Retiree News

The following items were in the “In My Opinion” column in the March 1995 issue of the 154^th Support Group Training Bulletin. Ranks and unit designations are as they were in 1995. 

Twenty years ago this month, the 154^th Wing commander was Brig. Gen. Michael “Boss” Tice. “Boss” was a F-15 pilot who joined the 199^th Fighter Squadron in the late 1960s. During his career, he flew F-102 Delta Daggers, F-4 Phantoms and F-15 Eagles. Later, Maj. Gen. Tice served at U.S. Pacific Command for several years before retiring.

Lt. Col. Richard Hastings served as the commander the 154^th Support Group. He joined the Hawai‘i Air National Guard during the F-4 Phantom era as a weapons systems officer. Dick served in several staff positions before taking command of the 154^th Support Group. Later promoted to colonel, Dick’s last assignment was as the 154^th Wing Vice Commander.

The 154^th Support Group commanders were:

Lt. Col. Jerry Matsuda, 154^th Civil Engineer Squadron:  Jerry was a Traditional Guardmember who worked as the chief engineer for the State Department of Defense.  Governor Ben Cayetano appointed Jerry as the Deputy Director of the State Department of Transportation. After retiring from the State, he began working for AECOM, an international integrated infrastructure and support services firm, where he continues today.

Capt. Phillip Radford, 154^th Security Police Squadron: Phil served for several years and moved back to the Continent.  His currently whereabouts is unknown.

Lt. Col. Kyle Breedlove, 154^th Communications Flight: After his HIANG retirement, he worked as a contractor with the Navy for several years.  Later, Kyle returned to his home in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Maj. Susan Higgins, 154^th Mission Support Flight: Sue retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2000.  She continues to do volunteer work.  The family tradition of military service continues with her daughter, SMSgt Kristen Stanley, who serves in the 154^th Wing’s public affairs office.

Capt. Melissa Zen, 154^th Services Flight: Melissa was a Traditional Guardmember who worked for the State of Hawaii.  Melissa retired as a lieutenant colonel.

The personnel function was transitioning from the Consolidated Base Personnel Office (CBPO) to the 154^th Mission Support Flight.  Internally there were two NCOs taking on new duties and responsibilities.

+ MSgt Iris Kabazawa has assumed the NCOIC duties for the 154^th Mission Support Flight (MPF).  Iris replaced CMSgt Darryl Ho, who retired in 1994.  She had a wealth of experience having served in the various sections of the MPF. Iris went on to become the first female chief master sergeant in the Hawai‘i Air National Guard.

+ MSgt Carol Keanini assumed the training section supervisor duties in the MPF.  She replaced SMSgt Lloyd Kagawa, who has recently retired.  Carol transferred from the training manager position at the 203d Air Refueling Squadron.  Prior to that assignment, Carol worked as 154^th Wing’s Air Base Operability (ABO) technician.  Carol retired as a senior master sergeant and now lives in California.

SSgt Ed Paco, 154^th Civil Engineer Squadron just graduated from the NCO Academy at McGhee Tyson ANGB.  Ed transferred to the 203^d Air Refueling Squadron to take a technician position.

Off to the NCO Academy was TSgt Bridget Komine, 154^th Mission Support Flight.  Bridget met her promotion during the February UTA weekend.  Bridget retired as a chief master sergeant.  Her son, Capt Brit Komine and daughter-in-law, Maj. Regina (Berry) Komine continue their Hawai‘i Air National Guard careers.

At that same promotion board, Joseph Ramos, 154^th Mission Support Flight, received his technical sergeant stripes.  Joe went on to serve at the 169^th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron for many years before his current assignment at Headquarters, Hawai‘i Air National Guard.

The 154^th Wing had the presentation ceremony for its sixth Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.  The primary writer responsible for the award was Lt Col Gary “Pork” Peters, 199^th Fighter Squadron.  Pork went on to become the commander of the 181^st Fighter Wing, Indiana Air National Guard. He currently works as a Program Manager for Cubic Worldwide Technical Services in Yuma, Arizona.

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