By Jennifer Stogner

My husband, Pat Stogner, does humanitarian work for the U.S. Army. This photo was taken in Vietnam at the dedication for a school and clinic built by the 412th Engineer Command.

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 Juan Santiago

He has served in the Air Force for more than 20 years. John graduated from Wai'anae High School from back in the day — oh, waaay back in the day.

He says football, surf and C&K was the way of life back then and life was good!

By Capt. Janene Drummer

He’s responsible for helping set up the intelligence shop for the Baghdad regional office of the Ministry of Defense and really enjoys working with the Iraqi people.

A former Marine and soldier, this marks Spencer’s second deployment in his Air Force career.

Spencer is a loving husband and father of two. His family, friends and co-workers are very proud of him and miss him very much. We pray for his safe return to surf again.

By Maria Aquino-Lauer

Sgt. Christian Salinas joined the U.S. Army on Aug. 28, 1997, was stationed at Schofield Barracks, then finished his service in August 2001 and left for the Mainland. He moved back to Oçahu to join the Hawaiçi Army National Guard in September 2002.
Before being activated, he was employed as a shift supervisor by Safeguard Services Inc. Here is something he wrote:

“Iraq has helped me realize how much we take things for granted. How much you can miss everything and everyone you love. How important and exquisite it is to taste, feel and enjoy the freedom we breathe every day. While I am here, I have my family in New Jersey, my girlfriend Maria Aquino, friends, co-workers and even strangers supporting me. They boost my morale, keep me in high spirits and care for me, for us, the soldiers.

“Many have, are and will give the ‘ultimate sacrifice’ to protect and maintain the freedom in our land.

“We thank God for protecting us and to have you all on our side.”

By Master Sgt. Annette Leialoha Tanner

My cousin, Spc. Naomi Suzuki of Honolulu, is also with the 29th BCT. We pray for them and the whole crew daily. We pray that all of our troops and our allied forces come home soon, alive, in one piece and safe.

By Royce Sarusal 

This is my son, Spc. Justin Sarusal, who is a Signal Support Systems specialist with the 3rd Infantry Division Fires Brigade now deployed in Iraq. As I write this, he is en route back to Iraq after two weeks R&R here in Hawai'i with his family. He is also a new husband of two weeks!

Justin is a second-generation signal soldier and we are all proud of him. We all pray for your safety, Justin, and I have mentioned many times before, bring that combat patch home! From everyone here in the Islands who love you, but especially Mom and Dad, your sisters Peaches and Lina, and of course my new daughter-in-law, Arleen.

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!

Aloha no. My wife, Staff Sgt. Terry Stacy, is deployed to the Republican Palace, Baghdad, Iraq. She left Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama on April 21 and will be there for four to six months. We moved from Hickam Air Force Base on Feb. 26, 2004, and left behind our son Joshua, who is attending UH-Manoa, and the rest of the Stacy 'ohana from Waipahu to North Kohala. We have a 19-month-old daughter named A'lia Hi'i alo'iaka'ihi'lani Stacy. We wanted to wish all the maddahs and sistas serving our country a big shaka Madda's Day. We love you, Keleka and Kupuna wahine Emma.

The Snakenberg 'ohana would like to send a big mahalo and aloha to our two sons, who have been serving in Iraq. They were in-country until Feb. 6. Capt. Mark K. Snakenberg (Punahou '97 and Indiana '01) is assigned to the 69th Armored Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division. This was his second tour in Iraq. He was an M1 Abrams tank platoon leader there from January to July 2003 as part of the 3rd ID's "Thunder Run" to Baghdad. Pfc. Aaron A. Snakenberg (Mid-Pac '00, senior at UH-Manoa) is assigned to Alpha Company, 299th Infantry, 29th Brigade, Hawai'i Army National Guard. We thank them both for their service to their country and state, and wish them and all their comrades a safe tour and speedy return home. Love, Mom and Dad.

This is a picture of my only child, Spc. Gary Wayne Silva, a proud graduate of Farrington High School, class of 1993. My son joined the Army National Guard right out of high school. He is with the 29th Brigade, 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, Hiki No! He's stationed in Kuwait right now. He is pictured here with his three wonderful children — twin daughters, Kayla and Kaitlin, and son, Kainoa — who were so happy and excited to have their daddy home for the holidays this past December, as was the rest of our huge 'ohana: Grandma, aunties, uncles, cousins and friends. We all miss you and love you, my son. God bless and protect you and bring you home safely to us. God bless all of our troops!

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.

Hello. My husband is currently serving in Kuwait and Iraq as a customs inspector. He and four other Navy reservists from Hawai'i were recalled in December. They are among 300 reservists mobilized to Iraq and Kuwait by the Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Force to ensure that the gear returning with military personnel complies with U.S. customs regulations. They look for foreign contaminants such as soil, bugs, larva and plants on the military equipment returning to the United States.

As I look at this photo of our son, Sgt. Jason Sakowski, I can't help but remember a Christmas in the past. Our daughter sometimes gets out old videos of Christmases gone by and there is one in particular where we gave both our sons sweatshirts as gifts. While his brother's sweatshirt had the logo for a college, Jason's had MARINES on the front of his. Jason was always our daredevil but also would do anything for anyone who needed help. He has grown into quite a man and we are very proud of him for the commitment he has made (this is his second time around). Jason is stationed at Kane'ohe Bay with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, in Afghanistan.

This is my sweetie, Spc. Wilson Seymour, with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, serving in Afghanistan. He is scheduled to return April 9. The days turned to weeks, the weeks to months and now the months will finally make a year. This has been a time which I don't think either one of us will ever forget. Through it all, you always made it sound like you were calling from just around the corner and everything was fine. I thank you for that. However, I still worried like crazy. In a few more weeks, you will be back in paradise and I'm so excited. I love you and miss you more than you could ever know.

This is our son, Air Force special operations Staff Sgt. Brandon "Kekoa" Stagner. He is a 1994 Castle High School graduate, where he was the varsity football team co-captain. He is currently completing his fourth overseas deployment, and his third in the Middle East. He and Osama Bin Laden go back to 1996, when Osama attempted to blow up Koa's barracks in Dahran, Saudi Arabia. Shortly he will be joined by his seven cousins from the Hawai'i National Guard, and there will be enough Hawaiians to have kalua camel. Aloha ke Akua, Ishmael and Carmen Stagner.

This is our son-in-law, Spc. Mark Sundance Sanchez, and his wife of four years, Sierra. Mark is attached to the 125th Military Intelligence Battalion, 25th Infantry Division (Light), in Afghanistan. He was home visiting and was able to spend Thanksgiving with us. Originally from Louisiana, Mark has fallen in love with the Hawaiian Islands, his second home. We love you, Mark. Dad & Mom, Wai'anae

This is my daughter, who is serving with Company A, 84th Engineer Battalion in Balad, Iraq. Although they are scheduled to be home soon, I thought I'd still share this picture of her for your posting. Pfc. Laura Caroline Stearley-Jones' service in the Army means that four generations of the Stearley family have proudly served in the American military, and have represented three branches: Air Force, Marines and Army. Laura entered the Army at age 17 and was deployed to Iraq in January 2004. She has served her country bravely and all of her family and friends are proud of her, and of all our troops wherever they may be stationed. We appreciate all their contributions and sacrifices for this nation.

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!

Aloha and mahalo for everyone's support and prayers for the safekeeping of my husband, Lt. Cmdr. Joe Simpkins. Since he deployed to Iraq last July, your caring support has carried our family through the hardship of separation. We praise God for all his blessings of comfort and security and we continue to pray for Joe's safe return home.  Joe is a civil engineer officer working in the Green Zone with the multinational force in Iraq. On a site visit, he was greeted by these two little Iraqi girls who were roaming the streets in the cold weather with open-toe shoes. Their precious and innocent smiles serve as a reminder of our purpose in Iraq.  Darling Joe, we miss you and look forward to seeing you home soon. Our children, Jake, Amber, and Melia, send you their loving hugs and kisses. I continue to give you all my heart and soul. We love you. See you soon!!! Vanessa

This is our son, Nicholas Seidel, currently deployed to Firebase Anaconda in Khas Uruzgan province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Nick is a rifle platoon leader with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division (Light) out of Schofield Barracks. On Nov. 30 he was promoted to first lieutenant. He is a 2003 honor graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he served as the brigade logistics officer his senior year. His class rank earned him his first choice in branch and duty station. He chose infantry and the Tropic Lightning in Hawai'i. Upon graduation he completed infantry officer basic course at Fort Benning and graduated from Airborne School and Army Ranger School. After a brief assignment as an Army recruiter near his hometown, he returned to Fort Benning for the Army Mortar Leader Course. By early September he finally made it to his duty station and embarked on his deployment orientation for Afghanistan. He has been in-country nearly two months now and reports that his company and platoon are a collection of seasoned professionals, and that it's an honor to serve with them. One of their current missions is to establish a youth soccer and volleyball program throughout the region's school system. No small task with no grass fields and most of the children, barefoot. Days before he deployed, he asked his high school sweetheart to marry him. Danielle Brownlee said yes and is currently planning their wedding long distance as she chose to stay in Hawai'i to wait for the return of the 25th and Nick this spring. Our prayers go out to him and his fellow soldiers, to give them strength, that they complete their mission successfully, and return home safely to the ones they love.

Aloha, We want to send our deepest support to all the troops deployed to defend our freedoms. One very special person closest to our heart is Charles Sasser who is serving in Afghanistan with the 25th ID (L).  He is a strong leader and mentor to many, and we want him to know he is our constant rock. We love and miss him and cannot wait until he returns home safely.

This is a recent picture of me and my best friend, Chris Cleveland, taken when he was on R & R. Chris was deployed with 2/35 HHC from Schofield Barracks on April 19 to Afghanistan. Chris is more than my best friend; he is like a brother to me. I miss our long talks on the phone on our way home from work. I miss going to the movies. I miss going out to eat. I miss going to Longboard's and singing karaoke with our friends. I miss his sense of humor. I miss his goofy laugh. I miss everything about him. He is my hero and there isn't a day goes by that I don't think about him. I am praying for his and all our troops' safe return. Chris — stay strong and remember I love you and miss you and can't wait to see you again! Aloha!

Sgt. Ronald Souza is stationed in Ramadi, Iraq, with Kilo Battery, 1st Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines. He is in charge of guarding convoys. He is a 1997 graduate of Kailua High School. His parents, Barbara and Henry, and brother George are very proud of him and worry about him every day. He is our hero and we love him very much and miss him. His tour of duty in Iraq will end in March 2005. We pray for his safe return to us.

This is a photo of my husband, Sgt. Mike Slattery, and me taken when he was recently home for R&R. My husband is serving in Iraq with Company A, 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment and has been deployed since January. I want him to know how extremely proud I am of him and that I support him every step of the way. He is my hero and no words can express my love for him. I am blessed to have him in my life, not only as my husband but also as my best friend, and I miss him dearly.

This is the Smith family. We are stationed at Schofield while my husband William is in Iraq with the 1st Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery. This photo was taken recently while he was on R&R. He left when Little Will was only 8 days old and now he is 8 months old. I hope to see him back around the house around February or March.

This is my husband, Staff Sgt. Chad Michael Smith, serving in Afghanistan as an infantry squad leader. He is 25 years old and has three kids and a wife who love him very much. He is with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment.

This is a photo of my heroes, my dad and mom, Sgt. Allen and Stacey (Daos) Sambrana. Both are serving in the U.S. Army.

My name is Alleya Kanani Leihua Sambrana. I'm 7 years old, attending Palisades Elementary School in Pearl City.

My dad is deployed to Iraq with his unit, the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment. My mom is stationed at Schofield with the 25th Replacement Detachment.

I worry a lot for my dad because it's a very dangerous place he went to. I pray that God protects him and brings him safely home.

It's really tough on Mom. I try my best by helping around the house, studying hard and being good.

Dad is a great person. I love him very much and am proud of him. I know he's far away, protecting our country. He is my hero and my mom, too.

Here is a picture of my buddy, Daniel Stewart with his buddies. (Daniel is on the left). He left for Iraq on July 18. I pray for his and all the military's safe return.

Daniel, just think, through all this time we have still kept in touch. That's true friendship. Love ya, buddy! I wish you the best. Remember you have a buddy (OK that's a chick) who thinks and worries about you.

You are always in her heart and thoughts.

Keep in touch and make us proud.

This is the group High Intensity, which is on a long year deployment in Iraq. They are spreading the aloha with local island vibes that rock not only in the islands but in Iraq as well.

Also included in the band is the well-known artist Braddah Ira from the group Kolea.

Members of the band in Iraq is Sgt. Domingo, Spc. Sapolu, Sgt, 1st Class Pray and Staff Sgt. Crisco.

Anybody can say that they rocked Hawai'i, and now they can say they rocked Iraq! Look for the group High Intensity as they come back from Iraq to rock once again in Hawai'i.

This is Jesus Shark, 2/5 Inf B-company, APO AE 09355-9998.

He was at Schofield Barracks and is now serving in Afghanistan.

This is a photo of my wonderful and brave husband, Jason Stalnaker. He is deployed with the "Wonderful Wolfhounds" of Bravo Co. 1/27 INF.

I can't wait to see you again, baby! You make me so proud to be your wife and you are always on my mind. Remember that part of our family mission statement, baby: "We promise that no matter the distance of our dwellings, we will always remain close."

"I've commanded you to be strong and brave. Don't ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God and I will be there with you to help you wherever you go." — Joshua 1:9

This is my husband, Spc. Erwin Saddi. He's been deployed in Afghanistan since April 28, 2004, along with his unit B. Co. 2/5 Infantry Regiment Bobcats of Schofield Barracks.

Erwin and I have been married for three and half years. Together we have three beautiful children: Sedrick, 3, Sydney, 3, and Shantay, 22 months. This is Erwin's first term in the military and our first duty station in Hawai'i, and we are very fortunate to be here in the islands and enjoying it. We come from Corona, Calif.

To Erwin: We wanted to let you know how proud we are of you. Just hang in there my love. Youre a wonderful father, a loving husband, and a strong-willed soldier, and we're so grateful to have you in our lives. We appreciate all that you are doing. You and your fellow soldiers are always in our thoughts and prayers. Always be safe, and we'll see you when you come home. Take care Erwin, we love you and miss you.

Love always,

Your wifey and the kiddos.

I wanted to share a photo of my brother, Staff Sgt. D.J. Schilling. He is deployed outside of Kirkuk, Iraq, with the fire support team from the 25th Infantry Division (Light)'s Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment out of Schofield Barracks.

D.J. graduated from Dayton High School in Washington state in 1999. During his senior year he enlisted in the Washington Army National Guard, and once he graduated from high school he went on to pursue a career as an active-duty soldier. He was stationed in Vilsick, Germany, then deployed to Kosovo, and then to Schofield Barracks and Iraq. He has dedicated his life to being a true American soldier.

I just wanted to let him know that my family and I are very proud of everything he has accomplished and all that he does to defend our country. He is a great brother, son, uncle and friend and we miss him and love him very much.

D.J., you will always be my best friend. We are praying for you and all the troops daily for your safe return home. May God be with you and all the soldiers who are putting their lives in danger to protect our America and our freedom.

Thank you for all you have done — you are my hero!

This is our daughter, Sgt. Roxanne Maile Silva-Salazar with her boyfriend, Trent Strothkamp of Phoenix, Ariz., both with the 25th Infantry Division (Light) out of Schofield Barracks. Roxanne is a 1981 graduate of Waimea High School on Kaua'i and enlisted into the Army right after high school. She attended basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. Then she went on for her MOS training at Ft. Lee, Va.

After about two years of being stationed at Fort Sill, Okla., she transferred to Hawai'i to be closer to home, due mostly to the birth of her daughter, Kiarah, now 3 years old. Her travels in the Army include a month in Thailand and she is currently on a year-long tour at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. It's been very difficult for her and Kiarah being apart for long periods at each deployment. Kiarah understands that her mother is battling bad people and trying to help those in need.

We are very proud of her accomplishment and sacrifices. Roxanne and Trent, we love you and come home safe.

Pfc. Danny Shedd is our son.  He is stationed in Iraq with the 1-27. He has been in the service since January of 2003. He turned 21 the day he left for Iraq, a birthday I am sure he will remember. 

He misses everyone and is ready to come back home to family and friends and his new beautiful bride who is living in Oklahoma while he is away. 

This is a recent picture of him that he sent. Aloha to everyone in Hawai'i. Thanks for all the prayer and support of our awesome soldiers. They are doing an awesome job. Praying for their safe return.

— Joe and Jock'Lene Shedd
Levelland, Texas 

Photo courtesy of Catherine Roberts

My son, Sgt. 1st Class Robert G.K. Stevens, is stationed at Mosul, Iraq. He is with the 3rd Brigade/Stryker Brigade from Ft. Lewis, Wash. Robert is a 1979 graduate of Castle High School. His wife and family reside in Roy, Washington. He is missed and loved very much by his 'ohana here in Hawai'i and his 'ohana in Roy. We are proud of him, and we wish him and the rest of the military in Iraq a safe journey home.

Malama pono, my son.

Steele family photo

My husband, 24-year-old John Steele, deployed in early March to Afghanistan. He is in Kandahar with his unit, Bravo 3/7 Field Artillery.

He joined the Army in 1999. He truly loves his job and loves his country. He takes great pride in being a soldier.

We have been married for three years and have spent two of them here in beautiful Hawai'i. Our 17- month-old daughter, Mandalyn, was born here. He also has a 7-year-old son named John Michael who lives in Texas.

To Johnny: I want you to know how proud I am of you. You've been my best friend and the love of my life, and now I can add hero to the list. You and all of your fellow soldiers are heroes. Don't ever forget it. We haven't forgot about all of you still there fighting for us. I think about you every second of every day. You are with me always in my heart and in my prayers. I can't even begin to describe how much I love you. Mandalyn and I miss you like crazy.

My husband, Cpl. Josh Schick, was deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq, on Jan. 22. He and his unit, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment Wolfhounds of Schofield Barracks, are scheduled for a 12-month deployment.

Josh graduated from Oshkosh West High School in Wisconsin in 2001, and I graduated from Winneconne High School in Wisconsin in 2003. We have been together for over four years, and we were married on Aug. 1, 2003, in Pearl City.

To Josh: I look up to you, miss you, love you and support you so very much for everything that you are doing. I cannot wait for the day that I get to see your smiling face again, and give you the biggest hug and never let go. Just remember, when the days get really hard — you have so many people praying for you and supporting you … we all love you and miss you.

Hurry up and get home — all of our love, always!

Your babygurl & all family — HOOAH!

This is my brother, Abe Smith, stationed in Hawai'i with his wife, Rachael, and their children. We are very proud of Abe. He did his basic training at Fort Benning, Ga. Hawai'i was his first tour of duty, and he has loved every minute of it.

When he was called for this war, he never wavered. He was ready. A true son of Tennessee, he would have volunteered in a minute. His entire family stands firmly behind him, supporting him in every way, and we would hope that every American would stand behind him and all the rest of our soldiers who are putting their lives on the line to fight for our values and beliefs.

To know that he is over there to defend our system of beliefs is awe-inspiring to me. I pray each day for his and all the men and women's safe return.

We love and miss you Abe. Come home soon.

By Lawrence Sagaysay

My son, Spc. Chad J. Sagaysay, joined the Hawai'i Army National Guard as a Waialua High School junior in 1998. He and more than 60 soldiers from Wahiawa's Company B, 193rd Aviation helicopter main-tenance unit left Hawai'i in August for Afghanistan. They will provide helicopter main-tenance for Army forces in Operation Enduring Freedom.

I am a retired Hawai'i Guard recruiter, and I enlisted Chad. His mother and I say, "Watch out for yourself and remember we will always love you."

Domonic is a 1999 graduate of Campbell High School. He is proud to be from Hawai‘i. Before he left for Kuwait he got the Hawaiian Islands tattooed across his chest. In the accompanying photo, he is in Iraq teaching the people how to shaka. True local boy.

His wife, daughter, family and friends are very proud of him and miss him dearly. Our prayers go out to him and all of the soldiers defending our country. We love you, Domonic!

By Jerry D. Souza Jr.

Hi, my name is AO1(AW/SW) Jerry D. Souza Jr. from Hilo. I'm a 1990 graduate of Waiakea High School. I have been in the Navy for 11 years, having joined in January 1992.

Right now I'm in the Persian Gulf on board the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton, which is based in San Diego. I work on the SH-60B aircraft from HSL-47 DET-5.

Souza family photo

By Barbara Souza

One of the few, the proud, a Marine. That is our son, Sgt. Ronald Souza. He has been stationed in Kuwait providing security for the U.S. Embassy.

He graduated from Kailua High School in 1997 and joined the Marine Corps in March 1998.

His tour in Kuwait ended at the end of May. His next duty station will be at the Pentagon, providing security for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

We miss him and love him very much.

Snakenberg family photo

By David and Ann Snakenberg

Our family would like to recognize and thank our oldest son, Mark Kawika Snakenberg, for his sacrifice and service to his country as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

First Lt. Snakenberg is an Army tank platoon leader, in charge of four M1A2 Abrams tanks. He was in the lead element of the 3rd Infantry Division's armored force on the drive to Baghdad.

His platoon fought through the Karbala Gap and into downtown Baghdad. Once the fighting "stopped" on April 9, most of the Iraqi people gave them a very warm welcome.

Mark is a 1997 graduate of Punahou School and Indiana University. He is the son of Lt. Col. David and Ann Snakenberg and brother to Aaron Alika Snakenberg, soon to follow in his older brother's Army footsteps.

By Olivia and Eleonore Stiller

Our big brother, Ekkie Stiller, sends his greetings to you. He is spending his "dream vacation at the world's largest waterless beach." Ekkie is a graduate of West Point's bicentennial class of 2002. He is proud to defend the interests of the United States and we are proud of him.

Our father had escaped from East Germany to the American sector of West Germany that was liberated by American GIs. Our father had tears in his eyes when he saw the statue of Saddam topple; he was so proud that his son took part in the liberation of Iraq.

Our mother is from Japan, which also was liberated by Americans. So we have a lot to be thankful for to America. Our dad wonders what the world would be like without the United States.

We are proud of our troops and pray for their safe return. God bless America.

By 2nd Lt. Michael D. Saulibio

The picture is of 1st Lt. Kyle Sunada of Kaimuki, Sgt. DeLeon of Guam, and 2nd Lt. Michael Saulibio of Kaua'i.

We are sitting around, listening to Three Plus, eating local candies (li hing mango, arare, dried guava, ika, and marlin jerky), and talking story. We are stationed at Camp Wolf in Kuwait as part of the 47th Combat Support Hospital. Other Islanders here include Lt Katie Mobley and Pfc. Garcia of O'ahu.

We would like to thank everyone that has been sending their aloha here to bring us a little closer to home.

By Janell Mercado

Our hero is Spc. Joseph Simpliciano Jr. Joe's unit is 1-41 Infantry, which is stationed at Fort Riley, Kan.

He is originally from Wai'anae. Joe graduated from Wai'anae High School in 1993. Then he decided to serve our country in November 2000. He loves the military so much that he re-enlisted this year.

We just wanted to send our aloha to him for all he has done. We are very proud of him. Our families pray for him every day and for his safe return, also for the other brave men and women who are serving our country. We love you and miss you so come home as soon as you can.

Love, your cousin, Janell Mercado and the whole gang at Wai'anae

Steele family photo

By Francis "Dutch" Steele

Spc. Benjamin "Ben" Steele, son of Francis "Dutch" Steele and Wanda "Shorty" Cross, and brother to David Steele (deceased), Nalani Short and Tiare Romero, is proudly serving his country in Iraq with the Army's 4th Infantry Division as a gunner on a Bradley fighting vehi

Ben, 21, was born at the old Kaiser Hospital and lived in Waimanalo before moving to the Mainland with his mother, brother and sisters.

He considers both Hawai'i and New Mexico his home states as he has many friends and 'ohana in both places. He attended Waiau Elementary School in Pearl City, and graduated from Logan High School in Logan, N.M.

Ben paddled for Lanikai Canoe Club as he has a great affinity and affection for the ocean. He said to make sure his surfboards are ready upon his return as the ocean is what he thinks of while looking at the sand dunes in Iraq (when there isn't a sand storm in progress).

We are very proud of Ben for having the courage to stand in harm's way for his country.

We pray every day for the safe return of Ben and his fellow soldiers.

We ask that all Americans support their troops regardless of their personal views concerning this war.

By Mommy, Penina, & Tobias Savelio

Aloha, my name is Penina Savelio and this is a photo of my daddy Sgt. Siaosi Savelio. My dad is with the 3rd Infantry Division from Ft. Stewart, GA. His unit is 3-15 Infantry.

I just wanted to send my aloha to my daddy for all that he has done. Before we moved to Georgia, we were stationed in Schofield Barracks, Hawai'i.

My dad loves Hawai'i and I hope when he returns from Iraq, we'll be heading back to the Islands.

His favorite local treat is the dried mangoes. The one thing he misses the most about Hawai'i is the FOOD — Hawaiian, Korean, Samoan food.

Daddy hurry home!!! We are very proud of you. We love and miss you.

Love you

Shewell family photo

By Pam and Dennis Shewell

We are from Kailua and are the proud parents of Lance Cpl. Stephen J. Shewell. Stephen is an air traffic control radar technician assigned to MACS-1, Det. B out of Miramar in California. He is serving in Kuwait/Iraq. Stephen graduated from the Academy of the Pacific in 1995 and went on to get a two-year degree in electronics from the Electronics Institute in Honolulu. Stephen joined the Marine Corps in July 2000.

After basic training, Stephen attended school in Pensacola, Fla., to learn his military occupational skill. He loves the Marine Corps and his job.

We all miss Stephen dearly but know that he is doing the job that he was trained to do. We pray daily for Stephen's safe return home. It is reassuring to know that there are young people like Stephen defending our country and our beliefs. God bless America and our American fighting men and women.

By Jeri Serrao

My son, Donald Serrao, is with the Marines' 1st Force Reconnaissance Unit (4th Force attached to the Marine base in Kane'ohe) in the Persian Gulf. It was his dream to be a Marine, and at the age of 17 — the day after his graduation from Pearl City High School in 1994 — he enlisted and left for boot camp.

Active in the Marine Reserve, he was called to active duty on Jan. 13, 2003, and left for Kuwait on Feb. 9. When Donald isn't being a Marine, he's a sales associate at Sports Authority. Donald is intelligent, gentle and kind, with a wild sense of humor. He loves all sports and plays them well, even football in the Kuwait desert.

Donald has three brothers, three sisters and 18 nieces and nephews who miss him terribly. We love him, worry about him and pray that God will keep him and all our troops safe. He is truly our hero.