LIHU‘E — Hawai‘i government leadership joined the Central Washington University College of Arts and Humanities in celebrating and honoring retired Brig. Gen. Myron Dobashi as a 2021 Distinguished Alumni Friday.
Dobashi, born on Kaua‘i, earned a bachelor’s degree in history with minors in geography and aerospace studies at CWU in 1965 before starting an accomplished military career.
“My mother’s only trip to the mainland was for my 1965 graduation,” Dobashi said. “I am supremely thankful to my parents, who both died too young of cancer. My mother had only an eighth-grade education, but was well-read. They believed education as the key to further success in life, and I must thank and credit them for keeping us — my younger sister Carolyn and brother Daryl — on track.”
After receiving a commission in the U.S. Air Force through the ROTC program, Dobashi entered active duty in September, 1965, serving a one-year tour of duty in Southeast Asia with the 621st Tactical Control Squadron at Udom Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand. Dobashi was a master weapons controller with more than 4,000 live intercepts and 1,000 tactical engagements. He was also a communications and information officer.
“I am humbled,” Dobashi said. “Because while you’re doing things, you don’t think about it. As the first male child in the family, I was always reminded about needing to be an example.”
After returning to Hawai‘i, Dobashi joined the Hawai‘i Air National Guard in 1969, where he was a master weapons controller and commanded the 201st Combat Communications Group until he became the assistant adjutant general for HIANG, and served as the commander until his retirement in 2003.
“His skills and experience as a member of the Civil Defense Advisory Council for the State of Hawai‘i proved invaluable when he assisted with handling several disasters on Kaua‘i, including Hurricanes ‘Iwa and ‘Iniki, as well as other emergency crises in the state,” said Gov. David Ige in his commendation certificate.
U.S. Rep. Kaiali‘i Kahele added his commendation to the list of dignitaries acknowledging Dobashi’s Distinguished Alumni award and thanking him for his many years of service.
Dobashi’s wife Jean retired as a teacher. They are Lihu‘e residents.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
