VOL. 35 NO. 29 | JULY 21, 2006 INSIDE Tripler major takes back community One man’s commitment to they should never take it upon them- selves to handle things in their own way. ‘make a difference’ unites From the beginning, I chose not to neighborhood contend with the Domingues’ behavior. I didn't say a word to him since I knew Story and Photos by it would complicate the legal process. MARK JACKSON At first my community was not well- Tripler Army Medical Center Public Affairs connected. There were neighbors that HONOLULU — “At first I was con- didn't know each cerned for my own safety and that of my other. This was family. caused by the bully “When I learned that many others who did everything were living in fear, I felt it was the right he could to keep this thing to do to help my fellow neigh- community apart bors,” said Tripler Army Medical Center’s for many years. Maj. Lamont “Monte” Kapec. People simply Kapec received a letter of commenda- didn't speak with tion from Honolulu Police Department one another. They Chief of Police Boisse P. Correa at a cer- stayed to them- emony July 12. It was given to him in selves. appreciation for his courage in assisting Once I brought his community to stop the violent be- these people togeth- havior of former Windward resident er and encouraged them to work to- Deployment David R. Domingues. gether, things started to work in the right Domingues bullied and terrorized direction. During this time, I held people's neighbors for more than 15 years. As a hands and demonstrated that I truly ready result of Kapec’s actions, Domingues was cared about their welfare — that it was- recently sentenced to five years in prison. n't just me looking out for myself. Tripler’s Maj. Lamont Kapec walks Combat Aviation Brigade When asked if there were any words of Now that Domingues is in jail, you his neighborhood with ease. wisdom he wanted to share with readers, Soldiers stand ready to see people walking with baby carriages Kapec thought for a second and re- Inset — Honolulu Police Depart- tackle their next challenge or walking their dogs as well as children ment Chief of Police Boisse P. Cor- sponded as follows: playing in the street. Neighbors are now rea (center) personally recognizes A-3 Kapec’s Perspective talking from their front yards. Even the Maj. Monte Kapec (left) and Detec- birds appear happier. tive Steven Scharl in Honolulu. I think that there is a great deal that In the end, it all paid off. Not only did The chief cited Kapec’s “courage other community members can take I protect my family, my efforts con- in assisting your community to stop away from this. tributed to the protection of an entire the violent behavior of a former In the beginning I didn't see anything community, and hopefully, it will make resident” and said Kapec’s actions the way I see it now. I was simply pro- a difference for others dealing with sim- spoke highly of his “strength of tecting my family. All people should feel ilar situations. character and genuine concern for safe in their home and in their neigh- Sometimes it takes a “fresh set of eyes” public safety and the welfare of borhood. from an outsider to see how a commu- others.” When this is violated, something has nity is being affected. Kapec has only to be done. In situations where there are been a member of his community for bullies who cause problems like this, year, but what a difference that year has there is strength in numbers. However, it made in the lives of many local resi- is important that people understand that dents. Sailing Soldiers shipping out 2006-2007 Nanakuli facelift Waterborne warriors are ‘haze gray and underway’ school year Golden Dragons from Story and Photos by B Company pitch in CHRISTA B. THOMAS to revamp Nanakuli 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs gets underway High School HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE — As car- go planes descended onto Hickam’s AIKO BRUM A-5 airfield with a growl, and the wake Managing Editor from a Navy patrol boat lapped against Hawaii’s public schools have reopened for the the haze-gray ship, the sea legs of 2006-2007 season, so 15-25 mph speed limits apply Soldiers standing in formation were in school zones. Commuters must be watchful for chil- steady against the familiar side-to-side dren darting across streets and school buses stopping sway. frequently along their routes. This scenario of seeming contrasts On Army installations, military police will enforce was part of a deployment ceremony Col. Stanley Q. Tunstall, commander of 8th Theater Sustainment Command, lauds speed limits and crossing guards will direct children conducted Wednesday aboard the Lo- the Soldiers of the 605th for their commitment and dedication to the Army, and across streets, said Dennis Rocho, deputy provost gistics Support Vessel (LSV) 2, Chief thanks the family members in the audience for their continued support. marshal. Warrant Officer 3 Harold C. Clinger, for “The Military Police will be out in force during the the Soldiers of the 605th Transportation Gulf Region in support of the global Det. Col. Stanley Q. Tunstall, com- first few days as our children return to school,” he said. Detachment. war on terror. The first element of mander of 8th Theater Sustainment “We will be running radar to ensure the speed limits The 32 sailing Soldiers, stationed at their mission will be to take over as Command, addressed Soldiers and fam- which are posted in school zones are enforced. We will Bishop’s Point on Hickam Air Force crew of the LSV 4, Lt. Gen. William B. also set up our traffic radar trailer, which will inform Base, will depart today for the Persian Bunker, relieving the 163rd Trans. SEE SAILING, A-3 drivers of how fast they are going. “We would also remind parents not to leave their children unattended at bus stops,” Rocho added, “not unless they are of the proper age, and please teach your children to always cross the road at proper Methods abound to show support for troops crosswalks and to obey the crossing guard if one is present.” Jungle jaunt DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE bers of the Armed Forces overseas. While who want to support the troops. This News Release it would be inappropriate for the Army method lets someone else do the packing. to endorse any specifically do value and One such group is www.treats- Keep up with school matters at The Manoa Falls Trail With the deployment of more than 7,000 Soldiers from Schofield Barracks to appreciate such expressions of support: fortroops.com. Shoppers can select items http://doe.k12.hi.us/. gives visitors an escape Iraq, Hawaiians are again asking what Donate a calling card to help keep in the “market store” to make a package from Honolulu without they can do to share their spirit of alo- service members in touch with their fam- or choose to send a “gift-to-go” to a This school year is already receiving significant at- leaving the city ha and support for service members. ilies at Operation Uplink at www.opera- loved one. tention from military leaders and families in Hawaii. The Defense Department’s “America tionuplink.org/ Contrary to popular practice, the De- In May, Superintendent of Hawaii Department of Ed- B-1 Support’s You” is a nationwide program Make a donation to Army Emergency partment of Defense cannot accept items ucation (DoE) Pat Hamamoto responded to questions and Web site (www.americasupportsy- Relief at www.aerhq.org/ addressed to “Any Servicemember." Some about schools in a special town hall meeting on ed- ou.mil) to showcase the activities taking Donate to “Operation USO Care Pack- people have tried to dodge the system by ucation. Then, two weeks ago, the 25th Infantry Di- place across the nation in support of the age" at www.usometrodc.org/care.html sending numerous packages to an indi- vision (ID) and U.S. Army, Hawaii, leadership met with troops. Support the American Red Cross vidual Soldier's address, which however Central Complex principals and superintendents for This issue Individual citizens, businesses, schools, Armed Forces Emergency Services by well intentioned, clogs the mail, creates an open dialogue session. veterans groups and others have sub- visiting www.redcross.org/services/afes/ security concerns, and causes unneces- Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commanding gen- 0,10820_321_,00.html. sary delays. eral, 25th ID, asked the administrators, “How have you Lightning Spirit A-2 mitted ideas, registered activities and identified programs of support in their Support families whose loved ones OperationMilitaryPride.com has prepared or planned for our deployment?” He has re- News Briefs A-10 communities. are being treated at military and VA an “adopt a Soldier” program where any peatedly stated to his Soldiers with children in Many such ideas are clever and inex- hospitals through a donation to the Fish- interested person can request the name Hawaii’s schools that he believes they — as mothers Community B-2 pensive, such as donating cellular tele- er House at www.fisherhouse.org. of a military person overseas along with and fathers — must be engaged with their children’s phones, laptop computers, or frequent Reach out to military families in your his or her wish list. schools to impact education. Sports & Fitness B-4 flyer miles. community, especially those with a loved (Editor’s Note: Additional information Indeed, said Youth Education Liaison Officer Tam- Health B-5 Below are more Web sites for organ- one overseas.