11 Hawaii Guardsmen commended with medals

Eleven Hawaii National Guard commendation medals have been awarded during the Hawaii Air National Guard's 2007 Launa Ole Awards Ceremony. Launa Ole awards are given to individuals for distinguishing themselves with acts of outstanding achievement during the 2006 calendar year.

The recipients are:

» Airmen of the year: Senior Airman Pulepule Lauofo (full-time) and Senior Airman Ryan Yung (traditional or part-time)

» Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year: Tech. Sgt. Richard Costa (full-time) and Staff Sgt. Rita Miller (traditional)

» Senior NCO of the Year: Master Sgt. Shawna Gaskins (full-time) and Master Sgt. Peter Kwok (traditional)

» First Sergeant of the Year: Senior Master Sgt. Vernon Palomares

» Company Grade Officer of the Year: 1st. Lt. Jason Matsuoka (full-time) and Capt. Brian Abrigo (traditional)

» Field Grade Officer of the Year: Maj. Mark Ladtkow (full-time) and Maj. Vern Sasaki (traditional).

"In the Military" was compiled from wire reports and other sources by reporter Gregg K. Kakesako, who covers military affairs for the Star-Bulletin. He can be reached by phone at 294-4075 or by e-mail at gkakesako@starbulletin.com.