Commitment to our 'Ohana Published Feb. 12, 2009 By Col. Robert "Randy" Huston 624th Regional Support Group HICKAM AIR FORC BASE, Hawaii -- Family is our number one priority. Whether it be your family at home, your Group/Squadron family or your Community family, nothing is more important. I was pleased when our PA shop asked to run the current photo on the cover of Pacific Crossings, as it directly relates to the family aspect of our service. The uniform and the "Jets on a Stick" represent what we do, and my daughter represents who we do it for, and without whose support it would be impossible to continue. One of my favorite words in the Hawaiian language is 'Ohana, a word that, as defined by the Illustrated Hawaiian Dictionary, "emphasizes that family and friends are bound together and members must cooperate and remember one another." With this in mind, you'll hear me talk often about our 624th 'Ohana and the tremendous value that I attach to it. At the center of our 'Ohana are our families at home. We could not serve our country as reservists without their support, and their health and well-being is of utmost importance to us. It's not always easy as we juggle our commitments to family, employers and the Air Force, but if we don't get the balance right with our families, the other two will never work out. So focus on the needs of your families, and ensure that they have everything they need to be prepared for scheduled, or unscheduled, deployments. Our Group/Squadron 'Ohana is the next level, and it complements the first. Often it is the camaraderie we have with our teammates, along with the belief in serving others, that keeps us participating year after year. (As we all know, it's certainly not the money!) And when we deploy, it is our Group and Squadron teammates back at the base that help look after our families. It is my commitment to ensure that the support structure is in place when you deploy so that your families are taken care of, well informed, and understand that the 'Ohana is there for them at all times. The final level is our community family. As citizen warriors we are all members of our local communities, often with very close ties formed over many years. In case of natural or man-made disasters, we ARE the first responders. We protect, serve, and often supply leadership to our local community, and at the same time are provided support and encouragement from our fellow citizens. You can be proud of the job you do for our country. Your community certainly is! In closing, I'd like to thank you all for the warm welcome we've received from everyone in the 624th 'Ohana, and to let you know how much I value the privilege of serving side by side with each and every one of you. Mahalo Nui Loa!