Dispatches

Posted on: January 23, 2006
Petty Officers James Wilson, left, Jon Franquez, center, and Fred Tan are back in Hawaiçi after nearly a year in Kuwait.	Petty Officers James Wilson, Jon Franquez and Fred Tan 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.

Posted on: September 12, 2005
Spc. Matthew Woodward is stationed in Germany and deployed to Afghanistan.	Spc. Matthew Woodward By Italia Woodward Spc. Matthew Woodward is our daddy, our soldier and our hero. He joined the U.S. Army in 2002 and is stationed in Germany but has been deployed to Afghanistan since February, doing his part in protecting our freedom with the 44th Signal Battalion “Go Gators.” My sisters and I, along with our grandparents, Gelia, Mark, Joan and Greg, couldn’t be more proud of him. Our daddy is intelligent, very funny, supportive, caring, loving and even though he’s very busy over there always makes time for us. We all love and miss him very much and pray for his safe return. But, I think our mommy is the most proud (she really misses you, Daddy). We love you Daddy, can’t wait for you to come home. Ko Aloha Makamae E Ipo Me Ke Aloha Pumehana Italia, Chevy, Jazzy, Jason and Shai

Posted on: August 29, 2005
Spc. Paul Wong and his wife, Deena, have a 4&Mac221;-month-old-son, Paul Talen Tuarii. The elder Wong is due home next year.	Spc. Paul Wong By Deena Wong This is my best friend, my husband and my hero, Spc. Paul Wong. He is with Company B, 299th Infantry, 29th Brigade Combat Team, in Kealakekua. He is 24 years old, from Captain Cook and a 1999 graduate of Konawaena High School. We were married July 24, 2004, and now have a 4 1/2-month-old son, Paul Talen Tuarii. Paul has been deployed from Aug. 16, 2004, and has been in Baghdad since February. He is due home next year. We love you, Hunny! Miss you and pray for you all day and night. With all our love to you, our hero, your wife and son, Deena and Talen. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Posted on: August 29, 2005
	Lt. Col. Lynne Berry Westlake By Ward Westlake This is a photo of my wife, Lt. Col. Lynne Berry Westlake, from 'Ewa Beach, standing by the Hawaiian flag in the Hall of Flags exhibit at the Tikrit Palace in Iraq. Lynne is with the 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade.

Posted on: April 11, 2005
Pvt. Chayne Williams' wife, Courtney, says she admires his strength and courage. He's in Iraq with the 720th Military Police Battalion.	By Courtney Williams This is my brave soldier and loving husband, Pvt. Chayne Williams, who is serving in Iraq with the 3rd Platoon, 401st Military Police Company, 720th Military Police Battalion. My husband's unit deployed from Fort Hood, Texas, in January. He is a 2003 graduate of Kailua High. His strength and courage are what make this soldier my hero. I would like to thank our family and friends for all your prayers and support for Chayne and me. To my hero: Baby, being apart from you is harder than I thought it would be. Hearing your voice keeps me going. I am so proud of you for sacrificing to keep our country safe. I miss you lots, and please be careful. May our prayers continue to watch over you and the other soldiers and bring you all home safely to your loved ones. I love you this much and more. Muah!

Posted on: March 21, 2005
Sgt. 1st Class Russell J. Wong, deployed in Afghanistan with the Guard, is expected home soon.	By Maryssa Wong Aloha! My name is Maryssa Wong. I'm 13 years old and the proud daughter of an American and Hawaiian soldier, Sgt. 1st Class Russell J. Wong. He is with the Hawai'i Army National Guard's Bravo Company, 193rd Aviation Regiment. My dad deployed to Afghanis-tan in May 2004. He is expected to come home very soon, maybe a month or so. But I really miss him. I love you, Daddy!

Posted on: February 21, 2005
'Aiea and Hawai‘i Pacific graduate 1st Lt. Johnny J. Wandasan left for Iraq on March 20, 2004.	By Mary Wandasan This is my grandson, 1st Lt. Johnny J. Wandasan. He is serving with C Company, 193rd Aviation, Hawai'i National Guard in Balad, Iraq. Although we’re expecting him home in a few weeks, I want to share this photo of him taken on the day he was deployed on March 20, 2004. Johnny is a helicopter pilot and loves his job. He is a 1993 graduate of 'Aiea High School and a 1998 graduate of Hawai'i Pacific University. We were so happy to have him for two weeks of R&R in October. He is serving our country bravely and we are proud of him. He’s in our daily prayers. I ask the Lord Jesus to bless him and all our soldiers, keep them safe and guide them home to their loved ones.

Posted on: February 7, 2005
Sgt. 1st Class Kurt C. Williams is back in Iraq after two weeks visiting his wife and daughters.	By Pat Kaneda This is my wonderful son-in-law, Sgt. 1st Class Kurt C. Williams. He is with the HSC, 411th Engineer Battalion stationed in Baghdad. This picture was taken on the day he went back to Iraq after his two-week R&R. Formerly a "weekend warrior" with the Army Reserve, Kurt took up the call to duty in March 2004. He left behind a loving wife and two beautiful little daughters — one 5 months old and the other 3 years old at the time. As difficult as it was to leave his family, he has met the challenges of his assignment and has gained the respect of his men, totaling approximately 50. We are so proud of him and continue to pray for his safe return to us. God bless all the men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, placing their lives in harm's way for the cause of freedom.

Posted on: January 10, 2005
Spc. Frank Whitehead, of the Michigan National Guard, attended schools on O'ahu.	By Stephanie Ayson My son, Spc. Frank Whitehead, is with the 263rd Personnel Services Detachment, Michigan Army National Guard, in Kuwait. Frank was born in Camden, N.J., but attended Pu'uhale Elementary, Benjamin Parker, Kailua Elementary, Kailua Intermediate and Kalaheo High, where he played football his freshman year. He finished high school at Cheltenham High in Leverock, Pa., while living with his grandmother. He graduated in 2001 and attended Goshen College in Goshen, Ind., until he enlisted in the Michigan Army National Guard in 2003. He arrived in Kuwait on Oct. 8. Since then, I have only heard from him twice. I guess I'm lucky to have at least heard from him. I'm a "worry wart" since he is my only child. I pray for his safe return home. I love and miss him very much.

Posted on: October 11, 2004
PC3 Christopher Woodruff, left, and GSMFN Ollie E. Dunlap IV, deployed since June, had this photo taken in Hong Kong. The sailors have also traveled to Singapore, Muscat and Dubai.	By Teresa Dunlap This is a picture of PC3 Christopher Woodruff, left, and my son, GSMFN Ollie E. Dunlap IV, who are in the Navy on deployment on the USS Hopper. They have been deployed since June 2004; this picture was taken in Hong Kong. They have also been to Singapore, Muscat and Dubai. Ollie was born and raised in Hawai'i so his wife was quite elated when he also got stationed here! Woodruff and Dunlap are both musically talented.

Posted on: June 28, 2004
	Jacinta Whitted This is a picture of my husband, Staff Sgt. Allen Whitted, and my children, from left to right, Justin, Devon and Monique. My husband is with Headquarters and Headquarter Company 125th Signal Battalion stationed at Helemano. He has served in Bosnia, Kuwait and now Afghanistan. To the men and woman serving our country here and abroad, you are in our prayers. To my Baby, we love you so much. You are in our hearts and prayers. When times get tough, just remember we will always be near in heart. We are so proud of you, and we look for your safe and speedy return back home. I love you. Love, Jacinta, Justin, Devon and Monique.

Posted on: June 28, 2004
	By Terri Treasures I am a proud mother of a local boy, Kurtis Kalani Wilkerson, who is stationed in Iraq since September 2003. His platoon was hit by a grenade, and my son took some shrapnel in the lower abdomen, legs and stomach. He is now back in Fort Lewis, Wash., where he is recovering with his wife and children. My daughter-in-law called me and said Kurtis met President Bush. We are all so very proud of him and thankful that he is safe. My prayers are also with the rest of his platoon that is still in Iraq. I pray every day for their safe return. This photo is my son and his family before he left for Iraq.

Posted on: June 21, 2004
Photo courtesy Christi Clark	By Christi Clark My friend Scott White was deployed to Bagram in April, and I miss him terribly. He is a great Texan, American, and all-around great guy — always has something positive to say regardless of the situation. I admire his courage, strength and humor, and I can't wait to see his face again next year.

Posted on: September 8, 2003
Spc. Eugene E. Winchester	By Kapika K. Miranda Spc. Eugene E. Winchester from the coast of Wai'anae is serving in Afghanistan. I am Eugene's girlfriend of almost two years and many more to come. The past few weeks have been hard since my soldier has been gone. Having him by my side is one thing I miss most of all. He and many more from Wahiawa's Company B 193rd Aviation helicopter maintenance unit left Hawai'i in August for Afghanistan. They may be gone for six months to a year. I've talked to him a few times. The most he has said was that it was really, really hot. He's far away from home and protecting us all from harm. Everyday, I pray that he's OK and safe, mostly if there is someone to watch his back. We miss you and love you very much. See you soon. I love you, and I'll be waiting for you. I miss you, Honey!

Posted on: July 21, 2003
Spec. 4 Erika (Rude) Wood is serving in Kuwait in support of troops in and around Iraq. Rude family photo	By Wesley and Gwen Rude Spec. 4 Erika (Rude) Wood is in Kuwait supporting troops in and around Iraq. We, Wesley and Gwen Rude, Erika's parents, support her role in the liberation of the Iraqi civilians and are awaiting her safe return. With love and prayers; stand tall, Girl. With love, from all of her family in Hawai'i. We are very proud of her and love her. God bless you and everyone who is there.

Posted on: May 23, 2003
	By Verna Waikiki "Guess what, mom?" my son told me. "I want to be one of the Few and the Proud." Well, two years later Lance Cpl. Casey Waikiki, a 2001 graduate of Roosevelt High School, continues to enjoy the challenges of being a Marine. Presently he is a scout with 1st Platoon, Delta Company, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion serving somewhere in Iraq. Casey is a respectful and caring son, brother and grandson, always striving to do his very best. He thrives on the mental and physical discipline, teamwork and brotherhood offered through the Corps. We are very proud of all his accomplishments. Communication has been sparse since the Iraqi liberation campaign began. However, we are grateful for the five-minute phone call we received the last week of April letting us know he is safe and doing fine. We pray for his continued good health and speedy return back to his base at Twentynine Palms, Calif.

Posted on: April 6, 2003
Air Force munitions specialist James Wehrman, left, who grew up in Kane'ohe, is serving in Saudi Arabia. His father, Steve, recently sent him a package of local-kine grinds. Photo courtesy Wehrman family	By Steve Wehrman My son James is a munitions specialist with the Air Force. He was in Okinawa until the conflict in Iraq started. Now he is somewhere in Saudi Arabia. James grew up in Kane'ohe and went to Castle High School. We just sent James a package to show our aloha and support with lots of his favorite local-kine grinds. This is a picture of us taken at Lackland AFB in Texas at his graduation from basic training.