Third Generation Guardmember

Posted on Jul 25, 2014 in Ceremonies (Change of Commands, Retirements, Promotions, etc.)

On Thursday, July 17, 2014, Colonel Kenneth Hara, had the honor of administering the enlistment oath to his son, Justin. The ceremony was at the Honolulu Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawai‘i.

The Hara family has a long tradition in the Hawai‘i Army National Guard. Justin is the first third generation Guardmember.

Justin’s grandfather, was Lieutenant Colonel Henry Hara commanded the 2nd Battalion, 299 Infantry in Hilo for 13 years, and retired in 1988. Henry’s brother was Lieutenant Colonel Horace Hara, who served as a M-Day soldier.

LTC Hara’s four sons are the second generation to serve.

  • – Major General Gary Hara currently serves as the Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Pacific
  • – Colonel Kenneth Hara is the Chief of the Joint Staff, Hawai‘i National Guard
  • – Sergeant Major Dennis Hara served in the HIARNG for 42 years and just retired from the Hawai‘i Army National Guard
  • – Master Sergeant Larry Hara is a technician with the Combines Support Maintenance Shop #2 in Hilo.

After Justin’s enlistment, COL Hara spoke on the Hara family history with the Hawai‘i Army National Guard.  This is an edited version of his speech: The Hara Family

Photos by Stephen Lum

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