In an era where people rely on mobile devices for information, a warning siren may seem like outdated technology. But in Hawai‘i, a new retrofit program will ensure that the booming outdoor alarms will continue to serve as the state’s primary emergency alert system for years to come.
Hawai‘i is in the midst of a $25.6 million overhaul of its statewide warning siren network. Once the project is complete, 490 sirens will be spread throughout the state, including 205 on O‘ahu, the most populous of the Hawaiian Islands. The sirens will operate on a state-of-the-art satellite-cellular communications system. Read on http://ow.ly/kKWMK
Recently retired CSM Richard Tanaka is now working for the Pacific Disaster Center. PDC is headquartered on Maui but operates an office at Fort Shafter. He is the Disaster Services Advisor, dealing with emergency management, planning, operations and training. It’s very similar to the position he held with the J3 DOMS. Congratulations!
Going on terminal leave later this month is SFC Aaron Pollick. His retirement day is set for September 1, 2013. Hope he keeps all his Guard memorabilia, there will be a Hawai‘i National Guard museum one of these days.
Slouching may be fashionable for some red carpet regulars, but it’s one of several reasons why about 80% of us will have spinal problems in our lifetime. And yet, most of us can cure or even avoid back pain and surgery by taking a few daily preventive steps. Spinal problems can start as early as age 29, so it’s never too early or too late to start. Read on http://ow.ly/kLBXe
The May 2013 edition of National Guard is available online at http://ow.ly/kLMm6.
Special thanks to these new Retiree News readers who registered in the “Follow Blog via Email” the last week: Tom Ingargiola, Dave Snakenberg, Leighton Siu and Richard Tanaka.
And a big Mahalo to Bert Hamakado who became the 200th registered reader.
Please continue to spread the word about the Retiree News website to others who you believe would be interested.
The Defense Commissary Agency, which is headquartered at Fort Lee, VA., operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings that amount to thousands of dollars annually when shopping regularly at a commissary. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.
Hawai‘i Commissary Information
Hickam: http://ow.ly/kI5W3
Kāne‘ohe: http://ow.ly/kI6ci
Pearl Harbor: http://ow.ly/kI62X
Schofield: http://ow.ly/kI68i
Ever wonder what’s happening at an unit or base where you were assigned to during your career. Part of the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) website is a listing of many organizational, base, and unit newsletters like the Kūkā‘ilimoku. Publications are listed by alphabetically by name. Go to http://www.dvidshub.net/publication.
Richard Cline is one a Hawai‘i Air National Guard member serving in the 154th Logistics Readiness Squadron. He is an Ironman competitor and he is trying to earn a special spot in the Kona Ironman.
Clink here to learn more about what’s special about Richard: http://bit.ly/11fxycj
To learn about the Ironheart Racing Team and how to support Richard with a donation, go to: http://ow.ly/kJgeU
A Defense Department agency’s report on corrupt conduct in the Arizona National Guard says the state military organization suffers from lax discipline, unethical behavior by command personnel, a failure to assist sexual-abuse victims and multiple other problems. Read on http://ow.ly/kI4wY
The Kentucky Air National Guard‘s 123rd Contingency Response Group has been named the Air National Guard Contingency Response Unit of the Year for 2012. Read more http://ow.ly/kCZzK
Have you heard of medical ID theft? Find out how these thieves work. Read on http://t.co/odbBooMjTC
Taken from a Twitter feed by Brent Suyama @BrentSuyama
Bought or renewed a homeowners insurance policy lately? You’ve no doubt noticed that premiums have gotten pretty pricey. Rates have climbed 69% over the past decade to an average of $1,000 a year. What you may not realize is that you could be facing another vast expense. Insurers have also been quietly hiking deductibles, scaling back basic coverage, and adding new restrictions. Read on http://ow.ly/kvWAt
CMSgt Howard Okita retired from the Hawai‘i Air National Guard several years ago after serving 40 years. He served most of his career in the supply area. Paralleling his Guard career is an even more celebrated one as an outstanding softball coach for over 50 years.
Ferd Lewis of the Honolulu Star Advertiser wrote an article that summarizes his career. Read on Okita nurtured so many in softball coaching career
Howard L. Guerrero, 90, of Honolulu, a retired Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Shop 51 electrician, owner of Guerrero Electric Co. and a veteran of the Air Force, Hawai‘i Air National Guard and Hawaii Royal Guard, passed away on April 11, 2013. He was born in Honolulu. He is survived by sons Lloyd P. and Myron K., daughters Penny-Mae L. Takahashi and Cheri-Ann K. Guerrero, and sisters M. Kanoe-Kanamu Souza, Margery K. Kekauoha and M. Haunani Ching.
