Dispatches

Posted on: November 20, 2006

Navy Capt. Bruce MacKenzie, left, officiated at the re-enlistment ceremony of Air Force Staff Sgt. Moses M. Palaruan, center, at Camp Victory, Iraq. Navy Chief H. Lyn Pirtle assisted with the ceremony. Capt. Bruce MacKenzie, Staff Sgt.
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.

Posted on: October 30, 2005

Master Sgt. Harry C. Miller Jr.

By Harry C. Miller Jr.
This is a photo of me with the mural of our Hawai'i National Guard unit, the 1-487th Field Artillery “HIKI NO” Battalion at Camp Patriot in Kuwait. I was called back to active duty to rejoin my original unit when I first came into the Guard in the ’70s.
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.

Posted on: September 12, 2005

Sgt. Brent Miyagi, a medic serving in Iraq with the Hawai‘i Army National Guard, thanks girlfriend Michele Sasaki for sending supplies. Sgt. Brent Miyagi

By Vern and Gail Miyagi

Our son, Sgt. Brent Miyagi, a medic, is currently serving in Iraq at Forward Operating Base Anaconda with the 29th Brigade Combat Team, Hawai'i Army National Guard.
He is holding a sign thanking his girlfriend, Michele Sasaki, for sending teaching supplies and goodies to the children of Balad, Iraq. Note the shaka sign shown by the boy behind Brent. The shaka sign and aloha spirit are alive and well in Iraq.

Posted on: August 22, 2005

Brig. Gen. Vern Miyagi, front left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Vernon Nakasone, front right, toured a vehicle-repair facility in Kuwait last week. Brig. Gen. Vern Miyagi and
Command Sgt. Maj. Vernon Nakasone
By Chuck Sprague
Brig. Gen. Vern Miyagi and Command Sgt. Maj. Vernon Nakasone of the Hawai'i Army National Guard were among National Guard and Reserve leaders who toured the Army’s vehicle repair and up-armor facility at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, on Tuesday.
The facility repairs Humvees and other vehicles and adds stronger armor.

Miyagi is adjutant general of the Hawai'i Army National Guard.

Posted on: August 8, 2005

Spc. Rom Rachel Mahimer with Iraqi children in Balad. Spc. Rom Rachel Mahimer
By Isobel Mahimer
Spc. Rom Rachel Mahimer is from Hale'iwa and has been with the 229th Support Battalion 29th Brigade Combat Team at Camp Anaconda, Balad, Iraq since February 2005.
She joined the Hawai'i National Guard in September 2004.

She writes: "I came to the USA from the Philippines when I was 10 years old, and I wanted to thank this country for making it possible for me to achieve my dreams. So, when the country was threatened, I joined up to defend her."

"Transitioning from civilian to military was a real challenge but the happy smiles of the population, especially the children, make all the sacrifices worthwhile."

Posted on: June 7, 2005

Dominico Manding with his wife, Sugar, and kids Koy-Garrison and Kaydence. By Sugar Manding
This is my hero and wonderful husband, Sgt. Dominico C. Manding. He is with the 29th Support Battalion, Bravo Company, in Iraq. This picture was taken the day he had to return to the Mideast from his R&R leave. He finally got to meet our 2-month-old son, Koy-Garrison, for the first time. We are proud of him and everyone else who's there with him and pray for their safe return soon. Be safe, we love you (daddy) honey! Love, Sugar, Kaydence and Koy-Garrison.

Posted on: May 16, 2005

Spc. Gregory Moore, left, shown here with his uncle, Col. Sam Samonte, is in Iraq with the 29th Brigade Combat Team. By Garry Moore
This is my son Greg, from Mililani High Class of 2001, with his uncle, Col. Sam Samonte. Greg is deployed in Iraq with the 29th Brigade Combat Team at LSA Anaconda in Balad. Greg, we are all very proud of you and all of the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. I know that the first thing you'll do when you return home is hit the beach and surf but only after all the hugs and some Hawaiian food! Wishing everyone the best. Be careful and stay safe!

Posted on: May 9, 2005

Maj. Roy J. Macaraeg has been deployed to Kuwait and Iraq as a member of the Hawai'i Army National Guard. By Staff Sgt. Eric J. Macaraeg
This is my brother, Maj. Roy J. Macaraeg, who is deployed in Kuwait and Iraq with the Hawai'i Army National Guard. Roy, the whole family is very proud of your service to the people of Iraq and to our great nation. We miss you, we love you and we ll see you when you get back. Take care.

Posted on: May 2, 2005

Elaine Morton of Waialua volunteered to work at a base overseas, and is now managing an Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) store in Qatar. By Wendy K. Morton-Rin
My mom, Elaine Morton of Waialua, is in Qatar working for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service out of Schofield Barracks. She volunteered to work overseas and is managing an AAFES store. She has been in Qatar since September. She was only supposed to be there for six months, but liked it so much that she extended for another six months, and is thinking of staying even longer. She turned 62 years old on April 8. She works really hard and loves what she does. She has taken her aloha spirit with her and shares it with everyone she meets. We are constantly sending her boxes of goodies, such as macadamia nut candy, nuts, cookies and her favorite coconut cream crackers. She shares them with friends. She even danced hula at a talent show. She is known by everyone there as Auntie or Ms. Ellie. We all miss her and are very proud of her.

Posted on: April 25, 2005

Master Sgt. Harry Miller Jr., seen here with daughter Naniwai Miller, is currently posted in Kuwait. By Dee Miller
This is Master Sgt. Harry Miller Jr. and daughter Naniwai Miller in a photo taken before he went to Texas. He is now in Kuwait with the HHSB 1-487th Field Artillery. Hiki No. Take care. We miss you. Love, your grandson Logan, wife Dee, daughters Kaliko and Naniwai and son-in-law Chad.

Posted on: April 18, 2005

Chellina Okumura and her uncle, Capt. Joel S. Manibog, at a farewell ceremony at Aloha Stadium. Manibog is with the 487th Field Artillery. By Chellina Okumura

This my uncle, Capt. Joel S. Manibog. He is with the 487th Field Artillery now stationed in Kuwait.

We are proud of you and your sacrifice defending our freedom. We miss you and love you and wait for your safe return. The whole family loves you.

Posted on: April 11, 2005

Staff Sgt. Soloman K. Makaneole, with the Hawai'i National Guard and in the 193rd Aviation Regiment, deployed to Afghanistan last May. By Emily and Emma Kuhaulua
This is our uncle, Staff Sgt. Soloman K. Makaneole. He is with the Hawai'i Army National Guard, in Company B, 193rd Aviation Regiment. He was deployed to Afghanistan in May 2004. We talk a lot on the phone when he calls home. He will be home very soon. Then we can talk to our uncle on the phone anytime. We all miss him. Lots of hugs and kisses, Uncle Soloman. We love you.

Posted on: April 11, 2005

PV2 Nicholas L. Jaber and fiancee Marisa F. Miller had this photograph taken the day before he left for the Middle East. By Marisa F. Miller
My fiance, PV2 Nicholas L. Jaber, is deployed with 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, in Iraq. This is the last picture we took together before he left the next morning to the Middle East. Before he joined the military, he lived in Kailua, Hawai'i, with his family. He calls Hawai'i home. I'm very proud of him! Despite many difficult situations in Fort Stewart, Ga., he stuck to his dreams. Although he may be deployed for as long as 18 months, I'm doing my very best to stay positive for our sake. Nick, I miss you and love you SO much and I can't wait until you can come home safely. I know your family in Hawai'i and California misses you very much, too! I look forward to getting married and spending the rest of my life with you! You're my inspiration and the best thing that has ever happened to me. Just thinking about it bring tears to my eyes, not out of sadness but out of joy being with you. I love you! Always, your soon-to-be wife, Marisa.

Posted on: April 4, 2005

Spc. Jonathan Markham is stationed in Kuwait and calls his wife, Bernadette, every day. She misses him deeply but knows he is out "making the world a better place for our family and friends." By Bernadette Markham
This is my sweetie, my husband and my hero, Spc. Jonathan Markham, with the Hawai'i Army National Guard's 1st Platoon, Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He left for active duty training in October in Fort Bliss, Texas, and then to Fort Polk, La., for the Joint Readiness Training Center, and is now stationed in Kuwait. We have been through a lot and still have one year ahead of us. He calls me every day and it seems like he's still here, but in reality he's halfway around the world. Just thinking of him makes my heart go on, knowing that my husband is fighting for our freedom. He has always had a strong mind and is always thinking positive that there is a reason for everything. He's making the world a better place for our family and friends. I would like to say, "I love you with all my heart, and hurry home safely, honey!" Your family back home loves you and thinks of you constantly. We are all so very proud of you. You will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. Hiki No!

Posted on: March 7, 2005

Micah Mitsunaga, who was born Sept. 21, can't wait for his father, Spc. Eric Mitsunaga, to return home from duty in June or July. By Micah Mitsunaga
Spc. Eric Mitsunaga is my daddy! And he is my hero. I am very proud of him. He is in Company C, 29th Separate Infantry Brigade of the Hawai'i Army National Guard. I was born on Sept. 21, 2004, and my daddy had to leave me when I was 2 weeks old for training at Fort Bliss, Texas. I kept mom very busy waiting patiently for his return to spend my very first Christmas together. He left for Fort Polk, La., for more training and then to Ku- wait and Iraq. I miss you, Daddy, and we are all praying for you to return home safely. I can't wait to see my daddy when he returns in June or July. I will be 8 or 9 months old by then. I truly miss my daddy and I love him so much. My daddy is my superhero and I am so proud to have a daddy like him. I love you, Daddy! Please come home to me safely; we have so much catching up to do! Hugs 'n' kisses, your son, Micah

Posted on: January 24, 2005

Spc. Dustin Mlenar is serving with the Schofield-based 84th Engineers in Iraq. His family awaits his return.
By Sonja Mlenar
Aloha! My husband, Spc. Dustin Mlenar, was deployed to Iraq in January of 2004 with the 84th Engineers of Schofield Barracks. If all goes as planned, he should home by the end of January. I love you, babe! See you soon!

Posted on: January 17, 2005

From left, Spc. Reuben Sabog, Sgt. Mikalynn Castillano and Spc. Artemio Montimore are eager to come home from Afghanistan, where they've served since May with Company B, 193rd Aviation Regiment.
By Sgt. Mikalynn Castillano
Aloha from Afghanistan! Here we are at the "Kandahar Bus Stop," which has nonstop service to Honolulu annually. Spc. Reuben Sabog, Spc. Artemio Montimore and I would like to wish our family a happy new year. We are part of Company B, 193rd Aviation, Hawai'i National Guard. We have been in Kandahar since May performing helicopter maintenance for the 25th Infantry Division (Light). For us home is surely the light at the end of the tunnel. Our tour is almost over and we can't wait to get home to our families. Thanks for all the support from our 'ohana!

Posted on: November 29, 2004

Reserve soldiers from Hawai'i's 411th Engineer Battalion send their love to family and friends back home. The soldiers are stationed at Camp Liberty in Baghdad, Iraq.
By Sgt. Dexter Pascua
Sending our love to our families and friends in Hawai'i. Thanks for all the love and support. From left, Sgt. Davin Takahashi, Sgt. Blandena Pagulayan, Sgt. John Mercado, Sgt. Sonia Desamito-Dietz, Sgt. Rochelle Einjel Esmena and Sgt. Dexter Pascua. We are stationed at Camp Liberty in Baghdad.

Posted on: November 29, 2004

Pfc. Pohaku McCormack, a Waimea High graduate, will be in Iraq for more than a year.
By Macy Perrin
Pfc. Pohaku McCormack is training in Kuwait and will be deployed to Iraq for more than a year. He is from Kaua'i and is a graduate of Waimea High School. We want you to know that we are all proud of you and wish you the best of luck. Always remember that we are all here for you and we will be here when you get back home. Always keep your head up! We can't wait till you get home, Haku! We all love and miss you very much! Can't wait to hear from you. Aloha and love always, Nichol, Macy, Chaz, Kylie and Kyle.

Posted on: November 1, 2004

Cpl. Eritt McClannan is in Iraq with other Kane'ohe Bay Marines. By Casey Myrick
Cpl. Eritt McClannan is in Iraq serving his country and his family. Eritt is with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawai'i in Kane'ohe. Eritt, you are the love of my life and I look forward to your homecoming more than anything. Everyone is very proud of you for what you are doing over there. We all know you have been waiting to serve your country for a long time. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. Please think of us often and know we miss and love you dearly!! Now get your butt home safely!

Posted on: October 25, 2004

Sgt. 1st Class Leo Mier is in Iraq with the 2nd Infantry Division. By Pearl Samson Awana
My son, Sgt. 1st Class Leo Mier, is serving with the South Korea-based 2nd Infantry Division, now in Iraq. I would like to thank the entire division and the rest of the soldiers deployed from South Korea for serving our country with honor. I wish and pray for all of you a safe return back to your families.

Posted on: September 27, 2004

Pfc Michael McMurray received the rank of specialist while in Iraq. His family is looking forward to having him at home for R&R. By Michelle McMurray
Earlier this year I introduced you to my son, Pfc. Michael J. McMurray. He left Hawai'i on Jan. 21 for Iraq. He is with Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment of Schofield Barracks. He is currently serving a 12- month tour of duty in Iraq. On July 1 in Iraq, he received the rank of specialist. It was a surprise to us and we are definitely proud of him for getting a promotion in such a difficult situation. I really praise God for his safety. I am very proud of him. He will be coming home for R&R at the end of the month. We can hardly wait; it has been 8 : months since we have seen him; it will be good to see him and give him lots of deserving hugs. Michael is anxious to get home so he can visit with the family and catch up on some OU football. Go, Sooners!!! I am very proud of Michael and all of the other soldiers fighting in Iraq. They are constantly in our prayers and thoughts.

Posted on: September 20, 2004

Spc. Alexis Montalvo of Puerto Rico has been in Afghanistan since May. By C. Montalvo
Aloha. This is a photo of my hero and husband, Spc. Alexis Montalvo. He is stationed at Schofield Barracks with the 3rd Platoon, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment. He has been in Afghanistan since May. I am very proud of my husband for his strength and courage throughout this time in our lives. There are no words to express how proud I am for having him in my life. He has also made his parents and brothers very proud back home in Puerto Rico. We truly miss him and love him dearly. We pray for his safe return home soon. I am waiting for him to come home for his two weeks' R&R. Two weeks may not be enough time for us, but I am more blessed than ever to know he will be coming home to me even for a short period of time. I am so blessed that he is safe and in the hands of God. I pray for all "Bobcats" for a safe return home soon to their loved ones. May God bless all of you. Aloha to all of you.

Posted on: September 20, 2004

Spc. Chad J. Melanson relaxes with his new baby, Chajrah-Anne, while on R&R. By Chajrah-Anne Melanson
Hi! My name is Chajrah-Anne Melanson. Here I am watching the Red Sox with my daddy when he came home for two weeks' R&R. Mommy was five months pregnant when he left so this was our first time meeting. Daddy's coming home again for good in February (we're praying) when I'll be 8 months old. He is with 3rd Platoon, Company B, 65th Engineer Battalion, 25th Infantry Division (Light). We miss you so much, Daddy, and I hope we don't miss too many Red Sox games while you're gone. We love you !!!!!! (Chajrah-Anne's message was sent by her mom, Skyra Boyd.)

Posted on: August 29, 2004

By Brianna and Melissa McQueen
This is a photo of my best friend and husband, Sgt. Rob McQueen, a 25th Military Police officer from Schofield.

He is pictured with our 1-year-old daughter Melissa on the day he left.

Rob is deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, for one year. We wanted him to know that we love him and think about him every day.

Everyone here is very proud of you. We can't wait to see you again.

— Your loving wife and daughter

Posted on: August 23, 2004

Pvt. Malandra is with the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, in Afghanistan. He is from Pinerity, N.Y. Pvt. Brendan Malandra
I love you, Mom. Things are good here in Kandahar. I miss you all. See you soon!

Posted on: August 23, 2004

Pfc. McGuire is with the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, at Kandahar Air Field, Afghani-stan. He is from West Pittston, Pa. Pfc. William McGuire
It’s not so bad here, except for the dust storms. I love you, Mom.

Posted on: July 12, 2004

Sgt. Walter J. Mack has some catching up to do with his twin daughters upon his return from Iraq. The girls, 4 months old, were born a month before he deployed. By Nichole Mack
This is my husband, Sgt. Walter J. Mack, who is deployed to Iraq with the 25th Transportation Company from Schofield Barracks.

Walter, who has been in the Army for eight years, is a dedicated soldier, father and husband. We met here in Hawai'i and have been married three years. This November will be our first anniversary apart.

Exactly one month before his deployment, we were blessed with twin girls, now 4 months old. Although he is far away, he still plays a big part in our lives through telephone calls, pictures and letters.

Walter is a very upbeat, happy person who is probably smiling now, no matter what the situation.

"Roadmasters," keep your heads held high. We are holding down the fort, waiting for you to come home safe.

To the love of my life, you are the world to me and we are very proud of you. Stay safe and be careful. We are counting the days until you are home again.

Posted on: July 1, 2004

By Stacy Maurer
This is my husband of 13 years, CW3 Craig Maurer. He's an Army maintenance test pilot flying the OH-58D helicopter. He's on a year-long deployment, with the 3/4 CAV (C-troop), in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

He's a great soldier who is an excellent pilot and a brave man.

We have two daughters — Taylor, age 11 and Hailey, age 8 — who love and miss him like crazy. We especially miss the way he always makes us laugh and his beautiful smile. We are so proud of him.

Babe, olive juice and two pizzas!!! We are praying for your safe return and miss you everyday. We love you and are living for the day you return to us. Stay strong and know that we are forever yours.

Posted on: July 1, 2004

By Rhodalyn U. Medrano
Aloha! My name is Janai Medrano and I am 27 months old. My daddy is deployed in Iraq. Capt. Melvin R. Medrano is with the HHS 2-11, 25th Infantry Division.

It was difficult seeing him off at first but I know that he'll be home before I will even know it. Daddy, thank you for bringing me into this world and having me as your little princess. I am very lucky. I know that you're working far away, but know that my mommy is taking real good care of me. We pray for you every night. I miss you and love you very much.

To my hero and the rest of our deployed servicemen and women, take care and may God be with you always.

Posted on: June 30, 2004

By Teri Murphy
I am a proud Wolfhound Wife. I speak for myself when I say how proud I am of all the soldiers who deployed. May God bring you home to your loving family and friends. And to my own Wolfhound, Staff Sgt. Brian Murphy I love you baby, you are my world. With kind thoughts to all.

Posted on: June 21, 2004

Photo courtesy Robyn Osburn By Robyn Osburn
This is a picture of my husband, Cpl. Josh McComas, and me. Josh is from Marysville, Ohio and has been in Charlie Company, 2-27, 3rd BCT, for almost two years. I'm so proud of him and all of our soldiers. Josh is the love of my life. He can brighten anyone's day with his big blue eyes, and his radiant smile. He leaves you laughing and feeling like you have just met your long lost best friend.

I love you more than anything Josh. When you get home, B pug and I will be waiting for you with a pound of turkey, and a cold beer.

Hugs and Kisses!

Posted on: June 21, 2004

Pfc. Michael McMurray, right, and his friend Pfc. Hana Kaili are in Iraq.
Photo courtesy Michelle McMurray
By 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.

Posted on: June 14, 2004

By Teri Murphy
I am a proud Wolfhound Wife. I speak for myself when I say how proud I am of all the soldiers who have deployed. May God bring you home to your loving family and friends. And to my own Wolfhound, Staff Sgt. Brian Murphy: I love you baby; you are my world.

With kind thoughts to all,

— Teri Murphy

Posted on: March 15, 2004

Army Spc. Jarod Myers and Olivia Yates By Olivia Yates
My boyfriend, Army Spc. Jarod Myers, is serving a yearlong deployment in Kirkuk, Iraq, with the 25th Infantry Division (Light). This picture was taken Jan. 15, a week before he was deployed.

He graduated from Columbia City High in Indiana, and joined the Army right out of school. He celebrated his 20th birthday in Iraq on Wednesday.

Jarod is very special to many people. He is a very loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew and grandson. Everyone is very proud of his hard work and dedication to our country. He is greatly missed.

To Jarod: I miss you more than I could ever explain, and I can't wait till the day you come home to your family and loved ones. Be safe and careful; you are in everyone's prayers.

Posted on: March 1, 2004

Sgt. Jason T. Mehlhoff and Mahkaylah By Karrie Mehlhoff
I am writing to tell you about my husband, Sgt. Jason T. Mehlhoff. This picture was taken Jan. 24, the day he left for Iraq.

Originally from Florence, Ore., Jason joined the Army right out of high school. Schofield Barracks is his second duty station; this June he will have been in the Army six years.

I met him here in Hawai'i on Schofield Barracks in February 2002, and eight months later we were married. We have a 1-year-old daughter, Mahkaylah, who was born Feb. 12, 2003.

Jason missed Mahkaylah's first birthday, and he will probably miss her second also, but this is the price we pay to serve our country.

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

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

Posted on: May 30, 2003

By Robert and Valerie Mata
Our son, Army Pfc. Tyler R. Mata, is serving in Iraq with the 542nd Maintenance Company, which has moved close to Baghdad. He recently celebrated his 19th birthday (his first birthday away from home) and we miss him terribly. We haven’t heard from Tyler since he crossed the border.

At the tender age of 17, while in his senior year at the Mililani High School and as most of his friends were deciding what college to attend, Tyler made a major decision in his life. He decided to join the Army and serve his country while getting his education and gaining experience in the field he has a passion for: fixing cars.

Two months after high school graduation in 2002, Tyler was on his way to boot camp in Kentucky, then on to Maryland for his training as a diesel mechanic. Immediately after reporting to his home base, Fort Lewis in Washington state, in February, he was told that he would be heading for Kuwait.

As concerned parents, we were devastated to learn that our son would be serving in this hot spot, but there are so many parents, wives, sisters and brothers in this same situation and we all share the same feeling. We are so proud of our son and pray for him and his fellow soldiers every day for a safe, speedy return. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful son.

Posted on: May 26, 2003

Army Capt. McKay Moss' children were among those seeing him off the night of his deployment.
Photo courtesy Lola E. Moss
By Lola Moss
This is my grandson, Army Capt. McKay Moss, with his children Danielle, Daylan and T.J. The photo was taken Feb. 28, the night he deployed to Iraq. I also have a son and a granddaughter serving in the armed forces. I am so proud of all of them.

Posted on: May 19, 2003

Ensign Jennifer K. Medeiros By Carl and Cyndi Medeiros of Mililani
Given the events of the last few months, we are especially proud of our oldest daughter, Ensign Jennifer K. Medeiros.

Jennifer is a 1995 graduate of Mililani High School. She is a member of Central Union Church, where she taught Sunday school for 2 1/2 years.

After graduating from the University of Idaho in December 2000, she joined the Navy in the spring of 2001 and did her training in Pensacola, Fla. After being commissioned, Jennifer was assigned to surface warfare school in Newport, R.I. She is an anti-submarine warfare officer assigned to the USS Briscoe, which is part of the Truman battle group. Jennifer was deployed to the Mediterranean area in December 2002, and her ship has been active in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

Jennifer is due to return to her home port of Norfolk, Va., in the late spring. We plan to fly over to the East Coast to welcome her when she arrives. She has expressed the pride she feels for her ship and her shipmates. She is honored to serve our country and protect the liberties we all share.

Jennifer and all those serving in the armed forces deserve our thanks and support, and we pray for their safe return.

Posted on: May 12, 2003

After visiting her family, Monaliza Menor will head to Virginia to return to work. By AD3 Monaliza Menor
I graduated from James Campbell High School in 1999. In December 1999, I left the nice tropical weather to attend Navy basic training in the freezing cold weather of Great Lakes, Ill.

I work on the jet engines of 10 F-14 D Super Tomcats. Many would say that I don't look like a "grease monkey" because I love to wear pink! But when it comes down to business, I'm all about work.

I have served with the USS Abraham Lincoln for almost four years, and took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom. We were at sea for a total of 10 months.

Since the USS Abraham Lincoln pulled out of Pearl Harbor on April 27, I have been enjoying my vacation with my family and friends. When I leave here, I will be taking a few days to be with my two older brothers in Arizona. Next stop is to California to visit my boyfriend, who was also on the 10-month deployment with me. From there, I will be heading back to NAS Oceana in Virginia to go back to work.

Overall, my Navy career has been a great experience: going to places I have never dreamed of visiting and meeting a whole bunch of incredible people. Thank you for all your prayers to each and every one of the troops and the whole crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln. I pray for those still out there defending our country. God Bless America!

Posted on: May 2, 2003

Kuahea Magnani

Jim Ragiles

By Jasmine and Jay Ragiles
These two island-grown boiz is our local braddahs from da ‘aina of Hawai‘i. On da top is braddah Ku (Specialist Kuahea Magnani) and at the bottom is braddah Jimbo (Private 1st Class Jim Ragiles).

Ku is a graduate of Leilehua High School and Jim got his GED from Youth Challenge. Ku is stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., with his wife Bianca and their two kids, Brianna and Alika. He is a heavy equipment mechanic with B Co., 426 FSB.

Jimbo is stationed in Fort Polk, La., with his wife Maureen. Jim is working as a vehicle driver with the S&T Troop RSS 2d ACR.

They are now both deployed overseas, part of coalition forces to liberate Iraq. Both are living the military life, proudly serving their country and fighting for what they believe in. Their family misses them a lot. And we, the family, are providing the best support we can at the home front.

Posted on: April 28, 2003

By Michael Mullen
Capt. Michael Mullen is assigned to an air base in Germany. Mullen is an active-duty flight nurse directly involved in the aeromedical evacuation of combat casualties from Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is from Hale'iwa and is a 1992 graduate of Damien Memorial High School and 1996 graduate of the University of Hawai'i-Manoa.

Posted on: April 21, 2003

SFC Peter Millare By Christina Millare
I am writing to you because my husband is there in Iraq now and has been there for over one month.

SFC Peter Millare has been in the U.S. Army for 17 years. He is with the 440th Signal Battalion stationed at Darmstadt, Germany. He is originally from Kalihi, and graduated in 1984 from McKinley High School. He is one of six children. His mother, Estella, and five other siblings still reside in Hawai'i.

Here at Darmstadt, he has one daughter, two sons and a loving wife who miss him dearly. We pray for his safe return. We would also like to say thank you to all who are making sacrifices to better our future.

May God bless all of you.

Posted on: April 2, 2003

By Daniela Awai
Most know Mike Menkewicz as a 25-year-old lifeguard on the East side of O'ahu. Once a month, he would train with his fellow Marine reservist members of the 4th Force Recon, based out of Kane'ohe Marine Corps Base.

He left his surf shorts behind for a different uniform, with the 1st Force Reconnaissance group based out of Camp Commando, Kuwait. His family, friends and loved ones miss him more than he could imagine. He's truly a hero in our eyes.