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The Honolulu Advertiser

Aloha Troops
A tribute to the people in the military with Hawai'i ties
serving our country in the Persian Gulf.

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Pfc. Richard Lohiau Laureano
We, the very proud grandparents of Pfc. Richard Lohiau Laureano, along with his mother, Debra Adlawan, would like to share our story about Richard.

After basic training at Ft. Benning, Ga., he went on to training in missile repair systems in Redstone Arsenal, Ala. After completion, he was transferred to Germany in August 2002.

He went on to Kuwait on May 25, 2003, then becoming part of a convoy that would travel to Baghdad. He is now among the Army's peacekeeping mission troops.

After the 9-11 attack against the United States, Richard made up his mind that he wanted to join the Army. His determination, bravery and concern for others has placed him exactly where he wants to be, fighting for freedom and democracy.

His entire 'ohana — the Sanchezes and the Adlawans — sends their warmest aloha and prayers, and look forward to a speedy and safe return for all our troops.

Richard, keep your aloha spirit, and we'll keep the home fires burning till you return.

— Dee and Wally Alcazar



1st. Lt. Jeffrey Lum
Our son Jeffrey is serving in the U.S. Air Force as a first lieutenant flying on the AWACS. He is the weapons officer in charge. He is based at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and left for deployment in December for Operation Enduring Freedom.

Jeff grew up in Pearl City and 'Aiea and went to Pearl City High School and the University of Hawai'i-Manoa. He graduated from the Air Force ROTC program and received his commission. He is flying daily out of an air base in the Persian Gulf. He truly misses home and can hardly wait to go surfing again.

— Mr. and Mrs. Darryl Lum



Jason J. Lapot
Jason J. Lapot has been serving his country for three years. After the 9-11 tragedy, Jason was assigned to Afghanistan, and now he's in the Persian Gulf.

I would like to thank my son Jason and all the brave men and women of the Armed Forces for their hard work, dedication, loyalty and to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. Our love and aloha go out to you and your families.

Jason hurry back home. We love and miss you so much. We are so proud of you, Jason.

— Gabriel R. Lapot



Spc. Paul Blue Locquiao, second from the right in back row, was deployed to Kuwait before the war started.

Damo family photo

My son, Spc. Paul Blue Locquiao, deployed to Kuwait in November 2002. He is stationed in Germany, and his unit was one of the first to arrive in Kuwait before the war started.

I went to Germany in October 2002 to see my first grandchild and to spend some time with him before his deployment.

I am so very proud of my son. I worry every day about his safety, and at the same time I am proud of his dedication to his country.

My son was born and raised in Wai'anae and has two sisters, Jaimee and Liza.

His wife and son are in Germany waiting for his safe return, and he misses them terribly.

We miss you, son. Please come back home soon and safe.

Love,

Mom, Uncle, Lindo, Liza, Jaimee and the girls

— Ofelia B. Damo


One of my best friends, Spc. Alan Luppy, is serving his country in Qatar. “Loops” is stationed at Schofield Barracks and is part of the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment. He was deployed to Florida in October, knowing that by willingly taking this assignment he had a great chance of being sent to the Middle East to help with the liberation of the Iraqi people. While in Florida, he was reunited with an old friend, Jackie, whom he plans to marry as soon as he returns to the U.S.A. Loops was supposed to return home between April 9 and 11 but his duty has been extended. Originally from Texas, with a heart bigger than the state, Loops’ charms can make anyone smile. I can’t wait until he returns home so that we can together sing, “The stars at night are big and bright … deep in the heart of Texas.”

Amie LaMarr


If you know someone in the military from or based in Hawai'i serving our country in the Persian Gulf, please send us a photo and a few words about him or her to: alohatroops@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Submissions may be published or distributed in print, electronic and other forms.