FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii -- Hawaii native, Maj. Gen. Gary Hara, U.S. Army Pacific Deputy Commanding General - National Guard was honored during a Flying "V" retirement ceremony held at historic Palm Circle, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, March 23, 2016.
Hara had been with USARPAC since 2013, during which time he operated as the Deputy Commanding General of the ARNG after USARPAC was elevated from a 3-star command to a 4-star command as part of the Asia-Pacific strategic rebalance.
USARPAC commanding general, Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, 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. "Finally, he closed gaps between the U.S. Military and regional militaries, especially in some of our relationships that require a careful approach to develop fully."
Accordingly, "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," Brooks said.
Brooks went on to thank Hara for his contributions to USARPAC and stated, along with Hawaii Governor David Ige, who was on hand for the ceremony, that they 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," said Ige. "We wish you and your ohana the very best as you begin to pen your very first chapter of your new book of life called 'Retirement.'"
When it was Hara's turn at the podium, he replied "Governor ... this isn't as much a retirement as a permanent vacation."
Hara, who is retiring after 45-years' service, comes from a 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 over 37 years in the HIARNG, including a combat deployment to Vietnam in 1968 with the 29th Infantry Brigade. He was affectionately known as the "shogun" for his stature and influence that far surpassed his formal rank.
Hara, himself, would follow in his father's boot prints, joining the HIARNG in 1970 while still in high school. Forty-five years later he retired as a major general.
Hara's younger brother, Dennis, enlisted in the HIARNG in 1972 and continued as a full time federal technician with the Guard until his retirement, as sergeant major, in 2014 with 37 years of service.
Larry, the third of four sons, a master sergeant with 28 years in the HIARNG, and currently a fulltime federal technician, will retire in September after 40 years combined service. He said of growing up in a family with so much rank, "It's a little stressful because you have to make sure you're doing everything right because I have two brothers who are generals."
Last but not least, Kenneth, the fourth and the youngest of the brothers, enlisted in the HIARNG in 1984, and is still serving as a brigadier general after 32 years. He is currently the deputy adjutant general for 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 as well.
The Flying "V" ceremony traditionally welcomes or honors senior Army officials when they assume duties or depart from an USARPAC. The "V" refers to the way the colors are posted during the ceremony, which is V-shaped.
Sixteen of USARPAC's subordinate and theater-enabling commands were represented on the parade field by Soldiers bearing the organizational colors and command teams.
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