By Jacqueline Cash

Aloha! I am a former Makaha resident serving as an Army signal officer with the 67th Signal Battalion in Baghdad. Our unit, out of Fort Gordon, Ga., deployed to Iraq in October 2006, and we hope to be home soon from our 15-month deployment.

I am a 2001 graduate of Wai'anae High School and attended Hawai'i Pacific University. I also served with Detachment 2, 1984th U.S. Army Hospital at Tripler Army Medical Center.

By Laura Nomura

This is a photo of my husband, Senior Airman Garrett Nomura, and his unit, the 886th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. They deployed in April to Camp Bucca, Iraq.

Garrett is from Hawai'i Kai and is a graduate of Kaiser High School. We have a son, Shaun.

By Lysa Jump

This is a photo of my husband, Timothy Jump, the day he left for Iraq. He is with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines H&S Company at Kane'ohe Bay. He joined the service in 2000.

Timothy is from Naperville, Ill. We have two children, Breanna, 10, and Cullan, 8.

His unit deployed on March 19 to Haditha Dam, Iraq. They are due home in late October or early November.

We love and miss him very much. We wish all our military the best and a quick and safe return home!

By Rosa C. Taepan

This is a snapshot of my grandson, Sgt. Michael Alcosiba, who is stationed in Kuwait.

He is with Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 121st Artillery as a tank sergeant.

Michael grew up in Honouliuli and is a graduate of Campbell High School. He was with the Hawai'i Army National Guard but moved to Las Vegas and is now with the Nevada National Guard.

After training in Mississippi he was deployed to the Middle East on July 6, 2006. He hopes to be home in July.

Submitted by a very proud grandmother.

By Merla Marsh

Born and raised in Hawai'i, Air Force Lt. Col. Brenda Owen is a certified nurse midwife stationed at Landstuhl Medical Facility in Germany.

The former Brenda Marsh is a 1981 graduate of Mililani High School, where she was on the gymnastic and swim teams.

She and her husband, Kenneth, and their teenage children, Caleb and Sara, live in a small German village near the hospital.

To better care for the expectant women, whose husbands are often deployed, Brenda and a colleague will be leading a new approach to prenatal care called "Centering Pregnancy."

In this program, the 70 or more newly pregnant women every month will be encouraged to participate in group sessions instead of going to individual prenatal appointments throughout the pregnancy.

By Elizabeth Ondayog

Here is a picture of my son Glen with his buddies. They are all Hawai'i natives who now live in Las Vegas and are in the Army National Guard. They deployed to Kuwait in late July 2006 and expect to be there one year.

They enjoy being stationed together and share all the local food, especially rice and Coral tuna with shoyu. The Hawaiian flag in the background was given to my son by my classmate (Farrington ’57), former Capt. Alfredo Torco. He flew that flag while stationed in Vietnam.

From left, Tommy Luciano, 1st Lt. Matthew Otto, McGrath and Engel enjoy a Christmas meal with turkey and trimmings.

By Vanessa Engel

Here are a couple of interesting photos of my brother's Christmas in Iraq. Sean is in the Army and in Iraq for his second tour. He is based at Schofield Barracks and stationed with the 25th Infantry Division, 2nd BN, 3rd Brigade Combat Team Delta Co. 2-27 (Tropic Lightning Brigade) at McHenry Forward Operating Base in Hawija, Iraq.

We were very happy to see the spirit that our guys had, despite the nasty conditions that they are enduring over there. A few days before Christmas, the guys cut down a tree and decorated it. They used Gatorade and water bottles covered with red and white tape, along with ornaments from loved ones at home, to decorate their tree. Many soldiers also put their unopened packages that they were saving for Christmas morning under the tree as well, giving them something to look forward to.

By Denise Pierson

Army Sgt. Michael Rosas served with the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team in Iraq. He was born in Lake Tahoe and lived in Hawai'i since he was 2 years old. He graduated in 1998 from Roosevelt High School, where he was involved in Junior ROTC.

He is married and has one child. His father lives in California, and his mother lives in Honolulu and works at University of Hawai'i.

By Fred Barbosa

I'd like to share a photo of my son Sheldon, posing with some fellow Air Force troops from Hawai'i serving in the United Arab Emirates.

Sheldon, 19, grew up in Waikele and is a graduate of the Hawai'i Air National Guard Youth Challenge Academy.

He is an Air Force firefighter stationed at Cannon Air Force Base in eastern New Mexico, near the Texas panhandle.

He joined the Air Force in August 2005 and is following in the footsteps of myself and three uncles who served in the Air Force.

His unit is deployed to Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE.

By Jennifer Stogner

My husband, Pat Stogner, does humanitarian work for the U.S. Army. This photo was taken in Vietnam at the dedication for a school and clinic built by the 412th Engineer Command.

By Sgt. Maj. Keith "Kaimana" Castaneda Forward Operating Base Warrior, Iraq

Aloha a me ka Mele Kalikimaka a me ka Hau oli Makahiki Hou! Howsit, Hawaiians! Mahalo plenty for the support and prayers from everyone back home. It gives us the strength and renewed resolve to do what needs to be done here. I personally thank those of you who support us even though you may disagree with our government’s decision. I pray for those that don’t understand or refuse to accept the reality of the world we live in. We all accept the kuleana of this mission so our family and friends don’t have to shoulder its burden and can enjoy the freedom to live and speak freely without fear. My personal prayers go out to everyone for a safe and fruitful holiday this year. Iesu pu a hui hou kakou,

By Susan MacKenzie

Capt. Bruce MacKenzie of the Navy Judge Advocate General Corps is deployed to Iraq. He is the legal adviser for Task Force 134-Detainee Operations.

When he returns to Hawai'i, he will resume his duties as the Navy/Marine Corps judge for the Western Pacific Judicial Circuit — and will get to meet his two new grandbabies, who will be born while he is deployed!

Capt. MacKenzie officiated at the recent five-year re-enlistment ceremony for Air Force Staff Sgt. Moses M. Palaruan at Camp Victory, Iraq. It was a very moving ceremony, especially when Staff Sgt. Palaruan recited from memory the Sergeant's Creed.

Staff Sgt. Palaruan is en route to South Korea. His mother is Prudence Ahulani Kong-Rosaldo of Kapolei; his father is Moses Manzano Palaruan of Pearl City.

Navy Chief H. Lyn Pirtle assisted with the ceremony. Her mother is Lotolelei Pirtle of 'Ewa Beach, and her father is Rosendo T. Pirtle of Ma'ili. Chief Pirtle is also part of Task Force 134.

By Charmaine Depaynos

This is a picture of my brother, Senior Airman Lorenzo Depaynos Jr., at right, taken at Balad Air Base in Iraq.

He was deployed with the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron for six months.

He is back at Yokota Air Base in Japan after a short visit home with his family in Royal Kunia.

He wishes to express his thanks and gratitude to everybody for their support and prayers.

The person on the left is Senior Airman Houser.

By Nalani Misawa

Elias Teriitahi Espiritu is in the Army's 130th Engineer Brigade. He was stationed in Germany with his wife, Romalyn, before being deployed to Iraq in October 2005.

He is from Kamalo, Moloka'i, and is a 2003 graduate of Moloka'i High & Intermediate School.

Elias was adopted by his great-grandparents, Edward and Catherine "Nani" Espiritu, who are both deceased. Edward was a World War II veteran.

Steve Traynor | Killeen (Texas) Daily Herald via AP

By James & Lorrie Roller

Our son, Sgt. Pomaikai Garza, is stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, with the 15th Sustainment Brigade, First Cavalry Division.

He deployed to Iraq with his unit for the second time on Aug. 3.

He is originally from Honolulu, a 1992 graduate of Moanalua High School. He enlisted in the Army in May 1999.

His maternal grandfather, Robert Aubuchon, 77, is a retired Army master sergeant and served for 20 years. His paternal grandfather, the late Senior Chief Storekeeper Raymond T. Garza, served in the Navy for 24 years.

This picture was taken as Pomaikai's bus was pulling away, and he "captured" one more kiss from his beloved wife, Tanya.

By Destenee Taube

So often we hear, "Pray for our soldiers overseas." The word "soldier" is so generic. It does not begin to make known the person behind the title. As my son, Zach, a private at Schofield Barracks, prepares to go to Iraq this month, my mission as a mom is to raise awareness of each American — to make it known that these are soldiers, yes, but more importantly, someone's son or daughter.

Twenty-one years ago, when Zach was born, the beautiful eyes of a precious soul looked into mine. The instant love I felt was the most powerful feeling I could have ever imagined. Would I be a good mom? Will I always be able to keep him safe? I wanted to hold him close forever. I still do.

As he grew, I watched the first tentative steps on pudgy little feet. An unsteady gait, taking him precariously close to the danger of another bump or bruise. I would rush to catch him.

Now, those feet march in military confidence — again, marching precariously close to danger. I cannot catch him if he falls this time. ...

He has grown into a fine man, and has trusted God to lead the way, and is now an American infantry soldier.

He doesn't want to go, but now it is his duty. He has tears in his eyes: "I'll miss you, Momma," he whispers. I'll miss you, too, baby boy, I'll miss you too. Be safe, stay strong and know that you are in the hands of God.

So please, when you say your prayers for the soldiers overseas, see my son. Really see who he is: a soldier, a hero, my son. He's not just a uniformed infantryman that is in another country, fighting a war. He's an extension of my soul.

HOOAH! Destenee Taube, proud mom of Zach Taube, 25th Infantry Division.

By John Kim

My name is Tech. Sgt. John Kim and I am assigned to Hickam Air Force Base. I recently had an opportunity to take a photo with Sen. Daniel Akaka at the recent C-17 dedication ceremony.

By Capt. Donald Kyle

First Lt. Caroline Hamilton is a member of the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade out of Fort Shafter Flats in Honolulu, and has been deployed to Iraq since last June.
She is expected to return to her family in Mililani this month, along with the rest of her unit.

Hamilton works as the head nurse at the Family Practice Clinic at Schofield Barracks and has been a nurse for more than 21 years. The experience of every one of those years was called into play the afternoon of March 30.

Hamilton had been assisting the staff at a U.S. clinic that serves local Iraqis on the grounds of the former Radwaniyah Palace Complex, next to Baghdad International Airport.

Two-year-old "Ali" was brought in to the clinic by his mother, and Hamilton was the only U.S. medical staff person available at the time. Ali had been ill for several days, he was jaundiced, had a very rapid heart rate and was nearly comatose. Ali was experiencing acute liver failure and was near death.

Hamilton quickly assessed the situation as critical, got an intravenous line in the only place available to her, in Ali's neck, and began IV fluids to treat his extreme dehydration. Ali also had a very high fever — 104 degrees — and Hamilton was able to administer medications to bring the fever down.

She worked with a translator and the nonmedical Iraqi staff to arrange for transportation to a nearby Iraqi hospital, and as can be seen in the photo, accompanied Ali and his mother to the gate where they could continue their journey to the Iraqi hospital.

Without the skills and dedication of Hamilton, Ali would have probably died. She is the finest example of the high standards of the Army Nurse Corps and the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade and all of the brigade's soldiers are very proud of her.

The people of Hawai'i and Caroline's family should be proud of her as well.

By Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Lum

Spc. David S. Ige, a heavy-equipment operator for the 298th Engineer Detachment, loves hard work.

By Jane Kanekoa

Our son, Air Force Senior Airman Garrett A. Nomura, is stationed with 36th Security Forces out of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

He is currently deployed with the 376th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron in Kyrgyzstan. Homegrown from Hawai'i Kai, we know how much he misses family, friends, the beach and, of course, plate lunches. He is recently married and we know how difficult it must be for him.

We pray each day for his safe return. We miss him very much and he will always be in our prayers.

Love and aloha,
Mom, Dad, Laura Ann, Shaun and Grandma

By Raina Pasatiempo

I would like share with you all a very special person to me, Sgt. Allen D. Roach, of West Virginia. Allen was recently promoted to sergeant after four years in the U.S. Army.

He is serving in Balad, Iraq, with the 84th Engineer Battalion out of Schofield Barracks. As a specialist for most of his years with the 65th and 66th Combat Engineers, he had encountered so many challenges but always conquered them in the end.

I couldn't be more proud of him today and every day. He is a good man with passion for his country and the men and women who fight beside him, and what better word to define a man like him than "hero." I couldn't be more proud to be so in love with this man. 

He is always in my thoughts, my heart and my prayers. I love him so very much. I was there for him as he departed and I will be here for him when he arrives. Once again, congratulations, Allen, on your promotion.

By Urla Avelino

This is a picture of our son, Army Pfc. Paul Desco Avelino, better known as Desco Avelino.

He is a 1988 graduate of Kalaheo High School and is with the 62nd Engineering Company from Fort Hood, Texas, and now deployed to Iraq.

He is originally from Kailua and lived with his parents, Paul and Urla, and brother Pat.

But he moved to Kona to live with his sister, Paula Leong, and from there joined the Army in 2005.

He's really homesick for Hawai'i and can't wait to come home and eat all the local foods.

Photo by William Melemai

By Michael Omatsu

This photo of the Omatsu brothers, taken April 2, 2005, was the first occasion for all four of us to be in Hawai'i since 1987. This photo was taken at a farewell ceremony for the Hawai'i National Guard's 298th Engineering Detachment, which was being deployed to Afghanistan.

Pictured left to right are:

• Staff Sgt. Stephen Omatsu, 46, Hawai'i National Guard Band.
• Capt. Sean K.N. Omatsu, 40, commanding officer, 298th Engineering Detachment.
• Patrick J. Omatsu, 51, retired Coast Guard chief warrant officer.
• Michael Omatsu, 54, retired Coast Guard commander.

We grew up in Maunalani Heights. Michael and Patrick attended Kalani High School, Stephen attended University Lab School and Sean attended Saint Louis School. Our father, Yasumi "Jimmy" Omatsu, is a World War II veteran with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.

The 298th deployed to Afghanistan a few days after the photo was taken. Happily, the detachment, led by our brother Sean, is scheduled to return to Hawai'i in early April.

By Capt. Donald M. Kyle

Sgt. Amber Aki is a member of the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade out of Fort Shafter. Aki deployed with the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade in June 2005, but was moved to Company B, 490th Civil Affairs Battalion to make up for personnel shortages, and has been assigned to an area south of Baghdad, Al Hillah province, in Iraq.

Aki and her fellow soldiers of Company B have worked very hard helping the Iraqi people. Her efforts and caring spirit are in keeping with traditions of the aloha spirit and the motto of the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade: "For the Benefit of Mankind."

Aki's family, friends and the people of Hawai'i should be very proud of Amber, and welcome her home in early summer 2006.

Thanks, Amber!

By Capt. Donald Kyle

First Lt. Caroline Hamilton, of the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade Functions Team out of Fort Shafter Flats, is a member of the Public Health Team serving in the Baghdad area.

Hamilton has performed in an outstanding manner, and her efforts have proved essential in the success of clinic operations at the Radwaniyah Civil Military Operations Center Clinic.

She has assisted in the care of Iraqi women and children and is instrumental in the distribution of humanitarian aid such as clothing, toys, and school supplies to an underserved area in eastern Baghdad, within the shadow of Uday Hussein's palace.

The soldiers and officers of the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade Functions Team would like Hamilton's family and friends to know that Caroline is an outstanding officer and that they should be very proud of her.

By Spc. Justin Ka‘ahanui

Aloha! My name is Spc. Justin Ka'ahanui, stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C. I am now deployed for the third time, and for my second tour in Afghanistan.

I have two boys, Kolomona and Ku'ikaika, residing in Hawai'i. I just wanted to take time to send my aloha to them and all my bruddahs and sistahs at home. A special aloha to my home of Papakolea!

This picture is of me in Iraq last year. I'm a combat medic with the 27th Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Airborne). I'll be home for good when this tour is over.

People of Hawai'i, I love you all!

Me ke aloha pumehana!

By Lt. Col. Harold Kwon

Far from home and familiar faces, two soldiers from the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade out of Fort Shafter are currently deployed to Iraq and assigned to Multi-National Corps Iraq.

Sgt. Brian Beaty and I have been assigned to a mission that separated us from the rest of our unit.

We are stationed with the Republic of Korea Division, northern Iraq. We are stationed here with a few U.S. soldiers and a few civilian contractors. So it's like being with two different countries at the same time.

We are the only soldiers from Hawai'i in northern Iraq, known as the Kurdish region. Looking for ways to make things feel a little more like home, we have surfing posters hanging on walls in the office and rooms.

To bring the "aloha spirit" and pride to the area, during our free time we decided to paint a Hawaiian flag on the wall that protects us from mortar explosions and rocket attacks. Seeing the flag reminds us of the beautiful paradise we have that awaits us when we return home safely.

By Darryl Kaneta

This is a picture of our son, Sgt. Tatum Kaneta, United States Marine Corps, taken in Iraq 2004. This was his second tour in Iraq with the 1/11 Artillery Battery out of Camp Pendleton, Calif.

He served both tours as a squad leader for their forward observer unit. During his first tour he received a Meritorious Award when their unit came under ambush. He kept his fellow Marines calm and encouraged them to fight in the face of the enemy until backup support arrived.

What he really misses about Hawai'i is the laid-back lifestyle, the food andÊsurfing out at Lefts. He is happily married and stationed at Camp Pendleton for another four years.

Sgt. Kaneta wishes to send his aloha and mahalo to all the people in Hawai'i for their tremendous support of our men and women serving in our military.

By Maj. Jay Trinidad

Greetings from Iraq! I’m Maj. Jay Trinidad from Mililani, and I’m with the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade out of Fort Shafter Flats. First, I want to tell my wife, "Jen, I love and miss you lots!"

In this photo I am at a meeting with one of the local sheiks and his staff on a problem in his nahia (neighborhood).

Mahalos and maraming maraming Salamat!

By Sgt. Maj. Randy Harr

This picture is of the NCOs in my unit after a 10-kilometer run on Christmas morning in Baghdad. That is not what I am accustomed to doing on Christmas morning.

We are members of the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade stationed at Fort Shafter Flats. We are a strong team that helps each other out in accomplishing our mission.

At left is Master Sgt. Terry Shigemoto, who in civilian life is a store manager for NAPA auto parts. In the center is Staff Sgt. Melanie Carlos, a teacher at Kamaile Elementary School. I am the haole guy with the bandana.

We miss our families and friends in Hawai'i, and the beautiful 'aina. We recently said aloha to our brothers and sisters in the 299th Infantry (Hawai'i National Guard) and the 100th Battalion, 442d Infantry (Army Reserve) “Go For Broke!” We miss them, but are happy they are home after a job well done!

Thank you, to all of Hawai'i, for the tremendous support you all have given to the troops over here. We know your hearts are with us.

By 2nd Lt. Anthony D. Buchanan

After high school, many seniors struggle with the question, “What do I do now?” Staff Sgt. Jon Garrick, a member of the 205th Military Intelligence Battalion from Fort Shafter, decided to join the U.S. Army.

Garrick is currently deployed to Iraq. He has been working in the military intelligence field for almost nine years and said he is very proud of his achievements and accomplishments. He is a graduate of Newark Academy in Livingston, N.J.

When asked what he missed most about home, Garrick said, “It’s more like what don’t I miss.” He said he misses his wife and his cats, Betsey and Cobber, the most.

Garrick said he enjoys being part of the Army team in Iraq. It’s been the most rewarding part of the deployment for him.

“The best thing about being deployed is the camaraderie among fellow soldiers,” he said.

When he returns home, he plans to further his Army career and spend a little more time at home.

By Lincoln and Linda Victor

We wish to thank our 'ohana, friends and all those who prayed and wished our son, 1st Sgt. Mark Victor, a safe return home. We give thanks and praise to Ke Akua for watching over him while he was in harm’s way, serving in Iraq.

Ke Koa O Hawai'i Nei … is now safely HOME.

Aloha no,

Lincoln and Linda Victor

By Roscoe Sakamoto

Aloha. Here is a photo of my auntie, Staff Sgt. Claire Lum Lee, currently deployed to Tal Afar in northern Iraq. She is assigned to the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade out of Fort Shafter, and is scheduled to return home this summer.

Auntie Claire has such a big heart, especially for the keiki in Iraq, who she says are beautiful children with big, expressive eyes. My parents and I always keep Auntie Claire and Uncle Gary in our thoughts and prayers. We pray that time flies quickly and she returns home safe and sound.

My mom made a promise to Auntie Claire that she wouldn’t golf until Auntie returned. Mom says that when Auntie returns they’ll pick up right where they left off — hacking away. Auntie Claire, we’re all so proud of you. I especially miss your hugs and laughter. Take care and God Bless!

Stay safe,
Roscoe

By Maj. Heide Bronke

I’m seen here in front of several Saddam heads that were removed from the Republican Palace in Baghdad.

I am a civil affairs officer assigned to Multi-National Force-Iraq as the senior liaison officer to the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and liaison to the Ministry of Displacement and Migration. I deployed to Iraq in June 2005 with the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade out of Fort Shafter Flats, and have been assigned to the 322nd for the past three years. 

As the liaison officer to UNAMI, I help ensure the U.N. receives security and logistical support from MNF-I, with the goal of expanding UNAM’s presence in Iraq.

The U.N. has plans to open satellite offices soon in Erbil and Basra. The U.N.’s mission in Iraq is primarily political, focused on facilitating the constitution and election processes, and humanitarian, providing relief and reconstruction assistance to populations in need.

By Larry Franquez

Wanted to send a photo of my son and two of his friends, who arrived homeJan. 10 after completing a tour of duty in Kuwait.

They flew on military transport from Kuwait to Spain and then on to San Diego and Los Angeles before arriving in Hawai'i via Hawaiian Airlines, after 40 hours of nonstop traveling.

They are the only Hawai'i Coast Guard members who left last February for Kuwait.

By Lynette Yee and Raylyn Duenas

Pictured here are, from left, Staff Sgt. Malcolm Yee, Sgt. Christopher Duenas and Sgt. Maj. Milton Yee, our heroes! They are with the Hawai'i Army National Guard’s 29th Brigade Combat Team in Iraq.

Malcolm, Chris and Milton: 503 days ago, our country called you to service to help secure and defend the freedoms and liberties for strangers in a distant land. Without hesitation, you courageously and honorably answered the call. It has been a long and oftentimes hard journey for you all, but the journey is almost pau! Soon we will welcome you home to our beautiful island.

Duty, honor, country … you have upheld them all and we are very proud of you. May the Lord continue to watch over you, keep you safe and bring you home to us.

With love,
The Yee and Duenas families

By Wendy Castillo

Staff Sgt. William Castillo is serving in Baghdad with the 299th Infantry, 29th Brigade Combat Team.

William is from Kaläheo, Kaua'i, and is a member of the Hawai'i National Guard based in Hanapepe.

Our two sons, Joshua, 9, and Aaron, 7, and I are counting the days until his return from duty.

By Kaui Kaikala

This is a picture of my husband and the great guys of the 154th Security Forces Squadron, Hawai'i Air National Guard, serving in Afghanistan. I just wanted my husband and the rest of the guys to know how much I appreciate them and all they do for our country. You guys are always in my thoughts and prayers. Be safe, take care, keep warm, and see you guys soon!

I love you, Kalani! Aloha, Kaui

By Honolulu Fire Chief
Attilio K. Leonardi

The Honolulu Fire Department is proud of our firefighters who are serving or have served our country so far away from home. Maj. David Kahanu Jr., a fire captain at the Mililani Fire Station, is serving in Iraq along with Sgt. Alika Naluai, a firefighter at the Kahuku Fire Station.
Their dedication and commitment exemplifies the HFD motto of Pride, Service, Dedication. We wish them and their families happy holidays as we await their safe return home.

By Sgt. Gilbert Pascua

This is a photo of the Earth Moving Section, 4th Platoon, 298th Engineers Detachment, Hawai'i Army National Guard at Kandahar, Afghanistan. This was taken at Forward Operating Base Kodiak on a road project for the Afghan elections.
I just want to recognize these guys for a job well done. To their families back home, you can be proud of them.
Seated on the Humvee are Spc. Patrick Tinay of Kalihi, left, and Spc. David Ige of the Big Island. Standing, from left, are Staff Sgt. Leif Andersen of Hale'iwa, Sgt. Jason Ramirez of Käne'ohe, Sgt. Joshua Wade of Mäkaha and Spc. Mario Baradi of 'Ewa Beach.

By Rolland Tang

They are serving our country in the Persian Gulf, along with other members of the Hawai'i Air National Guard's 154th Security Forces Squadron.

We are very proud of their commitment, dedication, and especially their sacrifice to be away from family during this holiday season.

By Delsa Utu

We are so proud of you and all that you do. We would not be the girls we are today had it not been for you and Mom. We love and miss you and continue to await your safe return. We also want to thank you for being our friend, counselor, referee and, most of all, our dad.

You always had the right thing to say regardless the situation, and always had us looking at each situation differently. You never doubted us and you always made sure we reached more than our maximum potential. You provided, nurtured and gave all you can. We will forever be grateful and in debt to both you and Mom. We love you always not ’cause you’re our dad but because you are our hero!

We love you always and can’t wait till you come home!

With love on your birthday,

The Utu Girls
Fehoko, Delsa, Charlene, Danna and Diana
P.S., Don’t worry, we will have all the oka and kalo and palusami when you come home! 

By Renise Reyes

From left, they are Staff Sgt. Ryan Ramoran-Schreiner, Senior Airman Brandon Popa, Senior Airman Nickolas Lovan, Senior Airman Salofi Leasiolagi and Senior Airman Shon Kele.

By Erna Faber

He is the proud parent of our two little boys, Tyler (2 years old) and Brayden (8 months). He is the son of Gary and Vicki Faber and brother of Jake Faber.

He was born and raised in Kailua and is a 1994 graduate of Kaläheo High School. He’s with the 608th Ordnance Company out of Fort Benning, Ga.

He joined the Army to serve our country and to pursue a career in firefighting. He is strong-willed and a very dedicated soldier. He truly misses the local foods, surfing and everything about Hawai'i. He’s our hero to our country and most of all, to us, his family.

A short note to him: Know that we love you and miss you very much. This is the first time you’re away from our family, especially during this holiday season. We hope that time will go by quickly. Know that you’re always in our thoughts and prayers, and that we look forward to your return home.

Love you always,
Erna, Tyler and Brayden

By Thomas J. Grant

I had the honor to serve with Sgt. Kela for a number of years, and he is truly the best of the best!

He is a man who can always be counted on to get the job done and complete any mission. A true Òcan doÓ attitude.

I have recently retired, but IÕm proud that soldiers like Sgt. Kela continue to keep us safe. This is a photo you donÕt see too often in the papers.

By Harry C. Miller Jr.

The battalion is doing well in Kuwait with also a few soldiers on duty in Iraq. The battalion is due to return home to the Islands this year.

Mahalo, Hawai'i, for all your love, aloha and support of the 1-487th Field Artillery Battalion, 29th Brigade Combat Team.

By Anthony Bolante

I participated in rescue, recovery and relief operations in and around New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. I was in New Orleans as an operations officer of the Army National Guard aviation task force working the multitude of air missions out of Naval Air Station Belle Chasse.

The photo is of me (on the right) and a Navy refueler aboard the USS Shreveport, which was docked along the Mississippi River in New Orleans.

The ship was one of the few safe places to land our aircraft for fuel around New Orleans. It also was my first experience landing aboard a Navy ship to refuel. The whole New Orleans Hurricane Katrina story was a first for me in so many respects.

By Tim Burton

By Tiffany Lei Parel

Thomas is with the Army National Guard’s 227th Engineers from the Big Island and is stationed in Kuwait.

Thomas and I were married on April 28, 2004, in Las Vegas. Four months later we found out he was getting deployed. Thomas was so excited. I remember him saying: “The day has come, babe. Everything I trained for since 1997.” He made it seem like he was going on a vacation. But deep inside I knew he was scared, but like he said, he knew that one day he was going to help fight for someone’s freedom — and he was right.

Thomas was born at Hilo Medical Center and raised in Honoka'a. He graduated from Honoka'a High School in 1996.

We miss and love you a lot, Big Daddy T. Every day when I get up and before I go to sleep, I pray to the Lord above to bless all the soldiers at war and to bring them home safely.

By Aveegail Tabula

He’s with the 428th Quartermaster Company, stationed in St. Paul, Minn. My husband grew up in Honolulu and is a 1992 graduate of Farrington High School, of which he is very proud, and the University of Phoenix in Honolulu. He has been in the Army for 13 years now and will continue to serve in the military. Ever since he was little he always wanted to be a soldier to serve our country and we’re so proud of him.

I pray to God every single day and every minute that he will watch over my husband and every other soldier there with him. Our daughter and I miss him a lot and so do our families.

He is a wonderful, kind, funny and loving husband and father; he’s just one of a kind. We’ve known each other for six years, been married for four years and I just can’t wait for the day he comes back home to us.
He’s my best friend and my soulmate, and I love him with all my heart.

I love you, my honey, and we’ll see you soon! Take care always and be safe.

By John Chavez

Ben was born at Tripler and raised in Honolulu, mostly in Hickam, 'Aiea and Mililani. He attended middle school in Salt Lake and graduated from Radford High in 1999. In school Ben was in Navy Junior ROTC and commanded the drill team. He also played soccer and judo. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in the spring of 2004.

By Stephen Akana

We all miss her very much.

Celine was recruited during her senior year at Pearl City High School, Class of 2003. She worked as a service agent for Dollar Rent A Car before her deployment.

We are so very proud of our daughter as she continues to endure in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

We will continue to pray for her safe return as well as for all of our troops overseas.
All our love to “Da Big Girl.” Hooah!

By Rob and Cooky Tavares

Troy was born and raised on the east side of the Big Island. He’s truly a “Puna Boy” at heart. Troy spent his 21st birthday in Iraq this past June.

We are so thankful for all the prayers of the faithful; they have been a tremendous blessing to all of us. We look forward to Troy’s homecoming and the celebrations to come. He is sorely missed.

Troy has a special presence about him. He brings joy, love and humor in the midst of uncertainty. His strength and tenacity is admirable. He does his job without complaint. He truly is our hero. It’s just not the same without our son here back home, and we are eagerly awaiting his return soon. Our prayers are with all the troops. We know that God is so much bigger than all the war. And we won’t cease praying … not ever.

We love you, Troy, with all our hearts.

Your Mom and Dad.

By Lincoln Victor

Mark is the son of Lincoln and Linda Victor, and Charles is the son of Charles Sr. and Jeanine Kuahine.

By Aolani Esene

We send prayers for their continued safety and endurance, as they will soon be wrapping up their mission to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.

By Debbie Ashmore

By Master Sgt. Jason Takushi