What's Up Hawaii?

   Aloha everybody! How are you all today? It's that time again for another look at what is going on in the Aloha state! Time sure goes by fast. I would like to mention how very important it is to continue to help the people of Haiti. The devastation that has happened to them leaves me sad and speechless. There was a telethon on Friday which most all channels including cable channels televised. It was a global benefit for Earthquake Relief. 

   By the latest figures, 58 million dollars was raised with donations continuing to pour in from around the world. That money will be split between several organizations. That had set a new record for a telethon for disaster relief. Several social networking sites including Facebook and Twitter had the benefit as the top news of the day, spreading the word of the benefit. The world of Twitter also had the telethon as the top Trending Topic. I myself a known twitterholic had messages throughtout the weekend on the benefit.

   It's never too late to donate. Even if a disaster is over, which this one will take years to recover from, but the charities & agencies that contribute have to replenish their funds to help in the next disaster. If you can, go to *HOPE FOR HAITI NOW* 1-877-99-HAITI INTERNATIONAL +1 773 360 0205 http://www.hopeforhaitinow.org/  

Also go to:

http://www.hawaiiforhaiti.org/    

http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org

http://www.interaction.org/crisis-list/earthquake-haiti

                     *Thousands Of Hawaii National Guard Soldiers Honored*

   Spending  two and a half years away from home, citizen soldiers are back home and happy to be with their families. More than a thousand Hawaii National Guard soldiers were honored Sunday at the Stan Sheriff Center. The soldiers are back from the Middle East, and completed 2,500 missions. They drove more than two million miles in some of the world's most dangerous roads. Brave is just one word that describes them. They completed training in record time and deployed a month early, and were responsible for the security and administration of several military posts and transferred enough gas to fill 70,000 cars and enough food for a million people.

   Two and a half years ago, they were sent off to Kuwait, as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. "We did I think in the right way, send you all off to what you were about to do," Hawaii lieutenant governor James "Duke" Aiona said. Randall Inafuku, no stranger to sendoffs or homecomings has  been in the guard for 38 years. Working at a private school, it was a stress reliever from my full-time job.

   Yesterday was the last time he wore that  uniform. He is  now retired! Inafuku didn't realize how much the military demands. "Every time I see someone in the military, I thank them for what they've done." "I'm proud at what he's accomplished in 38 years in the National Guard and proud of the two tours of duty he had, explains Randall's wife Anita, and "I'm glad of the job he has done."

   Randall says that it wasn't always easy on the family and especially hard on Anita. She was basically left alone and she hated that, he recalls. The Inafuku's remained strong and kept moving ahead, even though they considered retirement decades ago.  After 20 years, they get commissary privileges. Anita told Randall he could retire now, but he didn't want to, he wanted to go as long as he could and she is proud of the fact that he did. During the ceremony, each soldier got an encased American Flag, a commemorative coin, a certificate of appreciation and a special lapel.

   ***On a related military story Mike has an article on Touring The Mighty Mo. It's a very interesting article that talks about the U.S.S. Missouri in great detail. He has a unique quality in his style of writing that just comes naturally. Personally, I think the man could write about garbage and it would be worth reading!!!***

http://hawaiianlife.com/content/touring-mighty-mo

   So, that is it for this weeks blog. I love to be able to end with a happy story, when there is so much sadness in the world. I appreciate all branches of the military and even more, I appreciate the determination they all have to keep us all safe. Thank You all and God Bless You! I hope everyone enjoys their week! Every now and then, go out of your way and do something for yourself. We all tend to forget ourselves, but maybe perhaps it might  be good for the whole family! ;-) Until next time, Mahalo!

Aloha,

Di