What causes a person to miss something? Hawaii holds a special place in my heart for a number of reasons. First and foremost this is where I found my loving partner in eternal joy and overall happiness. Stella and I met on July 8th 1998. This is the day after I arrived to my first command, VP-47 I was laying on a couch watching TV in the lounge, she was buying a coke from the vending machine. She said "Hey, John." I said "Hi, I'm not John..." and the rest is history. Stella and I started dating soon after I asked her to be my wife. But that story is for another time. We got married September 13, 1999 while deployed to Misawa, Japan. I have so many happy memories of the two of us there in Hawaii. A suprise dinner cruise, long walks, the beaches, just being together, taking pictures, driving around the island, going to Paridise Cove and Germaine's just to name a few. Hawaii is also where our first child was born. Niko came into this world by way of Tripler Army Medical Center (The Big Pink Hospital). All the memories of Niko growing up, learning to crawl, walk, talk, play at the beach... There is so much that makes Hawaii feel like my home. I found my wonderful wife, started my family, I stopped being a child (some may argue this point), found my stride as an Aviation Electrician, knew a lot of people, and a few close friends. John Kassik, Paul LeDoux and I were hell on wheels, at work, on deployment and aroung the island. There was nothing the three of us could not fix. Everybody knew that if you wanted a plane to make a mission and you wanted to fix it right the first time you, found one or all three of us to do it. I know that this sounds a little self-centered, but this is my blog so that is my right! I guess another reason I want to go back is I feel there is so much that Stella and I wanted to do and did not find the time to accomplish. We have only seen Oahu, there are so many other islands to see. Oh Yeah! We can't forget to mention our favorite restraunt "Bravo". Best place for Italian food. I liked the Seafood Pasta and Stella was fond of the Rigitoni with Marinara Sauce. And the Garlic rolls are better than any I have had before or since. The list could go on and on all day but that fact of the matter here is that for what ever reason I miss Hawaii. I am going to do whatever I can to get us back there. Don't take this post the wrong way. I am still very happy here in Illinois. It is here that my marriage has grown stronger and happier. Penelope was born here. Beyond my family, I have gotten a start on my education at Kaplan College and College of Lake County. I have learned how to be a leader, teacher, mentor, security guard. Most of all I think I have learned patience and humility. (again some may argue) I have learned that the "Surface Navy" and we "Airdales" are alike yet so very different. Neither of us is better or smarter, just different. Okay it's true Airdales are better! I have the chance to negotiate orders with my detailer in November. One of the choices I will have will be to return to Hawaii and work on P-3C's. Given this chance I will take it. Otherwise I will be working on them in conditions like this! Not my idea of fun!

¶ 8/10/2004 12:25:00 AM

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