Wahiawa Hills, yet another hike

Wahiawa Hills is not an easy hike, but it provides you with view of untouched green hills and fresh flowing streams running in every direction. It took us about 3.5 hours to complete and was worth every step. Especially, since I was in much better shape this time, than when I did this hike 3-4 years ago.

Going down hill, the beginning of the trail. The forest in this area is thick with huge trees.
Moss covered hill

Using my buddy ski, to show the scale of the plant. He is 6'.

Was supposed to be a water fall, but it is ok. It was humid, so their was plenty of water.

A shot of the stream, lots of water. Actually this stream is the longest in the state of Hawaii and we care required to cross it twice.

You always need to stop and appreciate the simple thing. Like the beauty of a flower.

The stream is about 800ft down, somewhere in there!

Ski using his modelling skills to show off a plant.

Me and a dead fall. Lots of big trees down all over. Wonder if they made any sound?

A beautiful view, a picture does not do it justice.

Another view, you have to see it to truly feel it.

Ski on the way down to the stream, you can make it out through the trees.

A view of the stream from above.

Me enjoying the water. Didn't swim, but made sure my shoes were wet before continuing.

The Waianae Mountains in the distance. The views are just simply amazing.

I took a lot more pictures, the last one shown was about 3/4 of the way. It was a long hike, but I did enjoy it. Ski was not as happy, he had a cold, told him if he went it would clear it up. Sorry, didn't work, but I don't like hiking alone!

OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL (OTS) continued

The three pictures of Chimge with her friends were taken on 9/9/09. As you can see, it is Chimge in her dress blues w/ three of the United States Air Forces most recently commissioned 2nd Lts.

The next two were taken over the labor day weekend. All of the OT's had a mandatory BarBQ. So they go to relax a little and let their hair down. Well the guys have no hair and the women have to keep it up. But, they did get to relax.

This is an older picture, but it shows Chimge's whole flight, all 13 members who are working toward their collective and individual goals of becoming 2nd Lts in the United States Air Force.

As of today, Chimge's class is moving forward. They have been the upper class for a few days, since the last upper class graduated and has moved on.

The new lower class arrived today, so the OTS campus is alive with screaming upper class and terrified lower class. Chimge is Scheduled to Graduate on 27 October 2009. Keep her and all her classmates in your prayers, that each will realize their dream of serving as Officers in the United States Air Force!

Stop and Smell the Roses, just another day in Hawaii

If you can see the map, we hiked most of the left side. You can also see where we were when the picture was taken. About half way there!

My friend Ski down at the Beginning of the trail in Makiki Valley

Still in Makiki Valley on part of the improved trail

Just a picture of me, trying to show elevation gain.

A view of Pearl City and what not on the way up

A great view of Diamond Head and Waikiki

The trees are alive and hungry!!!

I am not a flower expert, but they are beautiful. I actually took the pictures for Chimge, so I could send her some some flowers.

Pali Reservoir. People were fishing for cat fish. One of our few fresh water lakes.

Nope, don't know the name.

You though your roots were crazy

My roots?

More roots

Stop and smell the flowers, life is just too fast

Manoa Valley

Everyone's favorite, Plumeria

Ski and I at the end of the trail.

The hike was great. I was able to do it. My recovery continues and I could not be happier about. If you are ever in Hawaii and I am still here, your welcome to join us on a hike.

The 100th Battalion has "Completed" another Tour "Welcome Home"

The Official "Welcome Home" ceremony for Headquarters and Headquarters Company and Delta Company of the 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry. MG Robert Lee (Hawaii's TAG) and Linda Lingle the Governor of Hawaii both spoke and welcomed home the soldiers. The Soldiers were then released to their families.

LTC Peeters the Battalion Commander of the 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry

SSG Rosales being welcomed by family

As you can see, Hawaii has a unique way of welcoming home it soldiers. SFC Walden (Right) with a soldier I don't know. A lot of flower leis were showed on these men for a job well done.

Cpt Haz Anguay, Delta Company Commander wit his two sons. Another happy reunion!

I have posted these pictures in order to share with you something most will never see. The joy and pride that comes with serving our nation and completing yet another tour. Nothing can compare with returning to your loved ones and remembering why we serve. For our families and our friends.

"Welcome Home 100th Battalion"

Officer Trainie (OT) Young

Here is Officer Trainee Young. This picture is about two weeks old. She looks very good in ABU's.
Chimge called yesterday with great news..... She scored 95% on her Physical Fitness Test. She actually ran 11:31 on her One and a half mile run. Trust me, that is good. In fact, her score was 100%. She also improved on her push ups and crunches. So she is doing great! Keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL (OTS)

These pictures were taken at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama on 28 July 2009. The sign says it all "OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL". No I am not changing branches, Chimge has enlisted in the United States Air Force, so that she can attend OTS, graduate and receive a Commission as a 2nd LT in the United States Air Force.
We actually got there early and got these pictures, because once she showed up, the training would begin and it will not end, until she is a 2nd Lt in the United States Air Force, some time around October 27, 2009.

So we toured the base, so she could relax and think about the task ahead. As you can see her, it is a replica of the Wright Brothers Plane. With out their quest for flight she might be joining the Army.

From there she stood before a larger than life statue of an American Aviator who gave his life in defense of the United States of America in the struggle against communism in South East Asia.

Then it was time for a loving husband to say goodbye and watch his wife begin a new career in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. She dropped her bag and began the reporting process.

The upper class men immediately stated teaching her attention to detail. She had to straighten her clothes, tuck in her shirt and begin the transformation form loving wife to Airman to Commissioned Officer.

This was the last picture I got before I had to move on and entrust my loving wife to her upper class leaders. She departed bravely, fully understanding the course she had chosen and the one I will support her through. After all she has supported me through three combat tours.

I know many will not fully understand why she joined, but many do not know why the few serve for the many. It is a calling and not all are called. As a husband, I got butterflies seeing my wife march away for three long months of training in Alabama. As a Commissioned Officer, I know that the United States Air Force just got a fine women and an excellent addition to their ranks. I could not be more proud to know my wife has chosen to serve the United States of America and I hope all who know of her very humble beginnings can truly see how incredible of a choice she has made. I ask all of you to keep her, her classmates and all those who serve this great nation in your prayers.