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Check Six – 1961: 150th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron Becomes Operational

Hawaii Air National Guard photograph

At 0830, March 15, 1961 “B” crew began active air defense operations from Kōke‘e Air Force Station, Hawai‘i. “A” crew left for Kaua‘i that afternoon, and the leapfrog was completed. The remaining 109th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron at Punamano AFS (Kahuku) reverted to training status, except for providing radio relay between O‘ahu and Kaua‘i.

After a week of operational shakedown, there was a “Grand Opening” there with many dignitaries in attendance, including Hawai‘i Lt Governor James Kealoha, Kauai officials and Pacific Air Force staff. Two F-102 Delta Daggers flew a resounding low salute over the new operational station tp close the ceremony.

Check Six: February 1996 Kūkā‘ilimoku

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 February 1996 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue. This issue includes the following stories:

* Brig, Gen. Dwight Kealoha new Hawaii Air National Guard commander

* Senior NCOs / First Sergeants Conference

* Lt. Col. Walt Harris new 154th Wing Chaplain

* 199th Tactical Fighter Squadron is the ANG nominee for the 1995 Hughes Achievement Award

* AGE/Motor Pool Facility Dedication

Review the entire the February 1996 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue

A Guide to Adjusting to Life With Hearing Aids

From the nextavenue website

Adjusting to hearing aids takes time and patience. How do I know this? I have been wearing hearing aids since I was a four-year-old. In the nearly 30 years since, I have continuously had to adapt to new hearing aids. From technology changes to the styles of hearing aids, the adjustment period is ongoing.

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Valentine’s Day 2022

From the National Today webiste

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, and we are ready to shower our significant others with love and tokens of our affection. Unlike National Boyfriend Day, this day isn’t just for the boyfriends — anyone and everyone can be shown some love today. This day of love is celebrated in so many ways, it is always exciting to see what new traditions are included or created year after year. Whether it is elaborate engagements, intimate dinners for two, spending time with family, or the most recent variation ‘Galentine’s Day’. It is a holiday we all can enjoy!

Learn more about the history of Valentine’s Day

Check Six: February 2016 Kūkā‘ilimoku

Kukailimoku masthead

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 January 2007 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue. This issue includes the following stories:

* 203rd Air Refueling Squadron to help fuel fight against Daesh

* Governor Ige appoints Kaiali‘i Kahele to late father’s seat in state Senate

* Hickam CDDAR team raises P-3 Orion

* Tora Tora Tora

* and more…

December 2016 Kukailimoku

CMSgt David Sala Retires

Off the Hawaii Air National Guard Facebook page

Hawaii Air National Guard photograph

Congratulations to Chief Master Sgt. David Sala, who’s career was recently celebrated during a beautiful retirement ceremony!

As a committed mentor, leader and friend to may, Chief Sala uplifted many others in the HIANG, and we send you much Aloha as you continue on to your next chapter.

More photographs

A Guide to Self-Directed IRAs

From the U.S. News & World Report website

A self-directed IRA allows investors to hold unique and varied investment options inside a retirement account. Unlike traditional IRAs or Roth IRAs, which often consist of stocks and bonds, a self-directed IRA provides a broader selection of investment options.

“The account owner is the person who is managing the account, and therefore they must take on the responsibility of due diligence and ongoing management of the underlying assets,” says Cassandra Kirby, a partner and wealth advisor at Braun-Bostich & Associates in Pittsburgh. “You should be a pretty knowledgeable investor to open and manage a self-directed IRA, and you should also be aware of the risks associated with the underlying investments.”

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Sunset on the Fighter Flightline

Hawaii Air National Guard photograph

This undated photograph was taken by MSgt Ronald Biho, who served in the Public Affairs officer during the F-4C Phantom era.

How to recognize a mini-stroke and what to do if you have one

From The Oklahoman website

DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: How can a person know if they’ve had a minor stroke? My 72-year-old mother had a spell a few weeks ago where she suddenly felt dizzy for no apparent reason and had trouble walking and speaking, but it went away, and she seems fine now.

DEAR CONCERNED: The way you’re describing it, it’s very possible that your mom had a “mini-stroke” also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), and if she hasn’t already done so, she needs to see a doctor as soon as possible.

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Off Track: Hawai‘i’s Oldest Restaurants Are Still ‘Ono After All These Years

From the Honolulu Magazine website

Every town has restaurants that have become more than just spots to get a meal. They are places where regulars grow up with the owners’ families and their grandchildren meet across the counter. They serve the ultimate old-school comfort foods that are woven into our childhoods. Here are some of those places that have been feeding us for more than 60 years. 


The Tip Top Motel Café & Bakery is run by the Ota family. One of their sons is Owen Ota, a retired weapons controller at the 150th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron. Earlier Retiree News post about Owen Ota: Retiree Update: Owen Ota

What Can You Do If A Website Uses a Photo of You Without Your Permission?

From the What’s My IP Address website

In a digital age where we live out our lives on the Internet, it’s inevitable photos of you will pop up online. You may be the one to publish these photos, but sometimes, someone else may use your likeness or image without your permission.

When this happens, can you legally force a website owner to delete a photo of you? You have some legal options if your photo is used without your permission, but it depends on how this photo of you is being used.

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“Can happen to me – I have private social media accounts.” Your photos are safe in a shared “Friends” account. BUT one of your friends downloads a great photo of you, your family, or your grandchild, AND reposts the photo on their account….. then someone else downloads the photo and uses it their social media post.

2022 Tax Calendar: Important Tax Due Dates and Deadlines

From the Kiplinger website

The 2020 and 2021 federal income tax calendars were really messed up by the COVID-19 pandemic. The IRS extended various tax filing due dates and payment deadlines during both years to give taxpayers more time to take care of their tax obligations. While the IRS is so far sticking with the “normal” tax due dates for 2022, it’s still possible that some new COVID-19 variant will eventually wreak havoc on the 2022 tax calendar, too.

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Don’t forget to take care of YOU

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Check Six – 2006: First C-17 Globemaster III arrives at Hickam

Off the Hawaii Air National Guard Facebook page

16 years ago, Hickam became the first United States Air Force base outside the continental U.S. to permanently host the C-17?

One interesting thing about this moment… Master Sgt. Rafael Dela Sierra, 154th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron dedicated crew chief, was one of the first crew chiefs that marshaled the C-17 to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

“This was an amazing day; I remember it like it was yesterday. I represented the Hawaii Air National Guard alongside our Active duty component the 15th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, base leadership, and the Governor of Hawai’i at the time, Linda Lingle, to welcome the first C-17 Globemaster III to U.S. Pacific Air Forces” said, Del Sierra.

Earlier Retiree News post: Check Six – 2006: C-17 Globemaster III Arrive