From the MarketWatch website
For retirees, at least, debt may be the new scourge.
That’s because those who are on the verge of retirement today have more debt, on average, than at any other time in recent U.S. history. And retirees’ increased indebtedness comes just as the various asset classes’ expected returns are well below average.
From the Military.com website
TRICARE Standard was a benefit for retired Guardmembers aged 60-65. As of January 1, TRICARE Extra and TRICARE Standard merged into one system known as TRICARE Select. The merger is a result of legislation passed by Congress in 2017. This article provides a quick overview of this new combined system.
TRICARE Select is a fee-for-service insurance plan that lets you see any doctor. If you visit a network doctor you normally will only have to pay a small copay when you visit. This plan is available to family members, veterans, and retirees. It is available worldwide.
The pūpūkahi is the State of Hawaii Department of Defense monthly newsletter. Printed versions of the pūpūkahi have been the “command information” newsletter for decades.
In the Winter 1998 issue of the pūpūkahi:
* Hawaii Guard provides direct support to Gulf Crisis, Bosnia
* Gary Pang wins National Guard life support award
* Hawaii Guard Band plays for Alaskan veterans
* And more
Read the Winter 1998 pūpūkahi
On January 2, 1993, more than 470 Hawaii National Guard members sailed to Kauai aboard the luxury liner SS Constitution. The three-day, all expenses-paid voyage, was donated by American Hawaii Cruises in appreciation of the Guard’s actions in the Hurricane Iniki response. It was a cruise enjoyed by all who sailed.
The SS Constitution was retired in 1995; while under tow to be scrapped, the liner sank north of the Hawaiian Islands on November 17, 1997.
Thanks to Steve Lum for the background infromation.
In case you’re wondering, current around-the-island cruises are by Norwegian Cruse Line on their ship the Pride of America.
From the everyday Health website
Losing weight may be daunting, but there’s always a chance to find new ways to shed pounds, whether you have a little or a lot to lose. We set out to find the most effective weight-loss tips experts could provide.
At the start of 2018, Retiree News would like to thank all our followers for their support during the past year.
During the year, there were 1,163 posts on varying topics which received over 167,000 views by you. Check Six posts featuring old photographs always have a lot of views. Those old photographs bring back memories of earlier times in the Guard. Taps posts continue receiving attention as retired Guardmembers we knew and worked with passed away.
As we enter the new year, articles about the changes to TRICARE and Medicare will be important. We will post articles when the governing organizations issue information during the year. We will also have fun with our Off Track posts.
Again, thanks for your continuing support. Happy New Year:
Happy New Year from Retiree News
From Jeff Hickman’s Facebook Page
Today is the last day of work for my friend (MSG_R) Stephen Lum. He served over 37 years in the Hawaii Army National Guard over 35 years and over 30 with the our office, the State of Hawaii, Department of Defense Public Affairs Office.
He is a true asset and valuable resource in our office. He was the layout guy, the editor, the photographer, the historian, the artist, the decorator, the “punny” guy, the Roosevelt high school guy, and a great friend to me, Andrew Lee Jackson and Lt Col Charles Anthony and all who worked in this office and our Department.
Hawaii News Now was awesome to help us recognize him on-air today. Mahalo HNN! We will be having an Aloha/Retirement party for him in January. Best of luck in retirement Stephen Lum!!! We will miss you! (When are you coming in to help us find “X”?)
Stephen Lum has been an important contributor to Retiree News from day one. His knowledge to Hawaii National Guard history is extraordinary. Steve will continue to contribute posts and photographs to Retiree News. Mahalo to Steve for his continuing support of this website.
In July and August 2004, the Hawaii Air National Guard promoted 12 airmen to higher ranks. How many names do you recognize?
To Staff Sergeant (E-5):
293d Combat Communications Squadron (293 CBCS): Richard A. Castro Jr.
297th Air Traffic Control Squadron (297 ATCS): John D. Cody
297th Air Traffic Control Squadron ( 297 ATCS): Gilbert Lanai
To Technical Sergeant (E-6):
154th Air Control Squadron (154 ACS): Krystelle D. Kenney
297th Air Traffic Control Squadron (297 ATCS): Gina T.K. Castillo
To Master Sergeant (E-7):
154th Maintenance Squadron (154 AMXS): Anthony G. Guerrero
154th Maintenance Squadron (154 AMXS): Michael A.K. Cadang
154th Maintenance Operations Flight (154 MOF): Yolanda M. Guss
154th Maintenance Squadron (154 AMXS): Alfred S. Kalani Jr.
154th Medical Group (154 MDG): Angela M. P. Armistead
To Senior Master Sergeant (E-8):
154th Maintenance Squadron (154 AMXS): Antone D. Gabriel
154th Mission Support Flight: Carolina S. Togami
From the everyday Health website
Is your stuffy nose making it hard to breathe? There’s no one-size-fits-all remedy for everyone, but knowing the five major types of congestion fighters can make finding a winning combination easier.
Over-the-counter medications can ease congestion quickly if you know what to look for. For those who can’t or would rather not treat blocked air passages with drugs, there are also alternative natural treatments that may help you breathe easier.
Harry Mitsuo Nakasone, 82, passed away on December 3, 2017. He was a graduate of Leilehua High School & retired from the Air National Guard. He loved Hawaiian music, singing karaoke & going to Las Vegas as much as possible.
Harry is survived by his wife, Joyce; daughters, Natalie (Tucker) Watanabe & Cody (David) Maki; sons, Tracy & Neal; step-son, Daryl (Valeska) Muromoto; grandchildren, Lance, Shaylyne, Tazmyne & Isabella; great-grandchildren, Mika & Cataleya; hanai children, Eddie Del Rosario, Robert (Sharlene) Kupukaa, Gail Duncan & Berta Taggart; brothers, Richard (Taeko) & James (Karen); sisters-in-law, Loretta (Richard) Mori & Betty; Preceded in death by parents, Yeiso & Tsuruko; former wife, Jane; brother, John; granddaughter, Nikki; hanai daughter, Linda Del Rosario. Numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
You are welcome to join us for his services at Mililani Memorial Park – Mauka Chapel on January 8, 2018 at 6:00 pm.; Visitation at 5:00 pm. Aloha attire & no flowers, please.
The family would like to thank you all for your love, support & prayers.
Retiree News extends heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.
From the Thrilliest website
These days it’s difficult not to find yourself in the general vicinity of an outstanding burger. Americans’ love of all forms of beef between buns has grown so passionate that it seems like every restaurant that opens feels compelled to put a burger on its menu. That’s fantastic and all, but there are times when some $18 chef-driven creation (even if it tastes incredible) just won’t do and you want something crafted in a place that lives and breathes ground meat. In short, you want a burger joint.
From the Air Force Times website
After years of resistance, the Air Force might be warming to the concept of warrant officers.
In February, the service’s manpower and readiness department is expected to finish a study on whether having some specialized enlisted airmen serve as warrant officers would make the Air Force more lethal and efficient.
From the everyday Health website
The average heart beats 100,000 to 120,000 times each day. And since the average person in the United States will live into their mid- to late-seventies, this means your heart will beat over two billion times in your life. To accomplish all of this pumping, your heart develops specialized pacemaker cells and conduction tissues that conveys electrical impulses across your heart.
