Skip to content

Check Six: January 1980 Kūkā‘ilimoku

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 January 1980 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue. This issue includes the following stories:

* 1154th Composite Group receives Air Force Outstanding Unit award

* 154th Resourse Managemen Squadron roundup

* CAMRON News & Views

* Sports News

Review the entire January 1980 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue

TRICARE For Life

Are you eligible for or enrolled in TRICARE For Life? Claims are an important part of health coverage, but it’s important to know when you need to file them and which common mistakes to avoid. Check out “Understanding the TRICARE For Life Claims Process” to learn more. 

You can find this episode and others from the “Getting Care With TRICARE For Life” series on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. As you listen to the podcast, remember to join the conversation by checking out the TRICARE Facebook page.

Check Six – 1980s: Samuel Pacarro

Hawaii Air National Guard photograph – click to enlarge

This undated photograph shows Samuel “Sam” Pacarro. Considering he is wearing fatigues, a good guess the photograph was taken in the 1980s.

Sam served for many years and retired from the Missile Shop. A true professional. He always had a smile….

Every Retirement Plan Should Include These 5 Points

From the Kiplinger website

Life expectancy is longer today. Interest rates are low, and inflation is creeping back up. Taxes will likely increase in the next few years. Will the stock market continue its steady climb? You can hope, but who knows? Volatility could be part of that long-term equation.

All of these factors create financial uncertainty in the future and make planning for retirement more complex. With that in mind, here are five key components of preparing for retirement:

Check Six: January 1988 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 January 1988 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue. This issue includes the following stories:

* Cope Cage 88-02

* Maj Alan Robinson receives PACAF Aircrew Distinction Award

* Lt Col George “Coronet 44” Kawamura retires

* CAM Sq. News & Views

* 169th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron news

* Promotions: include Roberto Carlos, Stanley Souza, Alvin Dang

Review the entire the January 1988 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue

Make 2022 Your Year for a Free Memory Screening

From the Health Day website

When it comes to routine health screenings, resolve to include a memory assessment in 2022. 

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers routine screenings that are both virtual and free every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The process is quick, taking about 10 to 15 minutes. It includes a series of questions meant to gauge memory, language, thinking skills and other intellectual functions. For the screening, you’ll need a device with a webcam and internet capability, such as a smartphone, laptop or tablet.

Learn more

Taps: Charles McGee

U.S. Air Force photograph

Retired Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen and a veteran of 409 combat missions in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, died Jan. 16. He was 102.

The son of a preacher, McGee was born in Cleveland on Dec. 7, 1919. A lifelong leader, he distinguished himself as an Eagle Scout in his youth and remained an inspirational leader throughout his three-decade military career and beyond.

McGee enlisted in the Army on Oct. 26, 1942—one day after his wedding—and earned his pilot’s wings June 30, 1943. McGee flew his first combat mission on Valentine’s Day, 1944, with the 301st Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group, in Italy.

Continue reading

Check Six – Mid-1950s: James Ashford

Hawaii Air National Guard photograph

This undated photograph shows James Ashford getting ready to get into the cockpit for a mission. The crew chief could not be identified. 

Jim Ashford was born in Honolulu, Hawai‘i on July 13, 1923. He grew up in Honolulu and graduated from Punahou School in 1941. In World War II, he served as a fighter pilot in the Ninth Air Force in Europe. He attained the rank of Captain and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and several Air Medals for his service. He was a member of the Hawai‘i Air National Guard and a jet pilot for 26 years. Jim retired as a Colonel and the Commander of the 154th Fighter Group in 1978.

Related Retiree News posts:
Taps: James Ashford – complete obituary and more photographs
Colonel Ashford’s Services – more photographs


The 199th Fighter Squadron flew the North American F-86E Sabre from 1954 through 1958, when they converted to the F86L Sabre Interceptor.

Check Six: January 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 January 1996 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue. This issue includes the following stories:

* TAG’s Holiday Message

* HNGEA President’s Report

* Sports News

* HIANG 50 Celebration planning

* Senior NCOs / First Sergeants Conference

Review the entire the January 1996 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue

Medicare to Consider Lowering Part B Premiums 

From the Kiplinger website

Seniors could see a cut in their monthly Medicare Part B premiums for 2022 after a controversial new drug’s price was slashed.

In November, Medicare set the monthly Part B premium at $170.10 for this year, a more than 14% increase from 2021. The agency said the increase was due in part to Medicare beneficiaries potentially being prescribed Aduhelm, an Alzheimer’s treatment manufactured by Biogen that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration last year. Since the drug must be administered by a physician, it is covered under Part B. Initially, the drug would cost $56,000 each year per patient, though Biogen later announced the price would be reduced to $28,200.

Learn more

Alert of Hawaii DMV Profile Phishing Scam

From the State Department of Transportation website

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) alerts the public of a scam asking people for their social security and license plate numbers.

The phishing link was sent out on an email from profileinfos@hat.kr that stated:

“You have an incomplete Hawaii DMV contact informations [sic] on your Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicle [sic].

“You are required to update your Hawaii DMV profile

“Thanks

Hawaii Department of Motor Vehicle [sic]”

In Hawaii motor vehicle registration and licensing is conducted by the Counties. DMV information would not be solicited over email. The County DMVs would send an individualized letter or call the registered owner directly to request the information be submitted in person. No sensitive information would be requested over the phone.

If you have received this phishing email, please do not click on the links within. Delete it immediately.

Taps: Clarence F.L. Jim

It is with great sadness the family of Clarence F.L. Jim announce his sudden passing the early morning of December 3, 2021. He was 87 years old. Clarence graduated from Punahou School, Honolulu, Hi, – Class of 1952. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, he served on Active Duty in the Air Force and retired from the Hawaii Air National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel with 30 years of service.

He will be dearly missed by his children Michael, Heather and Barbara. Grandsons Ethan, Ryan and Jack, plus numerous other family members and friends. Sonny, as he was known to many, was the eldest of three boys born to Clarence Sr. and Jacqueline (Seto) Jim and is survived by his younger brothers Dennis and Clayden Jim.

Dad was an avid golfer, car, and camera enthusiast. He was also a great cook, loved baking for his sweet tooth, and enjoyed sharing meals out with family and friends. He loved watching his grandkids grow up, attending Ethan and Ryan’s hockey games, playing Scrabble and Monopoly with Jack, and listening to his vast music collection.

Anyone who knew him was touched by his kindness, generosity, playful humor, and positive outlook. He will be truly missed and remembered often.

A future memorial, will be held in Honolulu, Hawaii at a later date to be announced.

Retiree News extends heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.


Check Six: January 2009 Kūkā‘ilimoku

Kukailimoku masthead

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 an e-newsletter today. 

Today we feature the January 2009 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue. This issue includes the following stories:

* Special Lift for Special Olympians

* 154th Security Forces participates in Toys for Tots

* Sports News

* Promotions: including Krisella Oka, Jason Cashman, August Sena

Review the entire January 2009 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue

Check Six – Late 1940s : F-47 Thunderbolt

Hawaii Air National Guard photograph

On October 9, 1947, the first Republic P-47 Thunderbolt (no. 529) was delivered from the large stock then available in the Pacific. Others soon followed. 

This undated photograph was taken early in the F-47 era because there is no squadron emblem on the engine cowling. The 199th Fighter Squadron flew “Jugs” from 1947 through 1954 when they entered the jet age with North American F-86E Sabres.