flying to kwaj. part 1

Leaving Hawaii: Last night in Paradise.

Heading To Kwaj- Check the older blog for history.

This was such a vital Atoll in WW2 I can't believe I'm coming back to perform for our guys there- I know it is selfish, but WW2 is so essential I love the fact I've seen this place.
I am ultra excited to perform for our troops and see where such important historical things happened.
Please, for history and a tour, check my blog history.

Hipsters in Kwaj?

Carole, Midori, Liz, Jim, Me and Frank

Island living is impressive- if you are American. The Native people live tough. They start having children at 12 years old, and on these tiny islands, a baby is born about every 6 hours, and only half make it past 1 year old.

These sharks come in and eat the scraps from the fish that get caught and gutted. We only have about 24 hours and only 1 show tonight- we fly out early- so I tried to fit in as much sightseeing as I could.

Frank Jim and I check out what we can historically on the island then hit the beach.

Where 3 marines were executed by the Japanese

After we ran around, It was time to get ready for the show at the VFW hall on sight. It is a different venue from last time, but I am still excited and nervous about the show. I get nervous because I want to give these guys the best show possible- it is essential to do my best- the troops deserve it!

After an Emotional day hit the beach of Pearl Harbor emorial Day part 2

After that heavy afternoon, we headed to Waikiki and wanted to see the beach- drink a Mai Tai and relax. We all started perking up a little more when we saw the amazingness of the sands!
I guess this is the touristy part of town, but I don't care- its amazing... That's why all these families are here!



I'm lightening up already!

Ordering a drink and watching families from the states and Japan. I sit and relax as their kids played around the lagoon (language is never a problem with kids I notice) was so peaceful. I know I would love to bring Axel here- man o man, I hope I can get Angie and him out here- it would have made the most perfect moment.

Blue sky- bluer water and a cold drink made my trouble sink into the sand.


If you look close to this one there is a wedding- I get it- it is a romantic place to be. I daydreamed and remembered my marriage and started smiling like the little kids playing around me. This then made me think of a young Axel talking shyly to one of the little girls running around playing in the sand. I actually laughed out loud at how I am now an adult...

Nope.. still a little kid- posing out in the sand with Carol and Liz.

These kids were having the time of their lives trying to catch fish- I wanted to join them, but with my look, it is enough I took a photo.

It started raining, so we headed out- Early Flight to Kwaj.

Pearl Harbor on Memorial Day Part 1

The New Magnum PI

Woke up bright and early in Paradise on memorial day... Who could possibly complain or feel low on that situation Honoring America's finest on the day in the place with the military... Well, not to be selfish- me. I miss my baby Axel and wife Angie. They are in Philadelphia at the parade with my marine Father in law. I wish I could be with them.







Axel wearing his USMC Gear Thanks to Pop Pop Schroeder

Gym, walk, and then prepared for a super emotional afternoon. We are going to pearl harbor.

We get to the gate of the memorial- now I know to go through this, I will get emotional. I love World War 2 and get really upset when I listen to books on tape or interviews on WW2, notably the Pacific Theatre. I try to go in in an ethical and respectable mood but walk slowly because I know what is behind that wall.

Alfred Rodrigues Wrote a book called "Diary of a Pearl Harbor Survivor." I won't give anything away, but He was on the SS Washington and the son of a native Hawaiian. These guys are amazing people and need to keep the story alive.






Sterling Cale was attacked in Pearl Harbor and was one of the first to notice the Japanese planes after the attack was in charge of removal and burial of the bodies on the Arizona, served though WW2 with 1st Marine division at Guadalcanal, 5th Regiment in Korea and Sargent Major in Vietnam- a true American hero now volunteers at the memorial.

Sterling Kale and Alfred Rodrigues are rock stars here.



I believe his name is Stratton- a survivor of the SS Arizona. His Body was 70% burned. A true American Hero

There where several moments, especially during survivors speaking (even on video) that welled me up. Two or three times, Jim asked if I was ok. I was- in fact, writing this, I am getting emotional thinking about it- as Colonel would say... "Its a low T day."

We did the mainland stuff and watched the videos- I was moved, but we now had to actually go out on a boat to see the sunken ship.
The Arizona- With some of the crew still inside. Oil still pours from the bow. When sailors who made it out eventually die, they have navy divers take their urn and ashes down to the ship so they can rest in peace with their fallen sailors.
Imagine that commitment- when they left the Navy and made it out of WW2, got married and continued life BUT always holds their brothers with them throughout life
 These are men who had and still have a connection that will be with them forever, rest eternally with them. There are so many moments I felt I know what it must be like- but in reality, I do not. This generation of men- what they call the greatest generation has a code that I feel has slowly faded away. EXCEPT when I meet our men and women in our armed forces. That's when I realize we have hope.

This started choking me up- these two (who I wished I talked to) read everyone's name on the wall.

Blown away by this afternoon- we loaded in the car- quiet and moved.