‘Platoon’ of leaders welcome Wounded Warrior at airport

My April 1 letter to the editor, “Handheld sign to greet Wounded Warrior denied,” enjoys a remarkably positive aboutface.

Upon arrival on May 2, a Maui “platoon” of government leaders and airport staffing welcomed Wounded Warrior USAF M/SGT Angela Morales-Biggs and family to our island. Led by Mayor Alan Arakawa, Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura, Airport District Manager Marvin Moniz, Airport Security Coordinator Kathy Wade, Airport Police Manager Hamilton Rodrigues and Grounds Maintenance Wayne Fujihara, this group provided an unmatched Maui no ka oi aloha.

A second platoon comprised of Maui County veterans added more lei and gift bags for the wounded combat medic and her family. A beautiful handheld sign was an important part of the welcome-home recipe. The Morales-Biggs ’ohana will experience a Maui water adventure via Boo Baldovi, airport employee, veteran, and founder of Heroes on the Water, Maui Chapter.

The participants of this welcome group may change per individual schedules, but veterans will know they command honor and respect from all levels of Maui citizens. Maui is truly veteran-centric.

Mahalo, Maui News, for ensuring our right to write about this welcome-home rite for Wounded Warriors.

Cummins Kameeiamoku Mahoe III

Wailuku