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pupukahi Office of the Adjutant General State of Hawaii Department of Defense 3949 Diamond Head Road Honolulu, Hawaii 96816-4495PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HONOLULU, HI PERMIT NO. 243 CalendarHawaii State Department of Defensepupukahi: “harmoniously united” Deployment 29th Brigade Combat Team Alohapage 4-5Air Guard doctor volunteers in Baladpage 3Awardspage 8 June 10, Friday Kamehameha Day, state holiday observed. July 4, Monday Independence Day, federal and state holiday. August 19, Friday Admissions Day, state holiday only. September 5, Monday Labor Day, federal and state holiday. September 14-19 National Guard Association of the United States Conference September 20-23 Homeland Security Summit October 10, Monday Discovers’ Day, federal holiday only. November 11, Friday Veterans’ Day, federal and state holiday. November 24, Thursday Thanksgivings Day, federal and state holiday. December 26, Monday Christmas Day, federal and state holiday observed. January 2, Monday New Years Day, federal and state holiday observed.Vol. 40, No. 13949 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816-4495 June 2005 Charlie Company Comes HomeThink he’s happy to see her? -Spc. Kevin Asato gets a welcome kiss. James Young photo.Pride and Joy-Spc. James Archibald reunites with his son Lucas as his father Terry watches.James Young photo.Daddy’s Little Angel-Sgt. Joaquin Favela greets his son. Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Iha photo.Company C, 193rd Aviation, Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers stand ready to be reunited with their familes. Sgt. 1st Class Wayne Iha and James Young photos.By Shelly Ichishita By Shelly Ichishita By Shelly Ichishita By Shelly Ichishita By Shelly IchishitaThere was much rejocing Wednesday, March 2nd, 2005 as the soldiers of Charlie Company, 193rd Aviation returned from their year-long deployment to Iraq. Over a thousand family members and friends gathered at the “Welcome Home” hangar at Wheeler Army Airfield to welcome Charlie Company back to Hawaii. The 25th ID Band cued up as the soldiers entered the hangar, eager to see their mothers, fathers, spouses, children, and friends. The helicopter mechanics and pilots that make up Company C, 193rd Aviation were mobilized January 7, 2004 and left Hawaii in March of 2004. During their time in Iraq, Co. C, 193rd Aviation soldiers flew over 6,000 mission hours in their CH47 Chinook helicopters in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Co. C, 193rd flew nearly four times the mission hours in Iraq of any unit before them. Some of the missions Co. C, 193rd flew included the delivery of $1.65 billion to the Kurds in Irbil and the transport of Saddam Hussein from one undisclosed location to another for a court appearance. Spc. James Archibald said about the delivery of the currency to the Kurds: “The cargo area was packed. There were footlockers filled with money. It was just paper, but it was heavy.” Co. C, 193rd’s outstanding performance during their deployment will not go unrecognized. Eight soldiers have been nominated to receive the Bronze Star and 92 will receive good conduct medals. The Co. C, 193rd Family Readiness Group also recognized the soldiers and celebrated their return with a luau held in the HIARNG hangar on Wheeler Army Airfield on Friday, March 11, 2005. The event also included several local luminaries, and Pat Morita performed Master of Ceremony duties. A Freedom Salute ceremony, the official National Guard welcome back ceremony, was hosted by Maj. Gen. Robert G.F. Lee for the Co. C, 193rd Aviation (Hilo) troops on Saturday, April 2nd, 2005. The Freedom Salute ceremony also honored the families and employers of the Co. C, 193rd Avn (Hilo) soldiers that showed extraordinary support and aloha for our troops.Deployment Bronze Stars go to aviation soldiers
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00 • pupukahi • June 2005 • http://www.dod.state.hi.us/pupukahi.html The pupukahi is funded and published bimonthly by the State of Hawaii, Department of Defense, 3949 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816-4495. Phone (808) 733-4258, fax (808) 733-4236. It is an offset publication. Views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Departments of the Army and Air Force. All photos are Hawaii National Guard photos unless otherwise credited. Circulation: 7,700.Gov. Linda LingleCommander in ChiefMaj. Gen. Robert G.F. LeeThe Adjutant GeneralMaj. Charles J. AnthonyActing Public Affairs/Military Education OfficerShelly Y. IchishitaEditor/LayoutJames YoungAssistant Editor/Contributing Writer117th Mobile Public Affairs DetachmentCurrently Deployedwww.dod.state.hi.us/pupukahi.htmle-mail: webmaster@dod.state.hi.us3949 Diamond Head Road Honolulu, Hawaii 96816-4495 (808) 733-4258/ 733-4236FState of Hawaii Department of Defense pupukahi: harmoniously unitedpupukahi Departmental News Command NotesMaj. Gen. Robert G.F. Lee The Adjutant General 2Hello? Iraq CallingBy Judd Anstey, By Judd Anstey, By Judd Anstey, By Judd Anstey, By Judd Anstey, Army and Air Force Exchange Service Public AffairsDALLAS – Troops serving in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom have access to communication tools that most veterans, only 10 years ago, could have only dreamed about. In fact, today’s deployed service members not only have communication capabilities, but they have choices regarding how they choose to communicate. A limited number of tax-subsidized minutes are made available to troops for “official” morale (free) phone calls each month, the internet offers instant chat and email and the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) has phone centers where troops can make as many “unofficial” (paid) calls as they desire. The cost for “unofficial” international calls can vary greatly as many prepaid phone cards are not designed for calls between Boston and Baghdad, but instead are sold and marketed for use within the United States. When a wellmeaning friend or family member sends a phone card designed for domestic use to Iraq both the sender and recipient can be surprised to find out that a “1,000-minute” phone card can provide as little as 100 minutes of talk time from Tikrit, Iraq. Before a service member even picks up a phone in a deployed location, AAFES’ Vice President of Services, Craig Sewell cautions military personnel to “read the fine print.” Many “domestic” or “per minute” phone cards contain the phrase “International flat rates vary.” “These rates can vary widely,” said Sewell. For example, numbers of units to place a call from Iraq to the U.S. when using the Military Exchange prepaid phone card is 3 units while other retailer’s prepaid cards charge 10 units for the exact same call.Continued on page 3New Program Created: TRICARE Reserve SelectNDAA 2005 creates a new program called “ TRICARE Reserve Select .” This program will give Reserve and National Guard members—who meet certain eligibility criteria—the opportunity to purchase TRICARE Standard-like health care coverage for themselves and their family members after they demobilize. The following is a general description of the benefit plan, which will be more fully outlined by DoD in the next few months. According to the initial description of the TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) program, Reserve Component (RC) members, who have committed to continued service in the Selected Reserve for one year or more, qualify for TRS coverage: National Guard and Reserve members who served on active duty in support of a contingency operation for 90 days or more, on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and who were released from active duty before Oct. mit to serve in the selected reserves. Members will be able to purchase the new TRS coverage on a selfonly or self-and-family basis. The monthly premium amount has not yet been determined. TRICARE Reserve Select members will not be eligible for care at military treatment facilities (MTF) nor for MTF pharmacy benefits. They also will not be eligible for TRICARE Prime Remote or TRICARE Prime Remote for Active Duty Family Members. Visit www.tricare.osd.mil or www.triwest.com for more information about TRICARE coverage for reservists. 28, 2004, or within 180 days of that date, may enter into an agreement to serve continuously in the Selected Reserve for a period of one or more years and begin participation in TRICARE Reserve Select at that time. For example, if an RC member was activated for one year in support of contingency operations, he/she would be eligible to sign up for four years of TRS coverage while obligating himself/herself to serve in the Selected Reserve for that same four years. This agreement to serve must be approved by the member’s unit and must be entered into within one year of Oct. 28, 2004. TRICARE Standardlike coverage under this program will begin the day after the RC member’s eligibility for 180 days of TAMP Program coverage ends. For every 90 days of consecutive active duty service, RC members and their eligible family members may purchase one year of TRICARE Standardlike coverage for the same period they comSince our last issue, the 29th Brigade Combat Team (BCT) members have settled in to their roles in Balad (LSA Anaconda), Baghdad and Kuwait, providing security, helping to instruct Iraqi soldiers and playing a vital part in the reconstruction of Iraq. All of Hawaii is very proud of the job they are doing in Iraq, and they are performing their duties exceptionally well. There is no question that the soldiers from Hawaii are spreading Aloha to their area of responsibility. They know how to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqis who want to support freedom and democracy and how to strike fear in the hearts of the terrorists. The soldiers of the 29th BCT arrived in Iraq in February for their one-year tour of duty. There has been some talk of extending their time on active duty, but that would only be as part of outprocessing, either on the mainland or here at their homestation. Their tour in Iraq will not be extended. Sadly, a member of the 29th BCT Ohana has been killed in Iraq. Cpl. Glen Watkins had served a full year with the 81st Brigade, Washington State Army National Guard, and had volunteered to extend his tour to assist the 29th BCT with its transition. He was an outstanding soldier who willingly served his nation despite the risks involved. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family in Tacoma, Washington. We’ve had the opportunity to welcome back our hometown heroes who’ve completed their one-year rotations as part of the Global War on Terrorism. C Company, 193rd Aviation spent a year in Balad, Iraq flying vital missions in their CH-47 Chinook helicopters while B Company, 193rd Aviation soldiers completed their stint in Kandahar, Afghanistan keeping helicopters fit for flying. Both units have made us exceptionally proud and the U.S. Army knows what the Hawaii Army National Guard is capable of doing. In April, after the units marched in the Merrie Monarch Parade through downtown Hilo, we held a Freedom Salute ceremony at the Hawaii Army National Guard’s Aviation Support Facility # 2 for our neighbor isle soldiers. Mayor Hawaii Army National Guard, 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment at Schofield Barracks. Pupukahi editor Master Sgt. Stephen M. Lum belongs to the unit, which leaves for Operation Enduring Freedom in April, please enjoy the spread he made honoring the soldiers of the 29th Brigade Combat Team on pages 4 and 5. Harry Kim gave a stirring speech and several hundred family members and wellwishers were on hand to show their support for the returning heroes. Each soldier being honored was presented with an American flag, a coin and other keepsake items as tokens of appreciation for their service. The following day, we bid “Aloha Oe” to “Task Force Pacific” at Schofield Barracks. The 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment and the 298th Engineer Detachment, two units that fall under the 103rd Troop Command, joined other soldiers from Alaska and Guam, for a send off ceremony before they deployed to Afghanistan. They are expected back around April of 2006. Currently four out of every five Hawaii Army National Guard soldiers are serving on activeduty, but the Hawaii Air Guard is making important contributions to the Global War on Terrorism as well. Members of the 297th Air Traffic Control Squadron, based at Kalaeloa, just returned from a rotation as air traffic controllers in Mosul, Iraq. Once again, members of the HING showed that they are among the best trained soldiers and Airmen in the entire U.S. military. Two of the unit members even volunteered for a second rotation and are currently serving at Baghdad International Airport. The past few months have been among the busiest in Hawaii National Guard history, yet we have met the challenge and continue to stand ready to defend our state and nation. Thank you all for your sacrifices and for all your hard work.
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http://www.dod.state.hi.us/pupukahi.html • June 2005 • pupukahi • 003AAFES’ 550-unit card is available for $35 (when purchased from any Exchange in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom) and $39 elsewhere. The closest competitor’s “500-minute” card sells for $25. While the competitor’s card looks like a bargain, it is actually more expensive to use. Service members who use the AAFES prepaid card receive three times as many minutes for calls placed from Iraq to the United States. In this case, the “variation” is $0.19 per minute vs. charges of $0.50 per minute. For more information on per minute charges, please see the chart below. The bottom line according to Sewell is that, “all phone cards are not created equal. It is important to let the troops and their loved ones know that cards from a third party may be subject to unforeseen charges.” Many prepaid phone cards sold in the United States are designed for use within the 48 contiguous states, while AAFES’ prepaid phone cards are designed for use on a “global platform.” According to Sewell, “this platform is tailored to the unique needs of mobile service members.” Troops, as well as friends and family should be aware that price per minute charges can also be much higher when placing an overseas call using a credit card, calling card or other pre-paid phone cards. Anyone (even non-authorized Exchange customers) can now send 550and 200-Unit Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone Cards to an individual service member or “any service member” through the “Help Our Troops Call Home” program. AAFES has worked with the American Red Cross, USO, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society and the Fisher House Foundation to distribute 15,152 phone cards addressed to “any service member” since the “Help Our Troops Call Home” program began in March 2004. The AAFES’ “Help Our Troops Call Home” program helps Marines, Sailors, Airmen and SoldiersPHONE CARDS -Continued from page 2stay in touch with loved ones back home. To date, 37,135 550-Unit Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone cards have been purchased. At today’s current rate of only .21 a minute, these cards have provided deployed troops with more than six million minutes of calling. Sixty-four AAFES call centers throughout Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom have been critical in keeping deployed troops and their families in touch. The Military Exchange 550-Unit Prepaid Phone card’s minutes never expire and no additional charges or connection fees are ever added. These factors make the 550-Unit card the best value for troops who enjoy calls home from any of AAFES’ 47 call centers in Iraq and Afghanistan. The “Help Our Troops Call Home” initiative allows any American to make a direct contribution to the morale of troops who find themselves far from home. Individuals, organizations and businesses can log on to www.aafes.com and click the “Help Our Troops Call Home” link or call 800-5272345 for more information. Other retailer Units/Price Other retailer Price/Minute Military Exchange 550-Unit card Units/Price Military Exchange 550-Unit card Price/Minute Calls from Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait to the U.S. 10 units .05 0.50 3 units .063 0.19 Prices as of March 2005 The 298th Engineering Detachment during their training at Schofield Barracks.Hilo Doctor Volunteers for Operation Iraqi FreedomBy 2Lt. Regina Berry, 154th Wing Public Affairs By 2Lt. Regina Berry, 154th Wing Public Affairs By 2Lt. Regina Berry, 154th Wing Public Affairs By 2Lt. Regina Berry, 154th Wing Public Affairs By 2Lt. Regina Berry, 154th Wing Public AffairsMotivated by television news reports of the war in Iraq, Hilo physician Dr. Brett Wyrick decided that he needed to make a contribution. The full-time doctor is also a part-time officer with the Hawaii Air National Guard, serving as the commander of the 154th Medical Group at Hickam Air Force Base. In January, Dr. Wyrick temporary put aside his practice in Hilo in order to perform an active duty tour with the U.S. Air Force at Balad Air Base, Iraq. “I volunteered to come over for a full 120day rotation because they need surgeons over here, and I could not stand to watch the evening news everyday without trying to help the war effort,” said Wyrick. “This is the first Air Force Theater Hospital to be deployed since the Vietnam War, and it is the busiest hospital for trauma in Iraq,” said Wyrick. Being deployed as a trauma doctor in the middle of a wartime environment comes with a lot of challenges. One is working in a hospital built with a series of tents. This creates problems for the surgeons when trying to do surgery in a muddy and sandy environment, said Wyrick. “There is nothing in civilian practice to prepare for what goes on here.” Another challenge is treating high numbers of heart-wrenching trauma patients. “Every trauma seems to be worse as a result of the high energy weapons that are used on a modern battlefield,” said Wyrick. “I operate every day and night until I just cannot do it anymore, and then I get a nap, a meal, and go back to the operating room.” To ease some of those challenges, the mission has brought in a staff that consists of a large number of U.S. Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and a small continge nt of U.S. and Australian Army personnel who see anyone and everyone in need of medical treatment. The doctors don’t only treat servicemembers, they also treat anyone who is injured in the field. “We see U.S. and Coalition troops, Iraqi National Guard and police forces, captured enemy insurgents, and civilian casualties,” said Wyrick. From half a world away, Wyrick is trying to maintain his decade-long Hilo private practice in general surgery. “The practice definitely suffers, and it is hard on the patients and staff when I am away,” said Wyrick. “Almost all of the patients have been supportive, but it is hard on the medical staff when we are short of surgeons”. Wyrick believes his wartime experience will be beneficial for his patients after he returns home. “Everyday I learn things that I will bring home to my civilian practice. I am sure I will be a much better surgeon after being over here”. Wyrick is scheduled to return to Hilo next month.Above-Col. Brett Wyrick scrubs up in preparation for surgery. Upper left-Col. Wyrick performs a procedure in Iraq.
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00 • pupukahi • June 2005 • http://www.dod.state.hi.us/pupukahi.html4 4 4 29th Brigade C Aloha Stadiu m 29th Brigade C Aloha Stadiu m The 29th Brigade Combat T before leaving for three mont h Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas. The 29th will sp e Fort Polk, La., before deploying to their 12 to 18 m o Iraq. Pictured here are: (1) 29th Brigade colors fronting (2) a proud family member showing her aloha to the de p (3) Brig. Gen. Joseph J. Chaves, the brigade commander, and Bri g Sgt. Maj. Robert N. Inouye, casing the brigade colors; (4) Maj. G e Lee, the Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Chaves, Hawaii Gov. Li n Lt. Gen. John M. Brown III, the U. S. Army Pacific commander troops; and (5) the 29th Brigade Combat Team on the Aloha Hawaii Army National Sgt. 1st Class Wayne T. Iha and Spc. Be n 5 5
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http://www.dod.state.hi.us/pupukahi.html • June 2005 • pupukahi • 005 C ombat Team: m Oct. 2, 2004 C ombat Team: m Oct. 2, 2004 T eam forms up h s oftraining at e nd a month at o nth mission in the formation; p loying troops; g ade Command e n. Robert G.F. n da Lingle, and reviewing the Stadium field.Guard photos by n jamin T. Donde 3 2
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00 • pupukahi • June 2005 • http://www.dod.state.hi.us/pupukahi.htmlIT’S A NEW YEAR AND TIME AGAIN TO COMPLETE A NEW FINANCIAL ASSESSMENT FORM FOR YOUR VA HEALTH COVERAGEThe question always comes up at the start of the new year. I filled out this form last year, is this an annual requirement? The answer is yes. While many veterans qualify for enrollment and cost-free health care services based on a compensable service-connected condition or other qualifying factor, most veterans will be asked to complete an annual financial assessment. Otherwise known as the Means Test, this financial information will be used to determine the applicant’s enrollment priority group and whether the veteran is eligible for cost-free VA health care. Higher income veterans may be required to share in the expense of their care by making copayments. Veterans, who choose not to complete the financial assessment, must agree to pay required copayments as a condition of their eligibility. Due to VA’s restricting enrollment of new Priority Group 8 veterans who apply on or after January 17, 2003, veterans who decline to provide financial information and who agree to copayments will not be accepted for enrollment. Veterans who are required to provide their financial information generally must do so on an annual basis. To simplify this annual reporting requirement, VA recently introduced a new shorter version of its application form to be used for this annual reporting requirement. The new form, VA Form 10-10EZR, is to be used by enrolled veterans to update their previously reported information such as address, insurance, employment and financial information. It will save veterans time by eliminating the collection of information previously collected. The form can be requested from the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center at 433-0600, or accessed from the VA web site at www.va.gov/1010ez.htm. As stated above, it is very important for all veterans enrolled in the VA health care system to complete the annual financial assessment known as the Means Test and return it as soon as possible to the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center. For more information on the Means Test or VA copayments, contact the VA Medical Center at 4330600. The information is also available on our website, www.va.gov/ hawaii.If you Receive VA Health Care, Think Carefully Before You Drop Your Civilian Health Care CoverageSince VA health care depends primarily on annual congressional appropriations, VA encourages veterans to retain any health care coverage they may already have – especially those in the lower enrollment priority groups. Veterans with pri-New Improved VA Identification Card Now AvailableWith identity theft as the major fraud reported by Americans in 2003, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has designed a new identity card for veterans that will safeguard confidential information. The card, formally known as the Veterans Identification Card (VIC), will have veterans’ photos on the front and identify them as enrollees in the VA’s health care system. The card includes the words “service-connected” under the photo if the veteran has a service-connected disability. The Veteran’s VA medical history and other personal information such as their social security number is bar coded on the card, therefore ensuring the security of veteran’s personal information and will also make sure that only eligible veterans receive the benefits and services they’ve earned. You can request this new card at the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Clinic, 2ndfloor registration. Your VA history will be verified and updated and your picture taken. The card is actually processed on the mainland and will be mailed to the veteran in approximately 2 weeks. The existing cards will remain valid until veterans receive their new cards. The VA hopes to issue the new card to all eligible veterans by the end of next year. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation. The Federal Trade Commission listed identity theft as the number one fraud reported by consumers in 2003. Requests from veterans and their congressional representatives were instrumental in bringing about these latest changes. If you need more information on how to obtain the new Veterans Identification Card, contact the VA Medical Center at 433-0600.VA Gears Up for Return of Troops from Iraq and AfghanistanVA hospitals and clinics are well aware of possible mental health care increases and are preparing to offer more mental health services for troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Guerilla tactics used by Iraqi insurgents, such as improvised explosive devices and other surprise attack methods, are likely to increase post-traumatic stress disorder among those serving in Iraq. Several steps have been taken to ensure mental health services are available, including: (1) Requiring all 856 VA out-patient clinics to have a psychiatrist or psychologist on staff full time, or ensuring that veterans can consult a mental health provider in their community. (2) Elevating the Veteran Health Administration’s chief psychiatrist to the agency’s National Leadership Board, a key policy-making group that includes VHA’s other top executives and medical personnel. (3) Establishing uniform funding for mental health care at the agency’s 21 health-care networks. (4) Reinvigorating the agency’s in-patient substance abuse treatment programs. Unfortunately, mental health leads to homelessness as well, therefore (5) the VA will award grants to states and local communities to provide as many as 10,000 spaces at homeless shelters to veterans. This is not a short-term solution. With more than 1,000 soldiers and marines killed and more than 7,000 wounded, a majority of soldiers in Iraq say they or someone they serve with have been exposed to a lifethreatening situation. The mental effects of the war won’t be fully realized for years. Aside from mental health issues, more soldiers wounded in Iraq will probably need artificial limbs. This war has awakened VA that there are a lot of amputations and the need to be ready for it. Veterans seeking health care can contact the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Clinic at 4330600. For information on disability compensation, call the VA Regional Office at 433-1000.TRICARE Retiree Dental Program sweetens benefit for members of the National Guard/ ReserveTMA grants waiver of 12-month waiting period for full scope of services Sacramento – National Guard and Reserve personnel who elect to enroll in the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program (TRDP) within 120 days after retirement are now eligible to skip the 12-month waiting period normally required for certain TRDP benefits, according to Delta Dental, the program’s administrator. Effective February 1, 2005, TMA authorized a waiver from requiring retired National Guard/Reserve men and women who meet the criteria to be enrolled in the TRDP for 12 months prior to gaining the maximum allowed benefits for cast crowns, cast restorations, bridges, dentures and orthodontics for both adults and children. Additionally, this new waiver will be applied retroactively to February 1, 2004 for any Guard and Reserve enrollees who can document their enrollment in the TRDP within 120 days after their retirement effective date. Delta will process any claim adjustments resulting from this retroactive waiver, upon notification from the enrollee and submission of the appropriate documentation. All new enrollees seeking to obtain the waiver should submit a copy of their retirement orders together with their application. The nation’s largest voluntary, allenrollee-paid dental program continues to offer coverage for diagnostic and preventive services, basic restorative services, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, dental emergencies and a separate dental accident benefit with no waiting period. The program currently covers over 800,000 retired members of the uniformed services, including National Guard and Reserve personnel, and their families. Eligibility for the TRICARE Retiree Dental Program extends to all retirees of the Reserve and Guard and their family members, including “gray area” retired Reservists who are entitled to retired pay but will not begin receiving it until age 60. Although eligibility for this group has been in effect since the TRDP first began in 1998, many retired Reserve and Guard members, and even more “gray area” retirees, still do not realize they are eligible. It is important to note that as with all new retirees, the 120-day period during which a “gray area” retired Reservist can enroll in the TRDP to qualify for the 12-month waiting period waiver begins with his/her retirement effective date, not the date he/she reaches age 60. Enrollees may seek care from any licensed dentist, with optimal benefits available when choosing a participating “Delta Dental PPO” dentist in over 80,000 locations nationwide. vate health insurance or with federally funded coverage through the Department of Defense (TRICARE), Medicare, or Medicaid, may choose to use these sources of coverage as a supplement to their VA benefits. Please note: Before canceling insurance coverage, enrolled veterans should consider the risks: (1) There is no guarantee that in subsequent years Congress will appropriate sufficient funds for VA to provide care for all enrollment priority groups; (2) Non-veteran spouses and other family members generally do not quality for VA health care; and, (3) If participation in Medicare Part B is cancelled, it cannot be reinstated until January of the next year and there may be a penalty for the reinstatement. If you have any questions on whether or not to retain your civilian health care coverage, contact the VA Medical Center at 433-0600. The TRDP carries a $50 per person annual deductible. The program also includes a family deductible cap of $150 and an annual maximum amount of $1,200, against which preventive and diagnostic services are not counted. In addition to the annual maximum, the TRDP also has a separate dental accident annual maximum of $1,000 and a lifetime orthodontic maximum of $1,200. Eligible retirees and their family members can find answers to their questions about the program as well as enroll using Delta’s dedicated TRDP web site at www.trdp.org or by calling the toll-free number at 1-866567-1658.
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http://www.dod.state.hi.us/pupukahi.html • June 2005 • pupukahi • 00 Hawaii National GuardFamily ProgramJoanne M. Yamamoto State Family Program ManagerAWARDS -Continued from page 87Just like the many families in our com munity, the State Family Program Office is affected by the mobilization of the 29th Brigade. Our State Family Program Coordinator, Lt. Col. Laura Wheeler, received her mobilization orders and is now with the Brigade. JoAnne Yamamoto has been temporary appointed as the program manager while Wheeler is deployed. The other new faces in the Family Program Office are: Roberta Dos Reis, HR assistant, and Brad Dees, general clerk. There is a Family Assistance Center (FAC) in operation on Oahu, the Big Island, Maui and Kauai. If any family member needs assistance or has a concern, please call the FAC nearest you.Yellow ribbon supportHui Laulima’s special yellow ribbon car magnets are available to show support for Hawaii’s Guard currently in the Middle East. These uniquely designed magnets can be purchased only through the State Family Program Office. Unlike other similar car magnets currently being sold around town, Hui Laulima’s proceeds will benefit families and FRGs of Hawaii National Guard. A $3 donation is requested for the small ribbons. Please show your support of our Guard families by displaying a yellow ribbon on all your vehicles. Call 732-1823 to get one or more today!Money MattersFamily separation allowance Soldiers that are married should start to see FSA on their fifteenth of the month Leave and Earning Statement (LES). A soldier needs to be separated from his/her family for 30 consecutive days he/she is entitled to this allowance. This entitlement is paid twice a month Cost of Living Allowance(COLA)COLA is paid only once a month on the first of each month. This allowance is based on marital status, years of service, rank, home of record, and number of dependents. Soldiers need to ensure that their dependents are updated with their unit so that they receive the correct COLA rate.How to reach us Kauai Roberta Agena . 337-1144 Hilo Marilyn Tolentino934-0364 Oahu Bobbie Kito-Hong676-7256 Harriet Kuni . 668-5185 Kimo Palakiko239-2040Barb Yadao-Petti 674-0806 Missy Vincent 422-6380 Gloria Duro 486-0667 Lorna Souza 235-8815 Pua Duropan 421-1057 Loretta Hales 154th Wing Family Readiness Coordinator 448-7282 JoAnne M. Yamamoto State Family Program Manager Don’t hesitate to contact me at 732-1823, 1-800-732-6964 734-4273F or email me atjoanne.yamamoto@hi.ngb.army.milCheck out our website at www.dod.state.hi.us/family If you have any questions or concerns relating to family matters. If you would like to be a part of a Family Readiness Group, contact your unit or call any of the following members of the Family Program State Advisory Team listed below:Where to find Hawaii Guard Family Support CentersOahu at Kalaeloa 91-1227 Enterprise Ave., Kapolei Phone: 682-0549 Harriet Kuni: 753-7124c Clifford Duro: 284-6235c Hawaii County: Hilo Armory 1046 Leilani St., Hilo Phone: 933-0926 Dave Ferreira: 987-9702c Maui County: Puunene Armory 75 Puunene St., Kahului Phone: 873-3552 Georgette Pelekai : 268-8005c Kauai County: Hanapepe Armory 1-3460 Kaumualii Hwy. Phone: 335-8420 Milton Oshiro: 346-5319c Basic Allowance for Housing(BAH)BAH is paid twice a month and is based on home of record, rank, and marital status. Power of Attorney (POA)All soldiers should have completed a POA to handle their affairs while they are deployed. If anyone other than a soldier calls the Mobilization Finance Team for pay information concerning that soldier, the caller will need to provide a copy of the POA to the MOB Finance Team or have a POA already on file. (make sure “you” have multiple original of yourPOA, many organizations require an original) Copies of the POA may be faxed to the Mobilization Finance Team at 733-4337 (Attn.: Palmyra) MOB Finance Team: Sgt. 1st Class Monica Montayre 733-4388 Sgt. Thomas Mitchell 733-4327 Palmyra Hethcote 733-4334Master Sgt. Francis T. Aihara, HHD, Joint State Task Force (2nd OLC) Master Sgt. Lawrence T. Andrews, HHD, Joint State Task Force (2nd OLC) Master Sgt. Samuel David III, HHD, Joint State Task Force Master Sgt. Wesley A. Kim, HHD, Joint State Task Force (2nd OLC) Master Sgt. Roy T. Miyamoto, HHD, Joint State Task Force (1st OLC) Sgt. 1st Class Stephanie J. Hika, 117th Mobile Public Affairs Det. (6th OLC) Sgt. 1st Class Dean M. Hiramoto, HHD, Joint State Task Force (7th OLC) Sgt. 1st Class Garrett H. Iha, HHD, Joint State Task Force (5th OLC) Sgt. 1st Class Catherine Kula, 298th Engineering Det. (atta to HHD, Joint State Task Force for AT 2004) (2nd OLC) Sgt. 1st Class Jin Ho Pak, HHD, Joint State Task Force (3rd OLC) Sgt. 1st Class Paul S. Taniguchi, HHD, Joint State Task Force Staff Sgt. Fred P. Agag, HHD, HIARNG Element Joint Forces HQ (1st OLC) Staff Sgt. Albert K. Kamealoha, HHD, Joint State Task Force (6th OLC) Staff Sgt. Vaosa Lesu, HHD, Joint State Task Force (2nd OLC) Staff Sgt. Scott D. Nakamura, HHD, Joint State Task Force (1st OLC) Staff Sgt. Valerie J. Resciniti, 117th Mobile Public Affair Det. (1st OLC) Staff Sgt. Ray G. Resurrection, Co. D, 2nd Bn., 299th Infantry (4th OLC) Staff Sgt. Andy F. Ruiz, Co. D, 2nd Bn., 299th Infantry (2nd OLC) Sgt. Martin Antonio, HHC, 29th Separate Infantry Bde. (2nd OLC) Sgt. Marvin Cadiz, HHC, 29th Separate Infantry Bde. (1st OLC) Sgt. Reginald Condes, Co. C, 29th Spt. Bn. (initial & 1st OLC) Sgt. Dickson O. Dechoso, HHD, Joint State Task Force Sgt. Scott C. Kobayashi, Btry. A., 1st Bn., Field Artillery (1st OLC) Sgt. Albert Makanani, HHD, Joint State Task Force (3rd OLC) Sgt. Gregory E. Mukai, HHD, Joint State Task Force (3rd OLC) Sgt. Brian C. Nepomuceno, HHD, Joint State Task Force (1st OLC) Sgt. Sinbad F. Pascual, HHD, Joint State Task Force (1st OLC) Sgt. Christopher Tabancura, HHC, 29th Separate Infantry Bde. (1st OLC) Sgt. Brendyn Valensona, Co. A, 29th Spt. Bn. (1st OLC) Sgt. Earl J. Ventura, HHC, 2nd Bn., 299th Infantry (1st OLC) Sgt. Edward Yamamoto, HHC, 2nd Bn., 299th Infantry (3rd OLC) Spc. Honorato Ablao Jr., HHD, Joint State Task Force Spc. Jonah L. Anguay, HHD, Joint State Task Force Spc. Abrielle K. Apuna, Co. A, 29th Spt. Bn. (1st OLC) Spc. Mark Ayap, HHC, 2nd Bn., 299th Infantry Spc. Scott Baltero, HHC, 2nd Bn., 299th Infantry Spc. Belinda Butac, Co. A, 29th Spt. Bn. Spc. Christopher M. Callejo, Co. A, 29th Spt. Bn. Spc. Kelleyne Capuano, Co. A, 29th Spt. Bn. (1st OLC) Spc. Joshua H. Flynn, HHC, 2nd Bn., 299th Infantry Spc. Stevie Gaines, Co. A, 29th Spt. Bn. Spc. Romulo I. Galindo, Co. A, 29th Spt. Bn. Spc. Romeo Galo, Co. A, 29th Spt. Bn. Spc. Roy Galo, Co. A, 29th Spt. Bn. Spc. Daniel S. Garcia, Co. D, 2nd Bn., 299th Infantry (3rd OLC) 1st Lt. Ronald E. Rod, Co. D, 2nd Bn, 299th Infantry 2nd Lt. Kaiona Thaxton, Co. A, 2nd Bn., 299th Infantry Warrant Officer Candidate Jeremiah S. Paraoan, HIARNG Element, JFHQ (-) (4th OLC) Master Sgt. Shirley N. Bryant, HIARNG Element, JFHQ (-) (3rd OLC) Master Sgt. Elizabeth K. Kenui, HIARNG Element, JFHQ (-) (6th OLC) Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Kito-Hong, HIARNG Element, JFHQ (-) (2nd OLC) Staff Sgt. Ronald Asuncion, 29th Support Bn. (1st OLC) Sgt. Joseph Feliciano, HHC, 2nd Bn, 299th Infantry Sgt. Julius C. Jaralba, HHC 12th Personnel Service Det. (1st OLC) Sgt. Terry Pedersen, HHC, 2nd Bn, 299th Infantry Spc. Andrew Apuna, 29th Support Bn. Spc. Neil Shiroma, HHC, 2nd Bn, 299th Infantry (1st OLC) Pfc. Bianca M. Asato, HHC 29th Separate Infantry Bde. Air Force Commendation Medal Tech Sgt. Ireneo Cordero, 292 CBCS Tech Sgt. Danilo F. Agsalog, 292 CBCS Army Achievement Medal Maj. Tracey M.Y. Omori, HHD, Joint State Task Force (2nd OLC) Chief Warrant Officer Gary P. Shuman, HHD, Joint State Task Force (2nd OLC) Chief Warrant Officer Wendell A. Windham, HHD, Joint State Task Force (2nd OLC) Chief Warrant Officer Richard A. Hargrave, HHD, Joint State Task Force Sgt. Maj. Nathan M. Watanabe, HHD, Joint State Task Force (2nd OLC) Spc. Desire Kamai-Santos, Co. A, 29th Spt. Bn. Spc. Robert Nago, HHC, 2nd Bn., 299th Infantry Spc. Mark Nishijima, HHC, 2nd Bn., 299th Infantry (1st OLC ) Spc. Celeste Paglinawan, Co. A, 29th Spt. Bn. Spc. Carty R. Raquedan, HHD, Joint State Task Force (2nd OLC) Spc. Nicholas A. Rice, Btry. A, 1st Bn., Field Artillery (1st OLC) Spc. Amante Romero, Co. A, 29th Spt. Bn. (2nd OLC) Spc. Edwardo Santiano, HHC, 29th Separate Infantry Bde. (3rd OLC) Spc. Cory Soares, Co. A, 2nd Bn., 299th Infantry (1st OLC) Spc. Lance P. Taufaasau, Co. D, 2nd Bn., 299th Infantry (6th OLC) Pfc. Melemoala Akau, Co. A, 29th Spt. Bn. Pfc. Justin Cabanting, HHC, 2nd Bn., 299th Infantry Air Force Achievement Medal Senior Master Sgt. David L. Wilkinson, 154 LRS (2nd OLC) Senior Master Sgt. Ethan T. Toyama, 154 CF (4th OLC) Master Sgt. Alvin J. Fritz, 154 LRS (1st OLC) Master Sgt. Gregory J. Pelayre, 154 CF (3rd OLC) Tech Sgt. Robert J. Carvalho, 154 CF (2nd OLC) Tech Sgt. Jan K. Derego, 154 LRS (3rd OLC) Tech Sgt. Joaddie A. Gionson, 154 LRS (2nd OLC) Tech Sgt. Kristen M. Higgins, 154 CF (2nd OLC) Staff Sgt. David R. Adriano, 154 LRS Staff Sgt. Mysti A. Bicoy, 154 CF (1st OLC) Staff Sgt. David C. Lacuata, 154 LRS Sr. Airman Andrew L. Jackson, 154 CF Sr. Airman Renee A. Pecpec, 154 SVF Sr. Airman Bobby B. Ramos, 154 SVF Sr. Airman Michael N. Sisounthone, 154 SVF Hawaii National Guard Medal for Merit Lt. Col. Steve Hawley, 1st Bn, 196th Inf (assigned to HHC, 29th SIB) Hawaii National Guard Commendation Medal 1st. Lt. Dwayne A. Wirfel, 117th MPAD, Alaska Army National Guard Cpl. Jaime M. Wunn, 117th MPAD, Alaska Army National Guard Spc. Michael J. Coleman, 117th MPAD, Alaska Army National Guard
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00 • pupukahi • June 2005 • http://www.dod.state.hi.us/pupukahi.html Awards and Recognition8 QuilesIsaki Chang Bishop CookGuard family recognized Training ScheduleMembers and units of the Hawaii Army and Air National Guards were recently presented with awards in recognition of their outstanding performance. Legion of Merit CW2 Gary F. Terashima, HHD 12th PSD, HIARNG Sgt. Major Dennis Y. Yoshino, HIARNG Element, JFHQ Bronze Star Medal Chief Warrant Officer Daniel C.M. Chang, Co. B, 193rd Aviation (Fwd) Chief Warrant Officer Russell Bishop, Co. B, 193rd Aviation (Fwd) Meritorious Service Medal Lt. Col. Edward K. Chun Fat Jr., HQ, 103rd Troop Command (3rd OLC) Lt. Col. Michael B. Compton, 204 AS (1st OLC) Lt. Col. Frederick F. Fogel, HQ, HIANG (1st OLC) Lt. Col. Mark E. Logan, HHD STARC (1st OLC) Lt. Col. Bruce E. Oliveira, HHC 29th Separate Infantry Bde. (3rd OLC) Lt. Col. Stanley E. Toy, 93 CST (WMD (2nd OLC) Maj. Moses Kaoiwi, HHD STARC Maj Suzanne P. Vares-Lum, HHD STARC Maj Jason T. Matsumura, JFHQ-HIARNG Element Capt. Kukunaokala Mendonca, A Co 2/299th IN Capt. Soliman G. Valdez, HHC, 29th Separate Infantry Brigade Sgt. Maj Richard Y. Fukunaga, HIARNG Element, Joint Forces HQ-HI 1st Sgt. Robert V. Ednilao, HQ, 298th Regiment, Multifunctional Training Brigade Master Sgt. Clifford Duro, 103rd Troop Command (3rd OLC) Master Sgt. Gary A. Momohara, HQ 154 WG Master Sgt. Alan S. Sumitomo, HQ 154 WG Master Sgt. So’o T. Tufaga, HHD STARC Master Sgt. Milton Yee, HHC, 29th Separate Infantry Brigade (3rd OLC) Sgt. 1st Class Hubert M.E. Chang, HHD, HIARNG Element (1st OLC) Sgt. 1st Class Gregory M. Hika Jr., Recruiting and Retention Division (1st OLC) Sgt. 1st Class Ruben D. Park, 1st Bn., 298th Regiment Staff Sgt. Amanuel Pollocks, HHSB, 1st Bn., 487th Field Artillery Staff Sgt. Roy T. Ushijima, HHD, Joint Forces HQ, HIARNG Army Commendation Medal Lt. Col Gary W. Littlefield, HIARNG Element, JFHQ (-) (3rd OLC) Maj. Jerold T. Kouchi, Co. B, 29th Support Bn.AWARDS -continued on page 7State Civil Defense departmental employee of the yearDolores M. Cook, a Civil Defense Planner (Terrorism) was the departmental employee of the year for 2004. Governor Lingle presented her with the Departmental Employee of the Year for the Department of Defense award at the state capitol in December of 2004.Bronze Stars awarded to aviation soldiersAccomplishing the “mission” and returning back safely was always first and foremost in the minds of Hawaii Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officers Daniel Chang and Russell Bishop. The Company B, 193rd Aviation (Forward 1), soldiers received Bronze Stars for their service in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2004. Under the guidance of CW3 Chang, the aircraft production control officer in charge (OIC) and company executive officer (XO), and CW2 Bishop, the aircraft maintenance and service shops platoon leader, the Hawaiibased intermediate aviation maintenance (AVIM) unit was operational within 48 hours of arriving at Kandahar Air Base. As production control OIC, CW3 Chang assigned the AVIM and pass back Aviation Unit Maintenance (AVUM) work to the appropriate shop and phase team areas. His keen ability to prioritize and delegate the maintenance tasks resulted in less time spent on management and more time spent on maintenance. Chang also developed a maintenance task flow plan that resulted in a nine month projected aircraft phase completion for nine AH-64 Apache, six UH-60 Blackhawks, and ten CH-47 Chinook helicopters. He served as liaison for a smooth transition to support the twenty-five-man contractor team. He also made an exclusive contractor work hours plan used to project a management work cycle by the commander and to forecast the company training schedule events such as, annual weapons qualification, common training task (CTT), driver training, and provides for R&R trips to Qatar for soldiers. CW3 Chang served as the Supply Support Activity (SSA) accountable officer for three months until the supply system technician arrived. He served as chief trainer to two SSA civilian contractors to ensure they continued the program of a consolidated PLL (phases-locked loop) effort as directed by Task Force Eagle. Chang was the driving force to ensure a DODAAC (Department of Defense Activity Address Code) was initiated to provide a common denominator for future units to use, to prevent interruptions of parts requisition and receipt. He continuously tracked aircraft status and critical parts needed to return aircraft to flight. Chang orchestrated and developed a tactical standard operating procedure (SOP) for deployment. This SOP ensured smooth uninterrupted AVIM operations during the unit’s transfer of authority to the second half of Bravo soldiers continuing the mission. Uninterrupted AVIM support is critical to keep the momentum moving to fight the war against terrorism. Working in concert with CW3 Chang, CW2 Bishop utilized his outstanding skills as a supervisor, and his knowledge of logistics and maintenance to maintain a high OPTEMPO Aircraft Maintenance program in support of Task Force Eagle. CW2 Bishop’s three maintenance teams provided maintenance support for CH47D, AH-64, and UH-60 aircraft. CW2 Bishop orchestrated the Operational Readiness Float of two AH-64 aircraft from the Idaho Army National Guard into the AVIM at Kandahar and established a direct liaison with the Attack Helicopter unit to enhance aircraft availability to support combat operations. Bishop provided the workflow, attitude, and momentum needed to sustain the demanding maintenance support required by Task Force Eagle. The logisticstracking program he established and maintained for the unit and his streamlined version of the Army Oil Analysis Program (AOAP) at Kandahar, which provided quicker response time for helicopter component oil analysis results, are examples of the initiatives he took to ensure mission support. In addition to his streamlining initiatives, Bishop expedited a cost effective purchase of Stanley Vidmar Cabinets for the Supply-Support Activity (SSA). The initial cost of cabinets was $140,000. His extra effort and in-depth research in maximizing available space and minimizing quantity needed, lowered the total cost of cabinets to approximately $84,000. He then secured Task Force Warrior board approval for the purchase of the Vidmar Cabinets for the technical supply enhancement operation project. Bishop’s superior performance on working critical parts issues for ALQ-144s, ALQ156s, and High Frequency Radios ensured the assets were available to maintain a high Fully Mission Capable (FMC) rate. He improved the overall maintenance by researching and ordering special tools and equipment to support the AVIM operations. Bishop’s knowledge of the ULLS-G and ULLS-A computer systems enhanced the overall logistical operations of this unit. He was instrumental in establishing the ULLSA system and a SOP to improve the unit’s bench stock operations. The initiative shown by Chief Warrant Officers Daniel Chang and Russell Bishop enabled Bravo Company to maintain the maintenance support requirements in support of Task Force Eagle during all combat operations. Their extraordinary performance in increasing efficiency during their tenure and making the transition easier for those that followed during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM IV clearly demonstrated the duty, professionalism, and mission focus of these exemplary soldiers.Enlisted Association awards 2004 scholarshipThe Hawaii National Guard Enlisted Association’s three scholarship were awarded to: Channing Llaneza, daughter of Master Sgt. Lloyd Llaneza, Hawaii Air National Guard . . .$1,000 Michelle Lynn Quiles, wife of Sgt. 1st Class Joe Quiles, Hawaii Army National Guard . . .$500 Rayna Isaki, daughter of Sgt. 1st Class Arthur Isaki, Hawaii Army National Guard . . . . .$500 Listed below are the inactive duty training dates for all Hawaii Army and Air National Guard units. Dates for subordinate units are the same as their parent headquarters, unless otherwise indicated. All dates are subject to change. Most Army Guard units perform their annual training (AT) in July.Hawaii Army National GuardJulAug Sept HHD, Joint Forces HQ 16-3013-1410-11 298th Regional Training Institute 15-16610-11 29th Brigade Combat Team Forward deployed 103rd Troop Command 9-106-7 10-11 12th Personnel Service Det. 9-106-710 25th Infantry Division, D-ROC 9-106-73-4 111th Army Band 12, 19, 26 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 13, 20, 27117th Mobile Public Aff. Det. Forward deployed 298th Engineer Det. Forward deployed 297th Firefighting Team Forward deployed Co. B, 193rd Aviation 9-106-7 10-11 Co. C, 193rd Aviation 000 Hawaii Air National Guard HQ, Hawaii Air National Guard 23-246-710-11 154th Wing 23-246-710-11 201st Combat Communications Group 23-246-710-11
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