Retiree News

Happy Retirement Glenda! There was a retirement party for MSgt Glenda Buis at the Willows Restaurant. She will officially retire on October 31, 2014, but her last working day will be on July 31. But you will have a chance to attend her retirement ceremony on Sunday, October 5, 2014. More information forthcoming.

There was a retirement ceremony for MSgt Ramona Fujimoto during the July UTA weekend. Mona worked in the 199^th Fighter Squadron from many years before moving to the then newly organized 203^d Airlifts Squadron. Older retirees may remember her as she was Mona Kam, before she married Maj Gordon Fujimoto, a weapons systems officer from the F-4C Phantom days. Happy Retirement Mona!

Change of Command: LTC Pamela Ellison assumed command of the Hawai‘i Army National Guard’s Recruiting and Retention Battalion. Pam just returned from her National Guard Bureau tour. The former commander LTC Courtney Vares-Lum is now serving as the Executive Officer at the 103^d Troop Command. Know both officer will do super jobs in their new positions!

There was a change of command ceremony at the 298th Regiment, Multi-Functional Training Unit (MFTU), Regional Training Institute (RTI) in April. Colonel Gary Littlefield became to commander, taking command from Colonel Suzanne Vares-Lum.   During the ceremony, Maj Gen Darryll Wong awarded COL Vares-Lum a Legion of Merit for her work and achievements during her command tenure. Colonel Littlefield continues at this fulltime position at the United States Property & Fiscal Office. Colonel Vares-Lum is now serving as the Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff.  Congratulations to both officers!