LIHU‘E — Buzz Lightyear of Disney’s Toy Story fame can fly, said Brenda Turville Biehler of Showtime Characters.
“Plus, he’s one of the kids’ favorite characters,” Biehler said. “When Bart Thomas, the vice commander of the Kaua‘i Veterans Council asked, how could you say ‘no.’ Everyone loves Bart.”
Thomas and Buzz Lightyear were the dignitaries on hand at the Lihu‘e Airport to welcome the Wounded Warrior family of Bryant Michael Lamphier Jr.
Buzz Lightyear was thrilled to learn that Bryant Michael’s family, including Natalie, Bryant Jr. and Kelsey included a pair of young people. Buzz passed the time during the delayed flight by spreading the Buzz Lightyear/Kaua‘i aloha to incoming passengers that were surprised to be greeted by the film celebrity.
Thomas said Natalie, Bryant Michael’s missus, is a remarkable woman, and deserves the vacation that was coordinated through the Wounded Warrior program and the Kaua‘i Veterans Council.
“She helped Bryant Michael to where he is, today. On top of that, when Bryant Jr. had a problem, she helped him, too. She worked really hard. We’re planning a Spa Day for her at the Koloa Landing Resort so she can really enjoy and relax,” Thomas said.
“You might recall that following the Lamphier’s previous visit here, their 1-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer and underwent successful chemotherapy treatment. He rang the bell six months ago, signifying his cancer-free status.”
Additionally, because the Lamphier ‘ohana arrived in the midst of one of the busiest travel days, they were not able to join Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami at the America’s Most West Freedom Fest and its featured guest American Idol winner Iam Tongi.
Instead, Thomas arranged for the Lamphier family to be the special guest at the veterans annual Fourth of July round up at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center that is located adjacent to the Vidinha Stadium soccer fields, where the Kaua‘i Hospice celebrated its 32nd Concert in the Sky with thousands of people.
Other items on the Lamphier visit include a Kaua‘i Backcountry Adventure, the Koloa Landing Resort Spa and pool day, a Blue Dolphin snorkeling tour, a pool day at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Coconut Beach Resort and more.
