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Connie Marcum Wong
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Connie Marcum Wong has been the Web Mistress of a private poetry forum 'Poetry for Thought' since October 1999. Her poetry has been in many publications, anthologies, magazines, and e-zines over the years. She published her first poetry chapbook, Island Creations in 2005. In 2007,Heart Blossoms was published. In January 2010, an anthology, 'A Poetry Bridge to All Nations', was published by Lulu Enterprises, Inc. 

Connie created the 'Constanza' poetry form in 2007 and 'Con-Verse' poetry form in 2010. Connie was a Stewardess (Flight Attendant) for 34 years before her retirement July 2003 and she has traveled extensively in the U.S and abroad. She became an Aura Photographer in 1997, a certified Reiki Master/Teacher in 2002 and a Karuna Reiki Master/Teacher in 2003.

She has three grown daughters and one son, who gave her a grandson in 2010 and her youngest daughter gave her a granddaughter in 2012. She has resided with her husband in Hawaii since 1980. 

 

 

 

False Missile Alert for Hawaii

Blog Posted by Connie Marcum Wong: 1/13/2018 3:29:00 PM

At 8:07 am today an alert was announced on T.V and sent to our cell phones. It said: "Emergency alert, there is a ballistic missile incoming to Hawaii. Stay inside, take shelter, stay away from windows. This is not a drill!" Since we have been under threat by North Korea, everyone thought the missile was coming from there.

I went to wake my husband who was half asleep. The public alarm system did not go off. I tried to check the news, but they were not saying anything about it. I immediately called my daughter who didn't answer, so I texted her to call me.

It took the civil defense 38 minutes to let us know it was a false alarm. My daughter called me when she got my text and told me they said on social media that it was a human error and false alarm. Someone pushed the wrong button during a shift change. 

That has never happened before so everyone is very upset that it happened, and that it took 38 minutes to notify us that it was a mistake and False alarm!

Anything is possible right now as we here in Hawaii feel like sitting ducks. That mistake was inexcusable!!! It terrified everyone. Now it is on CNN news. I wanted to let PS members know what happened.  I am relieved but angry there was no safe guard against that happening.

 Please don't leave any political remarks. I just wanted to let everyone know what happened here . THANK YOU!

Aloha,  Connie



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Date: 1/19/2018 9:06:00 PM
Hi Connie: I really feel for you. That must have been so stressful. One of the reasons we left Hawaii was the concern of North Korean missiles. I think I would have had a heart attack with that false alarm there the other day. You are right at times like this you only think of being with family. Sending hugs
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Date: 1/16/2018 5:28:00 AM
I am very glad you are safe my friend and it was a false alarm. Truth is, these types of national leaders(that pose such a real threat) must be dealt with, not appeased. No tyrant/dictator in history has ever stopped due to appeasement. Yes, I am a history nut... Spent the last 57 years reading, always reading. I pray that you and yours are always safe and very blessed my friend!
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Date: 1/15/2018 3:21:00 PM
In addition to her resume' Connie has always been a true Lady and it pains me that she and her family had to endure the terrors of what might have been. This fear is nothing new and hangs over our peace of mind once again like it has for more than 60 years. Yet now we truly know that there is no where to escape to and certainly not under the desks of our past. We must not measure faults but truths. This world is more than a Tom Clancy novel and we must measure our devils carefully. Unfortunately you and I only know enough to be dangerous within our own opinions so we must pray that the good lord will guide those that protect us. I do have faith in that. Tight hugs to all!
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 1/15/2018 9:42:00 PM
Thank you Craig. I appreciate everyone's comments but have little time to respond right now. Mahalo, and Aloha, Connie : )
Date: 1/15/2018 3:50:00 AM
The first thing that came to my mind when I saw the report on CNN was YOU, Connie. What a HORRIFIC experience to go trough. I'm glad it was just a mistake; however, that is small comfort when one thinks of what could actually have happene. Stay safe and blessed.
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Date: 1/14/2018 11:02:00 PM
Well, Connie, everyone here on PS is so grateful you and everyone there is ok and that it was a false alarm, however unnerving it was. Perhaps something good will come out of it is all we can hope for right now. Praying for peace.
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Date: 1/14/2018 6:22:00 PM
Turned out good, thank God...accidental? I have a friend in secret service...has previously told me there is a sequence of 4 protocols (radar/elevation/arc/confirmation) before warning issued...most likely other motivations, not wanting to speculate here, just happy you are ok, Connie!
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James Marshall Goff
Date: 1/14/2018 7:25:00 PM
Vikings Win! omg! blizzard outside, sub zero temp....and Bud Grant at the game to witness! folks, don't worry 'bout nuthin, if the Vikes win the Super Bowl, ennythin' is possible!
Date: 1/14/2018 5:12:00 PM
Connie, it must have been so scary, I cannot imagine what you went through considering that it is quite possible it could happen !
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Date: 1/14/2018 1:56:00 PM
I was glad that you wanted to share your frightening experience with us, Connie. I deleted my earlier comment because someone decided to take an unwanted liberty and make a sarcastic reply to it. I'm truly sorry that someone would place emphasis on politics rather than on the fear you felt for you and your family. Hugs to you, Connie.
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Lin Lane
Date: 1/14/2018 2:12:00 PM
My comments are directed at Connie, Craig. Snicker all you want to, but don't be reprehensible in your actions toward Connie.
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Lin Lane
Date: 1/14/2018 2:07:00 PM
Thank you, Jan. Connie's feelings are important to many of us.
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Jan Allison
Date: 1/14/2018 2:05:00 PM
Very well said Lin:-) hugs jan xx
Date: 1/14/2018 11:23:00 AM
Hugs Dear Connie---but you were safe LOL--all you had to do is duck and cover?! What a crazy world, run by crazy people---some things never change!
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Craig Cornish
Date: 1/14/2018 11:32:00 AM
Oh, and BTW, Trump isn't the problem. The problem exists because prior admins avoided and in fact empowered the bad haired piece of crap to grow emboldened. Much like a 2 year old is too young to correct, you'd better start before they become an out-of-control teen. The problem exists because of the past---not the present.
Date: 1/14/2018 10:51:00 AM
I feel for you Connie and all those who were exposed to decisions that had to be made under false assumptions, thinking that a deadly rocket was headed your way...as for that guy in the white house, I don't know what is a greater sickness...him... or those who voted for him out of ignorance or racial fears as America becomes a more brown nation...may God forgive their twisted souls
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Craig Cornish
Date: 1/14/2018 10:19:00 PM
The lack of character issue was on display for both candidates and she is the one with the more offensive resume, hence the results.
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Frederic Parker
Date: 1/14/2018 5:06:00 PM
The problem I have with your argument about the problem is you assume I see the world in blocks of left and right...I don't...my perceptions are between degrees of right and wrong...and the character of any human being whatever label they chose to call themselves...it's not as if this lack character was not on display before choices were made...I will admit to being over the top with the twisted souls comment
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Craig Cornish
Date: 1/14/2018 2:45:00 PM
The problem Frederic, is that evil does not parade as such, it is insidious and hides behind a veil of righteousness while pointing fingers beyond its pseudo sanctimonious cave. It would never be as overt as someone like Trump or the like, because it is a serpent of evil. It lives off the depravity of the hopeless and therefore survives on their continued existence in that state, because if they were to recover from that, they would no longer need assistance, which is the worst that could ever happen to the left. I wish that everyone can be the absolute best for they and their families. We used to turn within - not without - and we were better for that. Our arms could pull and hug and capture and feed all in need within our care....within our realm...God help us if we escape to a world where we must wait with anticipated impatience for "others" to take the place of what we should have by ourselves.
Parker Avatar
Frederic Parker
Date: 1/14/2018 11:57:00 AM
Craig, no offense meant to you, as I believe you to be a kind soul...I will though except this shame and have it etched on my tombstone as one who saw an evil and spoke of it
Cornish Avatar
Craig Cornish
Date: 1/14/2018 11:42:00 AM
Frederic, I'm one of those twisted souls--glad you voted for who you wanted but I will not shame you by name calling nor assume your mental capacities because I know you're a good man.
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 1/14/2018 10:54:00 AM
Thank you so much for your support Frederic. I appreciate your support. : )
Date: 1/14/2018 9:39:00 AM
I cannot imagine what you must have gone through. The guy needs to lose his job. This whole situation is scary, and having an unstable person with the impulse control of a 4 year old in charge is the scariest thing of all. Hugs.
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 1/16/2018 3:56:00 PM
Kim Jong-Un is very unstable and childish. Anything could happen which is why we are so concerned. Anything could set him off. That is why diplomacy is the best route to take. xxoo
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 1/14/2018 10:55:00 AM
Thank you very much Agnes. I couldn't agree more! I appreciate your support my friend. Love, Connie xxoo : )
Date: 1/14/2018 3:43:00 AM
I thought of you immediately the news came through over here, Connie. Thank God it wasn't the real thing, but that's the problem nowadays with modern warfare- it all comes down to the push of a button. Usually with an idiot on the end. I can only pray that you all stay safe out there, I've always thought of Hawaii as being a lovely little haven, but how times change. Viv x
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 1/14/2018 10:46:00 AM
We know it is definite possibility. Reminders of Pearl Harbor are still with us here. I appreciate your support and prayers Viv. Thank you very much my friend. xxoo : )
Date: 1/13/2018 10:56:00 PM
Oh, Connie , how frightening.. I don't know what to say. But you're right. I'm so glad it was a false alarm.
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 1/14/2018 10:43:00 AM
Thank you Eve. Things are better today now that I've gotten some rest. It was a wake-up call for the powers that be. ; )
Date: 1/13/2018 9:36:00 PM
I’m so sorry you had to go through this traumatic event today, Connie :( Thank God It was a false alarm, but the government needs a better safeguard against this kid nd of mistake so it doesn’t happen again! So glad you are okay.
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 1/13/2018 9:41:00 PM
Thank you very much for your support Laura. It was a difficult day and I had been awake all night which made it more draining. Thank you Hugs, Connie xxoo
Date: 1/13/2018 8:48:00 PM
I'd rather know you suffered being frightened out of your wits than blown up by a bomb. Your adrenaline surely must have kicked in as never before felt by you, akin to a soldier in battle slaughter. I can barely catch my breath or decide to be relieved or cry. How can anyone of us in this world safe guard any of us, Connie? It is a frightening world, globally frightening. I sure wish to hug you right now. I'm sure the human error will undergo finger pointing, blame placing and ultimate firing of someone. Really, not will alter until human greed and power lust are destroyed and replaced. Loving you ... CayCay
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 1/13/2018 9:39:00 PM
I agree with you CayCay. I can accept going, if that happens, but being separate from loved ones is what makes it difficult. Thank you for all the sweet things you said and the support. Love, Conniexxoo
Date: 1/13/2018 8:43:00 PM
Hi, Connie. So sorry you had to go through this awful happening today. I actually thought of you and was so relieved when they said it was a false alarm. But that 38-minute wait must have been horrible not knowing what to do or where to go. I can't believe they didn't have a safeguard to prevent someone pushing a wrong button! No excuse for that. Thank God all is okay. Hugs, Sandra
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 1/13/2018 9:47:00 PM
They actually have a pop up screen that says "do you really want to do that"? and he pressed it anyway. He needs to lose his job because he is not responsible enough to be in that kind of a position. There was pure pandemonium in the streets, beaches and everywhere. I was very thankful that my daughter was not working today and she was at home with her family. All is well. I hope this makes them aware of changes needed! Thank you for your support Sandra, it is much appreciated. Love, Connie xxoo
Date: 1/13/2018 7:08:00 PM
Talk about scary, Connie. I wonder what you would do in such a situation anyway. I can't even imagine a bomb shelter would be any good against a nuclear attack or something. Sorry for what you had to go through.
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Andrea Dietrich
Date: 1/14/2018 10:55:00 AM
Connie, Hawaii better start coming up with ideas on shelters and how to protect you guys. The world, and more so, Hawaii , is in real peril now from this creep in N. Korea.
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CayCay Jennings
Date: 1/13/2018 9:04:00 PM
Connie - it is possible some reporter may come to your door, stick a mic in your face and ask you the stupidest question of stupid questions, , 'you and your loved ones could have been blown to bits, how did that make you feel?' If that happens, please point your finger and stab the reporter in the eye, then eagerly, almost salivating, ask, "I stabbed your eye, how did that make you feel?" Please. For me.
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CayCay Jennings
Date: 1/13/2018 8:58:00 PM
Maybe they did know right away, but scurried to scramble up the best possible story for media containment to best quell the medias over stirring all possible drips and drops of inevitable drama to come. We will know when the movie comes out. No military or government I know of just quickly relates truth, do they?
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 1/13/2018 7:17:00 PM
We don't have a bomb shelter. All there is to do is pray. They should have let us know immediately that a mistake had been made but they didn't. It is all very unnerving. Thank you Andrea. I hope they fire the guy who pushed the button that sent out that false alert. : )
Date: 1/13/2018 6:41:00 PM
oh my goodness, that must have been so frightening. I'm so sorry you went through that, but so glad it was just a false alarm!
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 1/13/2018 7:18:00 PM
The frightening part was not having my daughter and her family with us. You can brave anything together. Thank you Becca. xxoo : )
Date: 1/13/2018 5:31:00 PM
I'm so sorry what you went through today in Hawaii - my family and I were just talking about how traumatic it must have been ... 38 minutes before a "False Alarm" call?? That's just wrong! I'm so pleased you're safe and sound ... they're very lucky that many people didn't die in a panic ... the system of checks and balances HAS to work more effectively than that! NORAD can track missiles almost in an instant, and they should have been all over this. Just crazy stuff. Blessings and safety to you and yours, my friend. <3
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 1/13/2018 7:22:00 PM
Thank you very much for your concern Greg. When under attack you just want your family gathered close to you so you can all go together. The threat is very real from North Korea and we here in Hawaii all realize that. Blessings, Connie xxoo
Date: 1/13/2018 4:41:00 PM
I feel for you, Connie. It must be on your mind all the time. We live in strange times but it is inexcusable. // Barry
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 1/13/2018 7:27:00 PM
Thank you for your understanding Barry. It is on all our minds here in Hawaii which is what makes today so scary. I agree. Blessings, Connie
Date: 1/13/2018 3:51:00 PM
Oh Connie how absolutely dreadful for you I'm relieved you are all safe but if must have un-nerved you all and the delay in letting you know it was a false alarm is inexcusable and as for the t word - the threat isn't aimed at him at the White House but at many innocent people elsewhere:-( hugs Jan xx
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Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 1/13/2018 7:29:00 PM
That is very true Jan. If he keeps poking the bear he is going to get a reaction and we are the ones who will pay for it. Thank you so much for your concern dear friend. Love, Connie : ) xxoo

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