Department of Defense

Brigadier General Haruo Shigezawa is the deputy commander, State Area Command, Hawaii Army National Guard, in Honolulu. He is responsible for assisting the adjutant general in the training, deployment and coordination of programs, policies and plans affecting more than 4,500 soldiers of the Hawaii Army National Guard.

General Shigezawa was born April 10, 1935, in Wailuku, Maui. He graduated from Baldwin High School in 1953 and earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Hawaii in 1958 and master a of business administration from Pepperdine University in 1977. His military education includes the Basic Infantry Officer Course, 1958; Quartermaster Officer Advance Course, 1973; Command & General Staff College, 1978; and U.S. Army War College, 1982.

General Shigezawa began his military career when he was commissioned a second lieutenant through the University of Hawaii’s Reserve Officer Training Corps program upon his graduation in 1958. He served in the Army as executive officer and battery commander at the school brigade, Fort Bliss, Texas. Upon his release from active duty, he joined the Hawaii Army National Guard in 1961. From 1961 to 1965, the general served in various positions in the 2nd Battle Group, 299th Infantry and 1st Battalion, 299th Infantry.

In 1965 he moved to Honolulu and became the logistics officer, 29th Support Battalion, 29th Infantry Brigade. He was ordered to active duty with the activation of the 29th Infantry Brigade in 1968. He continued to serve as the battalion logistic officer at Schofield Barracks before serving in Vietnam as S-4, 144th Transportation Battalion and commander of the 563rd Transportation Company. Following his return from Vietnam, the general took command of Company C, 29th Support Battalion, 29th Infantry Brigade. He later served as brigade supply officer, then as brigade logistics officer. In 1975, the general joined the 298th Field Depot, former designation of one of the major commands of the Hawaii Army National Guard. In 1976, the Field Depot was reorganized and became Headquarters Installation Command. The general served in various command and staff positions before becoming the commander of Headquarters Installation Command in 1985. The general was assigned to his present position as deputy commander, State Area Command, Hawaii Army National Guard in Honolulu, in February 1988 and federally recognized in his present rank in May 1989.

The general’s military awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and other U.S. foreign and State of Hawaii decorations.

In civilian life, General Shigezawa is employed by the City and County of Honolulu where he is the purchasing and contracts administrator.

The general and his wife, the former Ruth Chung of Hilo, live in Honolulu. They have four children: Glen, Jodie, Nadine and Dawn.