Category Archives: military

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific

Posted on by

1

We did the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific the same day as the Arizona Memorial. It was quite a bit to take in, but I think its important for my kids, especially because they have a parent who is in the military, to understand the sacrifices that have been made for them. This memorial which is known as Punchbowl, sits up on top of a crater with a stunning view of downtown and Diamondhead.DSC_0035

 

 

We waited a few days after Memorial Day when it had some pretty big crowds, so we had a only a few others in the entire place.  DSC_0037

 

 

It’s really interesting to walk along and see veteran’s from wars that were fought decades apart buried next to each other. You also sometimes find headstones for astronauts.

DSC_0039

 

 

Or ones that break your heart.DSC_0040

 

 

Alongside the stairs is the Court of the Missing, walls engraved with the names of 28,788 of military members who have never come home. I had no idea. DSC_0043

 

DSC_0045

THE SOLEMN PRIDE
THAT MUST BE YOURS
TO HAVE LAID
SO COSTLY A SACRIFICE
UPON THE ALTAR
OF FREEDOM

 

DSC_0052

U.S.S. Arizona Memorial

Posted on by

3

I don’t know why it took me so long to visit this memorial, it is absolutely stunning and sobering to visit. I guess that is the good thing about guests is that they give you that kick in the pants … Continue reading →

A Final Homecoming

Posted on by

3

I received word from a fellow military spouse about Air Force Captain Reid Nishizuka who, along with three others, was killed in a plane crash in Afghanistan. Nishizuka was a local boy from Kailua and would be coming back to the island to be laid to rest at Punchbowl.

My friend and I took our kids and lined up along with hundreds of others to welcome him home and to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice.

DSC_1379

DSC_1386

DSC_1387

DSC_1389

DSC_1397

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/22213745/hundreds-line-hickam-streets-for-fallen-airmans-final-homecoming

Don’t let me out in public

Posted on by

5

Another normal Thursday night, ran Mckenna to soccer practice and decided to take Omar for a quick haircut at the barber shop on base. School pictures tomorrow, don’t want him looking crazy.

Get to the barbershop in the mini mart, only a few people waiting, awesome. That never happens.

Time goes by, we are next in line, I am ready to shove Omar into the next unoccupied seat when the lady gestures at the guy sitting next to me.

I pipe up, ‘oh my son was next’ and the lady gestures to the Uniform Personnel Priority sign. Yeah, the guy sitting next to me was in uniform and was totally exercising his head of the line privilege. Something I am aware of. Something I encourage and see ALL of the time. 

I was mortified.

I apologized and told him to go ahead, I wasn’t thinking, I was so sorry, etc, etc… And then he was like go ahead, he’s on duty and was in no hurry to get back. In all honesty I just wanted to walk out of there because I was so embarrassed.

So Omar sat down and got his cut and the entire time my cheeks were FLAMING!

So. Yeah, hopefully I won’t be cutting in front of any active duty military in line any time soon…

 

Breakfast with a view…

Posted on by

0

 

Omar had soccer pictures on Saturday morning over on Hickam, when he was done we had some time to kill before his game so we popped over to Wright Brothers for some breakfast. I LOVE eating here, it is priced really well ($3.25 for a kids plate and that includes a drink) the food is good and it comes out quick. Also the view is pretty great, right across the entrance to Pearl harbor. The outdoor seating is really beautiful although hard to come by, I was stalking tables waiting for someone to leave!
breakfast

It’s a great spot to take pictures (which is why soccer pictures are done here I assume!) Lots of pretty trees and a lovely backdrop. I’ll have to bring them back in something other than soccer uniforms!pose

 

There is also a seawall right by the restaurant that allows some great fish watching, lots of FAT fish from all of the bread people feed them. I even saw some yellow tangs which is crazy because we haven’t seen them ONCE while snorkeling.fish

Anyways, get over to Wright Brothers, have some breakfast or lunch and enjoy the view and breeze!

 

 

 

We are halfway DONE!

Posted on by

3

So this weekend we finally had our halfway party… For those not familiar with the Navy, this is a party that the FRG (Family Readiness Group) throws to celebrate the halfway point in a deployment. Basically keep your spirits up. Thankfully I have an absolutely awesome FRG board and we threw an incredible party for all of our spouses.

DSC_0005

 

 

I just need to give a huge shout out to Target for their clearance Valentine’s items. This decor ended up costing about $40 for everything!

DSC_0004

 

 

We also had a little backdrop set up in the corner where we were recording video messages to send to the ship! Some of them got a little emotional and I was tearing up a little!DSC_0003

 

DSC_0002

 

 

I was a little worried that we were not going to have enough food because the RSVP’s had been pouring in and this was going to be potluck style.DSC_0006

 

Well I did NOT need to worry! We had SO much food! Not an inch to spare on the counter!DSC_0009

 

 

Thank you to all of the wonderful families on our ship…. Seriously, if you are new to a sea command, find your FRG! Not all of them are full of drama and catty women!DSC_0036

 

And my board is full of wonderful women… Taking on this position was SO outside my comfort zone, but I have made such wonderful friends in the process. I couldn’t have asked for a better team!

DSC_0044a