Off the Hawaii Air National Guard Facebook page
After more than a year of not being able to participate in major CBRNE (chemical, bio, radiological, nuclear, explosive) training exercises due restrictions brought on by the pandemic as well as members being assigned to various task forces in Hawaii’s own pandemic response efforts, Airmen from the 154th Medical Group, Detachment 1 recently participated in exercise “Sentinel Response” in Contra Costa County, California. While there, the Hawaii Medical Airmen integrated with California civilian first responder units as well as partners from the California Army and Air National Guard.
Sentinel Response 2021 is a full scale exercise that provides local and state first responders and elements of the California Army and Air National Guard with the opportunity to conduct Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) operations in a simulated radioactively contaminated environment.
Married? You may want to think about how claiming Social Security early would affect your spousal benefits.
For starters, not all early filers can access those benefits right away. And for those who can, it may not translate into a bigger monthly check. It’s also common to misunderstand what you’re entitled to as a spouse.
“A lot of folks get confused about the spousal benefit,” said David Freitag, a Social Security expert and financial planning consultant with MassMutual.
The Kūkā‘ilimoku is the official e-newsletter of the 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard. The first issue came in September 1957 and continues as an e-newsletter today.
Today we feature the April 1968 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue. This issue includes the following stories:
* Vietnam War callups
* Pacific Air Forces IG Team will inspection the Hawaii Air National Guard
* Promotions: including Raymond Kaneshiro, Edward M. Ane, Samuel M. Saffery III
From the Medical News Today website
Good blood circulation is essential for the body because it allows the transport of oxygen and nutrients to cells. Diet plays a vital role in blood flow, and certain foods can have a positive or negative effect on circulation.
Many lifestyle factors can affect circulation, such as physical activity, smoking, and weight. In addition, some medical conditions can cause poor circulation, including atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, blood clots, and Raynaud’s disease.
Off the Hawaii Air National Guard Facebook page
Members of the 291st Combat Communications Squadron recently set out to support our partners abroad as part of the European Deterrence Initiative.
Combat Communications Airmen bring mission-critical capabilities with them everywhere they go, laying down the foundation for command and control in any operational environment. As part of their tour, they will deliver communication, logistical and planning support for multiple exercises across the continent.
Moments like this make us incredibly excited to think about the great things this team will accomplish during its mission.
While they will be operating thousands of miles away from home, we find much comfort in knowing that they are bringing the Aloha Spirit with them as they work together with our Active-Duty counterparts.
‘Ohana and friends saw the team off at the Hilo International Airport, including retired Master Sgt. Maria Andaya, who presented them with traditional, hand-made leis.
The European Deterrence Initiative (EDI), announced in 2014 as the European Reassurance Initiative (ERI), enables the United States to enhance the U.S. deterrence posture, increase the readiness and responsiveness of U.S. forces in Europe, support the collective defense and security of NATO allies, and bolster the security and capacity of U.S. allies and partners. Learn more
Days after a massive Facebook data leak made the headlines, it seems like we’re in for another one, this time involving LinkedIn.
An archive containing data purportedly scraped from 500 million LinkedIn profiles has been put for sale on a popular hacker forum, with another 2 million records leaked as a proof-of-concept sample by the post author.
Earlier Retiree News post: Facebook accounts breached
The Kūkā‘ilimoku is the official e-newsletter of the 154th Wing, Hawai’i Air National Guard. The first issue came in September 1957 and continues as a monthly newsletter today.
Today we feature the April 1976 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue. This issue includes the following stories:
* 154th Supply Squadron Happenings: Louise Sharp returns from training, Warren Chung promoted
* Sports News
From the Medical News Today website
In a new literature review, researchers provide a thorough overview of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, otherwise known as long COVID.
The review, which appears in the journal Nature Medicine, highlights the importance of patient advocacy groups and the need for interdisciplinary care and support over a more extended period.
Off the Hawaii Air National Guard Facebook page
154th Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen gathered at daybreak to apply their construction expertise toward the fortification of the Koko Crater Stairs.
Carrying equipment and rocks up the steps is no walk in the park, but its all-the-more worthwhile knowing that hiking enthusiasts around the island can enjoy a safer and more manageable experience when making their way to the top.
If there’s anything we know about the members of 154 CES, it’s that they’ll always go out of their way to take on new challenges and do their best to make a lasting impact for others!
If you’ve ever had the chore of going to your closest Social Security office for, say, a name change or a replacement for your ancient (and MIA) Social Security card. . . well, I’m so sorry. The wait was likely interminable and the experience uncomfortable; at least it was for me.
In pre-internet days, you had no choice but to physically go to a Social Security office for many tasks. These days, you can manage your own Social Security profile and execute many critical moves yourself online. (Note: During the COVID-19 emergency, Social Security offices nationwide are staffed but are mostly closed for face-to-face services. They are offering limited in-person meetings but these are being reserved for critical situations. Call your local office — they’re typically staffed until 4 p.m. weekdays — if you need help.)
Whether you’re a pre-retiree on the cusp of claiming your hard-earned Social Security benefits or a young worker decades away from retirement, you should set up a free MySocialSecurity account. It’s a good way to protect against Social Security fraud, and it’s a prerequisite for many of the items on our list here.
Once you’ve set up your MySocialSecurity account, take charge of your Social Security benefits by reviewing your earnings history, calculating your benefits, ultimately filing for Social Security and Medicare, and much more. Let us show you how.
From the U.S. News & World Report website
You’re likely to inherit an individual retirement account during one of the worst times in your life: when a loved one passes away. But even during this difficult time, it’s important to pay attention to the inherited IRA rules and deadlines so you can best avoid taxes and penalties on the inheritance your family member left behind.
Vaccinated Americans will probably need booster shots to guard against emerging coronavirus variants in the future, a White House adviser and Pfizer’s CEO said Thursday.
The United States is already planning for future booster shots, Dr. David Kessler, chief science officer for the pandemic response, said during a House subcommittee hearing on the country’s vaccination efforts.
And in remarks released Thursday, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said the most likely scenario included the need for a third vaccine dose six to 12 months after initial inoculation, after which “there will be an annual revaccination.”
Thanks to John “JC” Chun for sharing this undated photograph. He and Grant Suzui identified most of the members in the photograph. Many friendly faces from a long time ago.
Top Row: Jeffrey Banuilos, Mark Coulbourne, Larry Kauleinamoku, Eden Spurlin, Grant Suzuki, David Leong
Middle Row: John Wahinekapu, Arthur Seto, Robert Hoggan, unknown part timer, Scott Stenstrom, unknown part timer, Mark Bustin, Richard Castaneda, William Beck, Larry Derego, unknown,
Front Row: David Pontes, Norman Ault, Gay Ross, Elwin Kaneshiro, Louise Lum, unknown Supply, Jan DeRego, Michael Crail, Melvin Ige, unknown part timer, John “JC” Chun
Kneeling: unknown part timer, Kimo Keanini, Owen Uehara, Wallace Yara, Preston Ares, Annette Gagarin, Bernice Pharr, Rodney Leong, Richard Deveas, Steven Wada, William Austin
Grant Suzuki provided the following comments.
Believe the photograph was taken in the early 1980s. It is a J79 engine used in F-4 Phantoms in the background. The then-154th Composite Group converted to F-15 Eagles in 1985. Additionally, William “Bill” Austin, the Engine Shop chief, retired in 1983 or 84.
I don’t recall the occasion, but it was on the drill weekend because of the Traditional members in the photograph. It is a little curious that the photograph included Guardmembers from supply, and admin sections. Maybe it was Bill Austin’s last drill weekend?
Webmaster comment: if you have any old photographs you would like to share, please scan the photograph as a JPEG and email the files to retireenews@gmail.com
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