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# Brig. Gen. Kenneth S. Hara: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

By U.S. Pacific Command Public Affairs

***He assumed his current assignment in January 2015. Prior to this assignment, Brigadier General Hara served as the Chief of the Joint Staff for the Hawaii National Guard.***

**What influenced you to join the Army?**

 I enlisted in the Hawaii Army National Guard in May of 1984 as a Private E-1.  My motivation to enlist was driven by my family's tradition of serving in the military. My father Henry retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with over 37 years of service.  My three older brothers also served in the Hawaii Army National Guard. ****
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**Who are some of the role models who have influenced you?**

 My brother Gary recently retired as a Major General, my brother Dennis retired as a Command Sergeant Major, and my brother Larry is scheduled to retire this September as a First Sergeant.  My uncle, two cousins, and nephew also served in the military.  The most recent member to carry on the Hara tradition is my son Justin who enlisted in 2014 and is already a Specialist in the Hawaii Army National Guard.	

**Which assignments have been memorable to you, and why?**

 My most memorable assignment was as the commander of the 2d Battalion, 299th Infantry during our deployment to Baghdad, Iraq, 2005.  First and foremast on my mind throughout the deployment was the tremendous responsibility for the safety and welfare of the 600 + Soldiers under my command.  The battalion operated in one of the most dangerous areas in Iraq and ensuring that the battalion accomplished its mission well, while also trying to bring everyone back home safe and alive, weighed heavily on me.  Although stressful, this deployment proved to be extremely fulfilling and rewarding - albeit after I redeployed.  

**(What is your ethnic background), what does your heritage mean to you and how will you reflect on Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month?**

 I am 3/4 Japanese and 1/4 Portuguese, but relate most with the Asian and Hawaiian culture having been brought up here in Hawaii.  Both cultures significantly influence how I think and how I treat other people.  Both cultures place respect, humility, and reservation in high regards.  These values served me well during my three deployments to the Middle East because Muslims also cherish these same values.  It was easy for me and my Soldiers to engage with and understand the people and key leaders in our area of operation.  I truly feel that our positive relationship with the host populace was the reason why my unit did so well and the reason why we brought everyone home alive. I am proud to be an Asian/Pacific Islander American and I feel that we are just one piece of the diversity puzzle that makes the U.S. Armed Forces so special.

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