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 Chuck Sprague

The facility repairs Humvees and other vehicles and adds stronger armor.

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

This is Sgt. San Nicolas along with his family, while home on a long awaited and well deserved R&R. Originally from Merizo/Umatac, Guam, Sgt. San Nicolas is deployed with 1/62 ADA Task Force 1-14, under the 25th ID from Schofield Barracks Hawai'i. He is a hard-working and well-respected soldier and an affectionate, loving father and husband. Sgt. San Nicolas was a recent featured soldier in his battalion's newsletter. He was recognized as, "dedicated, tireless, committed, focused, caring, hungry for knowledge, and a true leader," which exemplifies his Pacific island roots. We are very proud of him and his commitment to his duty. We can't wait to be reunited in January. Babe, you are constantly in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. We love and miss you so so much! May God continue to bless and keep you always safe.

With a re-enlistment incentive of preference of duty station, Cpl. Jon Nishikata chose to return to Hawai'i, where he was born and raised. He will return between Nov. 15 and Dec. 15 to his new unit at Marine Corps Base, Hawai'i in Kane'ohe.

Nishikata made it safely back to the states after being stationed at Camp Fallujah, Iraq, for seven months. Family members and a former teacher from Storefront, Shelley Miyasato, played a big role in the war for Nishikata, giving advice and guiding him through really tough times. She was the only one he felt he could talk to about anything and the only one who kept him sane out there with everything that was going on. She's an angel.

I just want to say thank you to my mom, Janice; my brothers, Daniel, Michael and Nicholas; my one and only beautiful sister, Janelle; and also to the teachers of Storefront: Colette, Tim, Cathy, Shari, Nate, Larry, Dana, and of course, Shelley Miyasato! They are my second family!

Spc. Geoffrey C.W. Johnson

These are our sons Bryceson and Geoffrey who proudly serve in the U.S. Army with the 25th Infantry at Schofield.

Words can not adequately express how much we love and miss our sons. Their return is anxiously awaited by their brother Matthew who is living in Hawai'i after having moved there to be closer to his brothers.

We are joined by our lovely daughter-in-law Janel and grandson Keegan, as well as grandparents Trish and Chuck Cates, all of Spokane, Wash., in wishing them a safe and speedy return.

Keep strong in your faith my sons, and know that while you are away our Father has wrapped his loving arms around you. 

By Nicole and Taryn Nakashima

Our daddy, Maj. Grant Nakashima, is an oral surgeon in northern Iraq with B Company of the 21st Combat Support Hospital. He and his comrades provide medical service to our brave men and women in the military and to Iraqi civilians.

He is a Manoa boy, born and raised in Hawai'i. Before being deployed to the Middle East, he was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas. He is a graduate of the University of Hawai'i and the University of Missouri.

We wish all our troops safety, optimism and a quick return home.

As for our dad, we pray that he will have that adventure of a lifetime he has always dreamed of. We know our father will bring joy, friendship and the aloha spirit wherever he goes. Grant is our hero. We pray he feels our love as he makes us proud oceans away.

By John Nippolt

Hawai'i can be very proud of this keiki o ka 'aina. John Hulili Nippolt has been serving his country in Iraq since February. Born on O'ahu, raised in Kahalu'u and graduated from Saint Louis School, he celebrated his 20th birthday in March.

When John left for basic training he was picked up by his recruiting sergeant at 5:30 in the morning. Most of his friends had left from his aloha party only a few hours before, after which my son and I shared an embrace of farewell, love and Godspeed. My wife and I gave him puakenikeni and plumeria leis so that he would carry the fragrance of Hawai'i with him.

It was still dark as he drove off, I could see the silhouette of his head against the glare of lights on the windshield in front of him. He did not look back. I knew he was staring ahead at the deep hue of the Ko'olau.

Life is short. There just isn't any time to be negative with our children. Shower them with love: gentle or tough, but love nevertheless.

My son sees through a different set of eyes. He has made it through the passage, the rites of becoming a man with honor and courage.

He will be home soon on leave. It will be a defining moment, full of love, happiness and aloha.

By Shanelle "Kuuipo" Nuuanu

My sister, my Hawaiian idol, my twin. Red-white-and-blue American flags are flown proudly at my family's homes. Proudly serving our country is my sister, Sgt. Shirelle "Ipo" Nuuanu of the 671st EN CO of the 3rd Infantry Division.

Born and raised on the Leeward Coast in Wai'anae, a 1998 honor graduate of Wai'anae High School, Ipo served four years of ROTC and received the award of the Order of Daedalians. She was a positive, inspiring, and motivated student role model.

She then joined the Army and continued her training at Fort Shafter with Battalion 411 EN CBP BN (HVY). While remaining active in the Army, Ipo continued her education and graduated from Heald Business College and went to work for Bill Gates at Intel in Oregon.

Although she was in Oregon at the time of her deployment to Iraq, her heart still belongs to Hawai'i. We are so very proud of her and think of her continuously. We say our special prayers for her and all of the soldiers defending our country. We await her return home to Hawai'i. I am sending you this story because I especially miss and love her dearly not only because she's my sister, but because she is my twin.

By Cpl. Jonathan Nishikata

These are the pictures of the Marines at 9th Communications Battalion, HQ Co., Supply in Kuwait.

I am Cpl. Jonathan Nishikata. I was born and raised in Honolulu. I graduated from 'Aiea High School. I was doing poorly in school, but thanks to an alternative program, I graduated by attending Store Front in Wahiawa. If it wasn't for the teachers there, I wouldn't be here in Kuwait fighting for my country.

I want to say thank you to the teachers there.

Thank you Shelley Miyasato, Colette, Tim aka Pretty Eyes, Larry aka Big Bear, Cathy aka Kirby, Lois, Derek, Shari, Nate and Dana, who is teaching at another school. Thank you all very much. I am with 9th Communications Battalion, HQ. Co., Supply. We here at supply are always busy at keeping this war going. I joined the Marine Corps back on Jan. 16, 2001. After basic training, I attended school at Fort Lee, VA.

I am stationed at Camp Pendleton Calif. I love the Marine Corps, and I love fighting for my country. It is a real honor.

Photo courtesy of Rayel Kalawe

By Rayel Kalawe

This is a picture of my friend Kaipo Norwood. The last time I was in contact with him, he was in Iraq. He is a very kind and loving person. He has always been there for me whenever I needed him. Kaipo is from Kahalu'u. He loves to play basketball and is a very outgoing person. Please keep him in your prayers. He always knows how to brighten someone's day by doing stupid little things. But he has always been someone I can depend on to rest my head upon his shoulder.