Top-performers recognized at 2018 Launa’ole Awards

Photo By Tech. Sgt. John Linzmeier | David Ige, Hawaii State Governor, applauds members of the Hawaii Air National Guard Feb. 10, 2019, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during the 2018 Launa’ole Awards ceremony. The ceremony has been held for 43 years and was officially renamed to Launa’ole in 2001, meaning “beyond comparison” or “without peer.” (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman John Linzmeier)  

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HI, UNITED STATES

02.10.2019

Story by Senior Airman John Linzmeier 

154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard

The Hawaii Air National Guard's top-performing Airmen and units were cheered on by a roaring audience on February 10, 2019, during the 2018 Launa'ole Award ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

Dignitaries, family members and friends packed into the Hickam Officer's Club to show support for the nominees and congratulate the winners for their exceptional achievements over the past year.

During the opening remarks, Brig. Gen. Gregory S. Woodrow, 154th Wing commander, shared his appreciation for the accomplishments of the nominees and the wing-at-large. He also introduced the audience to the perpetual Kaleo Nui Award, which is presented to the unit which demonstrates the most spirit at the event. Kaleo Nui means "the loud voice".

While the ceremony has been held annually for the past 43 years, it was officially renamed to Launa'ole in 2001, meaning "beyond comparison" or "without peer."

Prior to the announcements of the award winners, David Ige, Hawaii State Governor, stepped onto stage to express his gratitude as their commander and chief.

"I cannot tell you how proud you all make me feel every single day," said Ige, "for all that you have done for our state and our country. This is one of the best events that I get to attend and I am really honored and privileged just to be here."

The awards were presented to the following:

Airman of the year:
Fulltime; Senior Airman Reid Suzuki, 154th Comptroller Flight
Traditional; Airman 1st Class Noel Tadeo, 169th Air Defense Squadron

NCO of the year:
Fulltime; Tech. Sgt. Michael Guzman, 201st Combat Operations Squadron
Traditional; Staff Sgt. Tara Macion, 201st Intel Squadron

Senior NCO of the year
Fulltime; Senior Master Sgt. Alfred Brunn, 154th Communications Squadron
Traditional; Master Sgt. Jake Ross, 154th Communications Squadron

First Sergeant of the year:
Master Sgt. John Kim 201st Air Operations Group

Company grade officer of year:
Fulltime; 1st Lt. Sy Cullen 169th Air Defense Squadron
Traditional; Capt. Joseph Kina, 204th Airlift Squadron

Field grade officer of year:
Fulltime; Maj. Glenn Hayase, 201st Air Operations Group
Traditional; Maj. Blythjeanne Itoman, 204th Airlift Squadron

Winning team award:
297th Air Traffic Control Squadron

Service Team Award:
154th Maintenance Operations Flight

Outstanding Unit award:
154th Communications Squadron

Kaleo Nui Award:
154th Medical Group

• Date Taken: 02.10.2019
• Date Posted: 02.19.2019 21:13
• Story ID: 310974
• Location: JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HI, US