Raring to go to Iraq and Afghanistan, even for the seemingly gruesome task of retrieving bodies of fallen comrades, are Benjamin “Ali‘i” Aranio and Chase Aranio of ‘Oma‘o. While much has been written about the shortage of combat-experienced military men
Raring to go to Iraq and Afghanistan, even for the seemingly gruesome task of retrieving bodies of fallen comrades, are Benjamin “Ali‘i” Aranio and Chase Aranio of ‘Oma‘o.
While much has been written about the shortage of combat-experienced military men and women, the putting on alert of Hawaii Army National Guard troops and the recall or prevention of retirement of other veterans, the brothers Aranio are intensely training on the Mainland, knowing their assignments after training will surely put them in harm’s way.
Both are airmen 1st class in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, and are pursuing medical training while also facing the prospect of being deployed soon to those international hot spots.
Where exactly they will end up isn’t known yet, said their father, Benjamin Aranio, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. But the class for aeromedical services apprentices before theirs saw all the class members deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq, the elder Benjamin Aranio said.
“This is a specialized field,” and the fact that two brothers are going through the training (both passed the apprentice training and are now considered aeromedical services technicians) at the same time is rare, the elder Aranio explained.
So rare, in fact, that the brothers made news in the local military paper, their proud father said.
At Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, Benjamin “Ali‘i” Aranio, 26, and Chase Aranio, 21, are often mistaken for twin brothers, are well known on the base, and await orders that are already making their father and mother Gina Aranio sleepless in ‘Oma‘o.
“I can’t sleep,” knowing they’ll be going into hostile territory halfway around the world, the elder Benjamin Aranio said.
While Chase Aranio, a hunter when home on Kaua‘i, is raring to get his orders, excited about flying in helicopters and ready for his next adventure, his older brother is a bit more cautious, the elder Benjamin Aranio said.
While the older brother might have opted away from the combat duty, his father told him he needs to deploy with and watch after his younger brother, the elder Benjamin Aranio said.
Their decision to join the Air Force Reserve was inspired by their parents, especially by their father Benjamin Aranio, they said.
The brothers Aranio, who held Kaua‘i jobs in security (Benjamin) and tourism (Chase), decided to follow their calling in the medical profession like their parents and grandparents before them. The family used to own and operate Hale Omao, which is now Hale Kupuna Heritage Home, a nursing home, and currently run a care home.
The brothers trained side-by-side in basic military training, at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and arrived together at Sheppard Air Force Base, where they enrolled in and passed the aeromedical services apprentice course in the 383rd Training Squadron. Staff Sgt. Timika Hall, the instructor, said they did well in the course.
While their beliefs, background, training and even rank are identical, each said they take a slightly different view on long-term goals.
Benjamin “Ali‘i” Aranio said he wants to pursue a degree in radiology, while younger sibling Chase wishes for the high-speed excitement of being a paramedic.
After Sheppard and pending international deployment, the two plan to continue their formal education at Kapi‘olani Community College on O‘ahu, while maintaining military careers in the 624th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, Hickam Air Force Base, O‘ahu. When asked what one thing the brothers missed about Kaua‘i besides family, their answer in unison was, “the weather.”
Paul C. Curtis, associate editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or pcurtis@pulitzer.net
