From the Images of Old Hawaii website
“Dedicated to All the Sons and Daughters of Hawai‘i Who Served Their Country in Time of War and in Special Tribute to those Who Gave Their Lives in Order That Freedom and Justice Might Prevail Throughout the World”
Apparently, so said the plaque outside what was initially referred to as the War Memorial Municipal Auditorium; its name was changed a few times.
And, the plaque is now missing – and apparently, so is the memory and original intent of the complex as a War Memorial.
The public ceremony for the rededication of the Blaisdell Center War Memorial Plaque:
Time: 5 p.m. November 10, 2015
Place: Lawn of the Concert Hall
For more information: www.blaisdellmemorialproject.org
The Office of the Governor is looking for qualified and dedicated volunteers to fill vacancies on boards, commissions and committees across the state.
The governor makes appointments and nominations to more than 185 boards and commissions established by the State of Hawai‘i Constitution, state statutes and executive orders. Boards and commissions provide Hawai‘i’s citizens with an opportunity to have a voice in their government and to influence decisions that shape the quality of life for Hawai‘i’s residents.
Vacancies must be filled on a wide range of boards, commissions and committees including: the Board of Health; State Board of Nursing; Board of Veterinary Examiners; Board of Taxation Review; Real Estate Commission; Board of Electricians and Plumbers; Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants; Board of Professional Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and Landscape Architects. For a complete list of vacancies and information on boards, commissions and committees across the state, please go to www.boards.hawaii.gov.
If you are interested in a seat on a board, commission or committee and helping to continue Hawai‘i’s momentum toward a strong and sustainable future, please apply online at www.boards.hawaii.gov. Volunteers may serve on one board, commission or committee at a time.
If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Ibarra, director of Boards and Commissions at sharon.s.ibarra@hawaii.gov.
From the Images of Old Hawaii website
“Shaka” is not a Hawaiian word (it’s not clear when or how it came into use) – but it is believed it started as a Hawaiian hand gesture and has grown to universal acceptance.
It has many meanings
Originally it means to “hang loose”, or to chill and be laid back.
click on photograph to enlarge
In 2009, Boeing had an idea. Instead of developing an entirely new fighter for a market already dominated by the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, it would update an already existing fighter with the latest in technology. Even better, it would be low observable—a step below stealthy planes such the F-35 and F-22 Raptor.
The result: the Silent Eagle. Based on the F-15E Strike Eagle, Silent Eagle would be an affordable alternative to the F-35. It would be an attractive option to countries such as Japan, Israel and South Korea, countries that already had F-15s and wanted a long-range, multi-role, stealthy fighter.
The one probably? Nobody bought it, and the Silent Eagle program was put in limbo in 2014.
Thanks to several Retiree News readers for sending in this article
On November 4, 1946, the four original units of the Hawai‘i Air National Guard received Federal recognition. These units were: the 199th Fighter Squadron, 199th Utility Flight, Detachment C, 199th Air Service Group, and the 199th Weather Station. We recognize this date as birthday of the Hawai‘i Air National Guard.
click on photographs to enlarge
Related
Bellows Field
http://wp.me/p3639O-1Ok
http://wp.me/p3639O-2ev
The Pentagon’s last two budget plans to “reform” the commissary benefit for military families and retirees were driven by a goal to save money, without due regard for preserving the benefit, said a senior Defense official who claims to be leading commissary reforms on a less perilous path.
In a strikingly frank address last Tuesday to commissary brokers, suppliers and product representatives at the annual convention of American Logistics Association, Peter Levine, deputy chief management officer for the Department of Defense, confirmed what critics in Congress and industry, and advocates for commissary patrons, had charged for the past two years.
A time to celebrate for Retiree News!
Sometime yesterday, the website passed 100,000 hits in 2015.
Thanks to everyone for your support. Retiree News continues to improve; sharing information with Hawaii National Guard retirees, members and friends.
Ten years ago….
+ C-17 simulator arrives
+ 203rd Air Refueling Squadron receives Distinguished Flying Unit Plaque
+ HIANG promotes 1st female general
The November 2005 issue of the 154th Wing’s newsletter, the Kūkā‘ilimoku, featured these stories and more.
Read more November 2005 Kūkā‘ilimoku
The following is a list of Veterans Day discounts on restaurants, goods, services and events for 2015. Please check back frequently as the list is updated daily.
The idea of expanding online exchange-shopping benefits to all honorably discharged veterans is moving closer to reality, with all three military-exchange services supporting the idea.
The Defense Department’s deputy chief management officer is addressing the related issues, Army and Air Force Exchange Service CEO Thomas C. Shull confirmed. Once the concept is approved, the online benefit could be rolled out to veterans within as little as six months.
The backend of the Retiree News website monitors hits on each post.
Many of you are linking to the 2014 Federal Employees Health Benefits Open Season. There is 2015 Federal Benefits Open Season post you should review. Go to http://wp.me/p3639O-3I7
Thomas Kahalu Lee, Jr. knows what it means to be a “Wounded Warrior.” He lost his right leg above the knee in Iraq but not his commitment to return to serve his island home.
Lee, 40, is the governor’s new Military Affairs Liaison, a post created by the Legislature last session to assist with community relations involving the military and state government. His job can include everything from dealing with quarantine issues for the pets of military families to understanding community concerns about fuel leaks at Red Hill and working to prevent them in the future.
“We’re honored to have Tom filling this first-ever position for Hawai‘i,” said Gov. Ige. “He’s a daily reminder in our office of how much he and others have sacrificed so we can have the freedoms we enjoy.”
Lee’s own inspiring story is one of bravery and perseverance, even though he would be too modest to call it that. A 1993 Moanalua High School graduate, he served with the Army in both Afghanistan and Iraq. However, his deployment in 2007 near Baghdad nearly cost him his life.
“It was 8 in the morning when we came under small arms fire,” he recalled. “Children were walking on the road on their way to school. After we shielded them so they could hide in a nearby building, an IED was detonated under our vehicle.” Lee received a Purple Heart based on the severe injuries he suffered, including a severed brachial artery and amputation of his right leg above the knee.
Does Lee worry about his fellow vets who have challenges with PTSD and other issues? “Yes, I’ve lost more friends to suicide than I lost in combat,” he replied quietly. “But I want to tell vets and anyone facing life as an amputee — have a sense of purpose and take ad-vantage of the services out there. You can overcome anything.”
Wired Magazine has a monthly feature called “What’s Inside”, where the staff researches and shares the ingredients of some of your favorite products.
The energy drink purports to “give you wings,” and it has a close, personal relationship with vodka. But it isn’t the sugar that amps you up—it’s good, old-fashioned caffeine.
