Maj. Gen. Gary Hara, U.S. Army Pacific deputy commanding general, National Guard, was honored during a retirement ceremony March 23 at historic Palm Circle at Fort Shafter, Oahu.
Maj. Gen. Gary Hara, U.S. Army Pacific deputy commanding general, National Guard, was honored during a retirement ceremony March 23 at historic Palm Circle at Fort Shafter, Oahu.
A Hilo native, Hara’s service to the active and Guard components spans 45 years.
Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, USARPAC commanding general, officiated the ceremony and addressed Hara’s importance to USARPAC and the impact he had on the command.
“In his role as deputy commanding general, he pulled the National Guard leaders from all of the Pacific states and territories to become part of the USARPAC ohana,” Brooks said.
“I have counted on Gary’s candid advice, his calm demeanor and reasoned approach to help me in the decisions I have needed to make to guide this command.”
Gov. David Ige also attended the ceremony and wished nothing but the best for Hara and his wife, Dianne, in their newly retired status.
“General Hara, you have served our community, state and nation admirably, and our citizens of Hawaii are appreciative of your dedication, hard work and leadership,” Ige said.
“Governor … this isn’t as much a retirement as a permanent vacation,” Hara replied.
Hara, who is retiring after 45 years of service, comes from a Big Island family whose tradition of military service is as impressive as it is lengthy. His father, the late Lt. Col. Henry Hara, who was an iconic figure in the Hawaii Army National Guard during his time, retired after serving more than 37 years in the HIARNG.
Collectively, Hara’s immediate family has served in the Hawaii Army National Guard 180 years and counting, though the extended Hara family is much larger and includes an uncle, cousins and nephews who have served or are still serving.