Hawaii Elementary School Receives Support For Military Families.

KUNIA, HI, UNITED STATES

05.17.2013

Story by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Jackson 

State of Hawaii, Department of Defense, Public Affairs Office

KUNIA, Hawaii - First. Lt. Greg Firestone with the Hawaii Air National Guard returns to his childhood elementary school to help the school and its military families.

At Kaleiopu'u Elementary in Kunia, Hawaii, a dedication ceremony is held for a military transition center. The center, a product of the partnership with the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, is equipped with special equipment that will allow students with a deployed parent to communicate with them. The center will also provide a space for military families to learn about the different programs available to them. All of the students will benefit from the use of the technology and the improved sound system in the cafeteria that was a part of the project.

"I am a testament to all of this and it hits home. I grew up here in Waipahu and went to this school. When I found out about the opportunity to volunteer I jumped on-board to give back”, said 1st Lt. Gregory Firestone with the 169th ACWS. "The equipment that we had is to be an outreach to allow military families to stay in contact during deployments."

In development since 2011 the transition center was funded thought the U.S. Pacific Command's Joint Venture Education Forum a program that allows Hawaii's military units to partner up with schools in their area and provide volunteer work and needed equipment. During the dedication a question and answer session was held via Skype with students across campus in the library to demonstrate some of the capabilities of the center. Kaleiopu'u Elementary is just one of 19 schools in Hawaii with a JVEF partnership.

• Date Taken: 05.17.2013
• Date Posted: 05.18.2013 04:49
• Story ID: 107177
• Location: KUNIA, HI, US
• Hometown: WAIPAHU, HI, US