Hawaii National Guard Awards
National Level Awards
1980 Distinguished Communication, Electronics, and Meteorology plaque
154th Earns More Awards
The 154th Composite Group and its subordinate units received several awards at the National Guard Association’s annual conference in August.
The 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron was awarded the distinguished communication, electronics, and meteorology plaque. This was the second time they had been so honored.
SrA. Napua N. Sugai of Kauai’ 150th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron was present to receive the
award recognizing her as one of six outstanding airmen in the Air National Guard.Finally, the 154th Composite Group received a safety plaque for 84 months of accident-free flying.
– 1980 December Pupukahi
1980 Communications Command Civic Achievement Award
Air Force Commends 201st for Civic Support
When Maui was devastated early this year during what was possibly the worst storm ever experienced, personnel of the 201st Combat Communications Flight, Hawaii Air National Guard, responded untiringly to the many calls for emergency assistance and support.
This was but one of the many instances in which the members of the 201st displayed their concern and support for the community.
Their unselfish efforts have been recognized by the U.S. Air Force, which has presented the unit with its communications command civic achievement award for 1980.
The award was given to the 201st for their outstanding support of community needs and relations.
The 201st was recognized earlier this year by Mrs. George R. Ariyoshi. The unit was presented the First Lady’s outstanding volunteer award for the most innovative volunteer project. This project was the second annual “Superkids” games, held for the benefit of the Maui Branch of the American Lung Association of Hawaii. Medics, tents, and other miscellaneous equipment were provided. The event raised over $15,000 for the organization.
The members regularly provide service to a variety of organizations, such as the Civil Air Patrol, Muscular
Dystrophy Association, Scouting USA, and the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Unit members are active in 28 civic and community groups. Unit personnel also provided cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training to community groups which resulted in further requests for CPR training, as well as for infant rescue and lifesaving training sessions.During the year, the 201st provided several tours of unit facilities to such groups as the Cub Scouts and assisted with projects such as the Friends of the Library book sale. They participated in other major events, including the Armed Forces Day open house which provided aircraft and communications electronics equipment for public display and information.
The 201st has had a busy year supporting local and national programs and continues its work with the community, as concerned citizens, using its personnel and assets when needed.
-Capt. Bette McTaggart
– 1980 December Pupukahi
Pacific Comm. Area
1980 Phillip A. Connelly Award
Battery B Wins Awards: Mess and Marksmanship
Battery B of the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, received the Phillip A. Connelly award – for excellence in its dining facility operations – during a ceremony held recently at Fort Ruger.
SFC George Tom, dining facility steward, accepted the award on behalf of B Battery from Col. Charles G. Scott, commander of the U.S. Army Support Command in Hawaii.
Col. Scott recognized Tom as the individual most responsible for the unit’s dining facility excellence in all areas of its operations.
Battery B placed first among all field mess dining facilities in the Sixth Army area.
Other dining facilities personnel recognized were SSgt. Norman Akau, Sgt. Daniel Dela Cruz, Sp5 Patrick Texeira, and PFC Peter Tuthill.
The award, named after Phillip A. Connelly, former president of the International Food Service Executives Association, was first given in 1968 as part of a program to recognize excellence in Army food service.
During the ceremonies, Maj. Gen. Valentine A. Siefermann, adjutant general, also presented the Chief, National Guard Bureau Award to Battery B for winning the annual indoor small bore rifle tournament.
Capt. Richard Matsumoto received the award on behalf of the team, which includes SFC George Tom, SSgt. Steve Young, SSgt. William Haalilio, and Sgt. William Corpuz.
Young also received a belt buckle for winning the individual match of the tournament with a score of 351.
To conclude the awards presentation, Sgt. Michael T. Sato was presented the Armed Forces Reserve Medal for honorably and faithfully completing 10 years of service in the Hawaii National Guard.
-Capt. Michael Nii
– 1980 December Pupukahi
117th Public Affairs Det.
1980 Adjutants General Association Community Action Category
227th Wins Award
The members of the 227th Engineer Company, Hawaii Army National Guard, have been honored by the Adjutants General Association for their participation last year in restoring the Mokauea fishing village on Sand Island.
The company competed in the association’s annual awards program against 22 other entries from across the nation. The 227th placed fourth in the community action category and received the honorable mention award.
The Mokauea village is a recreation of the traditional fishing villages of Hawaii which existed during the 1700s. The unit provided assistance with manpower and equipment and was instrumental in helping the Mokauea Fisherman’s Association restore the area.
The Adjutants General Association sponsors this competition each year. Awards are presented in six categories: youth activity, National Guard sponsored programs conducted in the schools, community action programs, command information, public information and recruiting and retention.
– 1980 September Pupukahi
1980 Air National Guard Outstanding Airmen
Sugai Selected for Guard Outstanding Airman Honor
Senior Airman Napua N. Sugai of the 154th Composite Group has been selected as one of six Air National Guard outstanding airmen of 1980.
Airman Sugai, of Kauai, was chosen for the honor by the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C. She is a member of the 150th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, a component of the 154th, based at Kokee, Kauai. She was selected for this national honor from among more than 82,000 ANG members nationwide. Maj. Gen. Valentine Siefermann, adjutant general, and Brig. Gen. Arthur lshimoto, commander, HANG, expressed their pride in having Airman Sugai in the Hawaii Air Guard.
The Kauai mother of two celebrated her second anniversary in the Guard in April. She is currently working under a two-year, full-time military training program as an aircraft control and warning operator at the 150th site high in the mountains of Kauai. She will receive her award in a presentation to be held this summer on the mainland.
-1st Lt. Drew Hurley
– 1980 June Pupukahi
154th Composite Group
1980 Winston P. Wilson National Guard Pistol Championship
Sharpshooters Take Note
Sp5 Edward J.T. Yuen, 291 st Maintenance Company, is another Army Guardsman who returned victorious from the Winston P. Wilson National Guard Pistol Championship.
The contest is held annually at Camp Robinson, Little Rock, Arkansas, where Yuen placed in three out of five possible categories in the Composite phase.
Yuen placed third in the .22-caliber category, second in the .45-caliber category and third for the aggregate.
– 1980 February Pupukahi
1980 United States Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA)
154th Wins Outstanding Unit Award
The Hawaii National Guard’s 154th Composite Group got a big red, white and blue pat on the back from the U.S. Air Force to start the New Year.
In fact, it was just before Christmas that the 154th was notified it had been chosen to receive the United States Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (AFOUA).
Pacific Air Forces Commander, Lt. Gen. James D. Hughes, was scheduled to present the award in a special ceremony at Hickam on Mar. I.
The 154th is the only Air Force unit responsible for the air defense of the State of Hawaii. This mission has been consistently performed in a superior and professional manner for 21 years of uninterrupted 24- hour-a-day air defense alert.
The citation to accompany the award states: The 154th Composite Group, Hickam AFB, Hawaii and its subordinate units, the 199th Tactical Fighter Squadron; 154th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; 154th Combat Support Squadron; 154th Civil Engineer Flight; 154th Security Police Flight; 154th USAF Clinic; 150th Air craft Control and Warning Squadron
(located at Kokee, Kauai) and the 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, Wheeler AFB, Hawaii, have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service from October I, 1978 to June 30, 1979.
One additional note: the 169th ACW Squadron is a previous recipient of the AFOUA, which was awarded to that squadron when it existed as a separate entity in 1975.
During the ’78-’79 period, the 154th Composite Group provided outstanding support for the United States Air Force; excelled in an operational readiness inspection; achieved outstanding results in long range Western Pacific deployments; and maintained constant air defense readiness.
Additionally, the 199th Tactical Fighter Squadron was selected to represent the entire Air National Guard in competition for the Air Force’s Hughes Trophy. This trophy is awarded annually to the unit which best performed America’s Air Defense Mission anywhere in the world. The nomination of the 199th TFS was forwarded to Headquarters, United States Air, Force.
– 1980 February Pupukahi
1979 Winston P. Wilson Combat Rifle. Pistol and Machinegun Championship
Eugenio Captures Pistol Awards
1st Lt. Estanislao Eugenio and 16 fellow Big Island guardsmen from 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, recently represented the Hawaii Army National Guard during the 1979 Winston P. Wilson Combat Rifle. Pistol and Machinegun championship at Little Rock, Arkansas.
The National Guard Bureau – sponsored tournament brought together Army National Guard teams from 50 states as well as Puerto Rico the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia.
On his first attempt at national competition Lt. Eugenio, the pistol team captain, came home with two national honors. After one week of competition, firing from three positions. Eugenio placed fourth in the individual combat pistol match. Eugenio. who lives in Hilo, also placed sixth in the individual aggregate position match.
Additionally, SFC Hiroyuki Tahara, from Company A, 2nd Bn, 299th Infantry, received special recognition for his shooting in the Combat Rifle category.
The accomplishments of these Big Island soldiers were the result of countless hours of training.
Big Island guardsmen drove from as far as Mountainview and Pahoa to practice at the target ranges located behind the Hilo Armory.
The Big Island soldiers trained very hard under the watchful eyes of Sgt. Dennis Takahashi, SSgt. Gary Satomba, SSgt. Earl Kanae, Pit. Sgt. Aurelio Mina, SSgt. Wendell Hatami, and Sp5 Walter Poha, who also took an active part in the competition.
The participating team members were Sp5 William Kahaele, Ill, and Pvt. Leroy Napeahi, PFC Robert Varize, PFC Gustavus Morante, Sp4 Celso Tadeo and PFC Floyd Tokusato.
Throughout the competition, camaraderie was extremely high. The men got to enjoy banjo music and a cookout. The exchange of unit crests was the final parting gesture of fellow competitors.
The words “Little Rock” have taken on a new meaning for them all.
– 1979 December Pupukahi
1979 U.S. Department of Commerce Special Service Award
NOAA Presents Award; 150th Proudly Receives
The 150th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, Hawaii Air National Guard, recently received the U.S. Department of Commerce Special Service Award for significant services rendered to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Mr. Graden Harger, representing the director of the Pacific Region of the National Weather Service, and Mr. Richard Takemoto, manager of the Lihue Office of the National Weather Service, presented the Award to Lt. Col. Raymond J. Moriguchi, squadron commander.
The 150th ACW&W Squadron, located at Kokee Air Force Station on the island of Kauai, has been providing weather information support to the National Weather Service over the past 17 years.
This information includes synoptic observations and radar weather reports.
The squadron has also provided daily weather observations to a local radio station, KUAI. These observations from Kokee Air Force Station are broadcast every morning and have received popular response.
–1979 March Pupukahi
1978 Chiefs 50 Award
Llanos Gets 2nd Award
by Spec. 4 Beth Anderson
117th Pub. Aff. Det.
Sgt. I st Class Edward V. Llanos, 38, Hawaii Army National Guard recruiter, received the Chiefs 50 Award for the State of Hawaii because he recruited the largest number of personnel into the Hawaii Army Guard during Fiscal Year 1978 a total of 143 men and women.
This is the second Chiefs 50 A ward for Llanos. He won it for the first time in 1975. He is the first Hawaii Army National Guard recruiter to win the award twice.
Llanos is part of a 15-man recruiting team nine work on Oahu and six on the neighbor islands. “I feel that we work well as a team. Because I’m part of such a close-knit group of recruiters and friends, I’d like to stay on recruiting duty for as long as l can,” says Llanos.
He has been in the Hawaii Army National Guard for 22 years. The first 10 years he spent working on the Nike-Hercules missile defense system of the island until it was phased out in 1970. For the past five years, he has been on recruiting duty.
When asked what his secret is, Llanos said, “There is no secret, it’s mainly just selling the Stripes for Buddies Program. Under this program, a new E-1 can become an E-2 by recruiting a buddy. He could become an E-3 by recruiting two buddies. All this could be done before he leaves for recruit training. It means more money for the person and more people for the Army National Guard. “If you can enlist a group leader with a lot of friends.” says Llanos, “you enlist a lot of people.”
“Many people are deterred by the six-year obligation. If they are just out of high school, it seems like a long time. But when I explain that it is only one weekend a month plus 15 days of summer training – a total of 39 days a year, they usually like the idea. When I explain the various opportunities for schooling and traveling, they usually enlist,” he said.
Llanos was presented the award at the National Guard Recruiting and Retention Convention in Madison, Wisconsin, in October, from Maj. Gen. La Vern E. Weber, chief of the National Guard Bureau.
Llanos and his wife, Annie, accompanied Lt. Col. Rudolph Thomas, Hawaii Army National ‘Guard recruiting and retention manager, to the convention. Llanos and his wife then took a week off to see the sights before returning home.
When Llanos isn’t busy recruiting people into the Army National Guard, he is helping as the assistant coach of the Jack Rabbits’ football team (10-12 years olds). He also coaches little league baseball.
And if all that doesn’t keep him on his toes, he has five children of his own. Llanos, a resident of Waipahu, has been recruiting at home too. His oldest boy, Derrick, 16, plans to join the Hawaii Army National Guard as soon as he’s 17.
– 1978 December Pupukahi
1978 Outstanding Reserve Component Aviation Unit of the Year Award
Troop E Receives Aviation Award
by SSgt. Kin Lo
I 17th Pub. Aff. Det.
The Outstanding Reserve Component Aviation Unit of the Year award was presented to Troop E (Air), 19th Cavalry at the 20th Army Aviation Association awards banquet on Oct. 14, 1978 in Arlington, Virginia. Proudly accepting the award for their men were Maj. Bernard Watson, Troop E commander, and 1st Sgt. Richard Tabe.
From April I, 1977 to Dec. 31, 1978, Troop E distinguished itself by setting an enviable standard of combat readiness, safety and community service for all Army National Guard aviation roundout units to strive for.
An aggressive training program has produced the most combat-ready roundout air cavalry troop in the entire National Guard. Troop E not only successfully completed all of its annual training requirements, but also received numerous commendable ratings.
As the only Army Guard unit in the Nation assigned AH-JG Cobras, Troop E can best utilize Hawaii’s diverse terrains which range from the rain forests on the various islands to the high elevation training on the island of Hawaii.
As a roundout unit, Troop E would “round out” the 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry of the 25th Infantry Division in the event of a national emergency requiring mobilization. During peacetime, the unit has provided air and ground reconnaissance support for the 29th Infantry Brigade. Under a recent command reorganization, Troop E is now assigned to Command Group A, the third battalion of the Headquarters Installation Command.
In September and October of 1977, elements of Troop E were called out for a unique and demanding mission. With lava flowing down the steep sides of Kilauea Crater toward Kalapana village, Troop E flew Civil Defense authorities and scientists so that they could determine how hazardous the eruption would be to the people of the town. As a result of these emergency flights, over JOO families were evacuated from their homes fronting the advancing lava.
Again in December of 1977 with predictions of another eruption threatening the city of Hilo, members of Troop E were called to duty to aid in the scientific monitoring activities. This mission was exceptionally trying in that aircraft were flown from sea level up to 13,000 ft. in close proximity of the volcano’s wind-swept slopes.
The success of Troop E can be attributed to their affiliation with the Army, realistic and demanding training, safety consciousness, strong administration and community involvement. Ever present has been the “cavalry esprit de corps” of all its personnel.
The men of Troop E are drawn together from all sectors of our community, including university professors, firemen, policemen, Federal Aviation Administration controllers, airline pilots, college students, as well as plantation managers, to name a few. This combination of experience has greatly contributed to the overall efficiency of the unit’s diversified operation. Additionally, the unit has a rich store of combat veterans, with 90 percent of its enlisted personnel having served one or more tours of duty in Vietnam.
The accomplishments of Troop E are many and impressive. Their service to Hawaii and the country is unquestionable.
– 1978 December Pupukahi
1977 Army Commendation Medal and Hawaii National Guard Medal for Merit
Guardsmen Perform Deeds on the Big lsland and Oahu
Three members of the Hawaii Army National Guard were recently acknowledged for deeds performed which reflect great credit upon themselves as well as the Hawaii National Guard.
The Army Commendation Medal was presented to Specialist 4 Bruce Yan’t Groenewout, a medical specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion from Hilo. He had shown outstanding professionalism in administering immediate medical attention when a mishap occurred during night maneuvers in the Pohakuloa Training Area.
Sp4 Yan’t Groenewout was recommended for the medal by Major Vernon Campbell, chief of the U.S. Army Readiness Team on Hilo, who received the medical treatment after falling into a deep lava crater.
Campbell, who received multiple lacerations, cuts and bruises, recommended Yan’t Groenewout for the medal. “Yan’t Groenewout distinguished himself by dedicated and meritorious service while serving as a field medic. His quick and precise assessment of injuries with his calm efficiency in administering immediate medical attention was outstanding,” remarked Campbell.
Yan’t Groenewout also simultaneously reported the incident to his supervisors, personally directed the evacuation to Hilo Hospital, accounted for all of Campbell’s field equipment, and prevented panic which would have resulted in injuries to other soldiers in the dangerous area.
Campbell continued by saying, ”These acts were accomplished under totally adverse conditions … a very dark night in a dusty and extremely cold lava field.”
A second medal, the Hawaii National Guard Medal for Merit, was presented to Staff Sergeant Alexander Carvalho of Company B, 2d Battalion also from Hilo.
SSgt. Carvalho distinguished himself by heroically saving a little girl’s life after seeing the girl struggling and sinking in the Wailuku River behind the Hilo Armory.
According to the letter of recommendation signed by Lieutenant Colonel Henry S. Hara, commander of the 2d Battalion, “Without hesitation or consideration for his own personal safety, Carvalho dove into the strong river current and saved the frightened girl from drowning.
“Upon reaching the panic-stricken girl, Carvalho kept her head above water for precious minutes until his son, secured and threw a rope to his father, allowing both persons to be pulled to safety.”
The girl was pulled to safety first, then in the ensuing moments to help Carvalho out of the water, the girl left the area. The identity of the girl saved by Carvalho remains unknown.
But his deeds did not go unrecognized. Council members from the County of Hawaii adopted a resolution acknowledging Carvalho’s performing an unselfish, courageous and kind act.
Highlighting the presentation to Carvalho was the awarding of the Guard’s Medal for Merit.
Sergeant Henry Aki, a member of the Guard’s Military Police Platoon, climbed down the steep embankment to retrieve Kenneth, the son of Army Staff Sergeant Ken D. Otterline stationed at Schofield Barracks.
“Aki did an excellent job in bringing Kenneth out of the gulch adjacent to McNair gate. He used proper first aid procedures and went beyond the call of duty in carrying the boy up and out of the gulch. It was a job well done,” said Sergeant Stephen Groff, patrol supervisor.
Kenneth and three companions were returning from a fishing trip when he fell backwards climbing out of the gulch. His companions climbed out of the gulch and notified the MPs located at McNair gate.
Aki, training with the 25th MPs during his weekend drill, was dispatched to the scene. Arriving at the scene, Aki made two trips down the gulch. First to locate the child and second to bring Kenneth up on a stretcher.
Privates Kevin Kaiser and Mark Cartier from the 25th Infantry Division assisted Aki in the rescue. Kenneth was airlifted by helicopter to Tripler Army Medical Center for X-rays and treatment. He was released from the hospital Sunday morning and has been reported to be in good condition since then.
–1977 June Pupukahi
1977 ‘Top Gun” Award and Commander’s Recognition Certificate
Guard WSO receives “Top Gun” Award
by Maj. Gar Pillgrim
IO, 199th Tactical Fighter Squadron
Capt. William A. Jelks, a recent addition to the weapon system officers (WSO) of the 199th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS), received the ”Top Gun” Award during the January drill weekend.
Jelks, the “perfect bombadier,” earned the award during his last six months on active duty with the United States Air Force in Europe (USAFE).
He outscored 50 fellow F-4 aircrew mates in bombing reliability and was the only man in his wing, the 52d Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW), to achieve 100 percent strike reliability Jan. I through June 30, 1976.
The 52d TFW, located at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, ‘is comprised of two smaller units, the 81st TFS (Jelks’s home unit) and the 23d TFS.
Flying F-4C’s on gunnery and bombing ranges in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain, Jelks out bombed all of his squadron mates plus those in the 23d TFS as well. The 23d flies the F-4D model Phantom, which has a newer, more sophisticated bombing system than the “C” model.
The USAFE “Top Gun” Award is presented semiannually to the WSO who achieves the highest training reliability on three types of bombing runs: I) radar laydown; 2) low angle drogue delivery (a kind of pop up and “lofting” of the weapon in a trajectory toward the target while the fighter recovers and flies away); and 3) radar bomb scoring (electronically simulated attack).
Jelks did this while flying a variety of day and night attack training missions in both visual and instrument flight conditions at altitudes ranging from 6500 ft. down to 100 ft.
In addition to the’ ‘Top Gun” Award, Jelks received the Commander’s Recognition Certificate from Maj. Gen. Benjamin Bellis, commander of the 17th Air Force, Sembach, Germany. This certificate was presented for his achievements as one of Europe’s top wing strike/attack WSO’s for the same six-month period.
–1977 March Pupukahi
1976 Chiefs 50 Award
July I, 1973 to June 30, 1975 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Air Force Honors 169th ACW Sq.
By Dennis Fujii
PAO, Associate Editor
WHEELER AFB, Oahu – The Hawaii Air National Guard (HANG),held an award ceremony to honor the 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (ACW Sq.) as the first HANG unit to receive a superior award from the Air Force.
The 169th ACW Sq. was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for exceptionally meritorious service in support of military operations from July I, 1973 to June 30, 1975.
During this period, the citation said, personnel of the squadron successfully operated the Pacific Air Forces’ Weapons Controller Requalification Course.
This training program has been essential in providing highly qualified weapons controllers for active duty units within the Pacific command.
“The exemplary ability, professionalism, and devotion to duty displayed by members of the 169th ACW Sq. reflect great credit upon themselves, the Hawaii Air National Guard, and the United States Air Force,” the citation said
Members of the 169th ACW Sq. stood proudly in unit formation May 16 as Maj. Gen. Charles C. Pattillo, vice commander-in-chief of Pacific Air Forces, attached the award ribbon to the unit’s flag.
Military dignitaries attending the ceremony included Maj. Gen. John J. Pesch, director of the Air National Guard, National Guard Bureau; Maj.Gen. Valentine A. Siefermann, adjutant general, State of Hawaii; and Col. Arthur U. lshimoto, commander, Hawaii Air National Guard.
Also attending the ceremony were Brig. Gen. Edward M. Yoshimasu, deputy adjutant general, State of Hawaii, and Col. Bob R. Elliott, Air Force senior advisor, 326th Air Division.
Lt. Col. Donald M. O’Day, commander of the 169th ACW Sq. said, “Members of the unit dedicated themselves to upgrading and maintaining a high level of proficiency in the training program, and I am extremely proud of them.
And to requote the award citation, ‘The exemplary ability, professionalism, and devotion to duty displayed by the members of the 169th ACW reflect a great credit upon themselves,’ and it is gratifying to know this as their new commander,” concluded O’Day.
– 1976 July Pupukahi
1975 Communications-Electronics and Meteorology Unit Award
169th ACW Named Outstanding Unit for Second Time
The 169th Aircraft Control and Warning (ACW) Squadron has been named the outstanding unit of its kind in the nation by winning the 1975 Communications-Electronics and Meteorology Unit Award.
This marks the second time that the unit has received the prestigious award. They were the 1970 winner and were runner-up in 197I.
The award, based on operational readiness as well as training, recruiting, and accomplishments of the unit, will be officially presented at the National Guard Association Conference in Seattle the week of Sept. 21 .
The 169th ACW Sq. commanded by Lt Col Kiyoshi P. Goya, is based at Wheeler Air Force Base and at Mount Kaala, where its radar stations are located. They are assigned the task of providing air defense warning as well as navigational aids to military and civilian aircraft.
They are the only Air Guard unit in the nation that has a school that trains active Air Force personnel. To date, 204 PACAF people have attended the school.
– 1975 Autumn Pupukahi
169th Outstanding Unit
By 2LT Bud Bowles
117th PID Staff Writer
For the second time the 169th Aircraft Control and Warning (AC&W) Squadron has been named the outstanding unit of its kind in the nation.
In 1970 the unit was awarded the Communications Electronics and Meteorology Electronics and Meteorology Award. It was a runner-up in 1971.
And the Hawaii Air National Guard unit walked away with this top award again this year.
Lt. Cql. Paul Goya, the unit’s commander, was presented the award Sept. 23 at the 97th General Conference of the National Guard Association of the United States.
Presenting the award at the Seattle conference was Maj Gen. Duane L. Corning, president of the 48,000-member association.
The Air Guard unit, based at Wheeler Air Force Base and Mt. Kaala, provides air defense warning as well as navigational aids to military and civilian aircraft.
In addition, it is the only Air Guard unit in the nation that trains active duty Air Force personnel. So far, 204 PACAF weapons controllers have attended the five-week school.
The purpose of the school is to update Air Force weapons controllers on radar control of aircraft intercepts.
Besides running the PACAF school, the Hawaii Air Guard unit was also cited for its outstanding operational readiness, as well as its training, recruiting and other accomplishments.
There are more than 90 similar units throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
Forty-eight percent of the 282 men in the 169th are full-time Air technicians. The rest of the unit – 161 enlisted men and 27 officers – are on drill status.
Reasons for winning the coveted award for the second time are apparent: morale is high, experience is abundant and so capable are the men that several technicians were chosen to travel to Korea and the Philippines to install equipment. They were chosen mainly because they were the only qualified group in the Pacific region who use the gear.
And the more than 150 Air Guardsmen who are assigned to the 5,000 foot summit also face a diversity of working conditions.
Security is tight at Mt. Kaala.
Adverse conditions surround 24-hour vigil atop HANG’s Mt. Kaala
(continued from page I)
The one-way, nine-foot road carved from the steep lava cliffs, the barbed wire, locked gates, and the numerous warning signs are clear indications that the area is off limits.
The area also poses several unique problems: traffic on the one-way, nine foot wide road must be coordinated from the bottom and the top so that there is no chance of two way traffic. At times rock and mud slides close the road, making the range accessible only with helicopter.
Usually, there are only four men operating the lookout, maintaining 24-hour shifts. The Mt. Kaala facilities were constructed in 1965, on what is probably the highest spot on Oahu.
The weather at the summit of Mt. Kaala is unbelievable, with sunshine one minute. showers the next, and then darkness, making one feel that he is watching a week-long time-lapse movie in Manoa Valley squeezed into a minute.
The high elevation attracts others for information.
The U. S. Weather Bureau calls Mt. Kaala asking for weather and rainfall information, and the University of Hawaii has shown interest in its cool temperatures (down to the 40’s at night), wildlife, rainfall, and other unique conditions.
Hawaiian Telephone has its microwave station below the unit. pick ing up all transmissions from its satellite for those live television telecasts in Hawaii.
Occasionally, there are unwelcomed guests – hikers. ignoring the barbed wire, warning signs, and other obstacles, and hang gliders flying overhead, unaware that they are subject to dangerous radiation when flying in front of the radar shields.
One consolation for the adverse weather, the isolation, and the pressure surrounding the job might be the view. From one point one can look out and see Diamond Head and Kauai, and at the same time, view the beaches at Haleiwa. the North Shore and Makaha.
Gazing down upon this panorama, you can see that this is truly an island worth guarding.
– 1975 October-November Pupukahi
1974 Chiefs 50 Award
MSgt Sheldon K. Imai, was presented the Chiefs 50 Award in ceremonies at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
Major General La Vern E. Weber, chief, National Guard Bureau, presented MSgt Imai with a bronze plaque for his outstanding recruiting record for the Army National Guard.
MSgt Imai and his wife, Hazel, flew to Washington, courtesy of the National Guard, to attend the presentation ceremonies.
The couple spent four days touring the nation’s Capitol, with 52 other top recruiters and recruiters from the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
The Chiefs 50 Award is presented annually to the top Army National Guard recruiter from each state. MSgt Imai is the in-service liaison for the reserve components.
He is presently stationed at Fort Shafter and has been a member of the Hawaii Army National Guard for 24 years.
– 1974 Winter Pupukahi
1974 Minuteman Mike Trophy by the Adjutants General Association
Mike Award
“State Adjutant General Valentine A. Siefermann,
–1974 Summer Pupukahi
adds another Minuteman Mike trophy to the
Department’s stock. The trophies are presented
annually by the Adjutants General Association to
top public affairs projects in the entire Guard. This
year’s trophy was awarded to HANG for its internal
information program. Previous winners were the
Royal Guard for community service, and the First
Battalion, 487th Field Artillery, for its project in the
schools. The nationwide awards program has been
in effect for five years.”
Hawaii State Level Awards
1980 Hawaii National Guard Commendation Medal
Perreira Earns Commendation Medal
Capt. James Perreira, retired, a former member of Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, HARNG, was awarded the Hawaii National Guard Commendation Medal for dedicated and meritorious service rendered during the period July 18, 1978 to September 23, 1980.
During the period cited, Perreira evaluated the needs of the food service program in the Hawaii Army National Guard and developed programs to improve unit dining facilities.
He conducted food management seminars to provide instruction on the administration of unit dining facilities which resulted in the upgrading of unit dining facilities in the Hawaii Army National Guard.
– 1980 December Pupukahi
1980 Hawaii National Guard indoor small-bore rifle Tournament
Guard marksmen compete nationally . . .
Sixteen members of the 2nd Battalion, 299th Infantry, represented the Hawaii National Guard at the 1980
Winston P. Wilson National Guard combat rifle, pistol, and light machine gun championship.The event was held September 8-12 at Camp Robinson, Arkansas. Competing against Guard members from 50 states, Puerto Rico,and the Virgin Islands, Hawaii’s teams proved to be worthy competitors.
The machine gun team placed 14th overall in the team championship and has been invited to compete in the Forces Command (FORSCOM) regional matches in March 1981.
The pistol team placed 30th overall, and the rifle team 21st overall in team competition.
Team members were:
Rifle: Sp4 Kenneth Bargamento, PFC Clyde Luiz, Pit. Sgt. Aurelio Mina Jr., Sgt. Alfredo Rasay Jr., SFC Harry Susuki, SFC Hirayuki Tahara, and MSgt. Douglas Tom.
Pistol: Sp4 Lawrence Carter, SSgt. Gene Harada, Sgt. Derek Nakamura, SSgt. Dennis Takahashi, I st Sgt. Yukimasa Tomono, and Sgt. Roy Yamash*ta.
Machine gun: Pvt. 2 Rodrig Dasalla, SSgt. Earl Kanae, Pvt. 2 Derek McGuire, and Sp5 Walter Poha.
and locally . . .
Members of the Air Guard’s 154th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron were the top shooters in the first phase of the Hawaii National Guard indoor small-bore rifle tournament.
Placing first among 11 competing teams and 62 competitors, the Air Guard team won the team championship, and team members Sgt. Anthony Lendio and TSgt. Ronald Muronaga placed first and second, respectively.
What did it take to win’? Practice, practice, practice!
The top six teams and 10 individual shooters will compete on December 13 in a face-to-face showdown for the HNG state championship at the 829th Maintenance Company Armory.
The three best finishers were:
Unit Score 154th CAM Squad. 1436 HHC, 21299th Infantry 1368 829th Maintenance Co. 1351 – 1980 December Pupukahi
Name Score Sgt. Anthony Lendio 154th CAM Squad. 375 TSgt. Ronald Muronaga 154th CAM Squad. 367 MSgt. Henry Leite Command Group “A” 365 SSgt. Wallace Kawakami 829th Maintenance Co. 364 SSgt. Oliver Sanborn 829th Maintenance Co. 363 TSgt. Eric Kanazawa 154th CAM Squad. 361 SSgt. Gordon Naehu Sr. HHC, 2/ 299th Infantry 359 SSgt. Henry Bringas 293rd Service Co. 354 SFC Hiroyuki Tahara Co. A, 2/ 299th Infantry 351 Sgt. Lawrence Sagasay 298th Engineer Det. 348
1980 Mrs. George R. Ariyoshi’s Outstanding Achievement Award
Maui Air, Army Guard Members Win Ariyoshi Volunteer Award
Units of the Maui Air and Army National Guard were pre ented with Mrs. George R. Ariyoshi’s outstanding achievement award for the most innovative volunteer project.
The units were the 201 st Combat Communications Flight and 1st Battalion, 299th Infantry. They were elected over nominees from each county.
For the past two years, member of these units planned and executed “Superkids” games on their own time for the benefit of the American Lung Associations Maui branch. Each of the games’ three events required a minimum of 10 persons as scorers and timekeeper.
In addition, 30-40 men and women acted as leaders for the squads of eight children to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the project. The Air and Army National Guard also provided medics, several tent
and other necessary equipment. This year they arranged for the 111th Army National Guard Band to join in the pre-game parade.
Approximately $30,000 has been raised to support the programs for people in Maui County suffering from asthma, emphysema, tuberculosis and other crippling lung diseases.
Maj. Gen. Valentine A. Siefermann, adjutant general. attended the April 18 awards presentation at Washington Place. The 201 st commander. Capt. Jeffrey H. Okazaki, and 1st Battalion commander MaJ. Thomas Weeks, expressed their appreciation to the project coordinators. Sgt. David L. leynes, Command Sgt. Maj. Augustine Fuentes and Sgt. 1st Class James Yap for their efforts in coordinating the entire project.
1st Lt. Norbert Luke
– 1980 June Pupukahi
201st Combat Comm Fl
1978 Hawaii Army National Guardsman of the Year Award
Wong Selected HARNG Soldier of Year
by 2ndl.t. Bud Bowles
I 17th Pub. Affairs Det.
SFC Russell Wong of the petroleum platoon, 292nd Supply and Service Company, received the Hawaii Army National Guardsman of the Year Award during annual training.
“I got the award because of my platoon.” said Sgt. Wong. “Anything you want these guys to do. they do.” The men expressed the same feelings about their sergeant.
To hear such allegiance is remarkable. considering the back-breaking assigned task of the unit – installing a fuel system supply point. This involves clearing and digging an area. as well as installing heavy equipment into the ground.
The platoon’s teamwork has paid off in more than high morale. The unit is probably the first Guard unit in the State to set up an operational fuel system supply point, according to Capt. Gerrin Miyamoto, company commander.
The unit is also 122 per cent overstrength, even with all the hard work. Wong enlisted eight persons himself.
Capt. Miyamoto attributes the success of the unit to the high morale which Wong has instilled. “He cares about individuals,” Miyamoto said.
– 1978 September Pupukahi
1976 Outstanding Company Grade Commander of the Year
CPT Peterson Thanks his Men
By SP4 Sandra Mascoto
117th PI Det, HARNG
CPT Orlan L. Peterson, commander of the 293d Service Company (Aircraft Maintenance) was recently named the Outstanding Company Grade Commander of the Year.
MajGen Valentine A. Seifennann presented the award to CPT Peter on during the annual banquet of the Hawaii National Guard Association, which was held at the 829th Armory.
Since CPT Peterson took over the 293d Service Company on July I, 1974, the company’s strength has reached 100 percent, and proficiency has increased dramatically.
After he received the award, Peterson said, “l don’t know exactly what led up to this, but I do know that it would never have happened if it weren’t for the dedication of my officers, noncommissioned officers and enlisted people.”
CPT Peterson joined the Army Guard in November 1965. He was activated with the 29th Infantry Brigade in May 1968, but remained on active duty until June 30, 1974.
While in Vietnam, CPT Peterson was with the I Corps as an aircraft commander and an aircraft maintenance officer. Medals he received include the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star, 12 Air Medals (2 for valor), 2 Army Commendation Medals (1 for valor), the Vietnam Cross for Gallantry. the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Medal.
CPT Peterson lives with his wife, Pamela, and their son in Mililani Town.
– 1976 March Pupukahi
1975 Hawaii National Guard Commendation Medal and the Pacific Air Force’s Accident Prevention Award
Domingo Honored by the Guard
Air Guard’s MSgt Joseph Domingo was recently awarded the Hawaii National Guard Commendation Medal and the Pacific Air Force’s accident prevention award for preventing a possible airplane disaster at Honolulu International Airport.
The incident occurred in November, 1973, and involved 224 persons on a DC-8 Eastern Airlines military charter.
The plane was about to take off when one of its four wheels came off, unknown to its pilot. Domingo, who was on duty with the Hawaii Air Guard at the time, reported the problem to the Honolulu control tower which in turn warned the pilot of the situation.
While the pilot attempted to taxi the $8 million plane off the runway the other three wheels came off and the landing gear collapsed. Investigation into the matter also revealed that one of the engines was severely damaged.
Domingo has been a member of the Hawaii Air Guard since 1957.
– 1975 Autumn Pupukahi
1975 Good Guys Award by Mayor Frank F. Fasi
City Honors Guardsmen
During the day, Douglas Abe works for Lt.Cof. Danny Au as a (now get this), identification and condition verifier leader. In reality – a supply inspector, and a good one at that. Doug has been doing this for a long time, about 14 years out of his 15 years total with the Hawaii Air National Guard.
But this story has nothing to do with Doug’s efforts during the day with LTC Au’s outfit, the 154th Supply SQ. You see, Doug spends most of his free time serving as an assistant scoutmaster to Troop #39. And it was on a balmy evening on February 21, after a troop meeting at the Kalihi Union Church, that Doug’s other traits came into light.
Doug, along with five boy scouts, ranging in ages from 11 to 16, were awaiting transportation and suddenly noticed an elderly woman sitting nearby on the sidewalk. They approached the woman to see if she was in need of help.
In the semi-darkness, they noticed the woman was bleeding from a head wound, and she fell as she tried to get up, probably from loss of much blood. Putting their scout training into practice, the scouts, directed by Doug, laid her down on soft ground and applied first aid to stop the bleeding.
The injured woman now began to mumble, “My purse, my purse.” Suspecting foul play, one of the scouts immediately ran to the nearest phone to summon the police and an ambulance.
The woman’s husband, who was walking ahead of her that night, noticed her disappearance and backtracked towards the church. He found his injured wife being cared for by Doug and the five scouts who had already stopped the bleeding and were checking for any further injuries.
For aiding the injured woman, an apparent victim of a purse snatcher, Doug and the five scouts were awarded the Good Guys Award by Mayor Frank F. Fasi in the mayor’s office.
This is the second time within a year that a Hawaii National Guardsman has been given the Good Guys Award. Officer Candidate School Commandant, Lt.Col. Alvin Cabrinha, was similarly honored for his heroic actions in helping to put out a fire at a neighbor’s home.
–1975 Summer Pupukahi
Unit Level Awards
1980 Award by the Honolulu Police Department
Honolulu Police Present Award
WOJ Justin Culahara, 293rd Service Company, has been presented an award by the Honolulu Police Department. Culahara, a police reservist, received the award in recognition of his efforts to save the life of a child who was a passenger in a three car accident. Culahara performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the child when she stopped breathing.
– 1980 February Pupukahi
1980 Certificate of Outstanding Service from the 61st Military Airlift Support Wing
by Lt. Col. David Howard
201st Combat Communications Squadron
by Lt. Col. David Howard
201st Combat Communications Squadron
SrA. Raymond Busniewski, a radio repairman with the 201st Combat Communications Squadron, Hawaii Air National Guard in Hilo, recently received a Certificate of Outstanding Service from the 61st Military Airlift Support Wing for his participation in Operation Deep Freeze 80.
Sr A. Busniewski deployed a radio system to Christchurch, New Zealand, which was used to communicate with Hickam AFB, Hawaii and McMurdo Sound, the U.S. Scientific Research Base in Antarctica.
The resupply of Operation Deep Freeze at McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, was scheduled from October through December to take advantage of the spring and summer in Antarctica, which occurs at a different time there than it does in Hawaii.
The 201st Combat Communications Squadron in Hilo was selected to participate in this exercise due to their experience in providing Communications support to the 61st Military Airlift Support Wing in missions throughout the Pacific, from Hawaii to Korea.
Since the formation of the 201st Combat Communications Squadron in 1976, the Hilo unit has participated in three exercises in Korea and deployments to Guam, Japan, Oahu, and Kauai, as well as its Pacific wide support of the 61st Military Airlift Support Wing.
– 1980 February Pupukahi
1978 1154th Transportation Company’s Top Drivers Honors
1154th Drivers Compete for Awards
by Staff Sgt. Kin Lo
117th Pub. Aff. Det.
“Turn right! Back up! Now go straight!” These are some of the basic vocal instructions when directing a driver into a tight situation. Yet when the 25 drivers of the 1154th Transportation Company, Hawaii Army National Guard, compete for their company’s top drivers honors, they are completely on their own.
Each year the 1154th holds a “driving rodeo” that requires its drivers to negotiate certain obstacles and perform basic skills while being timed and judged on safety, skill and speed. And they do it in two-and-a-halfton trucks.
Drivers are given the chance to show their driving competence by going through a figure-eight course, an offset alley, by parallel parking, and by stopping their vehicle in front of a barrier to prove their depth perception. The whole series of tests can take no longer than eight minutes.
The figure-eight course requires a driver to back up and then go forward in and out of three closely placed cones. The driver then proceeds to the offset alley, a narrow passage which allows the truck only six inches on either side.
For the parallel parking test, the driver must park within six inches of a simulated curb. In the depth perception exercise, he must stop within six inches of the obstacle in front of the truck.
The drivers were evaluated on a point basis for each task. After a highly competitive bout of intensive driving and after the dust settled, Pfc’s Thomas Valentine and Malu Noa emerged tied for first place. Both scored 240 points out of a possible 250.
–1978 December Pupukahi
1978 “Best Battery” Award, “Best Firing Battery” Award, “Best Mess” Award and “Best Maintenance” Award
‘Hiki No’ Thunder Competes for Honors
HILO, Hawaii – The 314 men and women of the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery (“Hiki No”), Hawaii Army National Guard, spent their 15 days of annual training more than a mile above sea level, amid the lava fields of the Big Island’s Pohakuloa Training Area.
Under the (acting) command of Maj. Clarence M. Agena, the 1st Battalion. 487th Field Artillery began its annual training on July 29 and returned to Oahu Aug. 12. The focus of this year’s training was the annual Army Training and Evaluation Program (ARTEP) examination.
The ARTEP is designed to test the unit proficiency of the 1st Battalion. 487th Field Artillery, in various combat and garrison roles. This includes artillery firing, camouflage discipline, utilization of protective (gas) masks and day / night unit movements.
Concurrently with the ARTEP evaluation, the three firing ‘batteries completed for intra-battalion honors in the annual contest for the coveted “Best Firing Battery” and “Best Battery (over-all)” awards.
Competition was sharp as the troopers prepared themselves for the test administered during the week of Aug. 7 by members of the 25th Division’s division artillery.
After final computations. the “Best Battery” award was presented to Service Battery. The “Best Firing Battery” award was presented to Battery A.
Additional awards were presented to Battery B for the “Best Mess.” Headquarters and Headquarters Battery was acknowledged for the “Best Maintenance.”
– 1978 September Pupukahi
1977 150th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron’s (ACW Sq) HOKU HOU and HOKU Awards
Two Kauai Air Guardsmen Receive Awards
by 1st Lt. Norman Nitta
IO, 150th ACW Sq
SSgt’s Lawrence A. Rego and Eugenio H. Soto were recently awarded the 150th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron’s (ACW Sq) HOKU HOU and HOKU Awards, respectively. These squadron awards were established to recognize an individual’s initiative, leadership, and personal effort during a six-month period.
SSgt. Rego is an ACW Radar repairman at the Kokee Air Force Station (AFS) and is from Koloa. He enlisted in the 150th ACW Sq in 1975 after getting his discharge from the United States Air Force (USAF). Since joining the squadron, Rego has been to Wallace Air Force Base (AFB) in the Philippines to provide maintenance and training to the regular Air Force personnel. He also has been on temporary duty at the Kokee AFS to augment the regular technician force there.
Rego’s supervisor, MSgt. Ben Pescador, states that ”his proficiency and experience are valuable assets to the radar maintenance shop,” and that “he has the ability to work with anyone and shows an extremely high degree of the ‘can do’ spirit.” Rego’s goal is to become a better qualified radar repairman and to become a career guardsman. He has been nominated for the National Guard Bureau’s (NGB) Outstanding Airman Program-1977.
SSgt. Eugenio H. Soto received the HOKU Award for the second half of 1976 for his outstanding performance at the Kokee AFS. Soto, from Kalaheo, is a security police specialist. Prior to enlisting in the 150th, he served in the USAF, USAF Reserves and the Hawaii Army National Guard.
A high level of job performance and knowledge has earned Soto this award. He has assisted in the training program of less experienced airmen, conducted close-order drills, and handled security problems without question. He is a leader of a security alert team, the primary small arms custodian, and the security police primary armorer. Security Police Officer In Charge, Capt. Myron Dobashi, has commended Soto for his initiative taken in improving the security program at the Kokee AFS.
Soto is employed by Dynalectron Corporation at Barking Sands as a senior craftsman in the transportation section. He is involved with the Kauai Pop Warner League, the Koloa Lions Club, and the Kalaheo Boy Scouts.
–1977 March Pupukahi
1977 Headquarters Installation Command – Best Mess Award
No Army Grub for the 293d …
Eating well is something the 293d Service Company (Aircraft Maintenance) is really proud of.
For the third consecutive year, the 293d’s mess section was awarded the Headquarters Installation Command (HIC)-Best Mess Award.
Col. Alexis T. Lum, commander, HIC, presented the award plaque to Capt. Orlan Peterson, unit commander, and to SFC John Afalla, mess section chief.
Congratulations were also given to members of the mess section which included SSgt. George K. Malo, Sp5s Anthony Cambra and William Kelley, and PFC William M. Ahkoi, Jr.
Competition was keen between the 10 units under the HIC. The award was based on all phases of mess operation-to include food preparation, cleanliness and efficiency.
Much of their success is based on the leadership offered by SFC Afalla. Afalla has 27 years with the National Guard. He was assigned to the unit’s mess section in 1967 when he first became a cook. Since then, he has taken every opportunity to learn more about the food service industry.
In 1975, he received the International Food Service Executive Association A ward along with a $450 scholarship. In 1976, Afalla received an associate degree in Food Service Industry Management after attending classes held at Leeward Community College. Also, Afalla has received numerous other awards and is an active member of the Professional Chefs of Hawaii, Jr. Chapter.
It’s good to know that members of the Hawaii Army National Guard are receiving top quality food service. The days of old Army “grub” are long gone.
–1977 December Pupukahi
