This photograph shows Lt Col Valentine Siefermann presenting Lt Stephen Oka his controller certification at the 150th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (150 ACWS) luau. The photograph is dated 1965.
Siefermann became the first Commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard in 1953. In 1973, Governor John Burns appointed him the Adjutant General and the Director of State Civil Defense (now known as the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency). He served until 1981 when he retired. Maj. Gen. Siefermann passed away on December 30, 1998.
After serving with the 150th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, Lt Oka returned to Oahu to serve with the 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. He served with the squadron for many years and later became the unit commander. His last assignment was with Headquarters, Hawaii Air National Guard where he served as the Executive Support Staff Officer (ESSO), now known as the Director of Staff.
In retirement, Colonel Oka remains an avid fisherman. His son, Lt Col Scott Oka is a pilot with the 154th Wing flying KC-135R Stratotankers.
The appearance of external hyperlinks did not constitute endorsement by Retiree News, this included the linked websites, information, products, or services contained therein. Retiree News did not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Additionally, some of the sites linked to may limit the number of stories you can access without a paid subscription. All links were provided with the intent of meeting the mission of Retiree News.
