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 Capt. Donald M. Kyle

Maj. Ramsdell has completed her tour of duty in Baghdad and is returning home to Hawai'i. She is a physician at The Queen’s Medical Center and lives with her husband in Kailua.

Maj. Ramsdell is the public health officer for the 322nd Civil Affairs public health team. Her efforts had a direct and lasting impact on medical civil-military operations, part of the Multi-National Corps reconstruction efforts, and benefited Iraqis throughout the country. We will miss her and wish her a fond aloha.

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

This is one of my best friends in the world, Spc. John Jamora. He is with the 29th Support Battalion and has been stationed at Camp Anaconda, Iraq, for about eight months now. I also wanted to acknowledge his brother, Daniel Jamora, who is stationed in Kuwait. All of their family and friends miss them and want them to hurry back! Please keep John and Daniel as well as the other soldiers fighting for us in your prayers. Love ya John and Daniel!

This is a photo from the Middle East of our son, Airman 1st Class Steven Roberson. Steven was 3 when we moved to Hawai'i, and he graduated from Mid-Pacific Institute in the class of '98. Steven is an F-15 avionics technician in the Air Force and can't officially tell us where he is working right now.

I just found this spot on the Web, and I am so happy to see the military news link. This is a photo of my son, Spc. Ron Johnson, left, and his “best man,” Spc. Brian Roberts, next to the barracks in Mosul, Iraq.

Ron and his wife, Tara, were married Aug. 1, 2004, on Waikïkï Beach. Ron is from Minnesota and Brian is from Oklahoma. Both are stationed at Schofield Barracks, 17th Corps Support Battalion.

Aloha, my name is Patricia Lei Anderson-Ruiz. My husband is Staff Sgt. Jayton L. Ruiz, who is a medic with the Hawai'i Army National Guard's 29th Support Battalion, Company C. Jay, I miss you and I love you! Plain and simple! You have always placed your faith, our marriage and the children above all else, and for that I am grateful. I am also very proud of you and your men (Evac Dawgs!!!), and I pray for their safety and for their families' strength. Kamehana, Keaola'i and Mr. Evan Jaymes speak of you every single day and pray for you every single night. (Same sun ... same moon.) We miss you terribly, but know that you'll be home soon: safe and sound. Until then HB — Godspeed.

This is Aldann Rico with newlywed wife, Joanalyn, at the Olomana Fire Station during a brief visit home during the holidays. Aldann is a Firefighter 1 at Station 39 with the 1st Platoon of Honolulu Fire Department's 3rd Battalion and doubles as a private first class assigned to B Battery, 1-487 Field Artillery, in Kuwait. Behind them is a ribbon that was hung in his honor on the front of his firehouse at the time he was activated and will remain there until he takes it down upon his return home. From his family, friends and brothers in the HFD: We are all proud of you, malama pono, safe journey and all our aloha.

My husband, Spc. Ronald Racho, is a graduate of Leilehua High School, class of 1993. He is part of the 227th Engineering Company, Hawai'i National Guard. He has been stationed in Kuwait since January and will be there for about a year.
We are very proud of him for serving our country. We know that the Lord above will protect him and the other soldiers there.
Take good care of yourself, honey, and remember that we are praying for you and all the soldiers who are there fighting for our nation.

I deployed to Afghanistan from Schofield Barracks with the 25th Engineer Detachment last April and I'm scheduled to return home sometime in March. I've gotten to see a lot of Afghanistan including the city of Khowst, where this picture was taken, but now I can't wait to return to my wife, Christa, and enjoy the little time we have left in Hawai'i before we move back to Texas. I could not be prouder of what my unit has accomplished. It is a good feeling to know that we've played a small part in defending the United States and helped the country of Afghanistan enjoy those freedoms that we as Americans sometimes take for granted. I love you, Christa, and I can't wait to hold you in my arms again and dance the night away.

This is a picture of the love of my life, my soldier, my husband Spc. Nathan "Nate" Ranstead. He's an infantryman with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment. He's been deployed to Afghanistan since April. This picture was taken when he came back to Hawai'i for R&R. It just so happens he made it for Thanksgiving and for my 22nd birthday. Those two weeks were the best two weeks ever. Even his mom and his stepdad got to join in on the celebration. And with those two weeks I got the best gift ever: I got to become his wife. I'm so blessed to have him in my life. He's always showering me with all his love and attention. Although this deployment has kept us apart, he always reminds me that "my small sacrifice is all for a good cause." And I know why, and that's why I'm so proud of the troops who are serving here and abroad. And I'm especially proud of my soldier. Hooah!! (From his mother and stepfather: Nathan, we want you to know that we miss you and love you very much, and we're very proud of you for what your standing for. We can't wait for your safe return. Mom and Ron.) Nate, I want you to know how happy and proud I am for what you are doing and for all the sacrifices that you guys have to endure day in and day out. Thank you for being my best friend, my lover, my soulmate and, above all, a loving husband. Without your strength and your comforting words I wouldn't be able to make it through this deployment. I miss you so much that I can't wait for your safe return back home so we can start our futures together. You be careful and be safe. ... Babe, I love you! And I'll see you soon!

This is our grandson, Spc. Joshua Kaiolohia Ruiz, with his parents Ernie Jr. and Kimberly before he left for Iraq. Joshua is a 2001 graduate of James Campbell High School and was attending college when he received his orders to report to Schofield for additional training. He is with the 793rd Engineer Detachment. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and completed his utilities apprentice course at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. He had additional training in the Army combat lifesaver course at Schofield Barracks.

Mike Russo, my husband, signed up to be a U.S. Marine just days after 9/11. He gave up his private ceramic tile business because terrorists attacked his homeland. Now this 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine, originally from Michigan, is fighting the bad guys in Fallujah, Iraq. Mike, we are so proud of you and all the U.S. troops and allies. We pray every day for your strength, courage and safety. I love and miss you dearly, and 2-month old Madison wants to meet her daddy and have him carry and cuddle her. The three cars still need tinkering, buddy (wink)! We'll be in Michigan playing in the snow, but wanna send you an early "Merry Christmas!" God bless you and bring you home soon.

This is a picture of my heart, Javier F. Rodriguez Jr. He is serving in Iraq. He is in the 84th Engineer Battalion stationed at Schofield Barracks. My husband is my super hero. They endure what we can only imagine: 120 degrees in the shade, long, hard days. They are separated from their loved ones. Some get wounded, become prisoners of war, or lose their lives. Seeing and doing things that we can only dream of in our nightmares. This is the price our soldiers and their families pay for our freedom. My family and I send our love to those serving in harm's way, may God bless them and keep them safe. Javier, we love you and we are proud of you. Your loving wife and kids, JoAnn, Keoki, Kalena and Kiana

Hi, I miss you guys at home. Say hello to Elijah for me. I'm doing all right over here at Camp Victory North, Iraq. I love you, Mom, Dad and Marge. I love you, too, Elayne. See you guys soon!

This picture is of Sgt. Rodgers, Sgt. Edwards and Sgt. Umpierre. They are members of the 540th Quartermaster Company stationed at Schofield Barracks and are currently deployed to Iraq. They have been overseas since mid-January and are missed more and more each day. Just want to let the guys know that they are prayed for daily and everyone is patiently awaiting your return. We love you and miss you! Come home safe! loYuTo!

To my dear husband, Sgt. Ray Ratheal: You are so missed and your family and friends are so proud of you. Especially Kylee — she loves her daddy. Baby Tyler looks just like you and can't wait to see you for the first time.

Keep doing a great job and come home to us safely.

This is our son Matthew Scott Roop. He is in Afghanistan at this time. He is a very important person. He is married to April, and has two sons Aaren, and Ashten.

It will be good when he gets home so we can all see him. We love him lots.

Aloha everybody! This is a photo of Crisco and Romeo of the C Co 193rd serving in Iraq. They said "We'll see you soon..."

I just wanted to share photos of my son, Spc. Victor Rodriguez. He is with the 58th MP CO and deployed from Schofield Barracks in April. He is out in Afghanistan. The second picture is of Victor's older brother who has been out in Mosul, Iraq, since November 2003. Spc. Gilberto Rodriguez is a combat medic with HHC 1-23, 3-2 SBCT.

They both have wives and children who love and miss them very much. We are praying for the day they both get to come home, as they have not seen each other since Christmas of 2001.

Our family loves and misses them both very much. Please be careful out there and take care of yourselves.

— Proud Military Mother Diana Rodriguez & all your family

Ramirez's son, Mario II, was born after his father deployed.

Photos courtesy Ramirez family

This is a photo taken on the day my husband, Spc. Mario A. Ramirez, departed Hawai'i to go to Iraq. He leaves here his son Armandez, daughters Shazariah, Alicia (Cha Cha), Maria Luisa Angelica and his newborn son Little Mario Ramirez II, whom I gave birth to one month after his departure to Iraq, and last but not least ... his father-in-law Edmund Fernandez. 

Mario proudly serves with the 2nd Brigade, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Division. Mario, my dear husband ... We all love and miss you dearly.

We pray for you and your fellow soldiers everyday for your safe return home. You make us proud. We can't wait to see the joy on your face when we finally get to give each other a warm bear hug and many kisses.

Be careful. Like we always say, remember: it's not good bye ... it's we'll see you later.

Always Loving You,

Your Family

This is my son Shaun Raymond. I want to remind him that he is more precious to me than a flawless diamond. He is first, our wonderful son, and second, our American soldier, and we are proud of all he is doing ... the easy and the hard. We thank God for you, Shaun, and pray God protect you physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.

May the Good Lord bring all our troops home safely in His timing.

Our son, Pfc. Spencer Ryan of Kailua, is with the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division, out of Fort Bragg, N.C.

He is a 2002 graduate of Kailua High School.

He joined the Army in the fall of the same year. He graduated with honors in riflery/marksmanship from basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C.

He trained further at Fort Bliss, Texas, and completed jump school at Fort Benning, Ga., before being stationed at Fort Bragg.

His specialty as an airborne infantryman is to fire stinger missiles from Humvees. He deployed to Iraq on Sept. 3.

He misses the view of the Ko'olaus from our front door and Kailua Beach near the boat ramp.

And, we miss him!

He enjoys getting Hawaiian Tropic lip balm from us because it "tastes like Hawai'i."

Spencer will celebrate his birthday in Iraq when he turns 20 on Feb. 29, 2004, Leap Day.

To feel close, we keep our eyes on the moon knowing we can all see the same one.

We will miss him this Christmas but are hopeful to see him some time in 2004.

We are proud of him and all the troops serving their country near and far.

By Mr. and Mrs. Leo Revestir Jr.

This is our brother Sgt. 1st Class Robert Rowland, better known as "Rabbs" by 'ohana and friends.

Our son, Capt. Jason Revestir, served as the dental officer of the 566th Area Support Medical Company from Fort Hood, Texas.

Jason was raised in Kane‘ohe, graduated from Iolani in 1992, and University of Hawai‘i at Manoa in 1997.

In 1998, he attended the University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry, in San Francisco, where he got his degree in 2001.

His unit deployed to Kuwait in January 2003. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, his unit supported the 3rd and 4th Infantry Divisions in central Iraq.

We are proud of Jason and know that he is well-suited for the service he does, treating soldiers with their dental needs.

He makes us laugh with his stories, telling us the things he has seen and done, giving the challenging conditions and events a positive light.

We continue to pray for the safety of all the troops who remain in Iraq.

Rowland family photo

By Family and Friends of "Rabbs"

This is our brother Sgt. 1st Class Robert Rowland, better known as "Rabbs" by 'ohana and friends.

He graduated from Wai'anae High School in 1984. Soon after, he left for basic training and has been in the Army for 18 years.

He is married to Charlene "Char" Akana and they have three children, Robert Boy, Kaina and Francine "Tita."

He is stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga.

On Jan. 24, Rabbs was deployed to Kuwait and then to Iraq. He is with 92nd Chemical Company, 3rd Infantry, in Iraq.

We are very proud of our brother who is doing his part to ensure our freedom.

We think of him every day and pray for his safe return.

He's in our hearts always and we love him dearly.

He is our "Hawaiian hero."

Love, Albert Jr., Gilbert, Herbert, Blossom and Lehua.

By Christian Matias

My younger brother Ken Riley is a brigade command sergeant major with the 82nd Airborne deployed in Iraq.

He graduated from Farrington High School. Ken has spent his whole career with the 82nd Airborne and was part of Desert Storm in 1991.

Ken loves and misses his wife, Cristina, and five young sons. He loves Hawai'i and visits here often, even though he lives at Fort Bragg, N.C.

Ken, we all love you. You are a true warrior to us here in Hawai'i. Come back safe.

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.

By Helen Elise Reneau

I am the proud mother of Cpl. Timothy D. Reneau. Tim is with the 1st Radio Battalion in Iraq. He is a 1998 graduate of Sprague High School in Salem, Ore., where he played the trumpet and mellophone in the marching band and French horn in the wind ensemble. Tim played second chair French horn in the All City Band in his senior year. 

We all miss "Mr. Enthusiasm" and are praying he and all of his brothers come home safe soon.

By Lisa Robeson

Joshua Robeson is a local boy from Waimanalo. He's very special to me because he's the one of my brothers who joined the military. Josh joined to better his life and find a future; now he's defending our country in the Persian Gulf. My family and I are so very proud of him and we all miss him and can't wait for his safe return home. Joshua is a great brother, son and friend. There isn't anything Josh wouldn't do for anyone. We love you Joshua and be safe. We all are waiting for your safe return home.

Your sister, Lisa

Reyes family photo

By Germaine Reyes

I'm the proud Marine wife of Cpl. Myrick Reyes. Myrick was born and raised here in Hawai'i until he joined the Marines and got stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif., with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. He's currently serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Myrick is 24 and a graduate of Kaimuki High School Class of 1996. He has two beautiful girls, Malia, 20 months, and Marina, 5 months, with one more on the way! I love you, honey. Semper Fi.