From the National Guard Association of the United States website
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) has temporarily suspended its National Guard and Reserve on-site sales program, according to a DeCA spokesman.
Started in 2008, the program delivers commissary items to areas not served by a military commissary, providing Guardsmen and Reservists an opportunity to buy groceries at reduced prices compared to most retailers.
The sales typically last two or three days and are organized in cooperation with Guard and Reserve units. They are open to all authorized commissary shoppers.
The program has been suspended while DeCA refines its operational procedures, according to spokesman Kevin L. Robinson.
This affects only two events scheduled in June — an on-site sale at the Marietta Military Family Support Center near Atlanta, Georgia; and another that had been scheduled for Camp Shelby, Mississippi.
Robinson said events currently slated for July will proceed as scheduled.
“The temporary halt will allow DeCA to ensure the best shopping experience for our patrons at these events,” he said. “DeCA is working with all responsible parties to resume normal services within the next 30 days.”
Robinson said the suspension came after a recent review determined some aspects of the on-site sales needed to be improved. He said such evaluations are routine.
“We regret any inconvenience this presents to our host Guard/Reserve units and our patrons,” said Willie Watkins, DeCA’s chief of e-business. “We are taking a timeout to ensure all aspects of the program are functioning according to our standard operational procedures.”
Since the on-site sales program began, DeCA has served over 430,700 customers at more than 945 sales events, officials said. This has yielded more than $19 million in patron savings, officials said.
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Douglas Imaikalani Gusmao Silva, 80, of Waimanalo, Hawaii, passed away on May 2, 2019. He was born to Mary Kame’eualani (Karratti) and Alfred Gusmao Silva on June 29, 1938, in Koloa, Kaua’i. Doug grew up on the windward side of O’ahu, graduating from Castle High School in 1957, and serving in the U.S. Army National Guard before becoming an architect by trade.
An avid bird hunter and incredible cook, he also had a keen eye for design. After suffering a major stroke in 1997, he learned to adjust to life with his disability, yet he never lost his headstrong spirit.
He is survived by his daughters, D. Kanani Silva and Karla K. (Travis Park) Silva-Park; his grandchildren, Israel P. Santana, Keahe L. Silva and L. Kilinahe O. Park; his sisters Audrey P. Wagner, Maileann Stone and Dina Capra; and many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, June 29, 2019, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hale A’o at Windward Community College.
Retiree News extends heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.
The Douglas DC-3 of Trans-Pacific Airlines “The Aloha Airline” and its crew in front of the old control tower at Honolulu International. #WeMissAlohaAirlines pic.twitter.com/CA2JnFH0OP
— Hawaii Aviation ✪ (@HawaiiAviation) March 31, 2019
The airline was founded as charter carrier Trans-Pacific Airlines by publisher Ruddy F. Tongg, Sr. as a competitor to Hawaiian Airlines, commencing operations on July 26, 1946, with a single World War II-surplus Douglas C-47 (DC-3) on a flight from Honolulu to Maui and Hilo. The name reflected Tongg’s vision of a trans-oceanic airline connecting California, Hawaii, and China. It soon earned the nickname “The Aloha Airline” and was flying four aircraft by the end of the year. Approval to operate as a scheduled airline came when President Harry S. Truman signed the certificate on February 21, 1949, with the first scheduled flight on June 6, 1949, following ceremonies held the previous day. (Wikipedia)
Trans-Pacific Airlines transitioned to Aloha Airlines in late 1958. On March 30, 2008, Aloha Airlines announced the suspension of all scheduled passenger flights, with the final day of operation to be March 31, 2008.
From the Kaiser Health News website
Dr. Ron Naito, an internist in Portland, Ore., was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in August 2018. His doctor wouldn’t confirm the terminal diagnosis, even though Naito read the test results and understood what they meant.
After nearly 40 years as an internist, Dr. Ron Naito knew what the sky-high results of his blood test meant. And it wasn’t good.
But when he turned to his doctors last summer to confirm the dire diagnosis — stage 4 pancreatic cancer — he learned the news in a way no patient should.
The first physician, a specialist Naito had known for 10 years, refused to acknowledge the results of the “off-the-scale” blood test that showed unmistakable signs of advanced cancer. “He simply didn’t want to tell me,” Naito said.
A second specialist performed a tumor biopsy, and then discussed the results with a medical student outside the open door of the exam room where Naito waited.
“They walk by one time and I can hear [the doctor] say ‘5 centimeters,’” said Naito. “Then they walk the other way and I can hear him say, ‘Very bad.’”
After retiring, the chance to stay in the home where you’ve built up memories and grown comfortable may sound perfect. But to age in place well, you may need to do some renovations. The question is: Which ones are worth the cost?
“If you plan on aging in place, there are two things to keep in mind,” says Cristina Miguelez, a remodeling specialist at Fixr.com. “The first is what it is that you need to remain in your home. The second is that you need your home to maintain its value and salability regardless of what you do to it.”
As you look around your home, it may be helpful to draw up a list of potential renovation projects and then evaluate them based on what you think you’ll need in coming years.
You may want to arrange for a consultation with a home renovation pro to discuss possibilities. Due to growing numbers of people wanting to age in place, the Chubb insurance company just started offering its homeowner clients a free home accessibility risk consultation service.
Here are six home renovation projects that experts say are worth their cost in retirement:
Retiree News Photograph
This photograph was taken on April 17, 2009 at the DOD Retirement and Awards Luncheon. Maj Gen Peter “Skipper” Pawling was one of the many retirees honored that day. In the photograph are (L-R): Ronald Han, Skipper, David “Snake” Snakenburg, and Robert “Rob” Lee.
These luncheon were held semi-annually at the Hale Koa Hotel. The Human Resources Office (HRO) were usually the luncheon organizers with CMSgt Debbie Brownhill leading the committee.
Older Americans, beware: Falling can be dangerous, even deadly.
The number of deaths from falling tripled between 2000 and 2016, from about 8,600 to more than 25,000, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The rates of death from falls more than doubled, from 52 per 100,000 in 2000 to 122 per 100,000 in 2016.
The elderly are most at risk, the data show. The rate of death from falling was 42 per 100,000 for those between 75 and 79, compared with 591 per 100,000 for people 95 and older. The reasons for these stark increases were unknown, researchers said, and there may have been some overestimation or underestimation of deaths.
But falling is a danger, and it can lead to serious injuries and diseases.
The U.S. Army on Friday unveiled the Expert Soldier Badge, a new skill badge designed to recognize soldiers who demonstrate a mastery of physical fitness, marksmanship and critical skills necessary for combat.
Beginning in fiscal 2020, soldiers from occupational specialties other than infantry, medical and Special Forces will have the chance to take Expert Soldier Badge (ESB) testing, a challenging battery of tasks that is equivalent to testing for the prestigious Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB) and the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB), according to a June 14 Army news release.
Retiree News Photograph
This photograph shows James Townsend and Carswell “Caz” Ross. It was taken on December 12, 1009 during the annual Department of Defense Christmas tree trimming. Individuals hang ornaments on the tree in the hallway at the State DOD headquarters.
Jim was the A3T, Operations and Training Officer at Headquarters, Hawaii Air National Guard. He served in this State position for about ten years and retired in 2011. Prior to this position, he served over 30 years in the Air Force and the Hawaii Air National Guard. His last assignment was the commander of the 201st Combat Communications Group where he later retired as a colonel.
Caz worked for over 30 years at the Office of Veterans Services prior to his retirement. Caz continues to volunteer for many veterans related events during the year. Militarily he served in the Air Force and the HIANG in various positions for over 30 years. Caz retired as a chief master sergeant. Caz’s son Skyler is a staff sergeant with the 297th Air Traffic Control Squadron.
From the U.S. News & World Report website
It’s easy to ignore high blood pressure, or hypertension, until health complications strike. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize the impact of high blood pressure until they develop heart disease, have kidney damage or suffer a stroke.
The official standard for high blood pressure recently changed, with the threshold lowered to 130/80 mmHg. More than 100 million Americans now have high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. As guidelines and treatment parameters shift, you may not know whether you have high blood pressure or how to safeguard your health.
More than ever, patients are encouraged to track their own progress and take proactive measures to reduce their risks. The good news is that if you’re among the many people diagnosed with hypertension, there’s plenty you can do to manage it, prevent complications and bring your blood pressure down to a normal range.
Caring for a family member, friend or neighbor whose health is compromised by illness, injury or age can be among life’s greatest challenges. And the results of a new AARP study confirm that many non-professional caregivers are doing more medical and nursing tasks than ever.
Home Alone Revisited highlights the breadth and complexity of the tasks demanded of today’s family caregivers. A follow-up to AARP’s 2012 Home Alone study, the new study shows more caregivers are assuming responsibility for particularly demanding procedures once considered the exclusive domain of medical professionals, such as managing incontinence, pain and special diets.
Among the study’s major findings:
– Today’s caregivers provide intense and complex care managing health conditions, including pain.
– Caregivers who are socially isolated or have no choice in caregiving are more at risk for experiencing difficulties with complex care.
– Health systems are not doing enough to prepare unpaid caregivers.
The results reflect the perfect storm of an aging population, escalating health care costs and shortened hospital stays.
From the Images of Old Hawaii website
From Wikipedia | click to enlarge
The Queen’s Hospital (now called The Queen’s Medical Center) was founded in 1859 by Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV. In King Kamehameha IV’s initial speech to the legislature in 1854, the King voiced his desire to create a hospital for the people of Hawaiʻi. At that time, the continued existence of the Hawaiian race was seriously threatened by the influx of disease brought to the islands by foreign visitors. Queen Emma enthusiastically supported the dream of a hospital, and the two campaigned tirelessly to make it a reality. They personally went door-to-door soliciting the necessary funding.
Today, the Queen’s Medical Center is largest private hospital in Hawaiʻi, licensed to operate with 505 acute care beds and 28 sub-acute beds. The medical center has more than 3,000 employees and over 1,200 physicians on staff.
After a parent or another loved one dies, one of the hardest tasks is cleaning out their home. Whether or not it’s the home you grew up in, the house or apartment will likely hold some memories and going through the contents can be emotionally draining.
John D. Moore, a licensed psychotherapist in Chicago and editor of Guy Counseling, says, “In many cases, the child (or children) of the deceased aren’t properly prepared for the torrent of emotions” that can erupt from sorting through a parent’s belongings after they have passed.
From the Everyday Health website
Recently, I set up an experiment in a grocery store. I placed four nut mixes on a shelf. Each was labeled differently. One promoted men’s health. Another was labeled as a heart-healthy mix, while a third was just a wholesome nut mix. Finally, the fourth one made no claims at all regarding health; it was just labeled as a deluxe combination of nuts.
I consider myself an amateur when it comes to nuts, I asked passing customers which one was best and why. The responses were as variable as the people.
Retiree News 