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 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 Prell Hicks

This is my son, Spc. Keith W. Hicks Jr. He is 20 years old, graduated from McKinley High School in June 2002 and joined the Army in October 2002. He went to basic training and A.I.T. (advanced individual training) at Fort Knox, Ky. He got stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga., and he's with 464 Cobra Platoon, Company A, at Camp Prosperity in Baghdad. He's a tankerman on an Abrams tank. He's on guard at one of the checkpoints in Baghdad.

Our family is so proud of him and we pray for his safe return home. May God bless all of our U.S. troops there. Good job!

We love you, son.

Mom

By Lei Hayashi

TThis is Victoria Hayashi of Makawao, Maui, at one of
Saddam Hussein’s palaces in Baghdad.
She is with the 447th Air Expeditionary Group, working at the command post at Camp Sather. She went over from Anchorage, Alaska, which is her regular U.S. Air Force station. She returns to Alaska on Labor Day weekend.

By Kelli Miura

I have been blessed to share a special friendship with Spc. Ryan Hong of the 29th Brigade Combat Team. Ryan is a 2004 graduate of Roosevelt High School.

He and I were friends in middle school, but parted when we went to different high schools. I last saw Ryan when he graduated and only then did I realize it had been four long years since I had seen him. I found out in March that he had been deployed to Iraq and have since been keeping in close touch with him.

Ryan has maintained such an optimistic outlook and his fun-loving personality remains the same despite being so far from home. I want him to know how much I admire and appreciate the sacrifice he is making for our country. It has been a pleasure and honor to support him and I can't wait till he comes home so that we may finally get reacquainted in person.

Ryan, I'm so proud of you! You really are an American hero and it's such an honor to be your friend. I enjoy keeping in touch with you so much and although you always comment on how uplifting it is for you, I have to correct you and say that the feeling is mutual.

Take care of yourself, be safe and keep smiling.

Maj. Ronald Todd (St. Joseph HighiHilo '79) on the left, currently with the U.S. Army at Fort Sill, Okla., and Pfc. Raymond Hook on the right (Kapa'a High '90), of the Independence, Mo., National Guard, compare notes as they met for the first time during their deployment in Iraq. The mothers of both men instigated this meeting via e-mail. Ray's mom, Barbara, is Ron's godmother. In our prayers we ask that the Lord will grant you and our other troops a safe return. — Love, the Ronald Todd 'Ohana of Hilo and the Jack Hook 'Ohana of Missouri

Spc. Kristopher R. Hibbard, with the Headquarters and Support Company, 84th Engineer Battalion Sidewinders from Scho-field Barracks, was raised in Sullivan, Ind. He is shown here, far right, with his family while home on R&R from Iraq. Kristopher spent his time enjoying his 9-year old son, Brian, and enjoying home cooking and being with his wife, Amanda, and family. His family is extremely proud of him and the rest of our troops for their unselfishness to this great country. Our prayers are with them daily as they are in our thoughts, with Spc. Hibbard holding a special place in our hearts. We love you, my favorite child! Hahahaha! Come home soon and safe, troops! A Proud Army Mom, Darlene Brown

This picture was taken of my husband, Lt. Jeremy B. Hammel, and our son, Logan Mikah, in November on the day Jeremy left for seven months in Afghanistan. He is one of two doctors serving with the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines out of Marine Corps Base Hawai'i. Jeremy had the option of completing a civilian residency program two years ago. He turned down the option, to serve and help protect our country. Jeremy has many family members and friends here who miss him and ask about him often. Although I miss my best friend, especially during the holiday season, I am so proud of his eagerness to help keep "his" Marines healthy. I am also proud of the fact that he is helping to give medical aid to the Afghan people. But mostly, when I watch Logan sleeping at night, I am proud that he is helping to ensure the safety and freedom of our son and every other child, American or not. Jeremy, we love you and we pray for your — and every other soldier's — safe return.

I would like to write about my son, Spc. Chris Harlan, who got home in time for the delivery of his firstborn, William Jonathan Harlan.  His leave is short, but very special to all of us. We thank the Army for allowing him the special honor of being present at his son's birth. Our entire family is military. My husband retired from the Air Force. I was in the Marine Corps and our oldest son is active duty Air Force. We are accustomed to separation  but it is very difficult in time of war and when you are a parent.

My wonderful brave husband, Sgt. Randy Hyatt is serving in Iraq with the 25th Transportation Company in Tikrit. He is the bravest soldier I know.

He has missed so much since he's been gone. He left in March 2004. On June 9 his baby girl, Kaydence, was born into this world. No, he wasn't here, but we were very lucky that he was able to be on the phone with me through my labor and delivery. He heard her take her first breath and cry. The joy in his tears on the phone was a wonderful feeling. It was like he was in the room next to us.

In July he got his R&R to come home to see her. At the airport our son ran to him and hugged him so tightly. And then he held his baby girl for the first time ever. It was great to finally see him hold her. Her first smile was for her daddy at the airport. It was a priceless moment.

We miss him so very much. Our 3 : year old son, wants to be an Army man like Daddy. He dresses up in his DCU's and pretends he is fighting the "bad guys" in Iraq with Daddy.

We have four or five months left until he is home again. The thing I can't wait about him coming home, is seeing him play with his kids. He is such an awesome dad, the greatest. I am so proud of him.

His dream was to follow in his grandpa's footsteps to fight in a war, and to get his war patch. He is accomplishing that dream now. He is a great soldier fighting for our country, our freedom and he wouldn't change that for anything in this world.

Randy you are my hero, and always will be forever. We are soooo proud of YOU! We love you and miss you so much.

We can't wait for you to come home. We love you Daddy.

Aloha! My name is Crystal Hines and I wanted to take a minute to thank all of our troops and their families in the U.S.A. and our allies. This is a picture of myself and my husband, Cpl. Casey J. Hines. We are both from Pendleton, Ore. After Casey graduated in 2001 from Pendleton High School, he enlisted in the Marine Corps to get the bad guys and that is exactly what he is doing.  He is currently on tour with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines from Kane'ohe Bay Marine Corps Base. They are in the Persian Gulf to do their part in the global war on terrorism. I am so proud of him and the rest of the troops over there. They are fighting day in and day out for us here. I thank them and the families, because without the families, there would not be the outpouring of support that there is.  I pray for my husband and the rest of the troops every day. God bless the families, the troops and my husband, Cpl. Casey Hines.  I love you, Casey. Come home to me safely.

We are the proud parents of Sgt. Nolan K. Heanu, who deployed to Iraq on Jan. 21. He is with the 25th Infantry Division (Light) out of Schofield Barracks. He is serving his country so proudly for all Americans, and our only prayer is that he comes home safely.

He has been in many dangerous confrontations and he always tells us: "Mom, I can feel Ke Akua right by my side."

Our love and prayers are always with our son and all the troops serving our country so gallantly and bravely. America appreciates you and God bless.

We have few phone calls from him but lots of e-mails, and it makes us so happy that we know he is doing well. We always tell him: "Stay focused; nothing here at home is as important as your safe return." We are counting the days until he may come home for a short break, and share his aloha with all his family from Papakolea, Waiahole and Wai'anae. When I'm feeling sad about my son being in Iraq, my sister says: "We are blessed every day 'cause Ke Akua gives us the breath of life every morning when we wake up to see the world that he has created."

We pray for a safe return for all our troops.

This photo of Staff Sgt. Brian Jay Hirayama was sent to us recently from Afghanistan.

He is the love of our lives. He was born and raised here in Honolulu and is a 1993 graduate of Campbell High School. He joined the Army at 21, went to basic at Fort Sill, Okla., and has been stationed in Germany and Bosnia.

He and his wife, Amber, met in September 1998 and married in 2000 at Fort Hood, Texas. They expect their first child in December. They have come back to Hawai'i and he is with the 25th Infantry Division (Light) at Schofield Barracks. Brian is deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan.

We just want to let Brian know that he is loved and missed dearly and we all pray for a safe and speedy return.

This is my husband SSG James Horrocks, myself and our son Cody. James is deployed to Afghanistan. He has been there since April.

We are up here in Quebec, Canada, staying with family while we await his return.

We miss you babe, love you! xoxo

Harry family photo

This is a picture of my hardworking, honest, sweet, and best-all-around husband, Spc. Chris Harry. He is serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is with 2nd Platoon, Company B, 65th Engineers. I am so proud of him and what he does. We love you, Daddy, and can't wait until we are together again.

Hampton family photo

I would like to tell you a story about my brother, Capt. Bill Hampton. Ever since Bill and I were kids he dreamed of being an Airborne Ranger in the Army. He worked very hard and accomplished that goal.

Bill fell in love and married Ginger in 1998. Soon after, she became pregnant. During her pregnancy, she discovered she had cancer. Savannah Grace was born in 1999.

This past June, Ginger lost her battle with cancer.

In October, Bill became part of the 21st Infantry Regiment, the "Gimlets," at Schofield Barracks and was given orders to go to Iraq.

Being a single father, he struggled with the decision to go. This is going to be a long year for all of us, but Bill is fighting for what he believes in: Freedom.

I want Bill to know how proud we are of him. We know how hard it will be being separated from Savannah. She knows that you are a "big tough guy," though, and are "fighting the bad guys."

Stay safe, we love you and will see you next year.

My husband, Jeff Holloway, deployed to Iraq Jan. 18 with the 125th Signal Battalion. He will be gone for one year and is greatly missed by me, and our little dog, Kiko.

Jeff is originally from Niceville, Fla., and his family and friends back home are very proud of him for serving his country. Jeff is a dedicated soldier, a surfer, a loving husband and my best friend. I pray every day that he is safe and will come home soon.

Here is a picture I snapped at the departure ceremony for the Schofield troops on Jan. 9 of my husband, Maj. Don Helman, and our sons. 

Our boys Ricky, 4, and John, 2, were excited to see their Dad all dressed up.

Don is the battalion surgeon for the 1st Battalion 21st Infantry regiment and is now in Kuwait.

We were married just 10 days before the deployment. Military families from Konrad’s command here in Pearl Harbor have been very supportive and understanding of the deployment experience and have included me in a number of gatherings. Many have been through long deployments and know the challenges. We also appreciate the friendship and support of our local church family at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Honolulu, as well as the practical assistance from the Navy housing and legal assistance offices at Pearl Harbor.

The attached photo was taken when Konrad was flying from one of our medical facilities where the senior Marine general awarded Purple Hearts to some of the wounded Marines after the heavier fighting around An-Nasiryhah early in the war.

Fine family photo

By Vika Fine

We, Sepeti and Vika Fine, are the proud parents of Pvt. Viliami Edward Heimoana. Viliami joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating from Nanakuli High School in 2001. He was stationed in Okinawa and from there was sent to the war in Iraq.

Viliami came from Tonga and was raised by his grandmother 'Ana.  

Viliami has three sisters and one brother. He's a very generous, kind, loving, warmhearted and caring person. He's proud to serve in the Marine Corps and fight for our freedom.

We miss him very much and want him to know that we will support him in every choice and career he makes. We wish and hope for his safe return.

By Karen Hirose

This is a picture of my son, Jason Yoshimi Hirose, taken with his fellow Marines in Cherry Point, N.C., shortly before leaving in early March 2003 for the Mediterranean. His ship apparently sent up aircraft during the Iraq war, and he described 14- to 16-hour work shifts as he and his crewmates kept the planes operational.

Never did I think when he enlisted fresh out of high school (Castle in 1999) that he would be sent to war, but that's life — and he has done so with humility, grace and courage.

Our family, friends and all those who have known him through his 22 years salute Jason and hope to see him when he comes back to Hawai'i on leave in November.

By the Higa family

Our son, Staff Sgt. Radford K. Higa, is deployed in the Middle East with the 154th Security Squadron of the Hawai‘i Air National Guard. His duties include security of fighters that fly over Iraq.

He is a 1995 graduate of Kalani High School. After high school he joined the Hawai‘i Air National Guard.

We are very proud of him serving our country and defending the rights of and liberation of the Iraqi people. We wish him and all of the other members of the 154th Security Squadron and the coalition forces safekeeping and a speedy return home.

Keoni K. Huihui

By Hannibal K. Huihui

Aloha. I just wanted to share that I am proud of my 21-year-old son who joined the U.S. Marines last year and is now serving our country. Keoni K. Huihui attended Kalihi Waena and Waimalu Elementary and then Kaua‘i High. He is in Iraq assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. May God be with all and my prayers are with all.