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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Friday, January 28, 2005

Many feel personal anguish over loss

 •  Remembering the fallen: List of troops killed
 •  Share your condolences

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

Hawai'i Marines. Nowhere else does a state join its name with that of its men and women in uniform.

Retired Army Col. Frederick Holck and his wife, Carol, lowered the flag at their Kailua home in honor of the Marines who died Wednesday.

Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser


Kathy Hashimoto and her daughters Elizabeth, 5, and Marie, 3, fly the American and Marine Corps flags. Her husband is in the Marine Reserve.

Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

Residents are proud to call these Marines their own, and nowhere is that more evident than in the communities outside the gates of Marine Corps Base Hawai'i, where those who serve are also known as neighbors, customers and friends.

In Kailua, solidarity took the form of American flags, which appeared across town yesterday in recognition of the Marines and sailor killed in Iraq. Old Glory graced the Onioni Street home of Army Col. (Ret.) Frederick Holck and his wife, Carol.

"It is a matter of the heart," said Carol Holck, gesturing to the flag, the Marine base visible in the distance. The Marines "love our community, and we love them."

The tragedy — and sorrow — were on the lips of seemingly everyone.

"I just want to tell the families God bless them and thank you for keeping America free," said Andrew Jamila Jr., with the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board.

He said his community feels the loss, too. The Marines participated in the community's Christmas parade, beach cleanups and schools, Jamila said.

State Rep. Cynthia Thielen said the Marines are part of the Windward family. They help in the schools by tutoring, building projects and running sports activities. Thielen, R-50th (Kailua, Mokapu), said she will work with the base commander so that as a community, Kailua can say, "you are family, and we love you and are grieving with you."

Some people said it's time to bring our military men and women home.

"That is so sad and heart-breaking," said Elaine Schroeder, a volunteer at the Kailua Chamber of Commerce. "I wish we could get out of there as soon as possible. I don't think we should be there."

CHURCH SERVICE

Hope Chapel Kane'ohe Bay will devote the first 30 to 45 minutes of services today, tomorrow and Sunday to worship and prayer for the families and troops affected by the tragedy.

Services: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

The church is at 45-815 Po'okela St. in Kane'ohe; phone: 235-5814.

Kane'ohe restaurant owner Angoon Coppedge said news of the deaths kept her awake that night. While she believes the United States has an obligation to see the transition of government through in Iraq, she would like the military brought home.

"I feel really bad," said Coppedge, known by her patrons at Chao Phya Thai Restaurant as Mama Toy.

Brandon Aukai, 27, of Kane'ohe had a strong reaction when asked about the tragedy.

He wanted to know why Iraq is a "one-man show."

"If we're fighting for freedom, why isn't everyone fighting for freedom?" he said.

Leah Tschabold, 22, and an Air Force ROTC cadet, said it was clear when she signed up that she could be asked to give her life for her country, and she was willing to do that, just as she was sure the Marines who died were willing.

"Anytime you lose someone in the military, it's really sad because there are so few who are willing to serve," said Tschabold, a Hawai'i Pacific University nursing student. "It's the harsh reality you learn to accept."

With more and more Hawai'i soldiers heading for Iraq, all agreed this loss would not be the last, but Frederick Holck, 74, said that is why the election in Iraq on Sunday is crucial.

"We should encourage the Iraqis to vote and develop their own capability for their own defense so the United States can say, we don't occupy," Holck said.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.