154th WING | JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM

task force reserve challenged in s.o.s. spotted by KC-135 crew, lives defender games rescued - secdef visits hiang airmen - astronaut rescue mission develops - hiang's newest ncos persevere through covid-19 impacts

www.154wg.ang.af.mil October | 2020 Inside October 2020

STAFF COMMANDER Brig. Gen. Dann S. Carlson

PAO 2nd Lt. Deborah Kwan PA STAFF 4 6 Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy Tech. Sgt. Tabitha Hurst Staff Sgt. Orlando Corpuz In order to provide relief during the COVID- implemented Tax Deferral are advised to prepare Senior Airman Robert Cabuco Senior Airman John Linzmeier 19 pandemic, a Presidential Memorandum was for a deduction of the same funds (6.2% of Airman 1st Class Roann Gatdula issued to temporarily defer Social Security (Old ongoing 2020 paychecks) starting next year in Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI)) addition to the regularly scheduled 6.2%. Published by 154th Wing Public Affairs Office tax withholdings, and is now under effect. For example, if you are currently activated 360 Mamala Bay Drive Starting on September 12, members who receive and expecting to become a DSG in 2021, you JBPHH, Hawaii 96853 Phone: (808) 789-0419 a basic payrate less than $8,666.66 per month can expect to pay back the diverted-full-time Email: [email protected] will receive a pay increase of 6.2 percent for the deduction with RSD paychecks. remainder of 2020. Stay informed and visit the Defense Finance and 10 20 However, the same funds will be deducted from Accounting Service website for more information, Kuka’ilimoku SUBMISSIONS Pono Pantry supports Airmen, families| Page 4 their paychecks, starting in 2021. at www.dfas.mil Articles: • Articles range from 200 to 2,000 words. All articles Members who are affected by this recently should be accompanied by multiple high-resolution Defender Games challenges security forces | Page 6 images. • Include first names, last names and military ranks. Always verify spelling. SecDef meets HIANG Airmen Page 10 • Spell out acronyms, abbreviations and full unit designa- tions on first reference. 204th AS conducts flare proficency ops | Page 12 The Combined Federal Campaign has been a tradition for Photographs: • Highest resolution possible: MB files, not KB. nearly 60 years and it promotes cost efficient, employee- • No retouched photos, no special effects. Task Force Spotlight | Page 16 • Include the photographer’s name and rank, and a caption: what is happening in the photo, who is pic- focused philanthropy that improves the quality of life for all. tured and the date and location. ALS class overcomes COVID-19 setback | Page 18 Last year, the Hawaii-Pacific region raised more than $1.5 This funded Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for the members of the US military services. Contents of the Ku- KC-135 Crew spots S.O.S. in sand | Page 20 ka’ilimoku are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed million, with more than $26,000 coming from the Hawaii Air by, the US Government, the Department of Defense, and the Department of the Air Force or the Hawaii Air National Guard. National Guard. This publication is prepared, edited and provided by the Public Legal Matters | Page 21 Affairs Office of the 154th Wing, Hawaii 96853-5517. Tele- The Hawaii Pacific campaign runs October 5, to January 15, phone: DSN/ (315) 789-0419 / (808) 789-0419. Send submis- sions, comments or suggestions internally to the PAO and staff [email protected]. The punctuation of the name 2021. To find out ways to give, please visit of this publication was researched by the Indo-Pacific Language Department at the University of Hawaii. All photos are United www.cfc-hawaii.org or reach out to your States Air Force photos unless otherwise noted. unit key worker.

2 | KUKA’ILIMOKU • January 2020 • www.154wg.ang.af.mil wwwwwvvw

pono pantry offers food, supplies to families in need

Story by Staff Sgt. Orlando Corpuz

A sign hanging inside a Hawaii Air 154th Wing Airmen assemble Aug. 31, for the Pono Pantry National Guard [HIANG] storeroom Blessing ceremony while adhering to social-distance reads, "Take only what you need, share protocols. when you can, Malama (take care) always" It's a motto befitting of the HIANG's recently dedicated food and provisions pantry stood up to assist Airmen in need who may be feeling the adverse economic effects brought on by the pandemic.

The aptly named "Pono Pantry" offi- Tech. Sgt. Adela Trejo and Senior Airman Xiao Yi, 154th Wing chaplain assistants, display the Pono Pantry sign after stocking the mobile cially opened up for service during a facility with food and supplies. The Pono Pantry was established to help provide donations for Airmen and family members who are blessing ceremony held Aug. 31, on struggling with the impacts of COVID-19. the HIANG campus at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. nomic sting of COVID-19, officials acted to ensure times, whether those challenges relate to financial, Airmen would have an avenue for sustenance relief. mental health, spiritual, or career-related strains. "Pono is a Hawaiian word common Throughout the HIANG enterprise, many volunteers to us in Hawai'i," said Lt. Col. Dan- pulled through to make the program a reality, with "The Pono Pantry is just one of the avenues of Chief Master Sgt. Carol Orr, 154th Wing Command Chief, iel Leatherman, 154th Wing chaplain. the 154th Wing Chaplain corps acting as overarch- assistance available to our ohana," said Col. James and Brig. Gen. Dann S. Carlson, 154th Wing commander, "When defined, the meanings are long ing sponsors. Shigekane, 154th Wing vice commander. "We want unwrap a wreath to symbolize the opening of the Pono and varied. From goodness to duty to our Airmen to know that the HIANG has a wide Pantry. wellbeing and prosperity. Pono is con- Supplies and foodstuffs are donated by Airmen and range of assistance programs available; no one cerned with doing what's right." units, lending credence to one of the program's core needs to go at it alone." tenets, 'Airmen helping Airmen'. Items accepted In the Pono Pantry, Airmen and family for donation include non-perishable canned fruits, Those wanting to donate to the Pono pantry are en- members have access to non-perishable meats, and vegetables. Sundries such as toothpaste, couraged to speak with their respective unit point- foods and supplies at any time as the shampoo, and soap, as well as Baby items like dia- of-contact or call the 154th Wing Chaplain corps. self-help storeroom is open 24 hours a pers and wipes are also collected. "This Pono Pantry seeks in a small way to help Air- day, seven days a week. As a measure men live Pono, to do right, by easing some of the to ensure Airmen and family members While the Pono Pantry is a new initiative to help Airmen take care of wingmen, additional resources worries about feeding themselves or their family," can retrieve items anonymously, sign- Leatherman said. ing-in is not required. are available to help members navigate challenging Recognizing that a large amount of HIANG Airmen - whether drill status or Are you interested in speaking with a chaplain? full-time - could be feeling the eco- All closed-door meetings with HIANG chaplains are 100 percent confidential, regardless of the nature of each concern. Lt. Col. Daniel Leatherman, 154th Wing chaplain, per- Chaplain support is available to HIANG Airmen and their dependents 24/7. forms a Hawaiian blessing during the official opening of the Pono Pantry. To speak to a Chaplain by phone and/or schedule an appointment, please call (808) 224-1478. For an online virtual session, send a text message to (808) 224-1478 requesting a virtual appointment, then go to the website https://doxy.me/HIANGc- Photos by Senior Airman John Linzmeier haplain and 'Check In.' For additional, non-chaplain based resources and counselors, please visit the Hawaii Guard Ohana website, http://hawaiiguardohana.org 4 | KUKA’ILIMOKU • October 2020 • www.154wg.ang.af.mil www.154wg.ang.af.mil • October 2020 • KUKA’ILIMOKU | 5 vice chairman of JCS wraps Uso tour

Story by Senior Airman Robert Cabuco iron sharpens iron at Airmen from the 154th Security Forces Day one starts off with an Elementary Squadron participated in a team-building Excellence in Competition M9 Pistol defender games and skills competition event held from Match held in the HIANG’s indoor July 20 until Aug. 4, at JBPH-H. shooting range. This is the first time the The multi-day competition, called HIANG has ever hosted this nationally The Defender Games, was staggered recognized shooting event. The range between operational working days, as the normally services active duty Air Force, participants were activated to support Navy, and HIARNG that come to use the COVID-19 response in a joint unit, the range for weapons qualification known as Task Force Reserve. requirements for deployments. “The Defender Games, to me, is an “We’ve been planning this event for a exercise to bring the team together,” said long time,” said Tech Sgt Mose Matila, a Senior Airman Kenanthony Cabreros, a Combat Arms Instructor for the 154th radio transmission operator for the 154 Security Forces Squadron. “We were SFS. “Our police culture likes to do things finally able to get the right protocols in that beat us up like going on rucksacks, place to be able to host the match and run live ammunition firing, and jujitsu it at our unique facility.” combat. A lot of hands-on exercises. We The 50 participants included members turned this into a fun competition where from Task Force Reserve and several we split up into different squads. The members from the 154th Wing. They winner gets bragging rights until the next faced combat-oriented shooting events games.” that required unique match rules, mixing

Security Forces Airmen traverse through obstacles during a field training exercise July 22. The timed event entailed a series of challenges to simulate the stresses defenders may experience in a deployed environment.

6 | KUKA’ILIMOKU • October 2020 • www.154wg.ang.af.mil Photos by Senior Airman John Linzmeier www.154wg.ang.af.milwww.154wg.ang.af.mil •• OctoberOctober 20202020 •• KUKA’ILIMOKUKUKA’ILIMOKU || 77 held back at the shooting “Being a combat arms things up from the usual Air Force pistol awarded a small bronze medal with the USAF range with an Elementary instructor is a very rewarding qualification course. logo and a pistol/rifle emblem. Excellence in Competition job because you get to see “The nerves were on edge for a lot of people Day two of the event entailed a jujitsu- M4 Rifle Match, which also some students begin with during this competition,” said Matila. “This style combatives competition and day three met national standards like little confidence in the required the participants to use a competition challenged the Airmen further with a five- Security Forces Airmen drag a weighted the previously held pistols weapon, then they leave the marksmanship stance to compete at a different phase obstacle course designed to test and training dummy during July 22, the De- fender Challenge. competition. class with a desire to learn l e v e l .” strengthen the minds and bodies of defender In part, the games served more and improve their The top 10 percent of the competition is Airmen. The last day of the games was to provided pressure relief shooting,” he said. “I like that for Airmen, as they have I get to inspire that interest. been activated to support The EIC generated a lot of local counties with pandemic interest in the marksmanship support since April 15. program and sparked some While on orders, they have interest in hosting another had limited access to seeing competition in the future.” their families and have been The Defender Games Tech. Joshua Showers, 154th SFS response force leader, takes on a 100 meter swim confined to their place of provided the Airmen with July 22, during the defender challenge. work and the hotels where skill improvements through they’re living as a measure to healthy competition, reduce the spread of COVID- application and validation of 19. their training, and a means “That’s one of the hardest to relieve stress from duty things, we’re all here on the through comradery. island, but not allowed to see “I think it's especially our families,” said Cabreros. because we go through “The ones who have deployed these tough things together Defenders examine targets July 20, were used to it. It’s harder for that really builds us,” said during an Elementary Excellence in Com- petition M9 Pistol Match. the newer members, but we Cabreros. “They say that stay together, pick them up ‘iron sharpens iron’ and this and pull them through.” is what the Defender Games For Matila, the games does for us.” brought some validation for the hard work they have put in.

SrA Jomari Salud, 154th SFS combat arms instructor, cheers on his wingmen as they ruck-march toward their next obstacle July 22. 8 | KUKA’ILIMOKU • October 2020 • www.154wg.ang.af.mil www.154wg.ang.af.mil • October 2020 • KUKA’ILIMOKU | 9 Secdef meets hiang airmen

Battleship Missouri Memorial in commemoration Upgrades to the Raptor are continously being of those who have served in the war. done as techniques, tatics, and procedures continue “We honor the legacy of those who came before to change. As the battlespace continues to evolve, so us and recommit ourselves to defending today’s to will the Hawaiian Raptors. international rules and norms so that the road “The future will most likely not provide as a By Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy is safer and is better for generations yet to come,” permissive air environment as we have enjoyed in U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark Peltier. “I highlighted the integration Esper said during the ceremony. “The ' recent history, said Peltier. “Hawaiian Raptors train T. Esper visited with Airmen from the capabilities, including fighter/bomber commitment to the role today is the same one we to these threats/challenges and work synergistically Hawaii Air National Guard and the escort and defensive counter-air, made to the freedom-loving people of the world in across departments, airframes, and AFSCs to ensure at the Daniel K. Inouye to which we train. Secretary Esper 1941 — that we will remain ready to fight any foe we are able to effectively accomplish the mission.” F-22 Fighter Squadron Ops and seemed to understand the challenges and defend any friend.” Maintenance Facility on Aug. 31, 2020. we face going forward and relayed his The visit was part of a key leader appreciation for what the Hawaiian engagement to demonstrate Joint Raptor team has and continues to do.” Force combat readiness and resilience The 5th Generation F-22’s unique THE HAWAIIAN RAPTORS CONDUCT during a global pandemic. combination of stealth, speed, agility, A MISSING MAN FORMATION In addition to speaking with Airmen and situational awareness, combined DURING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY from various career fields, Esper was with lethal long-range air-to-air and OF THE END OF WORLD WAR given a personal tour of the F-22 Raptor air-to-ground weaponry, has given a II ABOVE THE BATTLESHIP by 1st Lt. Triton Peltier, the newest reputation as the best air dominance MISSOURI MEMORIAL. HAWAII. 199th fighter pilot to return from fighter in the world. THE EVENTS OF WWII REMAIN A training. With the limited amount of Esper witnessed a flyover of the HISTORIC REMINDER OF HOW THE time, Peltier introduced Esper to the Raptors the following week, Sept. 2, DEDICATED RESOLVE OF ALLIES capabilities of the Hawaiian Raptors. during the 75th Anniversary of the WITH A COMMON PURPOSE AND “Secretary Esper shared his belief end of World War II Ceremony. A SHARED VISION BUILT PROVEN that the Raptor is the supreme air formation of four jets performed a PARTNERSHIP. dominance fighter in the world,’ said missing man formation above the

10 | KUKA’ILIMOKU • October 2020 • www.154wg.ang.af.mil Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Gilbert Bolibol www.154wg.ang.af.mil • October 2020 • KUKA’ILIMOKU | 11 Pueos sheds light on the capsule in-sight and not lose it in four to five minutes. And depending these conditions." on the altitude can illuminate an area astronaut rescue In the event astronaut rescue of up to 1000 feet in diameter. were to be needed, a pre-staged "Astronaut rescue can happen at C-17 Globemaster III would launch any time whether it be daytime or By Staff Sgt. Orlando Corpuz with a pararescuemen team, more night," Roberts said. "So to be able The Hawaii Air National Guard squadron's ability to conduct commonly known as PJs, and head to light up the night sky is a huge [HIANG] 204th Airlift Squadron contingency astronaut rescue for the rescue site. Upon location of capability for rescue operations." added area illuminating flares to operations in any lighting the astronaut capsule, the PJs and While the 204th always had a its rescue repertoire during a flare conditions. their equipment would parachute contingent of flare experienced training operation conducted on "We need to be able to locate the from the back of the C-17 to execute loadmasters, the training allowed Aug. 27 off the coast of . capsule at night, low-light, or in rescue operations. additional crew to be certified in its The addition of area illuminating adverse weather conditions," said Should the rescue happen in low or use and deployment. flares comes from the HIANG's Tech. Sgt. Makaio Roberts 204th no-light conditions, PJs can request The 204th is one of only two continued support of NASA's Airlift Squadron loadmaster. "We the illumination flares' deployment. squadrons in the nation able to SpaceX Human Space Flight have to drop these flares or smoke The flares are armed by loadmasters, conduct C-17 born rescue operations program. It enhances the airlift markers so we can mark and keep who then position on the edge of the for NASA's Human Space Flight C-17 ramp. In close coordination program and is the primary squadron with the flight-deck, loadmasters cast tasked with execution. out the flares which have parachutes "We stood on alert when the that allow them to float down while astronauts first went up and again illuminating the surface. when they came back home just According to the manufacturer, recently," said Roberts. "When they the flare produces 1.8 milliondo it again, we'll be ready...day or candlepower of visual illumination for night."

204th Airlift Squadron loadmasters Master Sgt. Chad Thompson and Tech. Sgt. Makaio Roberts conduct a pre-flight inspection of flares during a flare deployment training operation held Aug. 27

12 | KUKA’ILIMOKU • October 2020 • www.154wg.ang.af.mil www.154wg.ang.af.mil • October 2020 • KUKA’ILIMOKU | 13 AFTER COMPLETING A FLARE DEPLOYMENT TRAINING, THE PUEOS PROVED THEY CAN SAFELY ILLUMINATE AFTER TWO MONTHS IN SPACE, THE THE SKY BY NIGHT ON SEPT. 29. DEPLOYING FLARES SPACE X DRAGON CAPSULE RETURNED DURING A NIGHT TIME OPERATION ENHANCES TO EARTH ON AUG. 1, WHILE THE AVIATORS ABILITY TO CONDUCT CONTINGENCY 204TH AIRLIFT SQUADRON POSTURED ASTRONAUT RESCUE OPS IN VARIOUS LIGHTING THEMSELVES FOR THEIR RECOVERY. CONDITIONS. WHILE THE PRIMARY RESCUE TEAM IS POSTURED IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND SUCCESSFULLY RECOVERED THE ASTRONAUTS IN THE GULF OF MEXICO, THE 204TH PUEOS ARE TASKED TO OVERSEE THE PACIFIC AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY IN THE EVENT OF A LANDING DEVIATION.

Photos by Senior Airman John Linzmeier

14 | KUKA’ILIMOKU • October 2020 • www.154wg.ang.af.mil Photos by Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy www.154wg.ang.af.mil • October 2020 • KUKA’ILIMOKU | 15 task force spotlight

Master Sgt. Caroline Sussman Senior Airman Jeannelyn Capinpin

Story and Photo by HIARNG Sgt. John Schoebel By HIARNG Staff Sgt. Thomas Foster Photo by HIARNG Sgt. John Schoebel Master Sergeant Caroline Sussman is and moving troops to an assignment and Answering the call to service is not “During the pandemic we have been an Airlift Planner/C-17 Loadmaster in the bring them home!” always overseas, sometimes it is to training for if the call comes and we are 201st Air Operation Group, Air Mobility As with any job or position, it comes with protect our local community. Senior needed.” Operations Squadron, Hawaii Air National its own share of challenges. Most leaders Airman Jeannelyn Capinpin of the 154th As the pandemic continues to cause Guard. She has been activated with the embrace the challenge and use it grow Security Forces Squadron enlisted in her mayhem on the mainland and in some Hawaii National Guard and is serving as the professionally. MSgt Sussman is no exception mid-twenties in order to put her life on a spots around the world, Capinpin J3 air support and J5 in the future operations to this. better track. believes the residents of the State of office for the COVID-19 pandemic. “I have seen and experienced challenges “I enjoy the physicality of my job. It Hawaii can make it through as one. “I Prepare and coordinate C-17 airlift when working with my fellow service helps keep me in shape. Also being with “Maintain vigilance and awareness. flight plans with crew and FUOPS requests, members of other branches, but I enjoy a the 154th, the camaraderie is beyond We have to wear masks for a reason. quality check passenger/cargo manifest with challenge and my ultimate goal is mission anything I could’ve imagined. It’s not just We are socially distancing for a reason. J4, and participate with execution of flight complete. Therefore, my objective is to a unit but a family in the truest sense of We all want the state to re-open and the as a Loadmaster with the crew in support or educate other service members with Air t h e w ord .” economy to re-set but we are not in the COVID-19 operations.” Force regulations and figure out a way to Through multiple missions andclear yet. Even through the hardships Everyone enjoys different aspects of their complete the mission.” deployments Capinpin has remained we have to remember the bigger picture job within the Hawaii National Guard. MSgt She wanted to leave this message to our steadfast on what keeps her committed and keep everyone healthy and safe. A Sussman had this to say. community: to her community. second shutdown will be far worse then “Every mission is different, engaging “It’s an honor to support our local “Being a single mom to a wonderful what we have endured already.” critical thinking with a whole crew concept. community and our country. I am very son; having to sacrifice time with him I enjoy being challenged and learning new blessed to have been accepted as part of the while doing my duty is the greatest tasks with each mission and each Airmen of HIANG ohana. The military is my family. challenge this mission has presented.” the crew. Mostly, I enjoy contributing to the Working the last several months beside my When most Hawaii National Guard whole mission, from planning to execution HIARNG brothers & sisters has enhanced elements have been spread throughout and post debriefs. Knowing that I have to my education/career knowledge and given the state in response to COVID-19, Task help my fellow SMs receive/deliver their me an opportunity to make even more Force Reserve has remained on Oahu cargo, contributing to humanitarian missions friends. Thank you!” and continued to prepare for anything (global and at home), air evacuation support and everything.

16 | KUKA’ILIMOKU • October 2020 • www.154wg.ang.af.mil www.154wg.ang.af.mil • October 2020 • KUKA’ILIMOKU | 17 Alison Bruce-Maldonado and Emelio Maldo- nado attend the United States Marine Corps Birthday Ball at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Nov. 10, 1989. The couple, who have been married since 1990, met in the U.S. Marine Corps and now serve in the Hawaii Air National Guard. Their 30 years of marriage and military service taught them several life lessons they hope to pass on to their with many hardships related to the ongoing fellow Airmen. crisis, each Airman was also dealing with the lost opportunity to promote in the HIANG. While the group of NCOs-in-the-making were cut short of their anticipated rank progression, the change-of-plans didn’t entirely stop the Airmen from applying their newly-developed leadership skills in the workplace. “When they came back, I did see them grow in the form of looking out for each other and also for those around them,” said Chief Master Sgt. Moniz. “And that’s a quality that everyone would want from a leader - for them to look out for their people. Initially, it must have initially felt like a punch in the stomach for some of them. But I do see how it taught them persistence when it comes to getting things done and reaching their goals.” After three months of waiting for an update, the Airmen were notified that a new, virtual curriculum was in development, and they were selected to attend the course again in a virtual First HIANG Virtual ALS Class in-residence, distant learning environment. This time around, all HIANG students were grouped together into the same student flight, Fight C, Overcomes COVID-19 Setback banding the Airmen even closer together. by Senior Airman John Linzmeier As a team that had nearly completed the For many Airmen, the transition from a junior- over the curriculum. COVID-19 response efforts, and course, the Hawaii Airmen were ideal candidates enlisted service member to an NCO is one of the most an impending DoD travel ban, compelled McGhee to critique the new program’s daily lessons, Courtesy photo at McGhee Tyson ANG Base pivotal milestones in their career. While pinning on the Tyson leadership to cancel all classes resulting in the shaping an improved learning experience for rank of Staff Sergeant is usually achieved by enrolling student corps being sent home to their respective units. future classes. The HIANG graduates of C Flight are: in Airman Leadership School, one class of Hawaii Air “Initially I was kinda’ bummed that we never got Pagdilao said the new learning environment Ricky Enriquez, 154th Logistics Readiness National Guard Airmen persevered through the impacts credit for ALS, even though we were so close to finishing, came with a new set of challenges, as the of COVID-19 and went through the curriculum twice and I can imagine everyone else had a little irritation application of reading material and course Squadron this year. in them as well,” said Senior Airman Devin Pagdilao, discussions were held digitally. Others faced new Jensen Brian Lee, 154th Wing Control Center The 13 Airmen began their first phase of professional a student from the 169th Air Defense Squadron. “The hurdles that come with studying at home, such as Orlando Corpuz, 154th Wing Public Affairs military education in February at McGhee Tyson Air process for us was a little longer than expected but I attending to family needs, maintaining a solitary Shaunantonio Torda, 154th Maintenance Squadron National Guard Base, in Tennessee. Like so many truly believed that everything would work out. I had to workspace, and showing support for children Christopher, Agas, 154th Aircraft Maintenance wingmen who graduated before them, the students keep reminding myself that everything happens for a who were struggling to study in a similar capacity. were immersed in a degree path focused on team reason and things will soon come around.” After six-weeks of persevering and engaging Squadron management skills, mentoring, military heritage, public Among the 13 HIANG Airmen who were sent one another with the leadership material and Calvin Arroyo II, 154th Aircraft Maintenance speaking, communication techniques, along with other back home, Leonard and another classmate, Senior nearly six months since their original enrolment Squadron Air Force values. Airman Jorge Asuncion, volunteered to serve their date, Flight C’s graduation ceremony was Jorge Asuncion, 298th Support Squadron “It was an interesting experience for us because communities in the subsequent COVID-19 response broadcasted online Aug. 14, for friends and everybody came from different walks of life,” said activation. The two served alongside other Airmen and family to see. Kamakanilawaiali’i Pickeringstevens, 154th Civil Senior Airman Josh Leonard, a student from the 154th Soldiers in joint task forces in the islands of Hawaii “The whole ordeal was definitely hard on them,” Engineer Squadron Civil Engineer Squadron. “The big thing for me was and Oahu, where they helped service food distribution said Moniz. But in the end, it was nice to see them Rowen Lee, 154th Civil Engineer Squadron the development of communication skills. I think the sites, airport monitoring stations, security details, and come together and grow as a group, because that’s Joshua Leonard, 154th Civil Engineer Squadron course is good at preparing you to network with others other functions to aid the state’s first responders. what the HIANG is all about – family. They stuck Devin Pagdilao, 169th Air Defense Squadron and see things from their point of view. That seems to Other returning students found themselves in together through it all like family and it's these come to me a lot easier now.” challenging times back at home with job furloughs kinds of experiences that shape NCOs for the rest Nathan Barboza, 154th Civil Engineer Squadron. As they approached the final week, out of six in late in the civilian sector, adapting to social distancing of their career” March, national security measures took precedence measures, and providing for family members. Along

18 | KUKA’ILIMOKU • October 2020 • www.154wg.ang.af.mil www.154wg.ang.af.mil • October 2020 • KUKA’ILIMOKU | 19 KC-135 CREW SPOTS S.O.S. in sand by Tech. Sgt. Tabitha Hurst August 2 was a rewarding day when a we would find them” William said. Hawaii Air National Guard tanker crew On August 2, the KC-135 crew spent found missing mariners near Guam during three to four hours searching in stormy a search-and-rescue mission. weather that included many low-lying The rescue effort was launched after storms anddid a lot of storm avoidance three mariners from the Federated States maneuvers flying at 4,000ft altitude. of Micronesia were reported missing on “We rounded a pretty big thunderstorm, July 29, while transiting to Pulap Chuck, a came around and we saw an island,” said Pacific atoll. Williams. “At that time we decided we “I would consider this to be a once- should go check it out. We approached the in-a lifetime experience because KC-135 island and we saw an S-O-S on the beach, at [Stratotanker] crew members aren’t that point everyone in the crew immediately traditionally trained in a search and rescue sprang into action. It was a very emotional mission,” said Tech. Sgt. Shane Williams,” experience even for the crew to imagine a 203rd Air Refueling Squadron boom what those stranded mariners were going operator assigned to the rescue crew. through, so it speaks volumes to be able While the 203rd ARS is located in Hawaii, to hold onto hope and optimism in those 3,224 miles northeast of Micronesia, the situations like those mariners did.” team was temporarily stationed at Anderson The three mariners were found on Pikelot Air Force Base, Guam, to support a tanker Island, 418 miles south of Guam, drifting rotation mission. Their proximity to the lost more than 700 miles from Micronesia. mariners made them and ideal candidate Immediately after locating the mariners the for the search-and-rescue operation only crew called the nearby The Royal Australian 1,022 miles away. Navy Ship HMAS Canberra (L02) who Since the Stratotanker is primarly assisted with two helicopters by delivering designed to deliver fuel to other airborne supplies to the stranded mariners. On aircraft, the crew thoroughly assessed the August 3, at 12 a.m., the Coast Guards FSS aircraft’s regulations and capabilities to Independence arrived on scene, successfully ensure it was safe to fly according to the rescuing the mariners. particular needs of the rescue mission. “They absolutely did the right thing by With lives at stake, the team found the creating a giant S-O-S sign in the sand, I necessary literature to validate the rescue think that’s what saved their lives,” Williams effort and prepared to support a mission- continued. “We’re very happy as the crew of-a-lifetime. to find them; we say that we had a great “The attitude was just optimism,” said day, but they had an even better day and Williams. “We were hoping that we would we’re very happy to have been a part of the find someone and we were happy to be operation. answering the call, but we weren’t sure that

20 | KUKA’ILIMOKU • October 2020 • www.154wg.ang.af.mil www.154wg.ang.af.milwww.154wg.ang.af.mil •• OctoberOctober 20202020 •• KUKA’ILIMOKUKUKA’ILIMOKU || 2121 advance by the IC. What about Also, the monthly average obtaining logistical support increases $100 for every 50 unit from the installation? Generally members over 300 members, to not permissible. The PO must a maximum of $5,000. There are, furnish their own equipment, however, some specific financial supplies, and other materials. The management controls you must IC may, however, approve access adhere to, like maintaining a two- to certain venues to conduct person accountability system and meetings of reasonable duration submitting an annual financial and frequency, provided the PO report to the unit commander. reimburses the installation for services (to include utilities) Prohibited Fundraising unless a separate directive or Activates Legal Matters instruction authorizes non- Whether you are a PO or “By reimbursable support. Finally, Us/For Us’ organization, there Who Doesn't Love a Great Holiday Party service members may not The 154th Wing are certain types of fundraising perform activities for the PO By Maj. Michael Cashman, 154th Wing Legal Office activities that are prohibited on Deputy Staff Judge Advocate Legal Office offers free while in an official duty status. the installation. For example, services, to HIANG you can’t compete with AAFES Who doesn’t love some affordable, exclusively outside the scope of any Unofficial Unit-Affiliated and you can’t operate a gambling home baked, snacks around the office? official capacity as members of the Air beneficiaries, to include Activities enterprise. There are some Especially when it’s for a good cause. Force or Federal Government. They Wills, Trusts, Power of What about that coffee fund? limited exceptions to these rules, Like free holiday parties! As we head operate on installations only with the Do we have to register as a PO but if you buying items from the into the holiday season it’s a good time written consent of the Installation Attorneys and more. just to have a unit coffer fund? BX to resell at the unit, or putting to remind ourselves about the “do’s” Commander. On JBPH-H, they Generally no. Coffee funds, a slot machine in the day room, and “don’t” of raising funds around the are governed by naval regulation sunshine funds, and other unit you are likely crossing the line. office. COMNAVREGHIINST 5760.1N. Any For more information fundraising activities, commonly Continuous resale activities are PO desiring to operate on this base or to set up an referred to as “By Us/For Us” also generally verboten as well. Who Can Do It? must submit a yearly application to funds, are generally exempt from This article was not designed to Service people are generally a the Navy Regional Legal Service Office appointment, call (808) having to register as a PO. It’s all a provide legal advice, but merely very gracious and generous group. (RLSO), and obtain written approval 789-0416 matter of money, and how much as a primer of the topic. For more To protect them, DOD and Air from the Installation Commander you are raising. So long as your information, please contact the Force regulations only allow official (IC). three-month average of funds 154th WG Legal Office and set endorsement of two major fundraising in your account does not exceed up an appointment, or if you campaigns: CFC and Air Force Some General Rules for POs $1,000, you are okay. And, when have many members of your Assistance Fund Campaign. All If you, or some other service it comes to the Holiday party, unit with questions, contact other permissible, installation-based member would like to operate a PO some important exceptions apply. your chain of command and fundraising falls into two categories: on the instillation, here are some First, you can exceed the $1,000 ask our office to provide a more Private Organizations and Unofficial general guidelines. First, a majority monthly average limit for a comprehensive brief during your Unit-Affiliated Activities. of members of the PO must be DOD period up to 6-months provided next commander’s call. Private Organizations family. Second, your organization you expend at least 75% of those Private Organizations (PO) are must carry insurance or have waiver. funds in the seventh month. self-sustaining special interest Third, any fundraising activities on groups, set up by individuals acting the installation must be approved in

22 | KUKA’ILIMOKU • October 2020 • www.154wg.ang.af.mil www.154wg.ang.af.mil • October 2020 • KUKA’ILIMOKU | 23