HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

259

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 


HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

COMMENDING THE EFFORTS AND BRAVERY OF THE SOLDIERS OF THE HAWAII ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AND THE HAWAII ARMY RESERVE AND THE AIRMEN AND AIRWOMEN OF THE HAWAII AIR NATIONAL GUARD ON THEIR RECENT DEPLOYMENT IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM AND OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM.

 

 

 


     WHEREAS, the richness and vitality of our state are due in part to the invaluable personal contributions and meritorious acts of individuals who are committed to enhancing the well-being of our nation by going beyond what is expected of them to assist others in times of need; and

 

     WHEREAS, United States and coalition forces have been conducting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom missions in Iraq and Afghanistan since October 7, 2001, against Taliban and Al Qaeda forces, in retaliation for the September 11th terrorist attacks and to prevent further terrorist attacks around the world; and

 

     WHEREAS, troops from all over the nation have faced deployment to join those currently on tours of duty in what the United States Department of Defense has described as the largest series of troop rotations since World War II; and

 

     WHEREAS, since its inception in 1893, the mission of the Hawaii Army National Guard component of the Hawaii National Guard has been to serve as an integral part of the Army by providing fully-manned, operationally-ready, and well-equipped units that can respond to any national contingency of war, peaceful missions, or national building operations, and to provide highly-effective, professional, and organized forces able to respond to natural and manmade disasters, manmade crisis, and the unique needs of the State of Hawaii and its communities; and

 

     WHEREAS, also serving a vital role in the defense of our country is the Hawaii Air National Guard component of the Hawaii National Guard, which provides organized, trained units to protect Hawaii's citizens and property, preserving peace, ensuring public safety in response to natural or manmade disasters, and providing operationally-ready combat units, combat support units, and qualified personnel for active duty in the United States Air Force in time of war, national emergency, or operational contingency; and

 

     WHEREAS, because of its unique dual duties which includes both federal and state the Hawaii National Guard, under the command of Major General Robert G.F. Lee, is not only part of the nation’s entire military force during times of national crisis but also responsible to the respective states during times of state or community emergencies--it has upheld its proud heritage of strength and diversity; and

 

     WHEREAS, under the command of Colonel Bruce E. Oliveira, the 29th INFANTRY BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM composed of the brigade headquarters, along with the 1st Squadron 299th Cavalry Regiment and the 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry Regiment, conducted convoy security within the Iraq Theater of Operations and Kuwait Theater of Operations (KTO) in support of (ISO) 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) TSC theater, enabling unimpeded and synchronized sustainment for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 08-10, and the 1st Battalion 487th Field Artillery Regiment, 29th Brigade Support Battalion, and the 29th Brigade Special Troops Battalion conducted Base Support operations, Camp Command and Security Forces at Camp Patriot, Camp Virginia, and the Life Support Area (LSA) ISO Area Support Group-Kuwait; and

 

     WHEREAS, during this recent deployment, the 29th INFANTRY BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM was ordered into active federal service with duty assignment in Kuwait in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom VIII from August 19, 2008, to August 12, 2009; and

 

     WHEREAS, mobilized August 19, 2008, the 29th INFANTRY BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM arrived at Fort Hood as the best-prepared brigade in the MOB-STATION’s history, completed post-mobilization training in a record 58 days, deployed to Kuwait one month early, and on December 12, 2008, formally assumed its mission as the Lava Brigade; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 29th INFANTRY BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM participated in contingency planning for ARCENT/CENTCOM which resulted in feasible options for the SECDEF in response to the Israeli offensive into Gaza, prepared to provide border control training teams to Egypt and the United Nations, participated in continuous Kuwait Crisis Response planning with ARCENT Operational Planning Team (OPT), passed the 311 ESC Operational Inspection Program with commendable ratings in all areas, fielded MARP MAXPROs enhanced Soldier protection, participated in Kuwait Security Force planning with ARCENT OPT for future OIF rotations, participated in ARCENT EX FRIENDSHIP ONE with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Convoy Escort and Observer Controllers), provided Subject Matter Experts for Urban Operations Seminar in Oman, participated in ARCENT’s premier Command Post Exercise LUCKY WARRIOR 09, as a Stryker Brigade Combat Team, and participated in a Sniper Subject Matter Experts Exchange with Bahrain; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 29th INFANTRY BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM executed 2,596 Convoy Security Missions with over 1,657,000 miles traveled in Iraq, safely secured all deploying/redeploying, R&R, and other transiting personnel through Kuwait and conducted over 70 training events with the host nation and Kuwaiti National Guard, and 30 Good Neighbor/Host Nation Events with Kuwaitis; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 29th INFANTRY BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM provided Camp Command and Control of all permanent and transient tenants, with efficient life support and MWR functions, enabling efficient and Safe Base Operations, and enhancing quality of life, and the Camp Commands greatly improved its force protection and base defense readiness, ensuring safety and security of all camp tenants; and

 

     WHEREAS, as a key element in the Army multi-component unit force of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, the 100TH BATTALION, 442ND INFANTRY REGIMENT of the United States Army Reserve, provided trained and ready soldiers and units with the critical combat service support and combat support capabilities necessary to support national strategy during peacetime, contingencies, and war; and

 

     WHEREAS, distinguished as one of the Army Reserve’s most unique and famed units, the 100th BATTALION, 442nd INFANTRY REGIMENT, under the command of LTC Michael Peeters and CSM Glenn Gomes, was ordered into active federal service on November 3, 2008 and mobilized for deployment to Kuwait in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from August 18, 2008 to August  18, 2009, and consisted of Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), B Company, C Company, D Company, and E Company stationed at Camp Virginia, Kuwait while a BN TAC was established at Camp CEDAR II, Iraq on December 9, 2008, and the Theater Gateway Team, comprised primarily of elements of E Company, established its headquarters at LSA (Ali Al Salem Air Base) with team members based out of Camp Virginia, LSA, and the Kuwait Naval Base; and

 

     WHEREAS, 100th BATTALION, 442nd INFANTRY REGIMENT accomplished all of its assigned missions and met strategic objectives that ensured an uninterrupted flow of personnel, supplies, and equipment throughout the Kuwait and Iraq Theaters of Operation, and conducted over 1,700 combat missions spanning a distance of over 1.2 million miles; and

 

     WHEREAS, 100th BATTALION, 442nd INFANTRY REGIMENT HHC, commanded by CPT Matthew A. Kennedy and 1SG William C. Jennings, was headquartered at Camp Virginia and consisted of the battalion staff, Maintenance Platoon, Medical Platoon, and Communications Platoon, and in addition to daily operations, HHC conducted the SOMO-Bucca run, a daily combat escort mission comprising one that secured the convoy movement of cargo trucks from Kuwait to the Iraqi border at Khabari Crossing, and conducted over 200 missions without incident, ensuring millions of pounds of cargo and fuel were successfully transported to Iraq in support of OIF operations; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 100th BATTALION, 442nd INFANTRY REGIMENT Maintenance Platoon continuously maintained, serviced and repaired up to 145 combat vehicles throughout the deployment—never falling below 95 percent in mission-capable vehicles—and oversaw the transition from Armored Security Vehicles (ASVs) to M1114 HWMVVs as well as the fielding of 31 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles during the deployment; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 100th BATTALION, 442nd INFANTRY REGIMENT Medical Platoon provided medics in direct support of all Common User Land Transportation (CULT) missions conducted by the  1st TSC throughout the Iraq Theater of Operations, operated a battalion aid station, and contributed provider support to the Camp Virginia Troop Medical Clinic; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 100th BATTALION, 442nd INFANTRY REGIMENT Communications Platoon sustained 24-hour operations throughout the deployment, conducting daily checks and services of CET tactical radios and Electronic Warfare Countermeasure equipment, as well as maintaining the communications and information technology systems of the Tactical Operations Center, Admin/Log Operations Center, and Company Command Posts; and

 

     WHEREAS, 100th BATTALION, 442nd INFANTRY REGIMENT Bravo Company, commanded by MAJ John Adams and 1SG Logotala Letuligasenoa, was primarily responsible for escorting daily sustainment convoys from Camp Virginia, Kuwait to Camp Cedar II, and conducting “Rifle Overwatch”—the Battalion’s exclusive and vital security mission outside of Camp Cedar II which protected convoys from criminal and insurgent activity along Route Flamina and Cedar Road, and performed CULT missions when required, conducted Area Quick Reaction Force (QRF) operations in the Northern Kuwait and Southern Iraq areas of responsibility, and participated in Camp Virginia force protection activities; and

 

     WHEREAS, 100th BATTALION, 442nd INFANTRY REGIMENT Charlie Company, commanded by MAJ Ralph Robinson and 1SG Uluao Letuli was primarily responsible for escorting daily sustainment convoys from Camp Virginia, Kuwait to Camp Cedar II and protecting convoy activity on Rifle Overwatch at Camp Cedar II, and performed CULT missions when required, conducted Area Quick Reaction Force (QRF) operations in the Northern Kuwait and Southern Iraq areas of responsibility, and participated in Camp Virginia force protection activities; and

     WHEREAS, 100th BATTALION, 442nd INFANTRY REGIMENT Delta Company, commanded by CPT Haz Anguay and 1SG Beau Tatsumura was primarily responsible for escorting daily sustainment convoys from Camp Virginia, Kuwait to Camp Cedar II and protecting convoy activity on Rifle Overwatch at Camp Cedar II, and performed CULT missions when required, conducted Area Quick Reaction Force (QRF) operations in the Northern Kuwait and Southern Iraq areas of responsibility, and participated in Camp Virginia force protection activities; and

 

     WHEREAS, 100th BATTALION, 442nd INFANTRY REGIMENT Echo Company, commanded by CPT Andre Bennett and 1SG Paul Caswell, performed multiple missions, including Gateway Mission, which provided armed escort security and uninterrupted transport of military and civilian personnel throughout the Kuwaiti Area of Operation; escorting daily sustainment convoys from Camp Virginia, Kuwait to Camp Cedar II; and protecting convoy activity on Rifle Overwatch at Camp Cedar II, and performed CULT missions when required, conducted Area Quick Reaction Force (QRF) operations in the Northern Kuwait and Southern Iraq areas of responsibility, and participated in Camp Virginia force protection activities; and

 

     WHEREAS, during this recent deployment, the 1ST SQUADRON 299th CAVALRY REGIMENT (Task Force KOA), was ordered into active federal service with duty assignment in Kuwait and Iraq in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom VIII from August 19, 2008 to August 9, 2009, and was comprised of soldiers from eight different units within the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), residing on four different islands within the state of Hawaii, and nineteen Soldiers from the Guam Army National Guard, that included Troop A (AKA:  Convoy Security Company (CSC) 1), Troop B (AKA:  CSC 2), Company A 29th Brigade Special Troop Battalion (BSTB) (AKA:  CSC 3), Battery A 1-487th Field Artillery (AKA:  CSC 4), and Headquarters and Headquarters Troop (HHT); and

 

     WHEREAS, based out of Camp Buehring Kuwait, 1ST SQUADRON 299th CAVALRY REGIMENT Task Force KOA provided Command and Control for the Squadron’s 37 CETs as they executed gun-truck support to Combat Logistics Patrols throughout the Iraqi Theater of Operations; and

 

     WHEREAS, through the dedication and personal courage of 1ST SQUADRON 299th CAVALRY REGIMENT Alpha Troop, over 100 combat logistical patrols were conducted throughout the Coalition Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC) area of responsibility providing security for both 311th and 1st Theater Support Commands to ensure that personnel and mission essential equipment successfully arrived at its destination, and delivering to every major forward operating base throughout Iraq, ranging from Camp Cedar to Marez, to FOB Warrior to Taqqaduam, gaining this Troop laudable praise and recognition from the 4th Sustainment Brigade and its subordinate transportation battalions for its outstanding performance while conducting tactical operations, and since Alpha Troop’s arrival into theater, CETs have encountered 6 escalation of force incidents, 3 improvised explosive attacks (2 being complex attacks), and 2 small arms fire attacks; and

 

     WHEREAS, 1ST SQUADRON 299th CAVALRY REGIMENT Bravo Troop conducted 96 convoy security missions throughout the Iraq Area of Operation, with the Troop’s nine convoy escort teams traveling over 150,000 miles to all the major Forward Operating Bases in cities throughout Iraq to include Mosul, Tikrit, Balad, Baghdad, and Taqqaduam, with each of these logistics convoys delivering mission essential equipment and combat vehicles of units both arriving and leaving their area of operation, and as of May 2009, the Troop sustained three EOF incidents, four IED attacks, and five small arms fire attacks without a negligent safety incident occurring or incurring a casualty to either Iraqi or Coalition personnel; and

 

     WHEREAS, 1ST SQUADRON 299th CAVALRY REGIMENT Company A conducted over 138 convoy security missions, logged over 130,000 miles, and supported 7 different transportation units that served as a lifeline to provide essential equipment and supplies to coalition forces and each consisting of 40 logistics trucks that stretched for over two miles, the CETs escorting the convoys hundreds of miles across Iraq to Mosul in the north, Al Asad in the west, and Caldwell in the east, the CET’s distinguishing themselves when faced with adversity by successfully reacting to hijacking attempts, small arms fire, Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonations, and other enemy actions in the Iraq theater of operations, resulting in no significant casualties or loss of assets and all missions successfully reached their destinations, and their accomplishments enabled the resupply of U.S. forces to combat insurgents; and

 

     WHEREAS, 1ST SQUADRON 299th CAVALRY REGIMENT Alpha Battery 1-487th FA conducted over 138 convoy security missions, logging over 130,000 miles, supporting 7 different transportation units to positively ensure the security and mission accomplishment of over 1,242 military truck crews and over 5,520 third country nationals, with 100% accountability of their rolling stock and multi-class cargo; and

 

     WHEREAS, 1ST SQUADRON 299th CAVALRY REGIMENT HHT provided command and control and operational support to the unit’s CET, day and night TOC operations provided a crucial link between the CETs on the road, the squadron, and higher headquarters often facilitating critical operations to include deliberate recovery, medical evacuation, and the dispatch of the Quick Reaction Force, and the S-2 section provided over 500 Convoy Security Briefs to out-going CETs while also producing a daily intelligence summary that was used by units throughout the theater, while mechanics worked tirelessly to maintain the Squadron’s 175 combat vehicles completing 3,300 maintenance requests, hanging over 45,000 parts, and working well in excess of 20,000 man hours, and in addition to these achievements, the HHT maintenance team oversaw the creation of a squadron motor pool at Camp Buehring including setting up two LAMs and their required operational assets that will be used by follow-on units for years to come, and HHT medics were assigned to provide medical support to each CET mission going north into Iraq completing over 500 missions.  The medics proved to be valuable assets and combat multipliers to the units they supported and on multiple occasions the medics assisted local nationals involved in vehicular accidents treating multiple casualties and saving at least two lives; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 1ST BATTALION 487th FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT Task Force HIKI NO, comprised of soldiers from numerous units within the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team,(IBCT) performed several missions and accomplished numerous strategic objectives, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of equipment and supplies in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, by securing both ports in Kuwait and having the only ground forces available to respond to any incident in southern Kuwait with the Headquarters split into two elements, one focusing on the command and control of life support for Camp Patriot and the other on command and control Security Forces in Southern Kuwait; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 1ST BATTALION 487th FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT performed several missions, including Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB) Camp Patriot Command Cell duties for Camp Patriot, Command and Control of Security Forces (SECFOR) for Southern Kuwait, Host Nations Training with Kuwait National Guard and Good Neighbor events with community organizations in Kuwait; Bravo Battery performed SECFOR responsibilities at Camp Patriot; Alpha Company, BSB, performed SECFOR responsibilities for the Sea Port of Debarkation (SPOD); Alpha Battery performed convoy security missions throughout the Iraq Area of Operation; and MP Platoon from HHC, BSTB, performed Area Reactionary Force (ARF) for Southern Kuwait and supported HHB’s Host Nation events; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 1ST BATTALION 487th FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT at Camp Patriot’s Command Cell improved the quality of life for both transient and permanent party Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Coalition Forces, and Contractors that lived and worked at Camp Patriot, including responding and performing missions that including Camp Command Cell operations, logistical and sustainment operations, MWR support, communications and network support, Contracting Officer Representative (COR) operations, and Unit Ministry support; and

 

     WHEREAS, significant contributions by the 1ST BATTALION 487th FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT included improvement in fire and safety, being the first Camp to rectify all Task Force Safe findings, executing a Camp Luau in support of Asian Pacific Island month which was recognized as the best social event conducted by camp tenants in the history of US forces presence in Kuwait, efficient management of Camp Command Cell of 15 base contracts, processing over 4,000 work orders, holding 144 MWR events (15,609 participants), managing all of Camp Patriot’s support and services with annual budget and expenditures of $30 million dollars, and completing more than 60 projects; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 1ST BATTALION 487th FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT developed an outstanding relationship with Kuwait Navy personnel who included the Kuwait Naval Base (KNB) Services Commander and KNB Security Officer, which helped facilitate the approval of many projects and also helped to foster excellent perceptions of the United States by the Kuwait Navy personnel; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 1ST BATTALION 487th FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT command and control SECFOR South made numerous contributions during this deployment that included a phenomenal improvement with force protection posture which was been stalled for several years, developed the Force Protection Working Group for Kuwait Naval Base & SPOD, implemented critical standoff distances and screening standards to meet regulatory guidelines, conducted over 70 training events with the Kuwait National Guard that culminated in a combined exercise of side-by-side US and Kuwait Forces for the first time in a CPX, and reached out into the community and built goodwill capital by initiating 30 visits to various social and charitable organizations as well as public safety facilities and businesses, including the Kuwait Disabled Club, Kuwait Elderly Care Administration, and Kuwait Kids Hospital; and

 

     WHEREAS, 1ST BATTALION 487th FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT Alpha Company, BSB, provided 24-hour Force Protection to all US and Coalition Forces and equipment moving to and from the country from the SPOD, implemented two critical Joint Operational functions, provided unimpeded and secured over 25 High Value Asset vessels which uploaded and downloaded over 26,000 pieces of US equipment, conducted over 20,000 TCN and 80,000 vehicle inspections at the port, and conducted over 20 Base Defense Liaison Team (BDLT) exercises to test and validate vehicle search operations at the ECPs, with a 95 percent detection rate and exceeding expectations with the development of a close Host Nation relationship with the Kuwait Military of the Interior (KMOI), which proved extremely valuable on several occasions as challenges arose at the SPOD; and

 

     WHEREAS, 1ST BATTALION 487th FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT Bravo Battery provided 24-hour Force Protection to all US and Coalition Forces residing at Camp Patriot, executed five Theatre Ammunition Download and Retrograde Operations providing watch and security for over 95 percent of ammunition supply for OIF & OEF theaters of operation, initiated a training relationship with the Kuwait Navy to improve Host Nation relationship and Force Protection posture of the base, conducted over 30,000 TCN and 75,000 vehicle inspections at the port, conducted over 23 Base Defense Liaison Team (BDLT) exercises to test and validate vehicle search operations at the ECPs, and achieved a 93 percent IED detection rate; and

 

     WHEREAS, 1ST BATTALION 487th FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT MP Platoon, BSTB, conducted over 225 non-tactical vehicles (NTV) and 29 HMMWV route reconnaissance missions covering over 45,290 kilometers and resulting in no accident or injuries, executed five Theatre Ammunition Download and Retrograde Operations providing watch and security of over 95 percent of ammunition supply for OIF & OEF theaters of operation, led ARF elements in providing 13 Personnel Security Detachment (PSD) for VIPs, including 3-star Generals and the Secretary of Homeland Security, and large events in Kuwait City hosting over 650 US SM, supported and assisted training the Kuwait National Guard’s Counter-terrorism SWAT team, and conducted joint operations with members of USMC, USN, USCG, and the Secret Service; and

 

     WHEREAS, through the dedication and personal courage of the Soldiers assigned to 1st BATTALION 487th FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT Alpha Battery, over 138 convoy security missions logging over 130,000 miles throughout the Coalition Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC) area of responsibility were conducted, providing security for both 311th and 1st Theater Support Commands, ensuring that essential equipment successfully arrived at its destination with patrols delivering to every major forward operating base throughout Iraq, and positively ensuring the security and mission accomplishment of over 1,242 military truck crews and over 5,520 third country nationals with 100 percent accountability for their rolling stock and multi-class cargo; and

 

     WHEREAS, 29TH BRIGADE SPECIAL TROOPS BATTALION was deployed from October 2008 to August 2009 at Camp Virginia, Kuwaiti Naval Base and Camp Buehring, Kuwait, in support of OIF VIII; and

 

     WHEREAS, formed on September 1, 2006, as part of the Army’s transition to Modularity, the 29TH BRIGADE SPECIAL TROOPS BATTALION 29th BSTB was formed out of three separate companies of the 29th BCT, the former 227 Engineers became Co A (EN) 29th BSTB; the former 229 MICO became CO B (EN) 29th BSTB; soldiers form the HHC 29th BCT Communications Section were assigned to Company C (SI) 29th BSTB; and the Maintenance, Military Police, and Chemical Recce functions were assigned to HHC 29th BSTB; and

 

     WHEREAS, the mission of the 29TH BRIGADE SPECIAL TROOPS BATTALION is to execute the intelligence, mobility/countermobility/survivability, and command and control functions, to enable 29th IBCT full spectrum operations allowing the 29th IBCT Commander the ability to fight the brigade’s close and deep fight while the 29th BSTB handles all the administrative, logistical, and combat support functions necessary for the Brigade to accomplish its mission; and

 

     WHEREAS, 29TH BRIGADE SPECIAL TROOPS BATTALION HHC and Charlie company gave an exemplary performance of Camp Mayoral Cell duties, as did MP platoon as a Area Reactionary Force for southern Kuwait, and Alpha company as a Convoy Security company with the 1-299 Cavalry; and

 

     WHEREAS, 29TH BRIGADE SPECIAL TROOPS BATTALION executed a vital combat support role by ensuring that Service Members were properly received, staged, and prepared for redeployment to CONUS or onward movement for combat into Iraq or Afghanistan, and their efforts directly led to the successful transition and movement of over 250,000 SMs from all services and components, into and out of the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters; and

 

     WHEREAS, 29TH BRIGADE SPECIAL TROOPS BATTALION’s command and control of Camp Virginia improved the quality of life for both transient and permanent party Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Coalition Forces, and Contractors that lived and worked at Camp Virginia, to facilitate sustainment, security, deployment/redeployment activities, and various combat and combat support operations by United States and Coalition Forces within the MNC-I AOR; and

 

     WHEREAS, 29TH BRIGADE SPECIAL TROOPS BATTALION HHC was responsible for providing overall Command and Control of Camp Virginia such as responding to and performing missions that included Camp Command Cell operations, EOC operations, logistical and sustainment operations, MWR support, communications and network support, Contracting Officer Representative (COR) operations, Unit Ministry support, Area Reaction Force/Quick Reaction Force (QRF), and security/force protection operations, and for supporting RSOI for mobilizing US Marines and Sailors and retrograding activities for almost every SM that exited the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters; and

 

     WHEREAS, 29TH BRIGADE SPECIAL TROOPS BATTALION also provided communications and network support to the Camp Command, Post Office, Library, and MWR facilities on camp with the Command Cell serving as the COR for all MWR facilities that include a main gym, coalition forces (CF) gym, library, internet café, recreation room, and CF MWR facility, tabulating over 540,000 in total “uses” by SM, and provided the oversight, liaison, and facilities coordination to 27 food and merchandise vendors, various concession operations, and an AAFES P, and the C2 Cell orchestrated the “Sand Jam,” which was the largest MWR event in the theater, totaling over 2,500 participants throughout Kuwait; and

 

     WHEREAS, 29TH BRIGADE SPECIAL TROOPS BATTALION Company A conducted over 138 combat convoy security missions that served as a lifeline to provide essential equipment and supplies to coalition forces, with each convoy consisting of 40 logistics trucks that stretched for over two miles, logged over 145,000 miles, and supported seven different transportation units and were able to accomplish this with no incidents or accidents and

the Convoy Escort Teams (CETs) escorted the convoys thousands of miles across Iraq to Mosul in the north, Al Asad in the west, and Caldwell in the east, and enabled the resupply of US forces to combat insurgents; and

 

     WHEREAS, 29TH BRIGADE SPECIAL TROOPS BATTALION Military Police (MP) Platoon HHC’s mission was to conduct Area Reaction Force (ARF) within the southern half of Kuwait and enhanced the FP and security posture of US and CF forces in Kuwait additionally, the MPs conducted joint training exercises with the Kuwaiti National Guard, enhancing US-Kuwaiti relations thereby supporting the Defense Cooperative Agreement (DCA); and

 

     WHEREAS, the accomplishments of the 29TH BRIGADE SPECIAL TROOPS BATTALION over this deployment were multi-faceted, accomplishing two things - keeping the force safe and secure and providing outstanding sustainment support to US and CF forces –for which it received multiple accolades and symbols of appreciation by the units that it has supported as it has embraced this non-traditional, non-doctrinal role, exceeding expectations and has done whatever was necessary to ensure the “war fighters” were supported to the fullest extent, and could effectively and efficiently accomplish their missions; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 29TH BRIGADE SUPPORT BATTALION was assigned to the Life Support Area (LSA), Ali Al Salem Air Base, and performed duties as the LSA Command Cell managing the LSA Camp’s Force Protection, Service Contract COR (contracting officer representative) duties, Facility Engineering projects for base improvements, Environmental Compliance Program, Sexual Assault/Awareness and Prevention, Safety, and other basic life support functions including water production and delivery, permanent party billeting, and MWR programs; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 29TH BRIGADE SUPPORT BATTALION Company A was attached to the 1-487 Field Artillery Battalion in support of SECFOR missions near the Sea Port of Debarkation (SPOD), Kuwait, and all soldiers from Company B and Company C, 29TH Brigade Support Battalion, were attached to the 1-299TH Calvary Squadron and performed multiple convoy security missions into Iraq; and

 

     WHEREAS, the diligence, determination, and devotion with which the Hawaii Air National Guard carries out its duties, day in and day out, whether at home or abroad, to guard America’s skies is unrivaled, greatly appreciate, and does not go unnoticed; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 154TH SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON, played an intricate and significant role in their deployment to Sather Air Base, Baghdad, Iraq in 2009, in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where the unit was hailed by commanders as they expertly secured more than 150,000 acres at the busiest air mobility hub in Iraq, ensuring the flawless movement of 250,000 passengers, 38,000 short-tons of cargo, and 9,000 sorties; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 154TH SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON members conducted more than 80 combat presence patrols deterring potential enemy insurgent attacks and providing security for the newly emerging economic development of the Iraq International Airport, adapting quickly in emergency situations that enabled the rapid restoration of critical airfield operations during 12 indirect fire attacks on Coalition Forces by directing systemic sweeps of patrol zones; and

 

     WHEREAS, during the President of the United States' inaugural visit and 8-hour combat layover of Air Force One in Baghdad, Iraq, 154TH SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON’s command section was the driving force in the drafting and execution of a flawless joint service operations order for over 100 personnel, providing command and control for the protection of the President; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 154TH SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON members volunteered countless off-duty hours participating in numerous community projects within the local Iraqi community, strengthening relations between the Iraqi people and the United States Armed Forces; and

 

     WHEREAS, for their distinguish accomplishments, the 154TH SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON members were awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, four Air Force Commendation Medals, six Air Force Achievement Medal and 28 Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 154th SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON continues to support the war effort and currently has unit members deployed to Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates as well as supporting operations in Japan and South Korea, while also supporting Homeland Defense efforts in Hawaii; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 201st COMBAT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP and its associated units comprise one of eight nationwide combat communications groups that provide command and control communications and air traffic control services for the United States Air Force during wartime and contingency requirements; and

 

     WHEREAS, during their most recent AEF deployment, approximately 125 people from 201st COMBAT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, and Germany and provided communications services and support to war fighters located throughout the theater of operations, with more than 90 percent of personnel deployed for a minimum of 179 days in-country and at least one member volunteering for an extended 365+ day tour; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 154th CIVIL ENGINEERING SQUADRON, played an intricate and significant role as 50 Members deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base Kuwait, leading a 110 man Civil Engineering Squadron responsible for the maintenance of all real property assets at Ali Al Salem; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 154th CIVIL ENGINEERING SQUADRON unit was made up of one active duty commander, five enlisted members, and 104 members that were from five states; and

 

     WHEREAS, providing all lead positions except for the Commander and Structures superintendent, the 154TH CIVIL ENGINEERING SQUADRON overcame numerous power and air conditioning problems during the tour, successfully restored power after a base wide power outage, and had no lost flying missions; and

     WHEREAS, the 204th AIRLIFT SQUADRON played an intricate and significant role providing over 2790 man-days in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)/Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)-crews amassed over 580 hrs in combat, and carried an amazing 1139 PAX and 21.8M lbs of cargo; and

 

     WHEREAS, the 204th AIRLIFT SQUADRON deployed two personnel to Diego Garcia for 45 days to airlift 19M lbs and 209 PAX in 140 mission sorties, and the entire 5/2 Infantry Brigade into Afghanistan; and

 

     WHEREAS, displaying total force commitment, 204th AIRLIFT SQUADRON executed another 2100 man-days providing support to Air Mobility Command-deployed in indirect support to GWOT; and

 

     WHEREAS, 204th AIRLIFT SQUADRON provided global support for the Air National Guard, deploying aircrews over 1640 man-days to provide support to the NBG and delivered over 1600 PAX and 1.1M lb as leaders in Mission Ready Airlift; and

 

     WHEREAS, the rights and freedom of our country are protected and preserved by the invaluable sacrifices and courageous acts of the individuals who defend our nation; and

 

     WHEREAS, for their extraordinary and unselfish commitment in this recent deployment to go beyond what is expected of them to assist others who are in danger and in need, the State of Hawaii is proud to acknowledge the accomplishments of our service men and women in the Hawaii National Guard and Army Reserve; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2010, that this body hereby expresses its deepest gratitude to the soldiers of the HAWAII ARMY NATIONAL GUARD and the HAWAII ARMY RESERVE, and the airmen and airwomen of the HAWAII AIR NATIONAL GUARD for their service to our state, nation, and the world, and recognizes and applauds
their deeds, bravery, and sacrifice, and extends to all of these brave men and women its aloha and best wishes in all future endeavors.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Efforts and Bravery of the Soldiers Enduring Freedom.