Thanks to these Retiree News readers who registered to “Follow Blog via Email”: Carl Nakamura, Marten T. Compoc
Several Retiree News readers have reported the passing of Robert Snyder. Bob worked in the Comptroller section for many years. Services are pending.
Update: services were private
Read the May issue of National Guard, the official publication of the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) at http://ow.ly/xsavF
Features:
Memorial Days Ten Guardsmen have died in the line of duty over the last 12 months. For their loved ones, every day is Memorial Day.
Looking Better Big victories on the Hill have momentum behind the effort to get an independent look at the future of the Total Army. By Rebecca Autrey
A Different Direction Bucking current trends, one manufacturer is producing a fighter that will be less complex and significantly less expensive. By William Matthews
Smart Fixes Guard aircraft need a whole lot of upgrades, some of which could quickly make the fleet safer, more capable and easier to maintain. By William Matthews
The Birth of Joint Response GUARD ROOTS: Actions following the Anchorage quake 50 years ago became an early model for today’s multiservice response. By Bill Boehm
Secretary Shinseki’s Farewell Message to VA Employees
May 30, 2014
This morning, I resigned as Secretary of Veterans Affairs. My personal and professional commitment and my loyalty to Veterans, their families, and our survivors was the driving force behind that decision. That loyalty has never wavered, and it will never wane.
Over the course of the last five-and-a-half years, you have made significant and lasting progress in expanding access for Veterans, in significantly decreasing the backlog in Veterans’ claims while building the system that will end the backlog in 2015, and in bringing an end to Veterans’ homelessness. We have come a long way together in bringing this Department into the 21st Century in ways that will serve Veterans well into the future. Yet, there is more work to be done, and I have no doubt that you will achieve all that you set about doing in the interest of Veterans.
I have been privileged to have served as your Secretary and am deeply grateful to the employees and leaders who have placed the interests of Veterans above and beyond their own self-interests; who are serving with dignity, compassion, and dedication; and who live by VA’s core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence. I know that you will provide your support and loyalty to Acting Secretary Sloan Gibson, who is now your leader. In fact, I expect it.
Thank you. May God richly bless all of you, Veterans, and this great country of ours.
Eric K. Shinseki
You can make a difference and inspire others to action. Pledge to be prepared for disasters and let your Facebook friends know! www.Ready.gov/hurricanes
Please note that here in Hawai‘i, we need to stock water and supplies for at least 7-10 days. Most government websites recommend 3 days, and that is a reasonable supply if you live on the continental United States. Hawai‘i is dependent on container ships that take 7 days to get to Hawai‘i from Oakland or Los Angeles.
Francis Sum Mauliola, 82, of Waimanalo, a retired engineering supervisor for Castle Medical Center and a retiree of the Hawaii Air National Guard 291st Combat Communications Squadron, passed away on May 9, 2014 in Waimanalo. He is survived by sons Francis Jr. and Skip; daughters Jacqueline Kamai, Janna Mauliola and Tracy Tobias; brothers Theodore and George; sisters Grace Adviento and Roselani Villanueva; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Primary care physicians could save lives by asking patients nine simple questions, a new study suggests.
By asking a series of family-related questions as part of routine care, doctors are more likely to catch patients who have inherited a higher risk for developing certain cancers, heart disease and diabetes, Australian researchers note in a report published in the Annals of Family Medicine. Despite advances in DNA testing, knowing family medical history “remains the most relevant genetic risk tool,” the researchers from the University of Melbourne report.
Continue reading http://ow.ly/xeaiC
President Barack Obama announced the resignation of Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary General Eric Shinseki following several tumultuous weeks and pressure from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
President Barack Obama announced the resignation of Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary General Eric Shinseki following several tumultuous weeks and pressure from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
Operations at the Department of Veterans Affairs came into question after reports of long wait times at healthcare facilities became an issue, especially in Phoenix where dozens of people allegedly died as a result.
An inspector general’s report detailed improper scheduling procedures throughout the VA hospital system.
Continue reading http://ow.ly/xsgoB
The Hawai‘i Army and Air National Guard have a rich history of achievements and milestones. Hawai‘i Army and Air National Guard units and individual members were part of many historic events and firsts. Through the years in newsletters, annual reports, photographs and other documents documented these events.
A long time ago, both the Hawai‘i Army and Air Guard once had assigned historians in their major units. These billets went away as defense budgets became smaller. Many units have kept files of their unit newsletters, but currently there is no central repository for these documents, memorabilia, and photographs.
Individuals like Stephen Lum have become the de facto keepers of the history. Steve just started sharing his work with Retiree News under his “My Back Page” postings.
Aaron Pollick, a Hawai‘i Army National Guard retiree, is a collector of Hawai‘i National Guard memorabilia. He recently started a Facebook page dedicated to discussing Hawai‘i Army National Guard history.
For more Hawai‘i Army National Guard history and to see Aaron’s Facebook page, go to http://ow.ly/xekYq. Great job by Aaron!
BTW: Aaron continues to collect old memorabilia. Anyone cleaning out closets, especially of your parents or grandparents, and discover old uniforms, insignia and photographs, contact Aaron at kekoaiki@hawaii.rr.com. Don’t throw away our Guard history!
If a hurricane or tropical storm should threaten your area, would you know what to do? Contact your local emergency management office and find out if you live in an evacuation zone and what your evacuation route is. For tips and information visit: www.ready.gov/today
Please note that here in Hawai‘i, we need to stock water and supplies for at least 7-10 days. Most government websites recommend 3 days, and that is a reasonable supply if you live on the continental United States. Hawai‘i is dependent on container ships that take 7 days to get to Hawai‘i from Oakland or Los Angeles.
MasterCard Inc., the world’s second largest debit and credit card company, said it was extending its zero liability policy in the United States to include all PIN-based and ATM transactions.
Zero liability protection means the account holder will not be held responsible for unauthorized transactions.
Earlier, the zero liability protection did not apply if an account holder’s personal identification number (PIN) was used for unauthorized transactions.
Continue reading http://ow.ly/xmvGH
Hurricane season begins June 1. Familiarize yourself & your family with severe weather terminology:
– A hurricane warning means *one is expected* in your area. Follow evacuation orders from local officials if given.
– A hurricane watch means *one is possible* in your area. Know your evacuation route & listen to local officials.
– Don’t put you or your family at risk; follow the instructions of local officials – and if told to evacuate, evacuate.
To keep up with your local weather forecast, monitor local media updates or visit www.weather.gov
Please note that here in Hawai‘i, we need to stock water and supplies for at least 7-10 days. Most government websites recommend 3 days, and that is a reasonable supply if you live on the continental United States. Hawai‘i is dependent on container ships that take 7 days to get to Hawai‘i from Oakland or Los Angeles.
Remember, Turn around, Don’t drown; A mere six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It only takes two feet of rushing water to carry away most vehicles including pickups and SUV’s; More tips and information: www.ready.gov/hurricanes
Please note that here in Hawai‘i, we need to stock water and supplies for at least 7-10 days. Most government websites recommend 3 days, and that is a reasonable supply if you live on the continental United States. Hawai‘i is dependent on container ships that take 7 days to get to Hawai‘i from Oakland or Los Angeles.
