Ala Moana Center, Honolulu, HI-23 November 2011 Amid pre-Thanksgiving preparations, we presented Darcy Murakami, Manager of Apple Store, Ala Moana Center with a Patriot Award.  The award nomination was submitted by 2Lt Jonathan Patterson, 154MXS, HIANG.  In his nomination 2Lt Patterson stated that Ms Murakami was, "very supportive of my military and civilian duty to the Hawaii Air National Guard, by being very accommodative to short notice deployments or activation." Col Jeff Namihira, Commander of the 154MSG and Capt Jason Matsuoka 154AMXS were also present to express their gratitude to Ms Murakami.  Col Namihira explained that the service members could not perform the outstanding work they do for training, during deployments or contingency operations, if it were not for supportive and understanding employers such as Ms. Murakami.

Ms. Murakami was very grateful for being recognized but was quick to return the thanks to the Guardsmen and Reservist who put themselves in harm's way for our Nation's defense and world freedoms.  Her sentiment was punctuated by her signing our Statement of Support.