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 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 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 Lincoln Victor

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

By Donald M. Kyle

I live in Kapolei with my wife, Lisa, and children Chase and Katie. The photo is me (left) with Lt. Col. Kiszkowiak of the Polish army.

I have just delivered to Lt. Col. Kiszkowiak over 70 boxes of school supplies donated by Operation Iraqi Children, People to People International and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

These supplies were loaded onto a Polish military helicopter and were flown to Diwaniya province for distribution to schoolchildren beginning their new school year in September.

The members of the 322 Civil Affairs BDE are working with Iraqis and other coalition members, such as Lt. Col. Kisz- kowiak, in efforts to assist the reconstruction of Iraq.

By Staff Sgt. James Pacheco

We are stationed at Camp Ali and are enjoying the extreme heat. We'd like to thank all the people of Hawaiçi and our home unit, the 291st CBCS, for their support and aloha.

Staff Sgt. Lowrey Kim of the 291st Combat Com Squadron from Hilo helps prepare supplies for a convoy out of Camp Ali in Iraq.

Master Sgt. Lazaro Joaquin of the 291st Combat Com Squadron sends his thanks to the people of Hawai'i for their support and aloha.

My dad, Master Sgt. Gary W. Kuakini Sr., was deployed with the 29th Separate Infantry Brigade of the Hawai'i Army National Guard. His unit, the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment, is stationed in Kuwait. He took his R&R leave early so he could be at my graduation from Wai'anae High School, where he also graduated from. He is our hero, and we are so proud of him. We miss him and wish him well. God bless all who are serving in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. Love you, Dad.

Here is a picture of myself, on the left, and my cousin, Master Sgt. Sonny Patoc. We are at a ceremony for his unit, the 298th Engineers of Pearl City, at Schofield Barracks a day before their departure for Afghanistan. They will be away for a year. I am with the 29th Brigade rear detachment and a member of force protection performing homeland security for the brigade while they are in Iraq. I want Sonny to know how much we all love him and hope for his safe return home. I also want to tell him mahalo for a job well done in the fight against terrorism and for our nation's freedom. "See ya when you return ... love ya, brah."

This is my love, Lance "Alika" Kahiamoe-Terukina, son of Luka and Sistah Kahiamoe. It's been almost a year since I saw your face, unless you count every night in my dreams. I know this has been hard for both of us and nobody will truly understand the hardship of being apart or the glory that we will soon share. I'm so proud of you and I love you with all my heart. Mom considers you her son and sends her love. Lea and Krissy both miss you and can't wait for you to return. Please know how much you mean to all of us. You are the man of our house and have been missed dearly by all of us. I'll see you soon, my soljah. Love, Heather

This is my son, Pfc. John Schuetter of Kailua with his friend, Pfc. John Kamada, of Kalihi. Both are with the Hawai'i Army National Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry. This picture was taken in Kuwait as they awaited their move into Iraq. Both are now stationed at Camp Victory, Baghdad. John, we're all proud of you and miss you. The gang at Pacific Island Medical send their prayers and aloha.

This is my husband, Spc. Danny Kang, a 1998 McKinley High School graduate who is with the Hawai'i Army National Guard's 29th BCT, 29th Support Battalion, Company C, in Balad, Iraq. He has a 1-year-old daughter, Ciara, and another child coming this June. I bet he will be happy to hear that he will get a boy! We miss him very much and hope he and the others will come back to Hawai'i safely.

Spc. Justin Kaihenui, a 2000 Kailua High School graduate, has been deployed to Iraq for a year. He is with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry Regiment of the Hawai'i Army National Guard. He trained at Fort Bliss, Texas, for three months starting in October and did intensive training at Fort Polk, La., for a month in January. Justin missed our son Micah's first birthday while training in Texas. We were all happy to spend the holidays with him, but it didn't last for long. He was off doing what he does best, being a soldier. Thanks to the support of my boss and her family, I was able to spend time with Justin in Louisiana on his down time. We had four memorable days together, which meant the world to us. Then he was off to Kuwait. He is there now waiting for the long convoy to north Iraq. The family and I just want to wish Justin the best. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers as we pray for him to come home safely to us once again. We all miss you and love you very much. You are greatly missed and deeply appreciated. We are so proud of you. Keep up the good work. I love you!

Aloha! I wanted to send a picture of my younger brother, LeArthur Sanders II, who is with the Hawai'i National Guard. He trained in Texas and Louisiana, and spent time in Kuwait before heading to Iraq for a one-year tour in January. His unit is Headquarters, Headquarters and Service Battery, 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery. He is only 21 and our only brother, and we are always thinking about him and praying for him. My mother especially looks forward to hearing from him when he calls. We want him to know we love and care for him dearly and can't wait for his return home for R&R, when his unit is finished doing what they are suppose to do. I must give a lot of prayers and support to all those who are stationed there, doing what's right for the freedom of the United States of America. You keep doing what you are doing and always remember that even though you are far away, there are people thinking about you even if you don't know who they are. To my brother: I miss your silly style and your car. Can't wait till you come home so your niece and nephews can hang out with a true soldier! *HUG*

This is my wonderful son-in-law, Sgt. 1st Class Kurt C. Williams. He is with the HSC, 411th Engineer Battalion stationed in Baghdad. This picture was taken on the day he went back to Iraq after his two-week R&R. Formerly a "weekend warrior" with the Army Reserve, Kurt took up the call to duty in March 2004. He left behind a loving wife and two beautiful little daughters  one 5 months old and the other 3 years old at the time. As difficult as it was to leave his family, he has met the challenges of his assignment and has gained the respect of his men, totaling approximately 50. We are so proud of him and continue to pray for his safe return to us. God bless all the men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, placing their lives in harm's way for the cause of freedom.

This is my husband, Sgt. Daniel Kanana, currently in Baghdad, Iraq, with the 411th Engineer Battalion. He and his fellow soldiers have been there since March. This photo was taken at home during his two-week R&R. He is shown here with the apple of his eye, our 1-year-old daughter, Emma. Our families and friends here in Hawai'i continually pray for his safe return.

This is for my husband, Staff Sgt. Brian Knapp, who is deployed in Afghanistan. Thank you for all that you do. We are so proud of you. The boys miss their Papa very much and can't wait for the day that you return to us safely. Keep your spirits high and always know that no matter where you are in the world or what you are doing we are here for you and support you. For the times that you get lonely and homesick, look up into the big beautiful sky. Look at the stars in that sky and know that we are looking up at the sky, looking at the same stars, and that no matter how far away you are, you're only a few stars away. Come home to us soon and in one piece. Tyler, Cameron, and I need you home. We love you and wait for that wonderful day when you come home and we are whole again. And baby I love you more than you will ever know. With all my heart forever and always, Shanin

This is our braddah, Sgt. Chad Kaichi, with his son, Kanoa. He also has a second son, Koapaka, born in April whom he has yet to meet. He is on a yearlong deployment in Iraq with the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment out of Fort Riley, Kan. His tours have also taken him to Germany, Panama (where he bought his dogs), Desert Storm and South Korea. Chad is a 1992 Damien graduate and enlisted in the Army right out of high school. Besides the beach, he misses the plate lunches, poke, manapua and all da good local kine grinds. His wife, Andrea, together with da 'ohana are praying and awaiting his and all of our troops' safe return. Also missing him are his dogs, Elmo and Zoe, who eagerly await his R&R so they can jump on him and slurp on his face.

This is Staff Sgt. William Knudson from B CO 1-21, deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq.

Kylee and I miss you so much and are praying for your safe return soon!  We are so proud of you!! Be safe, be strong and remember we will always love you!

Sara Joy and Kylee Sue

Aloha to everyone around the world. My name is Michelyn Kea, the proud wife of Staff Sgt. Edward M.M. Kea, who was born and raised in Wai'anae.

I was born and raised in Honolulu; we've been stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, since April 2001. I just wanted to share da aloha to all the families and friends in the Middle East — keep your heads up; they will all be back soon.

Have faith in God and think happy thoughts — that's what I had to do.

My husband has been back home now since April 17. That was the best day of my whole family's life: a day to never forget, a time to cherish what the Lord has given you.

So please don't take life for granted; keep in touch with all your loved ones, no matter where they are. They need you wherever they are ... 24/7.

This is my boyfriend, Sgt. Richard Klein. He has been in the Marine Corps for seven years and deployed to Iraq in February.

He is stationed at Kane'ohe Marine Corps Base.

Amid all the chaos he manages to remain upbeat and have a sense of humor. He sends me flowers every month just because, and little surprises to let me know he cares. He is so brave and so strong and so truly amazing. Everyone who knows him loves him. I want him to know that I am so very proud of him and that he is in my heart always. Stay strong, baby. Just a few more months to go.

Your smitten kitten loves you.

My sincere appreciation to all those serving in the military. May God Bless you and bring you home safely.

I am very proud of my Cacti son ranger John Kellum with the 2-35th HHQ. He is now serving in Afghanistan. He suspended his college training to defend his country.

I miss you a lot, John, and can't wait until your return.

Love,
Mom

Photo courtesy Michelle McMurray

I am writing to tell you about my son, Pfc. Michael J. McMurray, and his best friend Pfc. Hana Kaili. They left Hawai'i on Jan. 21st, 2004, for Iraq.  They are with the 1-27th Infantry Division of Schofield Barrack. They will be serving a 12- month tour of duty in Iraq.

Originally from Moore, Okla., Michael graduated from Moore High School, where he excelled in school and soccer. Michael joined the Army after 9/11. He did his training at Ft. Benning in Georgia. He graduated from basic in March 2003 and came home for a few weeks to do hometown recruiting. He then headed to Schofield Barracks, his first duty station, in April of 2003.

Michael met Hana Kaili while stationed in Hawai'i and fast became friends. Michael and Hana are closer then most brothers.  Michael has been very much a part of the Kaili Family. They took him into the family heart and soul. Michael is like a second son to them. I very much appreciate the friendship and love that they have given to him, so far away from home.

Michael is a funny, loving, son, brother and friend. My son enjoys life to the fullest and has the biggest heart there is ... he will give the shirt off his back to help some one in need.  While in Iraq, he sent me a plea for the children of Iraq, for me to send school supplies for them and doggie treats. He loves dogs.

I sent an e-mail to the family and Michael received boxes of school supplies and doggie treats.

We support our son and the troops, and I am proud of Michael and all of the other soldiers fighting in Iraq.

We are praying for their safety, and we miss him very much.

Aloha! My name is Madison and this is my daddy Capt. Anthony F. Kurz and me the day before he left for Kirkuk, Iraq the first week of January, 2004. 

Anthony Kurz graduated from West Point in 2000 and was branched Infantry. He is proud to defend the interests of the United States, and we are proud of him. He is assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team from Schofield Barracks, Hawai'i and looks forward to attending the Special Forces Qualification Course upon his redeployment.

Be safe and hurry home! 

We love and miss you more than you know.

Talofa. I'm an Army spouse and proud of it with highest honors to my husband, Robert Kava, from American Samoa. He's an all-around pure Samoan/Tongan. He's the son of High Chief Fanene Kava from the village of Pago Pago. He was born and raised there all his life and the youngest of 12 children.

Spc. Kava is currently stationed in Hawaiçi and proud to be part of Tropic Lightning — hoo-ah! He's with HHC 2nd brigade, 25th Infantry Division. He's the most dedicated and spiritual individual and a loving father to his wife and children. Honey, if you're reading this, stay steadfast and believe that your faith will help you through this deployment with everyone else. We miss you very much and loving you every passing day 24/7. Samoans stay strong and stand their ground no matter what.

E muamua le Atua i mea uma: "Greater is God than any great one." We love you.

Mahalo, Hawai'i, for your prayers and support!

My grandson, Sgt. Kristopher Kamalani, was deployed to Iraq on April 5, 2003, assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, and cross-attached to Company C, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment.

On March 24, 2004, after a one-year assignment in Iraq, he returned to American soil — Fort Hood, Texas. His platoon had suffered one casualty.

However, in April, violence in Iraq escalated, with a record 170 military casualties and 10 times that amount in Iraqi casualties for the month.

A year ago, I asked for your prayers for Kris and his unit.

I'm asking you again to continue your thoughts and prayers for all our troops, and eventually, world peace.

Kris will be home in Honolulu June 22, for a month's vacation, and will try to see as many family and friends as he possibly can.

I feel so blessed to have him home, and I will feel further blessed to get him back in Honolulu.

Your prayers sustained Kris in Iraq and brought him home, safe and sound.

To all of Kris' benefactors, again, our family's deepest gratitude — we could not have done it alone.

Photo courtesy of Kelli Copen

I am sending a picture of one of the soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division who deployed to Afghanistan. He is my supervisor and a wonderful person who is always looking out for me.

I took it the day of the deployment. His name is Staff Sgt. Andrew Kirchen, and his daughter's name is Brianna. She is all dressed up in her own pair of DCUs. He's part of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Division Support Command, and is in Kandahar. He returned from Iraq five months before leaving for Afghanistan.

He has been deployed for six of the 10 years he has been in the Army.

By Fred Kim

My son, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Don Kim of Makiki, is on deployment to Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia and serves as a jet engine mechanic supervisor on the C-5 Galaxy cargo plane. His unit from Dover Air Force Base in Delaware has been there since November.

Don is a 1988 graduate of McKinley High School, where he was an excellent baseball player. He was offered college scholarships but chose to join the Air Force instead.

He is married and has two boys, ages 10 and 5. He coaches his sons in Little League. I am very proud of him and of what he does to serve our country. He and his family hope to visit the Islands soon for a vacation.

By Lorraine Freitas

My grandson Kristopher Kamalani was raised in Palolo, the son of Charles Kamalani and Shirlene McKaluia. He was an altar boy for nine years at Our Lady of Peace.

Kris has a black belt in karate, surfs and played other sports.

He was a delivery boy for The Advertiser for 100-plus Kaimuki customers. He also worked at The Advertiser as an inserter.

He attended St. Patrick's, Saint Louis, Kaimuki High School and Youth Challenge.

Kris received his first military training from 1st. Sgt. James Akuna in Saint Louis ROTC and advanced to the ranger program. Kris completed the National Guard's Youth Challenge program at Barbers Point and, on graduation day, was awarded the Presidential Physical Fitness Award for his class.

After graduation in 2000, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He completed his basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. His first tour of duty was at Fort Hood, Texas.

He recently re-enlisted and was deployed to Kuwait on April 3. Kris requests Hawai'i's continued prayers for himself and his unit.

By Stanette L. Keaunui

This is my son, Lance Cpl. Earl T. Keaunui Jr. of the U.S. Marines. He is stationed in Camp Lejeune, N.C.

He went to Kuwait in February and to Iraq in April. He'll be coming back to the States in about six months.

Earl graduated from Pearl City High School in 1995. He joined the Marines in 1999. He is the second son of five children.

My husband and I and my family are so proud of him. We miss him very much, but we know he's OK because he's with the best of the best — the U.S. Marines. He is in our prayers and we can't wait to have him home safely with us. We are the proud parents of a Marine. Semper Fi! We love you!

By Amy Kushiyama

When we encouraged Jake Masato Kushiyama to enter the Navy at the age of 19, we never envisioned that he would some day be fighting for our country a mere two years later.

Jake can be described as a playful, fun-loving and caring son, grandson, brother and uncle.

Jake, who graduated from Baldwin High School in 1999, is assigned to the USS Bonhomme Richard, an 844-foot amphibious assault ship that is taking its second tour in the Persian Gulf in less than two years.

Jake's parents, Alvin and Faith, and his grandparents Masato and Nancy, sisters, niece and girlfriend anxiously await the news of the ship's return to port.

Although contact with Jake is rare, we all keep him in our prayers and thoughts and wait for the day when he can return to us.

We are so proud of Jake and all of his accomplishments.

By Ruthie Ko

My husband ABH1 Eddie A. Ko Jr. is serving aboard the USS Carl Vinson in the Western Pacific off Korea. We are very proud of him for making this sacrifice for his family and his country. His ship departed from Bremerton, Wash., on Jan. 13.

Eddie is a 1982 graduate from Farrington High School. He has been in the Navy 17 years and is very proud to serve his country. Eddie knows that his family will be here waiting for him when he returns.

Aloha Da Ko 'Ohana

By Emi Morita

Thomas Krekel is truly a hero to his family, friends and loved ones. He left on Jan. 23, 2003, to join his fellow Seabees in Kuwait, and the Windward side hasn't been the same since.

His humility, sense of humor and strong family values provide just a glimpse into this wonderful man's character. He follows in his family's footsteps, as his father, now retired, served our country in Vietnam, and his brothers currently serve in the Marines and the Honolulu Police Department.

Upon his return, his two wishes are to visit his aging grandmother in Okinawa and to marry the love of his life, Salli Morita. We pray that he may be able to do this soon. We love you, Thomas.

Smith family photo

By Shyra V. I. Smith

My hero is my sister, 1st Lt. Jana Kehau (Smith) Kangas. She is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools Class of '97 and West Point Military Academy '01. She's with the 494th Transportation Company stationed out of Fort Campbell, Ky.

The last contact with her was on April 13, when she was 20 miles out of Baghdad. This is something she wrote when she first got there: "The weather is actually nice, almost like home. The sand is the color of home, but smaller."

Take care, Sis, we miss you.