Check Six – 2006: Second Mobilization for Hilo doctor

In the photograph (L-R) are Jason Matsumura, Walter Ross, Gary Hara, Ken Hara, Robert Lee, Peter Matsuura, Joseph Chaves, Vern Nakasone, Brett Wyrick, Gary Ishikawa (?) David Aponte

The caption accompanying the photograph said:

Lt. Col. Peter Matsuura (center in a black shirt), an orthopedic doctor from Hilo, poses with the Hawaii National Guard staff prior to his second mobilization in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Although mobilized for 90 days, Matsuura has sacrificed a lot He is one of the few practicing orthopedic doctors in Hilo and leaves behind his wife and two sons.

Dr. Matsuura’s first tour from February to August 2004, took him to the Army Hospital in Germany, His second tour, from July to October 2006 will take him to Iraq, where he will serve as a critical care physician. When the wounded (Iraqi or American) are brought in, the critical care physicians treat them and sent them to a higher care facility. Like the one where he spent his first deployment in Germany.