. Lingle had her own surprise — in the form of House Bill 1904, which she signed into law right at the podium and presented to the state adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Robert Lee.
The bill will increase a National Guard soldier's annual allowable income tax deduction from $1,750 to $2,500 beginning in 2005, and incrementally raise the amount to a total of $4,725 a year over the following five years.
There are issues that Republicans, Democrats, senators and representatives disagree about, Lingle said. That's part of the political process, she said.
"But there is a subject that we have complete nonpartisan agreement on, and that's our desire to do something more for our troops." she said.
"We wanted to do something that was a significant and concrete expression of our appreciation."
Before leaving Wheeler for another scheduled engagement, Lingle slowly walked up and down the aisles, shaking the hands and thanking each soldier and members of his or her family.
"I'm so happy you came home," Lingle said to Sgt. Gilbert Pascua.
There was little doubt his wife, Kellie, and daughters Kilinahe, 2, and Anuhea, 6, agreed with the sentiment.
Reach Will Hoover at 525-8038 or at whoover@honoluluadvertiser.com.
