By Destenee Taube

So often we hear, "Pray for our soldiers overseas." The word "soldier" is so generic. It does not begin to make known the person behind the title. As my son, Zach, a private at Schofield Barracks, prepares to go to Iraq this month, my mission as a mom is to raise awareness of each American — to make it known that these are soldiers, yes, but more importantly, someone's son or daughter.

Twenty-one years ago, when Zach was born, the beautiful eyes of a precious soul looked into mine. The instant love I felt was the most powerful feeling I could have ever imagined. Would I be a good mom? Will I always be able to keep him safe? I wanted to hold him close forever. I still do.

As he grew, I watched the first tentative steps on pudgy little feet. An unsteady gait, taking him precariously close to the danger of another bump or bruise. I would rush to catch him.

Now, those feet march in military confidence — again, marching precariously close to danger. I cannot catch him if he falls this time. ...

He has grown into a fine man, and has trusted God to lead the way, and is now an American infantry soldier.

He doesn't want to go, but now it is his duty. He has tears in his eyes: "I'll miss you, Momma," he whispers. I'll miss you, too, baby boy, I'll miss you too. Be safe, stay strong and know that you are in the hands of God.

So please, when you say your prayers for the soldiers overseas, see my son. Really see who he is: a soldier, a hero, my son. He's not just a uniformed infantryman that is in another country, fighting a war. He's an extension of my soul.

HOOAH! Destenee Taube, proud mom of Zach Taube, 25th Infantry Division.

By Maj. Jay Trinidad

Greetings from Iraq! I’m Maj. Jay Trinidad from Mililani, and I’m with the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade out of Fort Shafter Flats. First, I want to tell my wife, "Jen, I love and miss you lots!"

In this photo I am at a meeting with one of the local sheiks and his staff on a problem in his nahia (neighborhood).

Mahalos and maraming maraming Salamat!

By Larry Franquez

Wanted to send a photo of my son and two of his friends, who arrived homeJan. 10 after completing a tour of duty in Kuwait.

They flew on military transport from Kuwait to Spain and then on to San Diego and Los Angeles before arriving in Hawai'i via Hawaiian Airlines, after 40 hours of nonstop traveling.

They are the only Hawai'i Coast Guard members who left last February for Kuwait.

By Rolland Tang

They are serving our country in the Persian Gulf, along with other members of the Hawai'i Air National Guard's 154th Security Forces Squadron.

We are very proud of their commitment, dedication, and especially their sacrifice to be away from family during this holiday season.

By Aveegail Tabula

He’s with the 428th Quartermaster Company, stationed in St. Paul, Minn. My husband grew up in Honolulu and is a 1992 graduate of Farrington High School, of which he is very proud, and the University of Phoenix in Honolulu. He has been in the Army for 13 years now and will continue to serve in the military. Ever since he was little he always wanted to be a soldier to serve our country and we’re so proud of him.

I pray to God every single day and every minute that he will watch over my husband and every other soldier there with him. Our daughter and I miss him a lot and so do our families.

He is a wonderful, kind, funny and loving husband and father; he’s just one of a kind. We’ve known each other for six years, been married for four years and I just can’t wait for the day he comes back home to us.
He’s my best friend and my soulmate, and I love him with all my heart.

I love you, my honey, and we’ll see you soon! Take care always and be safe.

By Rob and Cooky Tavares

Troy was born and raised on the east side of the Big Island. He’s truly a “Puna Boy” at heart. Troy spent his 21st birthday in Iraq this past June.

We are so thankful for all the prayers of the faithful; they have been a tremendous blessing to all of us. We look forward to Troy’s homecoming and the celebrations to come. He is sorely missed.

Troy has a special presence about him. He brings joy, love and humor in the midst of uncertainty. His strength and tenacity is admirable. He does his job without complaint. He truly is our hero. It’s just not the same without our son here back home, and we are eagerly awaiting his return soon. Our prayers are with all the troops. We know that God is so much bigger than all the war. And we won’t cease praying … not ever.

We love you, Troy, with all our hearts.

Your Mom and Dad.

By Nicole Carlson

They are leaving to be stationed in Uzbekistan. Both graduated from Lanakila Baptist High School in 1997.

So I dedicate this to my husband — a man of few words, always trying to find humor in everything he does, but serious when need be. I am very proud of you and pray for you every day. Loving husband and father of two daughters — you are my hero. I want to say that we all miss you very much. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day. We pray for your safe return.

Be safe out there. Stay alert. Keep each other safe! Take care, my love. Hope to see you soon. I love you!

Nicole, Tehani and Tiare Carlson

By Amanda Tuttle

This is my hero, my husband Cpl. David Tuttle, who is with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment out of Marine Corps Base Hawaiçi, H & S Company. This picture was taken at a goodbye party we had for him a week before he left on June 3, 2005.

They are currently supporting the war on terror in Afghanistan. He is the best person I know and has no idea how much I miss him. I just got news today that he was hurt when the Humvee he was driving flipped over. He is currently in Germany with his fellow Marines, and they are all hanging in there.

Please pray for all of our troops currently in Iraq and Afghanistan that they will all come home safe and sound. Baby, I canÕt wait for you to come home and wrap my arms around you and breathe again knowing that you are safe. I miss you so much and although you are coming home under terrible circumstances, everything is going to be OK, I promise you. You are so strong, and knowing that is what keeps me going.

Happy birthday, Babe! Your beautiful daughter and your loving wife want to wish you a happy birthday. Hope you enjoy your special day. Laila and I miss you so much and can't wait till you come home. We love you so much! And be safe.

I am Sgt. Robin M. Tuaniga of Kapolei, currently serving with HHC 29 BDE in Balad, Iraq. We had the pleasure and privilege of watching country singer Charlie Daniels perform on April 11. While working in these conditions, it is always good to know that MWR and Stars and Stripes paper care enough to send someone like Mr. Daniels, who has a history of entertaining the troops. Mahalo to all concerned. It was the best time I've had since I've been here.

Here is a picture taken in Camp Buering, Kuwait, of my husband, Staff Sgt. David "Ika" Thomas from Waimanalo. He is currently stationed at Camp Taji, Iraq with HHT 1/11 ACR. My husband has been in the military since 1991 and, after completing his military career, plans on returning home to the Islands with the family. His daughter Keesha and son David love him and miss him a lot and know that God is watching over him and all the brave men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Maj. Ronald Todd (St. Joseph HighiHilo '79) on the left, currently with the U.S. Army at Fort Sill, Okla., and Pfc. Raymond Hook on the right (Kapa'a High '90), of the Independence, Mo., National Guard, compare notes as they met for the first time during their deployment in Iraq. The mothers of both men instigated this meeting via e-mail. Ray's mom, Barbara, is Ron's godmother. In our prayers we ask that the Lord will grant you and our other troops a safe return. — Love, the Ronald Todd 'Ohana of Hilo and the Jack Hook 'Ohana of Missouri

Talofa, my name is Adrianna Tauai. This is a picture of me and my dad, Staff Sgt. Alei Tauai, before he was deployed to Iraq with his company, 29 BCT, 29th SPT BN, HHC. I would like to say that I, my brother Adrian and my mommy Siupolu, and all my uncles and aunts and cousins, are very, very proud of my dad. He is always dedicated and devoted to his military duties. He is very humble, loving, funny and quiet when he wants to be, but most importantly, a very good Christian man. That's why I believe that my daddy and his brother, my uncle Misi Tauai, who is also in Iraq with the troops from Samoa, will come home safe and sound. My brother and I miss our dad. So does our mom, who's now taking over our dad's responsibilities at home and at church. We always pray for our dad and our uncle and the rest of the troops for dedicating and sacrificing their life for our country. Let us all believe and have faith in God, for he will protect and guide our fathers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties and even grandpas and grandmas back home safely to us. I would like to say, Daddy, I am very proud and supportive of what you are doing. Please do not be sad, but be strong and aggressive to keep you going. But most importantly, always have faith in God and don't forget your prayers. We may not be there in person, but we are always there in spirit and through our prayers. So take good care of yourself and have fun! Tell Uncle Misi I said "hi" and don't get into any trouble. I will be waiting for you to come home. I love you, Daddy! Your one and only daughter, Adrianna Eseneiaso Tauai

This is my son, Sgt. S. Kaleo Torres. He is in Kuwait with the 1-487th Battalion, Charlie Company. We are proud of you and your sacrifice for our flag. You are the best. We miss you and love you, and wait for your safe return. Warriors from Hawai'i, i mua! Hiki no! Love, Mom and Rosie

Aloha, this picture is of my husband, Spc. Samson Thompson, when he graduated from PLDC on Aug. 28. He is part of the Hawai'i Army National Guard, 29th Support Battalion, C Company, which is deployed in Iraq. I just wanted to express how proud I am of him and his fellow soldiers of the 29th Support Battalion. We are all praying for you, and we can't wait to see you again, Sam! Angel and Arianna miss their daddy, and even though you can't be here with us, you're always in our hearts and always in our prayers. Stay strong, and always remember that I love you always and forever.

This is our son, Perry D. Tamayo. He was deployed to Iraq with the 411th Engineer Battalion from Schofield Barracks in March 2004.
We are always praying very hard for his safety and the safety of all the men and women in uniform fighting in Iraq and all over the world fighting for our freedom.
Perry, we hope to see you soon.
Love and prayers,
Dad and Mom

This is a picture of my courageous husband, Andy J. Tafunai, who will always be the only love of my life, my true hero, my brave soldier and the main reason I wake up to see the sun shine every morning. This photo was taken a day before he returned to Fort Bliss, Texas, where his unit trained for 2 : months. I was very fortunate to have him home for the holidays. He was able to spend some quality time with me and his daughter, McKaylah, whom he saw for only 22 days since I gave birth to her, because of his training. Although we spent only a few days together, we have so many memories that we both will forever cherish. My husband is a military police officer with the 29th Brigade Combat Team of the Hawai'i Army National Guard. He and his unit and the rest of the troops who are still sacrificing their lives each day, so that you, me and the rest of this country can live in peace, need your prayers and your support. I envy those wives who are able to sleep next to their husbands every night, knowing that they are safe, being cared for and are getting the same kind of treatment they are used to. As for me and the rest of the military dependents who feel my pain, we cannot imagine what our Heavenly Father has in store for us each day. I believe in him and I know that he hears my prayers every night and day and one day he will answer me by bringing my soldier home. The brave men and women of the 29th BCT are in Kuwait, waiting for their one-year, possibly 18-month deployment to Iraq. Sweetheart: God knows how long you will be away from me, but whether it's a year, 18 months or longer ... I promise you that I will never fall out of love with you. You have been my pride and joy. To all the troops in the war zone, thank you for your commitment and your enduring sacrifice. We support you 100 percent. To the 29th Brigade, and especially my husband's MP unit, may God bless you with the strength to go on and the courage to be able to face tomorrow. May he watch over you and protect you each day. Wishing you nothing but the best and a very safe deployment.

I am Capt. Adrian M. Tejada, 725 MSB, of Schofield Barracks, Hawai'i. I have been deployed to Afghanistan since February 2004. I am excited to return back to O'ahu next month and once again experience the aloha of the island. Happy new year to all my family, friends and soldiers who helped make this past year mean something. God bless everyone who could not be home for the holiday season. .

This is my boyfriend Jared Toppenberg, whose home base is with the 25th Infantry Division (Light) on O'ahu. He deployed to Afghanistan in May. Jared is an Army helicopter pilot with the 3/4 Cavalry unit. We all miss him and can't wait for him to make it home safely for good in May. Missing you tons. Love, Becky

This is my wonderful husband, Brook Turner of Stayton, Ore., battalion maintenance officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation. He deployed out of Schofield Barracks in January 2004. The photo above shows him cutting grass that he planted in his "back yard" so he could have a little bit of home with him in Iraq. He is a great father to our four children and my best friend since high school. We were blessed with him coming home for R&R at the end of September. Brook has the highest respect for the soldiers who work with him. He calls them "the super troops." He loves what he does and we stand behind him 100 percent. We miss him more than words can say. Brook, 10 down and 2 to go. We love you so much, Handsome. The kids are so proud to say their daddy is a soldier. We pray for you and the other soldiers fighting for us. Keep looking at the stars. Love, Kimberly, Jorden, Samantha, Courtney and Ja'Lynn

Aloha! This is a photo of my husband, Staff Sgt. Hector Toro, in Babylon Ruins, Iraq. He deployed out of Schofield Barracks in January and is with Company D, 1st Battalion, 25th  Aviation. He is our hero and no words can express our love for him. We want him to know how extremely proud we are of him. You are in our thoughts and prayers every day and we can't wait until we get to be a family once again. We miss you and love you so much. Sending you a Christmas wish of peace, love and aloha, Your wife and kids, Hector Gabriel and Gabriella Nicole.

Talofa, from LSA Anaconda/Balab AB Iraq!!!! My name is Gwenda Vailolo Tuika. I am currently deployed with the 332nd Logistics Readiness Squadron out of MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. I graduated from Kaimuki High School in 1998 and Hawai'i Business College in 2000. First I would like to thank my entire family and friends, especially my mommie, for their prayers for not only myself but everyone else deployed out here. The job we do here is more than just a job. It is a sacred duty that a few have answered and many have fallen for. Self-sacrifice is the ultimate gift anyone can offer our nation. I am very honored to be able to serve our nation. We all, out here in Iraq, have gone to places where no one wants to, we fight where others run, and defend our way of life to bring freedom to people where freedom is looked down on. I just want to let my 'ohana know how much I love and miss them and can't wait to come home. May you all have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year (wish I could be there). To my honey babee (daughter) Miracle-Giselle, maybe one day when you get older mommie can explain to you why I do what I do. Until then I want you to know that mommie loves you more than life itself and I want you to be a good girl.

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.

This is my son-in-law, Sgt. Brandon Tulloch of the 25th Infantry Division (Light), Schofield Barracks. He married my daughter, Brianne Rachelle, one month before he was deployed to Iraq. Grandma Patty, myself and his family in Florida (mom Pam, dad Steve, brother Will and sister Kelli) all miss him and pray for him every day. Brandon, we all love you and are very proud of you. We can't wait until you are home safe. Brianne sends all her love.

Hi! My name is Dean. I'm the son of Sgt. Nelson Tagalan.

I'm going to be 11 years old in November. Also, I'm going to Iao School in sixth grade. My mom is Kathie, and my two dogs are Sista and Butler.

My dad got deployed to Iraq at the end of March, with the rest of the 411th Engineer Battalion. It is hard seeing him going away to a dangerous place. But we all know he's going to come back safe. Time will pass.

Daddy, Mom is always taking care of me, so don't worry about me or Mom or the dogs.

We are all OK. When I grow up, I want to be like my dad and join the Army. I'm so proud and I miss you very, very much.

Please God, I'm being a good boy, so guide my dad and bring him home safe sooner.

Also I would like to say "Happy Birthday, Dad!" — from Mom, Dogs, and me to you!

Sgt. Nelson Tagalan's birthday was Saturday.

This is my husband, Staff Sgt. Brandon Townsend, who is deployed to Iraq with the Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment Wolfhounds.

He is daddy to our four children (Kaylee, Miranda, Peter and Tyler), a loving husband and has been an awesome soldier for over nine years.

Brandon, you make me proud to be your Army wife. You are the bravest person I know and are my hero in so many ways.  The kids and I miss you so much and can't wait to be with you again. Please stay safe and hurry home to us. All my love forever.

This is my high school sweetheart, my best friend, my lover and my husband, Sgt. 1st Class Neil R. Tugaoen, Farrington High School Class of 1987.

He has been in the Army for 15 years and has been stationed in Iraq since February 2004 with B Company, 601st ASB, stationed out of Katterbach, Germany. This is his second tour in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is also a veteran of Desert Storm (1990).

Here at Katterbach, he left behind his wife of 16 years, Michele (Sterling); daughter, Angela-Rene, 14; and son, Neil-Richard II, 11. We pray for his safe return. May God be with you always.

Neil, we love and miss you very much. Come home soon. We are very proud of you. You are our hero!!

I want everyone to know how proud her whole family is of her. She has a very loving and generous soul, and we all miss her terribly.

Kate, stay safe. We are counting the days until you are home again. Remember, you are always in our prayers.

— Love, Aunt Julie

My name is Spc. Wellington Tejada, and I want to say a few words from the desert and mountains of Afghanistan. I miss Hawai'i, my family and friends. Especially my girlfriend, Annikka, who showed me the aloha spirit. I can’t wait until we go back to Hawai'i so I can drink Jamba Juice with her and go to the beach again.

I miss you Annikka, only nine more months.

My husband, Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Thompson, and I were stationed at Schofield Barracks in March of 2001. Hawai'i was our home for almost three years when he received orders to deploy to Iraq. He left with the 2nd Brigade in January and as far as we know will be returning to Hawai'i in February of 2005.

While we were in Hawai'i, we were blessed to have a daughter, Maci, who recently made it to the terrible 2s! She is precious to us, and I know Matt misses her very much. 

I'll be brief, but I want to say how proud I am of my husband. I've never been more proud of anyone in my life. He's the love of my life and my hero! We miss you, Matt, and pray for you daily!

This is a picture of my daughter, Pfc. Kathryn Tarr, stationed in Hawai'i, currently deployed to Iraq. She is a lab tech. Her husband Alex is also in the Army, stationed in Hawai'i.

We love them both and want them to know that we are proud beyond belief of these two young people and all our troops serving in these uncertain times.

Kate, just remember we all love you and want you home safe, so keep your head down and your heart up. Alex, I'm so glad you are my son-in-fact, and I know you look forward to Kate coming home, too.

Love, Joanne Burt

Tafua family photo

Aloha! I have attached a photograph of my husband, Sgt. 1st Class Andy Tafua, with our son, Tau.

Andy is stationed at Schofield Barracks and is serving our country in Afghanistan.

Andy started his military career as a reservist, in the infantry. After graduating from college, we got married. He then went active duty. 

That was 10 years ago. I pray for 10 more. He has since changed his job to military intelligence. "Eyes of Lightning" is his new home in the Army.

He has served our country in Kosovo, South Korea, Haiti, Bosnia, and now Afghanistan. In each case he was ready, if not eager to go and defend our nation, keep the peace, and protect our rights.

He is my hero. 

To Andy: Sweetheart, your son and I are so proud of you. We miss you like crazy, but we understand why. You stay focused and concentrate on the mission. Please know we love you with every breath and that we lift you in prayer daily.

Take care of yourself, cause I am taking care of the home front. I believe in you. I believe in what you do. I believe in us.

Faavavau Faavavau Amene Hana

I just wanted to write to you about my husband Staff Sgt. Ernest S. Torres. He is in Iraq, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Ernest is based out of Fort Hood, Texas, and is with the 1st "Raider" Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division — the unit responsible for the capture of Saddam Hussein.

My husband was born and raised in Honolulu. He is a 1987 graduate of McKinley High School; he joined the military right out of high school.

We met in 1988 and married in October of that year. We have four children: Angel, Keli'i, Anthony and Keanu.

I know that my husband misses all the good "grinds" from back home and all the aloha. We hope to be stationed back in Hawai'i after his tour in Iraq is over.

In the meantime, keep all of our troops in your prayers and continue to support them.

Mahalo,

Alice Torres and family

By Joy A. Barrie

Jeff Tomaselli, a helicopter mechanic with the 3rd Infantry, is dating my niece, Blair.

Jeff is from New Jersey. Jeff loves to talk and tell stories, so we are all waiting for his return to share all of his experiences.

I am his "Auntie Joy" from Wahiawa.

I just received this photo of Jeff.

By Greg Brannan and Nicole Gust-Brannan

From left, Airman 1st Class Kristin Theineman, Master Sgt. Don Pigg, Staff Sgt. Greg Brannan and Master Sgt. Mark Gusky give the shaka sign in this photo taken just before the war started. All four are stationed with the 15th Civil Engineering Squadron and are nuclear, biological and chemical warfare specialists from Hickam Air Force Base.

By Marisa Belen Ruiz

I wanted to contribute this story about my baby brother, Sgt. Jose Tablada III, from the windward side of O'ahu, known to most as "Pepe."

Many have come to know this Kailua boy as a hero as well. A true local boy and a Marine at heart, Pep followed his father's footsteps, Jose Tablada Jr. of Kapa'a, Kaua'i, a Marine during the Vietnam War. Pep joined the Marines out of his love of our country, our freedom, and a passionate desire to protect our people.

He now serves as a team leader for the 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, based out of Kane'ohe Marine Corps Base.

As part of Task Force Tarawa, Pep is deep in the heart of Iraq conducting special operations and covert missions. Pep and his team function in crucial missions: deep reconnaissance and surveillance. But they are not in the limelight as we see on TV and hear on the radio. Pep's commanding officer has written to us describing Pep and his platoon as the "finest deep reconnaissance unit in over three decades ... I could not be happier with your Marines' display of professionalism and spirit. They are working smartly, not taking unnecessary risk, and setting new standards of excellence in the process."

We, his family and friends, are extremely proud of Pep and his team. They are terribly missed and we are all waiting for the day we can celebrate their safe return home. We love you Pep.