Picnic set for relatives of deployed

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i is throwing a picnic to show appreciation for the families of soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

The "Operation 'Ohana" picnic is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 29 at Schofield Barracks.

The guest list includes 5,000 family members, 1,500 of them children.

"These family members make tremendous and sometimes overlooked sacrifices on behalf of our state and country," Gov. Linda Lingle said. "Operation 'Ohana is our way to demonstrate how much all of the people of Hawai'i care for our military families."

Lingle and the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i are co-sponsors of the event, part of the 19th annual Military Appreciation Month activities.

Other supporting organizations include the state Department of Defense, the Hawai'i Army National Guard, the U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division (Light) and Hawai'i Pacific University.

Sony Hawai'i will provide video screens and equipment to allow troops in the Middle East and their loved ones in Hawai'i to communicate.

The 25th Infantry Division Band and the Hawai'i Pacific University International Voice Ensemble will perform, as will magicians and clowns. There will also be a "Hawaiian 'Ohana Idol" karaoke contest.

Community organizations will host food and game booths.

Maj. Gen. Robert Lee, the state adjutant general, said Operation 'Ohana is slated to be an event that will continue and evolve until all troops return from the battle fields.

"Support Operation 'Ohana" bumper stickers and lapel buttons are available from the Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i.

Call the chamber's Linda Wheeler or Charlie Ota at 545-4300 for more information or to volunteer to help at the picnic.

Reach Karen Blakeman at 535-2430 or kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.