FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii (May 30, 2013) -- United States Army, Pacific bid farewell to its US Army National Guard deputy commanding general in a retirement ceremony May 30 on historic Palm Circle.
Maj. Gen. Joseph Chaves served in the United States Hawaii National Guard for 43 years. Born in Aiea, a graduate of Aiea High School, Chaves spoke of his time serving Hawaii and the nation.
"For nearly 43 years, I have had the opportunity to proudly lead outstanding teams of caring compassionate professionals who are incredibly dedicated Soldiers in all components," said Chaves. "I have been fortunate to have been given this opportunity to be a member of your team and to have served with you. Thank you for this special privilege."
The ceremony featured a Flying V formation representing each major subordinate command of USARPAC. Colonel Jack Pritchard, USARPAC Chief of Staff, commanded the troops, which consisted entirely of noncommissioned officers. The Flying V ceremony traditionally welcomes or honors senior Army officials when they assume duties or depart from an Army command. Its name refers to the V shape in which the colors are posted during the ceremony.
In attendance at the ceremony were many of the immediate and extended Chaves family. His spouse Paulette Chaves, mother-in-law Dorothy Varde, daughter-in-laws Desiree Chaves and Rebecca Chaves, children Joseph and Daniel, grandchildren, Joseph Michael, Caleb and Jada were all presented with leis.
"For 43 years, Joe Chaves has answered the nation's call to duty," said keynote speaker Lt. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski, USARPAC commanding general. "For 43 years, his boots were on the ground, for 43 years, he has been Army Strong: Strong for our Soldiers, units and communities, Strong for Hawaii and strong for our nation. For 43 years, Joe Chaves has been strong for his brothers and sisters in arms. Strong for the team. One Team."
Following the presentation of leis, Chaves was presented with the Distinguished Service Medal, Certificate of Appreciation from the Commander in Chief, a letter of appreciation from Hawaii governor Neil Abercrombie, a letter of appreciation from Hawaii National Guard Maj. Gen. Daryl D. Wong, a retirement pin and the U.S. flag. Paulette was then presented the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal for her outstanding volunteer service to the United States Army, Pacific, Hawaii Army National Guard, the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Army.
As a National Guardsman, Wiercinski said that Chaves heavily impacted the USARPAC mission, both in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific.
"As the deputy commanding general for USARPAC, Joe was an absolutely invaluable member of this team," said Wiercinski."He has been exceptionally effective at command and control and at the senior bilateral and multilateral forums that we have throughout the Asia Pacific area and he has been an absolute perfect representative of this command, its priorities and its message."
"[Chaves] led the U.S. Pacific Command's joint task force homeland defense, planning and execution of multiple operations, and his leadership and deep understanding of defense support brought that organization to an all time high," Wiercinski continued.
Chaves held a variety of positions in the Hawaii National Guard, including deployments to Iraq in 2004 and 2006 as commander of the 29th Infantry.
"Today I humbly pay tribute to the Army National Guardsmen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice and the thousands more who bear the scars of combat," said Chaves. "As I leave the service today, I leave knowing the Active Component, Army Reserve and Army National Guard makes up the greatest Army in the history of modern warfare."
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