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HIANG establishes dedicated Recruiting and Retention Flight

August 17, 2026
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2020's
Air Force Brig. Gen. Phillip L. Mallory, Hawaii Air National Guard commander and Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Buendia, Headquarters Hawaii Air National Guard Recruiting Flight commander, unfurl the Headquarters Hawaii Air National Guard Recruiting and Retention Flight guidon during the unit’s activation ceremony held at Pearl Highlands Center in Pearl City, Hawaii, Aug. 1, 2026. Before the flight’s activation, recruiting and retention efforts fell under the HIANG personnel directorate. The establishment of the HIANG’s first dedicated Recruiting and Retention Flight creates a team focused on recruiting new Airmen, retaining experienced personnel and strengthening accession support across the organization. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Orlando Corpuz)

The Hawaii Air National Guard activated its first Recruiting and Retention Flight during a ceremony Aug. 1 at the HIANG recruiting offices in Pearl Highlands Center establishing a dedicated organization designed to strengthen recruiting, improve retention and increase force readiness across the state.

The ceremony included three significant events: the formal activation of Headquarters, Hawaii Air National Guard Recruiting and Retention Flight; the assumption of command by Lt. Col. Michael Buendia; and the assumption of responsibility by Senior Master Sgt. Todd Shak.

Together, the events formally established the recruiting flight as a dedicated organizational unit operating under HIANG Headquarters and marked the beginning of a new command team responsible for it.

Although the activation order officially took effect July 11, the ceremony provided an opportunity for HIANG leaders, Airmen, families, retirees and community members to recognize the significance of the new organization and its role in strengthening the force.

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