Department of Defense

Associate’s medical career starts with poke of a needle

HAWAI‘I JOB CHALLENGE ACADEMY

By Ruben Duldulao

State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense Public Affairs

Manual Labor was all he was used to, but Jacob Evans wanted a change. He took a interest in the medical field, where he could help people in their time of need. And working in the comfort of air conditioning would be an added bonus. This led Evans, 19, to the Hawai‘i Job Challenge Academy (JCA) where he enrolled in the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant pathway. 

Associate Evans’ first day at the academy was Jan. 21, 2025 and he has been a “go-getter” from the start, shared JCA Director Kolby Proctor. 

“He was always wanting to accept more tasks to keep himself busy and align himself with the goal to enter the medical field upon completion of JCA,” Proctor said. 

At first, Evans was hesitant about the framework at JCA, but now sees the value of having structure, and a reason for timing to ensuring that you don’t procrastinate. 

“It is the best alternative, especially if you are unsure about your future. It is all free, I get to rack up on my professional certifications and have a place to stay,” Evans said. “There is always a large pool of certifications to choose from. A perfect way to build independence, for when you graduate and go out into the real world.” 

The JCA program provides advanced and specialized tools and assistance to the graduates of the Hawai‘i Youth Challenge Academy (YCA) program. 

“Many of the YCA graduates don’t know how to begin their journey as an adult,” Proctor said. “JCA is designed to allow those graduates a place to live for five months, provide them three meals per day, enroll them in academic classes (if they still need to obtain their high school equivalency), but most importantly, allow them to choose and work toward a state- and/or nationally-recognized certification/credential to ensure that they are ready to enter the workforce.” 

Youth Challenge Academy Hilo transitioned to Hawai‘i Job Challenge Academy due to low enrollment numbers for both the Hilo and Kalaeloa YCA programs, Proctor shared. 

“It was seen as both academies fighting for the same pool of applicants,” Proctor said. “Transitioning into JCA was no easy task. It took our team some time to reach out to potential vendors, explain to them what JCA would look like and if they would want to partner with us. In the end, we were able to ensure that there was no break between the final YCA Hilo class in June 2024 and the first JCA class in July 2024.”

Born and raised in Kihei, Maui, Evans graduated in December 2023 with Class 59 of the Kalaeloa YCA program on O‘ahu. Before enrolling at JCA, he was working as a landscaping laborer on Maui. He faced some setbacks at JCA with a few associates, but never let that distract him from his goal. 

“I have full confidence that Associate Evans will work his way up to his goal of being either a Medical Doctor or General Surgeon,” Proctor said. 

Evans attended the phlebotomy course through JCA Hilo-partner Hawaii Institute of Healthcare & Training Services and graduated on March 9. Phlebotomy is the process of drawing blood from a vein, typically for laboratory testing. 

He learned proper blood-drawing techniques and requirements, and how to explain the procedure to patients. He also learned to evaluate patients’ abilities to withstand the procedure, how to verify their identity and to maintain medical equipment such as needles, test tubes and blood vials. Evans was required to successfully draw blood from 30 different patients prior to graduating. With his certification, he is ready for his initial career as a phlebotomist at both the state and national level. 

Guardsmen held as Prisoners of War

BEYOND THE WIRE – HISTORY

By Rachel Blaire

State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense Public Affairs

From the frigid hills of North Korea to the dense jungles of Vietnam, the story of Hawai‘i’s sons in uniform is marked not only by valor in battle, but also by the unyielding strength of the human spirit under captivity. Three men, Specialist Second Class Francis Wright, Captain Melvin Matsui, and Specialist 6 Thomas Horio, endured the unimaginable as Prisoners of War (POW), each representing the resilience and loyalty of the Hawai‘i National Guard.

Specialist Second Class Francis H. Wright – Captured in the Cold

The Korean War was just months old when Specialist 2^nd Class Francis H. Wright, serving with C Company, 8^th Regiment, 1^st Cavalry Division, found himself engulfed by chaos in the mountains near Unsan, North Korea. On November 2, 1950, the Chinese Communist Army launched a surprise offensive, encircling American units and forcing many into surrender. Wright was among them.

For 32 long months, he endured brutal conditions in North Korean prison camps — bitter cold, meager rations, and relentless indoctrination attempts. Yet, he survived. When the Armistice was signed in July 1953, he was finally released on August 23^rd.

After recovering, he reenlisted in February 1954 with the 613^th Ordnance Company, Hawai‘i Army National Guard. He served faithfully for decades, eventually reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant before retiring in 1988. He was awarded the Prisoner of War Medal — a quiet but enduring symbol of his sacrifice.

Captain Melvin K. Matsui – Courage in the Skies 

Two decades later, on July 29, 1972, Captain Melvin K. Kazuki Matsui, a Hilo-born pilot with the 4^th Tactical Fighter Squadron, took to the skies over North Vietnam in an F-4E Phantom. It would be his last mission before captivity. Hit by a Soviet-made Atoll missile fired from a MiG-21, Matsui and his co-pilot ejected into hostile territory northeast of Kep. They were quickly captured.

Held for 236 days in the infamous prisons of North Vietnam, Matsui upheld the U.S. Military Code of Conduct, resisting enemy propaganda and maintaining integrity. His gallantry in captivity earned him the Bronze Star with Combat “V” and the Prisoner of War Medal.

Released on March 29, 1973, during Operation Homecoming, Matsui continued to serve with distinction and joined the Hawaii Air National Guard. His career flourished, eventually leading him to command the 169^th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. He passed away August 11, 2023, remembered not only for his heroism but also his unwavering spirit.

Specialist 6 Thomas T. Horio – The Long March to Hope

Among the longest-held Hawai‘i National Guard POWs was Specialist 6 Thomas T. Horio, activated during the Vietnam War in 1968. Captured by the Viet Cong, Horio was subjected to nearly four years of imprisonment, enduring forced marches, disease, and psychological torment.

His journey included a grueling 350-mile march to Hanoi, where he was treated for malaria before being moved to the dreaded “Plantation” camp. There, far from home and family, Horio found solace in camaraderie. POWs lifted each other’s spirits through whispered jokes, secret exercises, and shared coded messages.

In 1973, as peace talks bore fruit, Horio was released during Operation Homecoming. Returning to Hawai‘i, he used his GI Bill to begin anew going into the medical field and starting a family.

Legacy of Honor

Though separated by years, locations, and branches of service, Wright, Matsui, and Horio are bound by a shared legacy: of sacrifice, resilience, and deep devotion to both country and community. Their experiences as POWs shaped their lives and their service. These men stood firm, not just as soldiers, but as warriors of aloha.

References: Warriors: Pu’ Ali Koa by Lincoln C. Yamashita pp. 68, Hawaii Army National Guard Records, Military Times, pow network, the National Archives, CIA, 1974 July Kūkāʻilimoku, Hawaii Air National Guard Records, 1998 Winter Pūpūkahi

Big Island employer to receive Patriot Award after her company helps local military families 

HAWAI‘I NATIONAL GUARD

By Ruben Duldulao

State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense Public Affairs

The Hawai‘i Army National Guard (HIARNG) has partnered with Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Water on the Big Island to donate bottled water at food distributions for service members and their families on Maui, Kaua‘i and in Hilo. The Big Island company was happy to help after HIARNG Yellow Ribbon Coordinator Master Sgt. Celeste Lewi reached out for their support. 

“The partnership started with them [Waiākea] donating water to Maui’s food distribution in January,” Lewi said. “Then they donated water for Kauai’s food distribution. The water company actually donates directly to the food banks but our military population benefits since we were able to bridge the gap and create food distribution events on the neighbor islands.” 

Lewi met Geoli Ng, executive director of the Kōkua Initiative at Waiākea, through a University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo employee. Ng has two sons in the HIARNG. Sgt. Kamalu Ng is in the 227^th Brigade Engineer Battalion (227^th BEB) and Specialist Makoa Ng is in Company B 777^th Aviation Support Company (Co B 777^th ASC).

“As strong supporters of food banks across the state and longtime advocates for the armed forces and Veterans, partnering in this effort was a natural fit,” Geoli Ng said. “Our commitment to serving those in need led us to donate to our first food distribution event in January on Maui, followed by another on Kauaʻi shortly thereafter. We are always honored to step up and support our military communities whenever called upon.”

Founded in Hilo, Hawai‘i in 2012, Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Waterʻs mission is to provide healthy Hawaiian volcanic water with the blessing of indigenous kūpuna and konohiki, while contributing to and promoting clean water access, conservation and education for those in need in Hawai‘i and throughout the world.

Specialist Ng, who worked with his mom Geoli at Waiākea, nominated her for the Patriot Award. She will receive the award during a presentation planned in June. The award is a recognition given by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) to supervisors who provide outstanding support to National Guard and Reserve personnel or their spouses.

Company C, 1^st Battalion, 183^rd Aviation Regiment (Co C 1-183^rd AVN) Chief Warrant Officer 4 Paul Clements piloted the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from Hilo that transported 24 cases of water to Pu‘unene Armory on Maui. He as well flew 48 cases to Wheeler Army Airfield on O‘ahu, which was transported by another aircrew to Kaua‘i.

“I think it’s great to see that local companies are helping communities and when word gets out through your story, I believe it will make an impact and may very well inspire other local companies to emulate what Waiākea Water is doing,” Clements said.

Capt. Kevin Tam, Commander of Co C 1-183^rd AVN, who started the initial food distributions in Hilo, helped coordinate the water distribution with Ng and her team.

“I feel that it is extremely important to build, establish and maintain partnerships with our local business and communities.. Without the support of the 1-183^rd AVN, we wouldn’t have a means to distribute the water,” Tam said. 

With higher food prices on the neighbor islands, these distributions at the HIARNG armories are helping service members.

 “Just like our SPP [State Partnership Program] mission with other countries, there may be a time that we can assist each other for future events or even national emergencies,” Tam said.

The last water distribution was held on May 14, where 48 cases of water was transported to Kaua‘i.

Robotics team places fifth at state championships

STARBASE HAWAI‘I

By Ruben Duldulao

State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense Public Affairs

STARBASE Hawai‘i, partnering with Kea‘au Middle School, placed fifth at the 2025 Hawaii VEX IQ Middle School Regional Championships held February 16 at Pearl City High School on O‘ahu. This year’s challenge was “Rapid Relay,” where teams passed balls between robots, scored balls through targets and cleared switches. A new activity called the loader, gave students an opportunity to introduce balls directly onto the field, allowing for human-robot interaction.

“At the beginning of the season, my goal was to make it to the State Robotics competition,” STARBASE Hawai‘i/Kea‘au Robotics Team Captain Charlie Ahuna, 13, said. “During the regular season, though, it was tough. Fortunately, we qualified. We made our highest scores there and did our best. I’m grateful for my coaches: Miss Aly, Mr. Ken and Miss Heather for guiding and encouraging my team.”

This is the third year that STARBASE Hawai‘i has coached a team from the Hawai‘i Island school. The Punatechs had 10 students split into three teams, 5432A, 5432B and 5432C. The Big Island VEX IQ Robotics Competition League had 57 teams from 27 schools or organizations, with tournaments held year-round at the regional, state and national levels and culminated at the annual VEX Robotics World Championships in May.

STARBASE Hawai‘i first got involved with supporting the Kea‘au Elementary and Middle School Robotics program in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kea‘au Elementary and Middle School Robotics Teams Head Coach, Merry Blechta, reached out to STARBASE to host their practices at the Kea‘au Armory, where the open space had enough room for social distancing and the capacity to fit materials and robotics supplies. 

During the 2021-22 VEX IQ Robotics season, the teams would practice two to three times a week after school at the armory, gaining experience with the Engineering Design Process. After completing a variety of VEX IQ Coaches Certifications and workshops, the STARBASE Hawai‘i staff took over coaching for the 2022-23 season from Blechta and practices were moved to Kea‘au Elementary for both the elementary and middle school teams. 

“This partnership between the two schools created a unique opportunity in which the middle school students would be able to help and mentor the elementary students,” says STARBASE Hawai‘i Director Ken Smith, who has been with the program since May 2021.

Starting with the 2023-24 season, the Kea‘au Middle School team moved to its new home at the STARBASE Hawai‘i Robotics Center and practiced in the newly formed STARBASE Hawai‘i/Kea’au Robotics program coached by Smith, Aly Clark and Heather Leite. STARBASE Hawai‘i is currently working only with Kea‘au Middle School but has plans to expand to more schools. 

All students are natural scientists and engineers – they love to question, tinker, experiment and play, according to the VEX Robotics mission statement. VEX competitions foster these skills and expose them to valuable soft skills like communication, collaboration and time-management in a fun and authentic way.

“Most of our students have started their robotics careers in the third grade and have continued into middle school,” Smith says. “Both STARBASE Hawai‘i and Kea‘au Middle School have academic and behavioral prerequisites for students to participate – these include being in good academic standing and having no behavioral issues to ensure a safe program for both students and coaches.”

The STARBASE Hawai‘i /Kea‘au Robotics program is part of the U.S. Department of Defense STARBASE Advanced Program. 

“Once the National Guard Bureau  has fully signed off on our STARBASE Advanced Program, we will be able to expand our program to more schools serving more students in their exploration and empowerment in Science, Technology, Engineering & Art/Design and Mathematics,” Smith said.

The STARBASE Hawai‘i coaches facilitate the Engineering Design Process and provide guidance and encouragement based on the individual team’s challenge. It is a student-focused program, where every part of the design, build, test and redesign are completed by the students with strict code of conduct to ensure that the parents and coaches are not directly influencing the process. The staff asks leading questions to help guide the students in their own unique development of their engineering design process, robot and game strategy.

The emotions of the STARBASE Hawai‘i staff run the gamut when it comes to their students. 

“Overjoyed, overwhelmed, inspired, frustrated, motivated but most importantly PROUD,” Smith said.

Charlie’s mom, Marlise Ahuna, said the season was a rollercoaster ride. 

“There were many ups and downs, but the students kept reworking their design and practicing their driving skills until the very end of the season,” Marlise said. “Charlie’s team was thrilled they made it to the state competition, and I could see them gain confidence in real time as they collaborated with other teams to rack up a high number of points during their matches.Participating in robotics has been a significant part of Charlie’s growth in leadership and confidence in middle school.”

HIARNG holds ‘Chalk Dah Walk’ event at Diamond Head Armory

HAWAI‘I ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

As part of Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month, “Chalk Dah Walk” was held for the first time at Hawai‘i Army National Guard’s Diamond Head Armory, Bldg. 300 on April 22. The event featured participants drawing and writing messages of hope and encouragement in chalk for sexual assault survivors on the sidewalk.“Events like this are a way for us to let our survivors know that during times when it can feel very lonely, we have people that are here to support them and care about them,” says Edgar Campbell, HIARNG Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. “It’s our way of communicating to people that we don’t always get a chance to talk to.”

– Photos by Ruben Duldulao, State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense Public Affairs

History of Company B, 1109^th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group

HAWAI‘I ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

By Rachel Blaire

State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense Public Affairs

The lineage of 1109^th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group (1109^th TASMG) traces back to May 1775, originally organized in Norwich, Conn., as the Norwich Light Infantry, that was part of the 20th Regiment of the Connecticut Militia. Over the centuries, it underwent numerous redesignations and transformations, serving in major conflicts including the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War II and the Global War on Terrorism. The unit has earned several prestigious decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for its service.

In modern times, the unit’s heritage continues through its evolution from artillery and transportation roots into a critical aviation sustainment unit. In fiscal year 2012, Company B, 1109^th TASMG, joined the 103^rd Troop Command of the Hawai‘i Army National Guard at the Waiawa Armory in Pearl City, Hawaii. From its inception, Co B 1109^th TASMG has served as a critical sustainment element within the larger aviation support framework.

In 2019 and 2020, Co B 1109^th TASMG took part in annual training alongside a WARTRACE unit in Groton, Conn. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Soldiers provided logistical support to Task Force QRF and Task Force Maui. Co B 1109^th TASMG played a key role in operations on Maui, where they performed critical vehicle repairs and maintenance to support pandemic response logistics.

Co B 1109^th TASMG remained engaged in community support as well. In 2021, Company B soldiers participated in a statewide blood drive in Honolulu to help address local shortages. In 2022 the unit demonstrated excellence in field food service by competing in the prestigious Philip A. Connelly competition. Their performance showcased top-tier execution of military culinary operations, including proper setup, food preparation and sanitation.

In 2023 and 2024, the Maintenance and Medical sections supported major training events at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Johnson, La. In June 2024, the Distribution Section conducted a 40-hour Combat Lifesaver course at Waiawa Armory, certifying 20 soldiers from across the 103^rd Troop Command. That same month, the Maintenance Section completed its annual maintenance requirements, ensuring operational readiness and equipment functionality.

Co B 1109^th TASMG, remains a mission-critical component of Hawai‘i’s aviation sustainment capability. Through its diverse logistical, medical, and maintenance functions, the unit continues to support both state and national objectives with professionalism, adaptability and excellence.

First Hawai‘i Guardsman receives Space Force Association Award

HAWAI‘I AIR NATIONAL GUARD

For the first time, a Hawai‘i Air National Guard (HIANG) Airman, Capt. My-Randa Quinata, commander of the 109^th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron’s Intelligence Flight, has been selected to receive the prestigious Space Force Association Award. Capt. Quinata earned this distinction among intelligence operations officers from Guard and Reserve units supporting space missions nationwide. She was formally recognized for her exceptional contributions during a ceremony in December 2024, where she received the award in front of peers and leaders, marking a historic moment for both the HIANG and the Space Force community.

– Tech. Sgt. John Linzmeier, Hawaii Air National Guard

Handmade quilts add warmth to Veterans’ rooms

State of Hawai‘i Office of Veterans’ Services

By Jayme Nagamine

State of Hawai‘i Office of Veterans’ Services

Wayne and Evelyn Kajiwara have been in contact with the Office of Veterans’ Services’ Tommy Driskill, Healthcare Coordinator, offering to provide the Daniel Kahikina Akaka State Veterans Home (DKA SVH) with 120 handmade lap quilts for the Veterans who come to stay in the home.   “Wayne and Evelyn Kajiwara had made a truly magnanimous gesture in that Wayne provided all supplies and Evelyn personally sewed each of the 120 lap quilts herself,” commented Driskill. 

The Kajiwaras delivered the quilts the first week of February 2025 and displayed some of the quilts for the DKA SVH staff. The Kajiwaras hope a quilt will be placed in each room to make every Veteran or spouse feel warm and more at home The staff placed the quilts on beds during the grand opening ceremony and tour of the DKA SVH on March 26, 2025.  The quilts added color and warmth, and made each room look unique. 

The first Veteran patients were accepted on Feb. 4, 2025.  The home has started with six veterans , with plans to add a few more every month. The DKA SVH staff will ramp up in sync with the increasing of patient enrollment. 

The state-of-the-art 120-bed, 130,000 square foot, two-story facility is built on seven acres of land on Kealanani Avenue in Kapolei, Oahu. This facility will offer both long-term and short-term rehabilitation stays for eligible Veterans, Veterans’ spouses, and Gold Star parents. Additionally, the DKA SVH will be monetarily self-sustaining, providing over 150 healthcare related jobs and many student training opportunities with the University of Hawai‘i West, local high schools as well as other healthcare training entities here in Hawaiʻi. 

Daniel Kahikina Akaka State Veterans Home dedication ceremony

State of Hawai‘i Office of Veterans’ Services

The Dedication Ceremony for the Daniel Kahikina Akaka State Veterans Home in Kapolei was held on March 26. Gov. Josh Green, the Late Senator Akaka’s Ohana, former State of Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services Director, Ron Han’s Ohana all spoke at the event and shared about the dream becoming a reality. The home will serve Hawaii’s Veterans for years to come. Earlier that morning, a the Ron Han Room was dedicated and a plaque was unveiled. Gov. Green and Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan joined the Han family for the ceremony commemorating Col. Han for all of his efforts making the state veterans home a reality. Guests were able to tour part of the facility after the event was over.

– Photos by Master Sgt. (Ret) Andrew Jackson, State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense Public Affairs

 Guardsman shares recent earthquake experience

HAWAI‘I AIR NATIONAL GUARD

Hawai‘i Air National Guard retiree Master Sgt. Darrell Bactad was on vacation in Bangkok, Thailand, not knowing he and his friends were going to be part of a disastrous seismic event that occurred miles away in another country. On March 28, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., an aftershock of 7.7 jolted and rocked the business district of Bangkok. Forty minutes earlier, a major earthquake occurred in the country of Myanmar, 800 miles from Bangkok. The epicenter, near the country’s second largest city of Mandalay, was registered at 8.2 at 12:50 p.m. According to Mizzima News, it was reported that there were over 5,000 fatalities and nearly 7,000 injured in Myanmar. He wanted to share his experience. 

I was taking a quick nap in my hotel during the afternoon of March 28^th and about 30 minutes later my bed started to shake and roll across the room. While asleep, I could hear a low tone sound, getting louder and louder, it sounded like the “running of the bulls” as they were getting closer. I got up quickly, wondering what was happening. At that moment I knew something wasn’t right. I didn’t panic, just tried to stay calm while texting my two friends about their current location and status. 

They responded that they were in the middle of the road by the Bangkok Train Station tracks, looking at our hotel and wanted to know where I was. I told them I was still in my room. They immediately called me to say I needed to get out of the hotel ASAP, as they could see parts of our hotel swaying back and forth. As I was leaving my room, I could hear large splashes of water outside. It was the hotel pool shaking and by the time I got out, half of the water was gone, and strewn all over the walkways. 

I knew at this moment that it was something very serious. When I got to the elevator and stairs, I was trained to take the stairs if some kind of natural disaster would occur, but I was ten floors up and didn’t know how much time I had or if something was going to happen. The elevator door suddenly opened, and I made an impromptu decision to use the elevator with six other hotel guests. Luckily, the elevator was still operational, and the power did not go out. 

When I got outside, the streets were already crowded as the whole city evacuated from the hotels, malls and surrounding buildings. I was amazed that there was no sense of panic, but “organized chaos” and concern amongst the people in the surrounding area. I estimated that the aftershock lasted about two and half minutes. I met up with my two friends and we hung out on the main road. 

After a couple of hours, people started to trickle back into the buildings, many still out on the roads not taking a chance in case of aftershocks. We decided to go back into the hotel lobby and hangout at Starbucks, not going up to the rooms yet. After another hour, we returned to our rooms. We noticed several small cracks in the walls and paint scrapings all over the floors.

We watched the news reports roll in while waiting. The Bangkok Train Station was halted due to structural damages. Being that it was a rush hour on a Friday, you could see the throngs of people just not knowing how to get back home from Bangkok. Traffic was at a standstill throughout the city. Many workers in Bangkok had to walk home, some distances taking over three hours due to public transportation being shut down. Taxi and Lyft drivers were picking up passengers, but those cars were stuck in traffic for miles. The most devastating damage in Bangkok was a 33-story building, still under construction, in the Chatuchak district, seven miles from our hotel. The whole building collapsed, killing 65 construction workers with 29 still missing as of April 30, 2025.

It was definitely an eye opener as we’ve never experienced anything like that before. You see it all the time on the news, large earthquakes around the world and the major damage they cause. It’s surreal when you feel it yourself. I now appreciate Hawaii’s Short Messaging Service to cell phones, the sirens, the emergency alert system on radios and TVs all warning the public of upcoming disasters (tsunami, hurricanes, wildfires, etc.) and the resources on how we can be prepared. We had no warning that day and had to think for ourselves on what to do, where to go, etc. … basically, we were on our own like everyone else. 

No one can predict when an earthquake is going to happen, but the Myanmar earthquake happened 30 minutes prior to the aftershocks in Bangkok. There also was no “All Clear” messages to enter the buildings, so people just went into the buildings on their own. We thought to ourselves, guess it’s good to go back in, just hoping for no major aftershocks to occur. There were several aftershocks throughout the night, but nothing severe.  

We were lucky that nothing devastating happened that day in the city. There were several hotels with pools on the top floor where the water was going over the ledge and a skybridge on a high-rise hotel was severed by the tremor. Being surrounded by high rise buildings, people in the surrounding areas would have little to no space to find cover. That’s the scary part of being in the city if a major disaster were to happen, like an earthquake, where buildings could collapse like fallen LEGOs. 

Thailand is a beautiful country to visit. The culture, food and most importantly, the people are amazing. I definitely will visit again despite the unexpected scare, because it can happen anywhere in the world. We definitely counted our blessings that day.

Hawaiʻi Army and Air National Guard both stand out in 2024 media contest

HAWAI‘I NATIONAL GUARD

By Rachel Blaire

State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense Public Affairs

The National Guard Media Contest is an annual event for Soldiers, Airmen, and civilians from the 54 states and territories to show case their work telling the Guard story. The contest is divided into the Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware Communications Awards for the Army National Guard and the Chief Master Sgt. Douglas W. Morrell Media Awards for the Air National Guard. 

Before entries of the National Guard Media Contest are sent to the National Guard Bureau to be judged, they are curated by five-time winner (Ret.) Master Sgt. Andrew Jackson (2016 Military Videographer of the Year, 2016 Video Series, 2017 Military Videographer of the Year, 2017 Video Series, and 2018 Communicator of the Year)  

“While judging, I start with the fundamentals like frame composition, audio, stable shot, motivated movement, exposure, caption, etc. Then move on to story content and concept,” Jackson said. “There are multiple categories of entries that have different requirements, but a strong foundation of skills is key.”

Jackson stated “We are story tellers, so while an image needs to be excellent, it also requires telling a compelling story. To win you need both.”

Additionally, each category has different requirements that are important.

“The judging can be quite technical and subjective; there are a few missteps that can get you disqualified so placing or winning in any category is a huge accomplishment.”

“Giving our public affairs personnel the opportunity to push themselves and be recognized for their efforts is an important part of developing our Soldiers and Airmen.” 

When asked about this year’s entries Jackson had only good things to say, “I am very proud of the products our state puts out and now the rest of the country knows.”

Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware Communications Awards

Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware, born on Nov. 23, 1915, began his military career in 1941 after being inducted into the Army. He served in significant campaigns during World War II, including the North African invasion, Sicily, Italy, and the landings in southern France. In 1945, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in France, where he led a successful mission to destroy enemy positions despite being wounded. 

Ware continued to serve in various high-ranking positions, including as Deputy Chief of Information for the Department of the Army and as the commander of the 1^st Infantry Division in Vietnam. Tragically, he was killed in a helicopter crash in September 1968. His legacy lives on through various military honors, including the Army’s public affairs awards, and his Medal of Honor is displayed at the National Infantry Museum. 

The Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware Communications Awards honors Soldiers and civilians for their outstanding contributions to Army communication and public affairs goals. Organized annually by the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs the competition aims to recognize, nurture, and inspire excellence within the Army’s public affairs and visual information fields. The 2024 competition featured 13 categories, celebrating achievements in photo, print, audio/video and graphic arts.

The Hawaiʻi Army National Guard’s very own 117^th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (117^th MPAD) received second place for the Public Affairs Organization of the Year – Command Information (Large). The award honors the collaborative spirit and collective skills of Army Public Affairs units, while reinforcing the importance of the Army narrative.

Sgt. 1^st Class Thomas Foster from the 117^th MPAD is the Operations, Readiness, Supply, and Training Non-Commission Officer in Charge and was asked what winning this award means to the unit “The 117^th MPAD is honored to have placed second and we are dedicated to our craft and to telling the stories of our fellow service members as well as the communities of Hawaiʻi.”

Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Douglas W. Morrell Media Awards 

Chief Master Sgt. Douglas W. Morrell was a distinguished combat photographer who served in three wars. His career began in 1939, and he flew 33 missions as a combat photographer during World War II. Morrell’s heroic actions included evading capture after being forced to bail out of a disabled bomber and later being captured and held as a prisoner of war. 

He documented key moments in history, such as atomic tests at Bikini Atoll and the Hiroshima bombing practice and continued his service through the Korean War and beyond. Morrell’s expertise extended to training and guiding the Air Force’s audiovisual and combat documentation programs.  He retired in 1974 after receiving numerous awards including the Combat Camera Lifetime Achievement Award, leaving a legacy in military photography and documentation. 

The Department of the Air Force Public Affairs Chief Master Sgt. Douglas W. Morrell Media Awards is an annual competition organized by the Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs. This event recognizes the exceptional work of active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and Air Force civilians, for their contributions to advancing the communication goals of the Air Force and Space Force. The awards promote innovation and growth within the field, encouraging more effective communication programs.

The Hawaiʻi Air National Guard placed in multiple categories including: Feature Photo, Information Story, Military Writer of the Year, and Video Documentation B-roll. 

Staff Sgt. Orlando Corpuz from Headquarters, Hawaiʻi Air National Guard placed second for Information Story, a story that conveys information while answering the who, what, where, when, why and how (Read his story). 

“Being recognized on the national level is a big honor,” Corpuz said. “I’m humbled to be able to tell the story of the amazing professionals we have in the Hawaiʻi National Guard and this recognition is validation of the effort I pour into my work.” 

Corpuz credits his cohorts for the success he achieved.

“It signifies not only personal achievement but also recognition from industry professionals who understand the impact of storytelling. I’m stoked and thankful.”

Tech. Sgt. John Linzmeier from the 154^th Wing earned second place for Feature Photo (see his
photo), first place for Video Documentation B-roll (see his video), and first place as Military Writer of the Year (see his stories at www.dvidshub.net/news/475656/, www.dvidshub.net/news/480545/, www.dvidshub.net/news/474108/, www.dvidshub.net/news/481682/, www.dvidshub.net/news/471930/) which he has previously placed five times in the last six years (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022).

“Compelling stories happen all the time in the Hawaiʻi National Guard because of the rich backgrounds of its members and the expansive nature of its missions,” Linzmeier said. “It’s a big privilege to be entrusted with sharing these narratives, and their uniqueness keeps me motivated to tell each one with the care and attention it deserves.” Linzmeier illustrated on what the award means to him.

“Awards are great, but I’m just glad to be able to capture and share so many different moments and stories that unfold within our organization and get to spend my time with some of the most supportive and amazing people each day.”

Congratulations to the 117^th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Staff Sgt. Orlando Corpuz, and Tech. Sgt. John Linzmeier for their accomplishments in the 2024 National Guard Media Contest! These exceptional individual and unit entries highlight the finest public affairs work in print, photography, and videography across the nation. Their dedication and hard work consistently share the Guard’s story with the American public of our Soldiers and Airmen excellence.

History of the 117^th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

HAWAI‘I ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

By Rachel Blaire

State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense Public Affairs

Federally recognized on May 1, 1960, the 117th Public Information Detachment (117th PID) has served as a cornerstone of strategic communications for the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard (HIARNG). From its early days the 117^th PID played a pivotal role in internal communications and public outreach across the islands, gaining distinction through superior training ratings.

The 1970s ushered in a period of historic firsts: PV1 Linda Lee Woolf became the first woman in the HIARNG in 1973, and in 1977, Capt. Gail K. Warok became its first female unit commander. That same year, the unit was redesignated as the 117^th Public Affairs Detachment (117^th PAD), expanding its scope to include broadcast and photojournalism, positioned directly under the Hawaiʻi Adjutant General.

The 117^th PAD gained international experience with deployments to South Korea and Panama, where its teams supported multinational exercises like Team Spirit and developed critical capabilities in media relations and field journalism during the 1980s. This global reach continued in the 1990s, with repeated missions to Thailand for Exercise Cobra Gold and Panama for Nuevos Horizontes.

Four 117^th PAD Soldiers deployed to Europe in 1996 in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. The unit played a role in peacekeeping operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina, documenting NATO activities, producing digital and print media including the Sava Sentinel and The Talon newspaper, and creating more than 40 broadcast products.

The 2000s marked a new era as the unit briefly became a split-state detachment with personnel in both Hawaii and Alaska, being redesignated as the 117^th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (117^th MPAD), consolidating under the 103^rd Troop Command in Waiawa. A major milestone came with the 2005 deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where the unit produced thousands of media products from across the region. 117^th MPAD responsibilities included organizing and covering ceremonies, memorials, briefings, and handling media accreditation and escort duties.

2012 saw a return to Afghanistan, reinforcing the unit’s ability to operate in combat zones while telling the Army’s story. The 117^th MPAD ran the Media support center and Soldiers were spread throughout Regional Command South from Kandahar, Uruzgan, Tarin Kot and more. Domestically, the unit supported operations from natural disaster responses to international exercises like Tiger Balm during the 2010s. 

In the 2020s, the 117^th MPAD continued to demonstrate flexibility and professionalism. Soldiers volunteered to be a part of the Joint Task Force (JTF) created to assist the state in its response to COVID-19. The unit covered Guardsmen throughout the state on missions educating communities, vaccinating the public, screening visitors at the airports, conducting COVID tracing with the State Department of Health, and supporting specific neighbor island emergency management operations. The 117^th MPAD deployed to Poland in 2022 for the European Deterrence Initiative and delivered public affairs coverage for contingency operations. And one year later provided coverage of the Maui wildfire as part of Joint Task Force 50.

Through both international and domestic missions – including participation in major exercises like Tiger Balm and JRTC – the 117^th MPAD has upheld its legacy as a premier public affairs unit, bridging the gap between military operations and the public with integrity, innovation, and service.

Hawaiʻi National Guard celebrates spouses

HAWAI‘I NATIONAL GUARD

By Rachel Blaire

State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense Public Affairs

Military Spouse Appreciation Day, observed each year on the Friday before Mother’s Day, is a time to honor these remarkable individuals and their invaluable contributions to our military families and communities. First established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, this day reminds us to pause and show our gratitude. Military spouses are the strength behind our service members, keeping the home front steady through every challenge.

This year, the Hawaʻii National Guard proudly recognizes all the spouses who stand with their service members. To mark the occasion, we are shining a spotlight on two outstanding spouses, Taysha Fuller and Annisa Budiman. Read on to hear their story in their own words. 

Taysha Fuller 

Tell us a bit about yourself? 

“I’m a small-town girl who grew up in Hilo. I’m a mother of two boys ages 15 and 11. When I’m not working, I enjoy doing Jiu Jitsu, spending time with family and cleaning, haha.”

How do you keep your family strong through the ups and downs of military life?

“Being a military wife can be challenging, With the amount of time away for drill or schooling it can test your relationship in many ways. One thing that keeps me strong and helps me get through times when he’s away, is our boys. They truly are a blessing and I’m so thankful for how strong and helpful they are when dad is away. I also get support from my family who are always here to help with the boys or myself when times get tough. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows but we make it through the ups and downs :)”

What does a successful Support Family Readiness Group look like? 

“My husband took a promotion for a lead position and was told I should look into being more involved by being a part of the State Family Readiness Group (SFRG) program. At first, I put some thought into it and at the time I was working full time with minimal time to spare, when I stepped back from my full-time job to work part time I reconsidered. Next thing you know, I’m the President of the Headquarters, Headquarters Troop SFRG program, I had no idea what I was doing, where to start or who I was going to reach out to that would be willing to volunteer their time and join me in building this program back up. My husband and I reached out to a few spouses who may be interested and were able to get four other spouses on board. We now have a solid team of five ladies who’s been showing up and showing out :). 

Being a part of SFRG has made me understand how it is during drill, seeing how they train, the conditions they train in, long hours, etc. I have so much more respect now that we got to see a glimpse of what goes down. 

Being able to put on fundraisers and set up family events is another thing I enjoy doing. Seeing families come together and being supportive is such an amazing thing. We send out newsletters monthly in hopes we can grow our teams and come out stronger than ever. Time will tell and I feel the more active we are, and people will see what we do is fun and how much opportunity they have being a part of this program. We do fundraisers monthly and had our biggest family gathering last year for their Christmas party. It was a great turn out.”

Annisa Budiman

Tell us a bit about yourself?

“I was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, but spent most of my childhood growing up in California. While all my family remains in Indonesia, living in Hawaiʻi for the past 10 years has made it much easier to visit home — and for that, I’m truly grateful.

Currently, I serve as the Director of Marketing and Outreach at the Armed Services YMCA Hawai’i. I love my role because it allows me to support Hawaiʻi’s military community by promoting programs that benefit service members and their families.

On weekends, I cherish time with my own family — I have two daughters and two cats who keep life joyful and busy. Whether we’re enjoying a quiet day at home or exploring the outdoors, I treasure those shared moments. I especially love cooking for them and take great joy in serving hearty, home-cooked meals made with love.”

How did you meet your spouse?

“We met while attending the same college in Maryland and quickly discovered we had many mutual friends back in Indonesia. It didn’t take long to realize we shared similar values — especially in our faith, our love for family, and our desire to live with purpose. While I never imagined being with someone in the military, it’s become a meaningful and enriching part of our journey together. We got married in Hawaiʻi, which was my husband’s first duty station when he served on Active Duty in the Army. Since then, Hawaiʻi has become home — we’ve found a strong sense of community and support, and eventually, he joined the Hawaiʻi National Guard, and we started our family here.”

What is one moment that truly defines your experience as a military spouse?

“The defining moments in my life are often the ones that test my resilience and shape me into a stronger wife and mother. One of those moments came during my husband’s most recent overseas military duty. After we dropped him off at the airport, Murphy’s Law took full effect — everything that could go wrong, did. I’ll spare the details, as many military spouses can probably relate to that overwhelming moment when it feels like the world is falling apart and you’re not sure how to move forward.

With multiple challenges piling up, I had to focus on one step at a time — doing the next right thing for my family, while also balancing my work responsibilities. I remember feeling both incredibly proud and deeply stretched. That experience reminded me just how strong and capable we are when we lean on our military ‘ohana and support one another. It was a powerful lesson in resilience — and a humbling reminder that we’re never meant to do it all alone.”

How do you keep your family strong through the ups and downs of military life?

“Communication and flexibility have been the foundation of our family. When we’re together, we make it a priority to be fully present, even during the unpredictable or hectic seasons. While we try to stick to our daily routines, we also give each other the space and support we need to function as a strong unit. We celebrate every win — big or small — and make the most of every moment we have together.

Involving our kids as much as possible has also strengthened our bond. When they see their dad put on the uniform, they understand it’s not just his mission — it’s all of ours. We all step up when one of us is away. Through our actions, we’re teaching them the value of communication, the importance of being adaptable, and why it’s always good to have a Plan B.

It’s never easy when dad is away — we all feel his absence — but in those moments, our children have discovered a deep well of strength. We couldn’t be prouder of how resilient and capable they’ve become.”

Do you have any advice for other military spouses out there?

“Take it one day at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. This life isn’t always easy, but you are never alone. Get involved in your community, find your people, and embrace the unique experiences this journey brings. I get a lot of strength from being around people who just get the military life.

I’m especially grateful that I get to serve our Hawaiʻi National Guardsmen through my work, and through my role on the Hawaiʻi National Guard State Advisory Council. Being a resource for military families — and especially for fellow spouses — gives me strength and a deep sense of purpose. What makes it even more meaningful is being able to include my children in that work, helping them understand the pride and uniqueness of growing up as military kids.

And remember caring for yourself matters too. You can’t pour from an empty cup. I make time to recharge by going to the gym or treating myself to a massage or facial — whatever helps me feel grounded again. Your strength, even in the quietest moments, is often what holds your family together.”

Medal of Honor re-presented to the family of Capt. Francis Brown Wai

HAWAI‘I ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

A heartfelt ceremony was held April 14 at Punahou School where the family of Hawai‘i Army National Guard Capt. Francis Brown Wai was re-presented with his Medal of Honor by Lt. Gen. Joel Vowell, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific.

Hawai‘i Department of Defense 2025 Legislative recap

Hawai‘i Department of Defense Public Affairs

By Brig. Gen. (Ret) Neal Mitsuyoshi and Rachel Blaire 

State of Hawai‘i Department of Defense Public Affairs

The State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Defense (HIDOD) has five divisions: Hawai’i Army National Guard (HIARNG), Hawaiʻi Air National Guard (HIANG), Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA), Office of Veterans’ Services (OVS) and Civilian Military Programs. The HIARNG and HIANG when discussing both are referred to as the Hawaiʻi National Guard (HING). This year seven HIDOD bills were introduced as part of the Gov. Josh Green’s administrative package and five were passed.

Seven bills introduced affect the following divisions:

• (2) HI-EMA
• (1) OVS
• (1) HIANG
• (2) HING
• (1) DOD / Governor

“The department would like to acknowledge and thank the Governor Josh Green for including our bills in his legislative package and providing the support to help them pass. We also would like to thank the many legislators who have supported these important bills throughout the session,” said State Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan.

“Special appreciation goes out to Chair Brandon Elefante and Vice-Chair Glenn Wakai of the Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee, and Chair Della Au Belatti and Vice-Chair Kim Coco Iwamoto of the House Committee on Public Safety. They have all been avid supporters of our Hawaii National Guard servicemembers and our Veterans, and whom without their help, the passage of these important pieces of legislation would not be possible.”

The two HI-EMA bills that did not pass were relating to 1) a civil service exemption for key positions at HI-EMA that are difficult to retain and recruit, 2) the establishment of Community Based Readiness Centers and associated funding to help communities prepare for and be more resilient following a disaster. The bills from this year that did not pass in the 2025 session are still alive and will carry-over to next year’s 2026 Supplemental Session.

Of the five bills that passed the legislature, two have already been signed by the governor into law and the other three have been enrolled (Senate term) or transmitted (House term) to the Governor for signature and will be signed into law in June:

• HIANG Grade Authorization (SB1381 / Signed by governor, ACT26)
• HING Protected Status (SB1382 / Signed by governor, ACT 8)
• HING Tri-Care Reserve Select (SB88 / Enrolled to governor 5/2)
• OVS Veterans Cemetery Board (SB1377 / Enrolled to governor 5/2)
• State Fire Marshal (HB1064 / Transmitted to governor 5/1)

Retired Brig. Gen. Neal Mitsuyoshi is the Military Support Officer / Director of Legislative Affairs for the HIDOD, and he has been keeping track of the 2025 Legislative Affairs for the past 5 months.

“Amid a session filled with competing priorities, the HIDOD was able to secure the passage of all five of its measures, four in support of the HING and Veterans.” Mitsuyoshi said.

“These new laws will benefit our servicemembers, their families, and the broader veteran community for years to come. The department also owes a sincere mahalo for the steadfast advocacy and impactful testimony of Brig. Gen. Walter Ross jr., Director John Alamodin, and Col. Shane ‘Nuke’ Nagatani.”

HIANG Grade Authorization (SB1381 / Signed by Governor, ACT26)

PURPOSE OF THE BILL: To allow the commander of the HIANG to hold the rank authorized by the Air Force; to authorize the Adjutant General to identify either the Assistant Adjutant General (Air) or Chief of Staff to head the HIANG; and to authorize the pay and allowances for the HIANG Chief of Staff to be fixed by the tables of the regular air force of the United States.

JUSTIFICATION: While most states authorized the highest rank of Brigadier General for the air component head of their National Guard, the Air Force authorized the rank of Major General for the HIANG because of the size and complexity of the organization. This bill will allow the Adjutant General to assign an appropriately qualified Major General to lead the HIANG under its current structure.

HING Protected Status (SB1382 / Signed by Governor, ACT 8)

PURPOSE OF THE BILL: To provide added protection for Guardsmen in service to the State of Hawaiʻi. 

JUSTIFICATION: This bill creates a protected status for Guardsmen in service to the State of Hawaiʻi by making it a Class C felony when an individual intentionally or knowingly causes bodily injury to a Guardsmen. This bill was a direct result of a HING Guardsmen being assaulted during the 2023 Maui Wildfire response and Maj. Gen. Logan wanting to improve safety and increase the protection of Guardsmen as they continue to be pushed to the forefront during state emergencies. 

The current legal protection for Guardsmen who are in service to the State is to charge individuals who intentionally or knowingly cause bodily injury with a misdemeanor crime. This provides a limited deterrence for criminal misconduct. This bill provides Guardsmen with similar protections as law enforcement.

HING Tri-Care Reserve Select (SB88 / Enrolled to Governor 5/2). 

PURPOSE OF THE BILL: To authorize the payment of allowances for TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) for family members, and TRICARE Dental Program (TRD) and vision coverage for “all” officers, warrant officers or enlisted Guardsmen of the HING ordered to active duty for more than 30 days in the service of the State.

JUSTIFICATION: Currently, there is only authority to provide health insurance for HING officers in the grades of O-3 and below, warrant officers of CW-2 and below, and enlisted Guardsmen of E-6 and below when they are ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. Senior HING officers and non-commissioned officers are not covered.

This applies when they are ordered to active duty under section 121-39 or 121-40 for more than 30 days, and when the servicemember is not otherwise covered by state- or federally- funded medical insurance or by their civilian employer. Additionally, HING officers and non-commissioned officers currently are not covered for TRD or vision.

This not only creates personal and financial hardships for our Guardsmen can discourage new recruits and lead to the loss of experienced Guardsmen given the increasing demands placed on the HING to respond to lengthy state disasters and emergencies.

OVS Veterans Cemetery Board (SB1377 / Enrolled to Governor 5/2)

PURPOSE OF THE BILL: To establish the Veterans Cemeteries Board, composed of representatives from federal, state and county departments and agencies, to provide veterans cemeteries in the State with guidance, education, technical assistance and other support to ensure compliance with standards set by the National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

JUSTIFICATION: OVS is “responsible” for all state veterans’ cemeteries; however, the OVS Director currently does not have the “authority” over the maintenance of those cemeteries. Pursuant to section 363-5, HRS, county councils are responsible for the burial of service members, veterans, and their dependents. The councils of the counties of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui each provide for the establishment and maintenance of the veterans cemetery or cemeteries, which includes work such as paving roadways and walks, installation of curbs, building of fences, planting of vegetation, erection of memorial monuments and building of other necessary structures.

While the counties are responsible, they have had issues with meeting standards for the maintenance established by the National Cemetery Administration. The VA Undersecretary for Memorial Affairs recommended to Gov. Josh Green (dated Aug. 1, 2023) that the State of Hawaiʻi change responsibilities of the maintenance of the cemeteries at the state level rather than with the counties; however, this would come at a high fiscal operating cost to the state. 

The establishment of the Veterans Cemeteries Board will attempt to solve this problem at no cost to the state by using representatives from all county departments with cemetery responsibilities and administrative oversight by the OVS to collectively share ideas and practices and make recommendations to meet compliance standards set by the National Cemetery Administration.

State Fire Marshal (HB1064 / Transmitted to Governor 5/1)

PURPOSE OF THE BILL: The movement of the State Fire Marshal from Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to the Department of Law Enforcement. This bill was originally intended to move the State Fire Marshal from Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to HIDOD but was changed in the last committee. Technically, it’s still a HIDOD’s bill, but it does not have an impact on the HIDOD.

Major Capital Improvement Projects and Operating Appropriations (HB300 / Transmitted to Governor 4/3)

In addition to the bills the legislature also approved apparitions for Fiscal Year (FY) 26 and 27. Below are the projects the HIDOD received appropriations for. The total amounts received in FY26 are $114,121,000 and in FY27 are $8,000,000.

The most significant apparitions in the budget include a third Hawaiʻi State Veterans Home on Maui with the State of Hawaiʻi providing $35 million and the Federal Government providing $58 million in matched funds, Youth Challenge Academy receiving $8 million for upgrades and improvements at the Oahu campus, and the HIARNG receiving $1.1 million from the State and the $3.2 million from the Federal Government for statewide facilities upgrade and improvements. 

Total HIDOD Capital Improvement Projects Appropriations
Prog ID	Proj No.	Project Title	MOF	FY 26	FY 27
DEF114	YC2101	YCA B1786 And B1787 Upgrades and Improvements, Oahu	C	$8,000,000
DEF118	CD2301	Siren Maintenance and Modernization, Statewide	C	$5,000,000	$5,000,000
DEF110	DD2602	Fort Ruger Replacement Elevator	C	$725,000
DEF118	CD2203	Retrofit Public Buildings with Hurricane Protective Measures, Statewide	C	$1,500,000	$1,500,000
DEF118	CD2203	Retrofit Public Buildings with Hurricane Protective Measures, Statewide	P	$1,500,000	$1,500,000
DEF116	AR2301	Upgrades And Improvements to HIARNG Facilities, Statewide	C	$1,173,000
DEF116	AR2301	Upgrades And Improvements to HIARNG Facilities, Statewide	P	$3,223,000
DEF112	OV2501	3rd Hawaii State Veteran’s Home, Maui	C	$35,000,000
DEF112	OV2501	3rd Hawaii State Veteran’s Home, Maui	P	$58,000,000
	TOTAL – REQUESTS			$114,121,000	$8,000,000

Environmental office gets moving help from HIANG

HAWAI‘I ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

By Leslie Chau

Hawai‘i Army National Guard Environmental Office

HIDOD hires its first employee through Operation Hire Hawai‘i

Hawai‘i Department of Defense Public Affairs

Brandon Ilaban is the first Hawai‘i Department of Defense employee hired through the stateʻs Operation Hire Hawai‘i program.