Retiree Update: Irwin Cockett
Posted on Jan 11, 2016 in Retiree Update
Irwin Cockett served in the United States Army and the Hawaii Army National Guard. Cockett served during the Korean War as an enlisted man and a member of the 5th Regimental Combat team. After that, he enrolled in officer’s candidate school. Following his commission as a second lieutenant, Cockett had a non-combat tour with the original Green Beret unit and then served three combat tours in Vietnam, where he piloted helicopter gunships.
Cockett joined the Hawaii Army National Guard, later becoming the Army Guard Commander. He retired as a brigadier general in 1986.
During his career, Cockett was awarded the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars and four Purple Hearts and numerous other campaign decorations reflect his combat tour in Korea and Vietnam.
Governor Ben Cayetano appointed Cockett as the Director of the Office of Veterans Services in 2001. He served in that position until 2004.
General Cockett currently serves as the President of HBC Management Services, a native Hawaiian organization.
