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 September 1987 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue. This issue includes the following stories:
* Last F-4 Phantom scramble of the Alert Pad
* 154th Tactical Hospital returns from Yokota AB, Japan
* Lt Col Rickard Hastings named the Deputy Commander of Support (DCS)
* CAM Sq. News & Views
* 154th Engineering Squadron news
* 154th Resourse MAnagement Squadron news
* Promotions: including Ronin Burke, Dane Kuni, Danny Formon
From the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website
VA’s www.va.gov/getstarted landing page makes it easier for Veterans and family members to access VA benefits and services information.
The website provides two newly updated booklets on information about VA benefits and services, as well as how to apply for them.
2021 Federal Benefits Handbook for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors
The first booklet is the 2021 Federal Benefits Handbook for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors. The handbook contains a comprehensive listing of VA benefits and services with direct links to contact benefits and services representatives. In fact, an index located on the inside cover lists both phone numbers and websites for easy reference.
Importantly, the handbook provides a legal overview on eligibility requirements to include the definition of a Veteran. Additionally, VA serves many generations of Veterans. There are specific qualification guidelines for distinct periods of service to clarify eligibility during both peacetime and wartime environments.
The handbook aligns with benefits information and services for VA’s three administrations: Veterans Health Administration; Veterans Benefits Administration; and Veterans Cemetery Administration. Also, a section of the handbook discusses non-healthcare services, such as homelessness, survivor assistance, women and minority Veterans, and many other programs.
The handbook is a one-stop resource for Veterans, family members and survivors. Limited printed copies may be available at medical centers or VBA regional offices. The website allows Veterans to access VA benefits and services information.
Welcome to VA
The second resource booklet, the VA Welcome Kit, complements the handbook with easy-to-understand words and graphics to better navigate VA’s many benefits for Veterans and family members.
This booklet is structured on the idea that no two Veterans are the same, and not all experience major life events and moments in the same order.
Based on where a Veteran is in his or her life, VA serves Veterans in different ways. This resource includes a journey map to help explore how VA supports Veterans both now and in the future.
This resource also reviews VA benefits and services. This includes a useful check list to help Veterans learn and organize important documents needed for application purposes. In addition, Veterans can also learn eligibility periods for certain benefits, such as education or life insurance. The best part is that one can simply crosswalk a search by benefit, how it can help, documents required and VA points of contact.
Want to apply for health care, education, compensation, assistance for care givers, or memorial benefits? These are just a few of the resources in this booklet that can save Veterans time, increase their awareness and understanding of how to apply.
VA is working to take the complexity out of navigating its myriad benefits and services. Visit www.va.gov/getstarted to learn more about the VA benefits Veterans have earned with their service.
How to tell if your eye care routine is doing more harm than good – learn more
This photograph shows MSgt Wallace Takesane, Maj. Gen. Wess Chambers and Brig. Gen. Michael “Boss” Tice. Maj. Gen Chambers served as the Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). Many PACAF assigned general officers flew with the 199th Fighter Squadron over the years.
Wally Takasane served on the fighter flightline for many years before his retirement. He passed away in 2018.
Wess Chambers joined the Arizona Air National Guard in 1952 as a pilot trainee. He rose through the ranks, becoming the commander of 162nd Fighter Wing (Tucson)in 1971. On April 1, 1981, he was promoted and federally recognized as a Brigadier General and appointed Deputy Director, Air National Guard Bureau in the Pentagon. In 1985 General Chambers was promoted to the rank of Major General and served as the first Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). Followed in 1987 by Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander-in-Chief of the Tactical Air Command (TAC), Langley AFB, prior to his retirement in May 1990.
Michael “Boss” Tice served as the commander of the 154th Composite Group/154th Wing from 1987 to 2000. His next assignment was as Reserve Component (RC) Assistant at United States Pacific Command (USPACOM), Camp H.M. Smith. He was promoted to major general in March 2001. Complete bio
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 a monthly newsletter today.
Today we feature the September 1995 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue. This issue includes the following stories:
* World War II Commemorative Events
* Ke Koa 95 Exercise
* MXS News and Views: lots of familiar names
* 204th Airlift Squadron Responds to heart attack victim
From the U.S. News & World Report website
After years of low inflation, many retirees are now concerned about rising prices. Costs for cars, food and gasoline are up, mainly because demand spiked when the economy reopened after the worst of the pandemic. “Across the country it’s a huge concern, especially with the Consumer Price Index at 5% to 5.5%, the highest that we’ve seen for 13 years,” says Brian Robinson, a certified financial planner and partner at SharpePoint in Phoenix, Arizona.
Do you want to learn more about your TRICARE pharmacy benefit? If you’re enrolled in a TRICARE health plan, you’re eligible for pharmacy coverage through the TRICARE Pharmacy Program, unless you have the US Family Health Plan, which has a separate pharmacy coverage. That means you and your family can get the medications you need for your health. But how can you get your prescriptions filled? And how much will they cost? The TRICARE Pharmacy Program Overview can answer these questions and more.
Special thanks to John “JC” Chun for sending this photograph to Retiree News.
John and his wife Lorraine live in Oregon and traveled to Bosie, Idaho to spend time with Benet Costa and his wife Suzi.
JC and Benet were technicians in the 154th Maintenance Group for many years. Benet was the flightline expeditor and John worked in the engine shop. They were part of a great team that supported the 199th Fighter Squadron with outstanding maintenance.
The travel status of individual countries can change suddenly, and we know it can be hard to stay on top of it all. That’s why we’re getting you the information you need to consider when planning travel. Learn about country-specific entry requirements such as the border status, COVID-19 testing requirements, and quarantine requirements. Many countries are reopening their borders for international travel.
It’s undeniable that dining out can be difficult right now — and in some cases, it’s led to news-worthy cases of frustrations boiling over. In Cape Cod, a restaurant shut down for a “day of kindness” after customer outbursts drove staffers to the brink, while the TODAY show talked to servers all over the country who have dealt with conflicts over everything from mask mandates to operating hours.
The frustrations that diners feel aren’t surprising — from supply chain issues causing menu changes to increased food costs and staff shortages, restaurants are being squeezed from all directions, and that often changes the experience of going out.
STOP – please take time to read the information provided. Someone you know in your family, your co-workers or friends, may be at risk. Suicide can touch anyone, anywhere, and at any time. But it is not inevitable. There is hope.
From the Department of Health and Human Services website
The pandemic has not only taken a toll on the physical health of Hawai‘i residents, but also on our mental health. There has been an increase in anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges during this pandemic. Some of this is the result of isolation and disruptions in our relationships and our usual way of doing things. With the eviction moratorium and federal unemployment support ending, many are worried about how they will put food on the table for their family and if they will join the ranks of those without homes.
On September 11, Patriot Day gives all of us time to reflect on the devastating terror attacks that took nearly 3,000 lives. We commemorate those who we lost and give thanks to the brave first responders who put their lives on the line. Take a moment today to consider what we stand for as a nation and how we can work together to make the world a better place for all.
It was a terrifying day when four planes were hijacked on September 11, 2001 (also known as nine-eleven). The hijackers flew three planes into iconic buildings: the Pentagon in Washington DC and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York. The fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after the plane passengers fought the hijackers. Nobody is certain where it was supposed to crash, but some people believe it was headed for the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland, or one of several nuclear power plants along the eastern seaboard.
The impact of this attack was devastating. Around 3,000 lives were lost between plane passengers, those in the buildings that were struck, and front-line workers trying to save people. It was the biggest act of terrorism ever in the United States. Since then, airplane security has become stricter in many countries as they attempt to avoid a future terrorist attack like nine-eleven.
The majority of lives that were people that worked in the Twin Towers, especially the floors above the collision point as people were trapped and stranded at the top of the burning skyscraper. 411 men and women working in emergency services lost their lives trying to fight fires and rescue people from the buildings. It was a heartbreaking attack, which is why Patriot Day was proclaimed by President George W. Bush and is recognized every year on September 11.
On Patriot Day, U.S. flags are lowered halfway, and there is a country-wide moment of silence at 8:46 am (Eastern Daylight Time), which is when the first plane crashed into one of the Twin Towers. Although the attacks were in the U.S., Patriot Day is recognized worldwide as the news devastated and impacted people all over.
The “Safe Access O‘ahu” program requires all employees, contractors, and volunteers of businesses, such as restaurants, bars, gyms, movie theaters, museums, arcades and other similar establishments, to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 test result each week in order to operate.
In addition, customers must show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result taken within the previous 48 hours in order to enter the establishment. Children under 12 years old are exempt.
Most of us have major plans for retirement, and for many that includes a new place to call home. Maybe you think you have that destination locked in place, or perhaps you have a vague idea of the kind of climate and location you’re looking for, but nothing is set in stone.
In the end, it comes down to making emotional and financial decisions. Whether you think you know or you need help deciding, these retirement planning and lifestyle experts have a few tips on how to arrive at your decision for where to retire, while factoring everything from cost of living to local nightlife.
Retiree News 