Video

Video by Cpl. Aven Santiago

UH Football and Hawaii National Guard Soldier Serves in Lava Flow Mission

State of Hawaii, Department of Defense, Public Affairs Office

July 25, 2018 | 2:20

PKG (No Graphics)

TRT: 2;20

SOT 1: Kelii 'KK' Padello, Hawaii Army National Guard. :18sec mark

SOT 2: Nick Rolovich, UH Football Coach. :45sec mark

PAHOA - With the Big Island lava flow impacting the land, air quality, and peoples safety, the Hawaii National Guard was called up to help support the Hawaii County Community. One of those service members was Army Specialist and Rainbow Warrior defensive lineman Kelii Padello.

As a student athlete at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Soldier in the Hawaii Army National Guard, Padello had to put down his football cleats and pick up his combat boots. He got the phone call to serve his state, but first had to make a phone call his head coach Nick Rolovich and tell him he was headed to the Big Island.

Padello is part of the security and Rover teams supporting Hawaii county. The soldiers and airmen on those teams work with the Hawaii Police Department to patrol the community to help stop looting and other illegal activities. They also help observe security checkpoints and monitor air quality levels around areas impacted by lava.