FRIENDS OF HICKAM INC. 2006 IN REVIEW

We started 2006 with Colonel William “Goose” Changose, (retired) Commander 15th AW and continued with Colonel John J. “JJ” Torres, current Commander 15th AW. Our maximum number of members is 150. We continue to carry 150 members on our roster.

WELCOME RECEPTION – October 2006

A big Mahalo to Stu Chun, Gwen Omori, Lindy Marzo, Les Cho and the many others who organized what some said is one of the best FOH gatherings yet. Over 80 of us shared a wonderful buffet, sushi bar, and best of all, time with good friends to welcome Colonel JJ Torres and his wife Irene to the Friends of Hickam family. If you were not able to make it, you missed an experience to start off the Holiday Season.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

For 2005 and 2006 FOH donated an outdoor movie screen similar, but smaller than what is used for the C & C Sunset on the beach movies. We are planning an outdoor movie social and dedication for the Memorial Day weekend of 2007. The screen may be in use before then. If you are present for an event where the screen is used, look for the trailer thanking Friends of Hickam. Thank you to the Friends of Hickam membership for your continued support.

Friends of Hickam participated in Operation Warmheart. Food basket donations in the form of food certificates were distributed via First Sergeants to needy Airmen and their families over the Holiday Season in 2006. Friends of Hickam Inc. has supported this program for over 10 years.

Friends of Hickam Inc. continues to sponsor the Ohana Bus Tours. Ongoing tours of our Oahu are given to all new incoming enlisted people, officers and their families. As part of their orientation, all are taken on an overview of the highlights our island has to share with them during their stay.

During 2006 Friends of Hickam Inc. sponsored Team Hickam Awards, C-17 Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, Hickam Family Support Center and various other projects to benefit a variety of sectors, squadrons and interest groups who share Hickam Air Force Base.

In June 2006, Friends of Hickam Inc., under the leadership of Clarence Apau and Lance Terayama once again sponsored the Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament at Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden. Over 350 parents and keiki participated. Through the generosity of the FOH Inc. members, every child received at least one prize and a goodie bag. Everyone shared a delicious BBQ burger and hot dog feast sponsored, prepared and served by FOH Inc. members and friends. This event is positive in so many ways. This gives the Hickam AFB community and the Friends of Hickam family and opportunity to get to know each other and share a day together. Mahalo to Lance, Clarence and all of our members.

FUNDRAISING, SOCIALS AND SHARING

In March 2006 over 15 new members and their sponsors participated in the annual New Member Orientation. New members were given a 15th AW briefing by Col. Goose Changose, 15AW Commander and Col. Scott Chesnut, 15AW Vice Wing Commander.

The PowerPoint presentation was followed by a bus tour of the base. The entire membership was invited to a social following the bus tour to welcome new members, sign up for committees and the Honorary Commanders Program.

Over 40 FOH Inc. members participate in the Honorary Commanders Program. FOH Inc. members are partnered with Team Hickam Groups or Squadrons. FOH Inc. members act as a resource sharing our island, local events, food and family. Our Team Hickam counterparts invite FOH Inc. members to learn more about the role they and their squadron or group play in their mission. Long lasting friendships are made as FOH Inc. members experience Air Force briefings and social functions while sharing the “local” culture. We encourage all of you to participate in the Honorary Commanders program to fully appreciate the role Hickam AFB plays in our community.

In June 2006, over 70 FOH Inc. members along with Team Hickam members tackled the job of cleaning the highway entering the Hickam main gate. This was another positive opportunity for FOH Inc. members and family to work with and socialize with our Team Hickam partners. Mahalo to Lindy Marzo, Gwen Omori and others for leading the way and taking care of the community we all share.

Our Annual FOH Inc. Golf Tournament held in September 2006 is our only fundraising event. Funds raided from this event allow us to do all that FOH Inc. does for those at Hickam AFB. Gwen Omori and Stu Chun again led a group including members of FOH Inc. and 15th AW volunteers. Through he participation and generosity of over 160 players, sponsors and donors, over $12,000 was raised. Congratulations and thank you to all of you for your support, help and leadership. We look forward to the next tournament in July of 2007.

We celebrated the end of 2006 with a festive party and annual meeting at Rumours Night Club. With Leslie Cho and Gwen Omori leading a huge volunteer group, this was the best Annual Dinner meeting and social ever. Col. JJ Torres presented a wonderful music presentation highlighting the 8 Hawaiian C-17. Team Hickam members and FOH Inc. members and guests shared a wonderful evening of laughing and fun while participating in dancing, games, socializing, prizes, ono food, karaoke etc.. Mahalo to all who attended and/or supported this wonderful event to close out our FOH Inc. 2006 year and begin the transition to 2007.

REMINDERS

During 2006, FOH Inc. members were invited to many different events, celebrations, socials, ceremonies, briefings and welcome events by the 15thAW, Team Hickam, and others. These include the December 7 ceremony, change of command ceremonies and C-17 welcome events. Members may continue to receive such invitations. For many reasons, not all FOH Inc. members are invited to all of the events. Any invitations and/or Hickam AFB privileges extended should no be expected, requested if not extended to you, or abused. Privileges can change at any time. When receiving an invitation, please be courteous in responding with your RSVP, negative or positive in a timely manner. Keep in mind that invitations are for those named on the invitation. Do not put someone in an awkward position by requesting a substitute invitee or responding with an RSVP for persons who were not invited. Mahalo for your continued support of Friends of Hickam Inc. and the many whom your organization benefits.