The aches, the sneezing, the sore throat, the exhaustion — flu season is here and you want to be prepared.
Typically, the “season” starts in October, but there has already been flu-related deaths reported. Physicians say it’s not too early to get a flu shot and they are available at many pharmacies and doctor’s offices around the country.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October, if possible. Doctors say you definitely want to one before Thanksgiving, when you are likely to see more people, travel and be exposed to more germs. It typically takes about two weeks to build up your immunity once you get the shot.
From the Military Times website
Few musical acts are more associated with one particular time period or event than Creedence Clearwater Revival is with the Vietnam War.
Songs like “Bad Moon Rising,” “Proud Mary,” “Green River,” “Down on the Corner,” and perhaps the tune most associated with ‘Nam, “Fortunate Son,” made 1969 the year of John Fogerty and the band that Rolling Stone penciled in at number 82 on their list of 100 Greatest Artists.
Album success of that year was, as music lovers know, coupled with CCR’s performance at the legendary August 1969 Woodstock music festival, an event that was due to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a commemorative 2019 concert that Fogerty had excitedly signed on to play.
But when planning for this year’s event unraveled, the Army Reserve veteran pounced on the opportunity to divert the resources Woodstock 50 would have garnered toward something he and his wife considered just as worthwhile.
The YouTube video shows Creedence Clearwater Revival performing “Fortunate Son.” The video visually depicts the Vietnam War, but listen to the words of the song – it was a major protest song of its time.
From the U.S. News & World Report website
If an injury or medical condition makes you unable to work, you may be eligible for Social Security disability payments. The Social Security Administration provides benefits to disabled individuals who have worked and paid taxes into the program. To receive disability checks, you’ll need to file a claim and meet certain criteria.
The Social Security disability application process can be complex and confusing. The following are commonly asked questions about applying for and receiving Social Security disability payments. By understanding the basics of Social Security disability benefits, you’ll gain a better sense of what steps to take for your situation.
From the U.S. News & World Report website
Too many older adults endure night after night of fragmented sleep with frequent waking. But you don’t have to accept skipping sleep as just a normal part of aging. It’s important to get a good night’s rest to reduce stress, boost memory and reaction time, make the best decisions and stave off depression.
Sleep may also play into better blood-pressure control and heart health. Insomnia often stems from causes that can be changed, fixed or treated.
Check out the following expert tips to help you sleep more soundly.
Bruce “Ace” Ellinwood, retired 199th Fighter Squadron pilot sent Retiree News this taken from Civil Beat with this comment.
Spotted this in today’s Civil Beat. Fred’s a poet, I didn’t know it!
Fred “TRIFOX” Fogel served as a weapons system officer (WSO) during the 199th Fighter Squadron’s F-4 Phantom era. He later served on the Adjutant’s General’s staff until his retirement.
Off the Hawaii Air National Guard Facebook page
In observance of Veterans Day, the Hawaiian Raptors flew over the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific during a Veterans Day ceremony. Service members and Veterans from all U.S. Military branches attended the event along with family members, Youth Challenge Academy cadets and State of Hawaii dignitaries. For those who swore an oath to defend and protect our great nation, thank you for all that you have done. You will always have our unwavering gratitude and support!
Additional photographs of the ceremony
More event photographs from the Adjutant General’s Facebook page
Webmaster Comment: In response to several emails, a commemoration was not held at Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe this year.
From the Honolulu Star Advertiser website
This Veterans Day, while many head to the beach or cook burgers on the grill, about 350 Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers are on unique duty in Afghanistan, and will continue to be through Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year celebrations that they’ll miss before heading home in the spring.
They are most certainly missed at home, but they are also loved at the seven bases where they are stationed — and not just for the aloha spirit and shakas that they bring.
The 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery soldiers have a mission known as “counter-rocket, artillery, mortar,” or C-RAM for short, using a weapon system that shoots down incoming enemy rockets with a rapid-fire pulse of 20-mm rounds.
Continue reading
Another great article by William Cole, who handles most of the military related reporting for the Honolulu Star Advertiser.
From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website
In honor of Veterans Month this November, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is rolling out nationwide access for Veterans to their VA health data, alongside their health records from other health care providers in one place, in the Health Records section of the Health app for iPhone.
Now, patients will be able to see their medical information from various participating institutions, including VA, organized into one view – covering allergies, conditions, immunizations, lab results, medications, procedures and vitals – and will receive notifications when their data is updated.
“We have delivered Veterans an innovative new way to easily and securely access their health information,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Veterans deserve access to their health data at any time and in one place, and with Health Records on the Health app, VA has pushed the Veterans experience forward.”
This capability was developed through VA’s Veterans Health Application Programming Interface (Veterans Health API), first revealed in February, and has topped 2,000 users. The Veterans Health API allows private sector organizations to create and deploy innovative digital applications that help Veterans access their health records in new ways. Health Records data is encrypted and protected with the user’s iPhone passcode, Touch ID, or Face ID.
Beyond this effort with Apple, VA plans to partner with other organizations to bring similar capabilities to other mobile platforms.
From the Images of Old Hawaii website
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France.
However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany, went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Off the Hawaii Air National Guard Facebook page
It’s almost a universal phenomenon, knowing that some of life’s best experiences seem to come-and-go at the blink of an eye. Teenagers create unforgettable friendships and memories over a few short years in high school, as do some young adults who pursue a college education. Perhaps it’s even rarer for people to work side-by-side for decades on end. Two such friends in the Hawaii Air National Guard found just that while serving in a prestige organization, which spanned the greater half of their careers – as members of the Hawaii Air National Guard (HIANG) Honor Guard.
Unlike the most common Honor Guard participants, who serve for a portion of their time in their twenties, Tech. Sgt. Mark Crabbe and Staff Sgt. Darrell Bactad started their time in their 30’s and remained active well into their 50s. Together, they performed in numerous memorial ceremonies, military observances and community outreach events.
On November 11, 1918, Veterans Day began as World War I ended. Back then, it was known as Armistice Day, celebrating the arrival of peace and the “war to end all wars.” Since then, it has evolved into a day where America honors all who served.
Veterans, living and dead, whether they served in wartime or peacetime, should be recognized for their service to America. Most Americans do not know too much about military service and the significance of the title – veteran. To these people, it is a national holiday and a day off from work or school.
Today, consider saying, “Thank you for your service” to the veterans you know.
From the Frolic Hawaii website
When I was growing up, going to an okazuya was a treat. It’s every kid’s and adult’s dream kind of breakfast: You can choose what you want and how much you want. But don’t look for a menu. The food you see at an okazuya counter is the menu.
It’s a gamble predicting the final price of your okazu plate. My plates typically range from $10 to $15 but can easily go up to $20. With all the food on display, it’s tempting to just point at everything and add it to your plate, so be careful. Go in with a plan: Maybe one starch, two proteins and one or two miscellaneous choices. If you don’t have a plan, you will probably have a panic attack when it’s your turn to order because the server will be waiting with the tongs and the people behind you might get impatient at your indecisiveness.
