Hawaii honors servicemembers

  • Published
  • By Maj. Brad Jessmer
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs
HONOLULU (AFPN) --  Members of the Oahu, Hawaii, community recognized members from all branches of the armed forces May 24 with a luncheon and the commander of Pacific Air Forces was the keynote speaker.

Gen. Paul V. Hester spoke at the 22nd annual Military Appreciation Month Luncheon put on by the Honolulu Chamber of Commerce, where servicemembers were recognized by civic leaders at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

"It is a great opportunity for me as the Pacific Air Forces commander to be with you," General Hester said. "It's a great opportunity to see all the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who are here and to congratulate them on their service and thank them for their service to our nation worldwide."

During the event, a member from each branch of service was presented a Community Service Award for excellence in community outreach by the Honolulu Chamber of Commerce. These members are: 

-- Master Sgt. Thomas Yaron

-- Army Sgt. 1st Class Sharlinda Warner

-- Navy Petty Officer Diem Ngo

-- Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Crystal Havey

-- Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Elizabeth Yeager

-- Hawaii Air National Guard Senior Airman Ryan Young

"Hawaii demonstrates community like no other that I've experienced in 36 years," General Hester said.

The local chamber of commerce also focused on celebrating the Air Force's 60th birthday during this year's event, and invited the Air Force Band of the Pacific to perform.

In his final comments, General Hester thanked the local community for their support.

"This month is a representation of what we feel every day of the year that we spend in Hawaii," General Hester said. "It's an example of why we go comfortable ... why we know we can leave this island and go forward to do America's business. It's because you are the strength that stands behind us." 

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