Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 24, Number 1, 1 Ianuali 2007 — Hawaiian general [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Hawaiian general

Ioseph Peterson, a 1968 graduate of St. Louis High School originally from Pālolo, O'ahu, holds the distinction of being the first Native Hawaiian to hold the rank of lieutenant general - or three-star general - in the Untied States Army. According to the Honolulu StarBulletin, the only other Native Hawaiian to wear three stars is Ret. Vice Admiral Robert K. U. Kihune, current ehainnan of the Kamehameha Schools board.

With his tamiiy by his side, including his mother, wife and son Kevin, who also serves in the military as an ainnan lst class in Alaska, Ioseph Peterson received the high honor in December at a ceremony at Ft. Shafter. He credits his achievement to his 'ohana and friends over his 34-year military career. Peterson is also a 1972 graduate of Santa Clara University and a 1980 graduate of Chaminade University. He currently serves as deputy commander for the Army Forces Command at Fort McPherson, Georgia. He recently served as commanding general for the Civilian Poliee Assistance Training Team, Multi-National Security Transition Command - Iraq.

Lt. Gen. Joseph Peterson (second from right) stands with son Kevin (at left), wife Ann and mofher Marilyn, affer recently receiving the highest rank attained by a Native Hawaiian in the U.S. Army - three-star general. - Photo: Kevin Downey, U.S. Army Pacific Puhlie A ffairs