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In the Military Gregg K. Kakesako |
See also: For Your Benefit
House lauds GIs
headed for IraqThe state Legislature last week paid tribute to the soldiers of Charlie Company of the 193rd Aviation Regiment who will be sent to Iraq this spring. Rep. Mark Takai, a member of the Hawaii Army National Guard, noted that "although more than two years have passed, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks continue to have repercussions today. Thousands of military service members and their families are grappling with the news about upcoming perilous deployments to unstable areas of the world, such as Iraq and Afghanistan."
He noted that in January 200 Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers were mobilized. Stationed at Wheeler Army Airfield under the leadership of Capt. Joseph C. Laurel and 1st Sgt. John Y. Gollero, the soldiers fly CH-47 "Chinook" helicopters, capable of transporting up to 30 passengers and an additional 10,000 pounds of cargo. Joining the unit were 27 soldiers from the Ohio Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 137th Aviation (Heavy Helicopter), Company G, Detachment 1, stationed in North Canton, Ohio.
Takai said other National Guard units deployed to the Middle East have been from the Hawaii Air National Guard and were recognized by the state House. They include:
>> 154th Security Forces Squadron.Also recognized on the floor of the state House on Wednesday were soldiers from the 193rd's Bravo Company who were recently alerted for a year of active duty in Afghanistan to replace 62 soldiers who were sent to Kandahar last August.
>> 291st Combat Communications Squadron.
>> 292nd Combat Communications Squadron.
>> 293rd Combat Communications Squadron.
>> 297th Air Traffic Control Squadron.
Army National Guard Col. Joseph J. Chaves, commander of the 29th Infantry Brigade, has been nominated to the rank of brigadier general.
The Pentagon has approved the Global War on Terrorism Medals. A Presidential Executive Order previously authorized two versions of the medals: the expeditionary medal for those who deploy to designated combat areas, and the service medal for those who serve in support of operations to combat terrorism. Service members authorized the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal must have deployed overseas for service in the global war on terrorism operations on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Initial award of the expeditionary medal is limited to personnel deployed abroad in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The Mighty Mo has reopened its overnight camping experience where youth groups sleep in the crew berthing areas of the battleship USS Missouri at Ford Island, store their gear in the lockers, eat Navy-style meals on the ship's mess deck, and use shipboard restrooms and shower facilities. The program was suspended following Sept. 11, 2001, because of increased costs caused by security requirements. The cost of the Battleship Missouri Encampment Program is $49 per child and $59 per adult for groups of 20 and larger. For groups of 19 and smaller, it increases to $59 per child and $79 per adult. Meals and snacks are included.
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"In the Military" was compiled from wire reports and other
sources by reporter Gregg K. Kakesako, who covers military affairs for
the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. He can be reached can be reached by phone
at 294-4075 or by e-mail at gkakesako@starbulletin.com.