Photo By Master Sgt. Tyrone Marshall | Chief Warrant Officer 2 Chris McConnell explains the nuances of piloting a UH-60A...... read more read more
Subscribe
By Staff Sgt. Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs
WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii – The 25th Combat Aviation Brigade presented a warm welcome to local community leaders and key organizations during an open house at Wheeler Army Airfield and a brief glimpse into the lives and work of its Soldiers, July 31, 2008.
The WAAF Open House highlighted the 25th CAB's efforts to educate the local community and its leadership on the brigade's daily operations, aircraft and missions while continuing to reinforce dedication to the Ohana spirit of Hawaii.
"The local community is very important to us and it is a source of strength for all that we're able to do out there," said Col. Michael Lundy, commander, 25th CAB. "We don't take that relationship for granted and it certainly can't be overstated how important it is. And having you come here today so we can thank you for the support we get, and give you an opportunity to see and talk to some of our Soldiers, look at some of our equipment and better understand what we have to do is important to us. Thanks for giving us that opportunity to be able to do that."
The 25th CAB welcomed key individuals such as Hawaii State Representative Ryan Yamane, Mililani Town Board Chairman Dick Poirier and six members, Winston Watarai, Mililani Lion's president and three of its officers, Wheeler Elementary and Middle School principals and their administrations, Mililani-Waena Elementary School's principal and his administration, Kipapa Elementary principal and administration, the Schofield School Liaison, St Michael's School principal and administration, and the Aiea VFW President and some of its members.
The patrons were treated to a warm reception at the 25th CAB's flight line to experience multiple displays of the brigade's aircraft and the gear pilots, air crews and ground troops wear.
Accompanied by the smooth sounds of the 25th Infantry Division's Tropic Lightning Band Jazz Ensemble, the visitors climbed aboard the aircraft and tactical vehicles, enjoyed refreshments and then a short video on the history of WAAF in the Oahu Community. Shortly afterwards, the "Wings of Lightning" brigade commander presented awards to recognize the efforts of some of the leadership.
By bringing in and recognizing community leadership, the 25th CAB fostered a better sense of understanding for what happens on WAAF, and also demonstrated the brigade's efforts to reduce noise and other issues that could potentially affect the surrounding areas.
"We do have a bond and a relationship here, and your kindness to bring us into your Ohana is something that we very much appreciate," said Lundy. "On top of that we also need your support to enable us to train."
He continued, "The training areas we have here on Oahu and over on the big island enable us to be able to do the things that our Nation calls on us for. As we fight the global war on terror, we've got to continue to maintain our readiness. But we also don't take it lightly that we are part of the community here and we must make sure we strive to achieve balance and minimize the impact of our operations."
The open house's patrons were grateful for the opportunity to visit such an elaborate event. Even veterans from the Aiea VFW enjoyed the setup.
"This will greatly improve the community's relationship with the military," said Alfred Remigeo, an Aiea VFW representative. "To have them come to the installation and see what the military is doing for them is great."
"I think it's great and something that is really needed. You have to be able to work together, and the civilian community depends on the military. We really do need them," said Joshua McCloskey, also an Aiea VFW representative. "I think they're doing a great job."
Abey Qureshi, vice principal for Wheeler Elementary School, also enjoyed the open house and opportunity to meet some of the Soldiers he and his staff support.
"It was wonderful," said the vice principal. "It's a really nice opportunity for some of the school personnel that service military families to get a better understanding of what the Soldiers experience and the equipment they work with."
"[By] bringing in some of the local leaders, I think we really experienced a very warm welcome tonight and that really kind of bridges those connections and will really help local leaders want to build more partnerships," Qureshi concluded.
| Date Taken: | 07.31.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 08.04.2008 18:12 |
| Story ID: | 22123 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 239 |
| Downloads: | 157 |
This work, 25th CAB welcomes local Ohana with 'open' arms, by MSG Tyrone Marshall, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
