Aloha Everyone! Happy 1 Year Anniversary to me!
I have lived in Hawaii for 1 year and a couple more to go! I absolutely love this place, the flying, and my second family out here! It has been such an amazing experience so far and I cannot wait to see what the next couple years are like!
I wanted to just give you all another update on what’s going on with me since my last post when my family visiting!
Flying
I haven’t been flying as much as I wish I was (I’m currently at training for my airdrop qualification) and flew on one last mission after my family came out before having to worry about getting my checkrides and semi-annual requirements done!
For those of you that don’t know, being a pilot you have to do checkrides, which is pretty much a flying test. As a C-17 pilot, we have to do 2 main ones (others are added for other qualifications), one in the simulator and one in the airplane. So, I had to knock out both of those!
We also have quarterly, semi-annual, and annual requirements to accomplish, like landings, different types of approaches, training, etc. Its all stuff that keeps us mission ready!
My last mission we went to the same places I went on my dollar ride, but with COVID-19 we were limited and quarantined to our hotel rooms depending on where we went! It was still an awesome time and I got the chance to watch a friend of mine pass a checkride to become an Aircraft Commander!
Besides my checkrides, i’ve also flown a few locals and even got on an observed an airdrop local!
Hiking
I’ve done quite a few hikes since having my family come to town!
- Ehukai Pillbox (sunset on the North Shore)
- Kalihi Ice Ponds
- Ko’olau Golf Course to Pali Lookout via Old Pali Road
- Lulumahu Falls
- Trail at Ahupua’a ‘O Kahana State Park
- Makiki Valley Loop Trail
So far, being here in Oklahoma, I’ve only done one hike, which is the Baldy Point Loop. I’m planning on doing a post eventually for being in Oklahoma for anyone that’s passing through here for training!
Life
For the most part, I’ve just been working out a lot, both at home and at the gym now that they’re opened up for the most part!
I’m also back in school! I started my Master’s degree in Space Studies at American Military University with a concentration in Aerospace Science! I just finished my first class and will start another once I’m done with my current training!
Thanks to a few of my friends, i’ve been able to knock out swimming in waterfalls (on a few of the hikes listed above) on my bucket list! If you’re curious about it or need ideas for yours, check out my post about it here!
I bought a blow-up paddleboard (that is super awesome) and have taken it out a few times! I still have to learn how to surf, so eventually i’ll get to that!
More Places to Eat At
- La Tour Café (AMAZING macaroons!)
- Aloha Shrimp
- Aji Limo Food Truck
- Uahi Grill (happy hour!)
How to Help
I know a lot is going on in the world and we have a long way to go before a lot of the issues are corrected! Here are some of the ways you can help that I’ve done:
Donations:
– Justice for Breonna Taylor: https://www.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylor
– Gryl Wonder (provides help to girls of color for future careers): https://www.gyrlwonder.org/
– NAACP LDF: https://org2.salsalabs.com/o/6857/p/salsa/donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=15780&_ga=2.187165864.1602954306.1591044385-2004584457.1591044385
– For Military members with PTSD (provides support and signs for fireworks): https://www.militarywithptsd.org/
– RAINN (operates the DoD self helpline, helps survivors of rape, abuse, and incest, etc): https://donate.rainn.org/donate?_ga=2.132203406.1043841726.1593832064-1828528642.1593832064
Petitions:
– For Vanessa Guillen: http://chng.it/YL7FMfpJvD
– For Breonna Taylor: http://chng.it/v4vngFSHPd
– For LaVena Johnson: https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/lavena-johnson
Obviously, there are SO many more ways to help support, numerous places to donate, hundreds of more petitions to sign. I’m also planning on writing to my congress member, especially in regards to what just happened with Vanessa Guillen. There are small and large steps that need to be made in order to help America be together again and these are just some of them.
If you have any other suggestions of what to do, please comment below! I’m always open to other ways to help make changes!
Anyways, I really hope you all have an awesome and blessed 4th of July and get to grill out and see some fireworks (my favorite)! What are some of your favorite things to do for the 4th of July??
Aloha!
