Hawiian Luau

The Communications squadron here on base is a reserve unit from Hickam AFB, Hawaii. They are nearing the end of their tour and decided to throw this huge party for the base. It was a giant affair - I think they said that there were 450 people in attendance - and they had shirts and "flowers" for all of us.

They also fed us an authentic meal including pulled pork, rice and beans and a coconut based "jello" type dish that was pretty tasty.

They had constructed a stage with tables, chairs and bleachers in a semi-circle around it in preparation for the festivities. They gathered in Hawaiians from other units and performed a bunch of traditional dances and songs - like the kind of entertainment you would get if you went to the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Below is Charlotte (Shealey, one of our IM docs from Nellis) posing in front of the mural they painted on the T-Barrier.

They also had some audience participation events and drawings and handed out over a hundred boxes of chocolate covered macadamian nuts! I guess they had found sponsorship for the event from local businesses around the AFB in Hawaii to provide for the food, shirts and prizes.

Despite the fact that there were many individuals at the Luau with weapons -For a brief time I could almost forget the fact that I'm in Iraq and thousands of miles from those who I love. It was a well run event and one I was greatful to be a part of.