Page 5 - Hawaii Island MidWeek - May 3, 2023

FROM PAGE 4
because while I was in Wash- ington, D.C., I was part of the design team to figure out the future of Guantanamo,” he ex- plains. “It was never my intent to go down there, but as part of the planning team, they made the decision: ‘Hey, Lance, we got a great idea. You were part of the design team — now you get to go and implement the plan.’”
months of living apart.
The irony is not lost on the
cision,” he says. “What’s re- ally neat is that my son never resented me for being away. I think he understood what was occurring ... that his dad was actually providing something bigger and greater than himself in protection of our nation.”
in the military and after hav- ing been put in various com- mand positions as a senior officer, starting as a major lieutenant colonel and now as a general officer, that I learned the most important lesson, which is to take care of people.”
Part of the challenge he faced while serving at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base (and really through much of his military career) was separation from his wife and their two children. Sure, Tracy would catch flights down to Cuba “maybe a couple of times a year,” and Okamura would return for short visits ev- ery now and then as well, but mostly there were far too many
“Guess who had to leave his wife and children behind for months and up to a year at a time?” Okamura asks. “I was the one who had to explain to my children why their father was not there, why their father was not attending their soccer games, why I could not some- times be there for their birth- days.”
That idea of protecting others continues for him at JTF-Red Hill. Ultimately, Okamura realizes that in his role, he must stress the im- portance of valuing people above all else.
It’s a mission he hopes to be successful at in the com- ing days, weeks and months as part of the united effort at JTF-Red Hill.
brigadier general when recall- ing his adolescence, and the intense resentment he had for the military for removing his father from periods of his life.
Fortunately, his absences did not have the same impact on his children as his father’s hardship tours had on him. Today, Okamura’s daughter is preparing to graduate from
Okamura discusses strategic engagement opportunities with Rana Lynn Kennedy, chief of legislative affairs, at Joint Task Force-Red Hill headquarters on Ford Island. ANTHONY CONSILLIO PHOTO
children by virtue of the fact that my son thought it was a good idea to provide service and he decided to join the Air Force, which was a good de-
“There are all these man- tras you’ re inculcated with throughout your military career: readiness, be a war- rior, train, discipline, be prepared to go to war,” he says. “But I’ ll be honest, it wasn’t until my senior years
“If you focus on people first, the mission will suc- ceed,” he states in conclu- sion. “If you foster an envi- ronment where you’ re there to empower people to suc- ceed, give them all the train- ing, resources and leadership lessons necessary, they will do remarkable things.”
University of Michigan Law School while his son is a pi- lot in the U.S. Air Force.
“I like to think I was able to rub off positively with my
MAY 3, 2023 HAWAI‘I ISLAND MIDWEEK 5
In HILO
670 Kekuanaoa Ave. (808) 969-3051
In KEA‘AU 16-590 Old Volcano Rd. #B (808) 966-7942
Don’t worry. We got you.
Physical Exams
Immediate non-emergency care for illnesses, minor wounds, or injuries from work, sports, home and auto. Physical Exams. X-Rays.
CDL & FAA Exams by appointment.
Most Insurances accepted, including Kaiser.
hilourgentcare.com
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
M-F 8:30am - 6:30pm • Sat-Sun 8:30am - 4:30pm