In the Military
For and about Hawaii's servicemen and womenBy Gregg K. Kakesako
See also: For Your Benefit
Former Big Island
resident chosen to help
lead federal disaster
response effortsRetired Maj. Gen. John R. "Jack" D'Araujo Jr., a former Big Island resident who was the director of the Army National Guard in Washington, D.C., and former city parks director, has been appointed assistant director for the Readiness, Response and Recovery Directorate at the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
D'Araujo will be responsible for planning and executing the federal government's response to major disasters and emergencies. He also will be responsible for the multibillion-dollar Individual and Public Assistance Grant programs and FEMA participation in national exercises.
D'Araujo, who also commanded the Hawaii Army National Guard and its 29th Infantry Brigade, served in the Army National Guard for more than 32 years in principal command and staff assignments. Among his assignments was directing a major reorganization of 1,000 staff members from 15 disparate entities and directing training, logistics support and personnel preparations for the mobilization of 62,000 guardsmen for Operation Desert Storm.
After his retirement, D'Araujo served in several positions, most recently as an independent consultant to the Department of Defense and FEMA. D'Araujo conducted an assessment of FEMA operational readiness for disaster response prior to and following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, including a review of the organization's policies, procedures and personnel.
A native of Hilo, D'Araujo is a graduate of the Army War College and the Army Command and General Staff College. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from the State University of New York.
Moving up
Kaneohe Bay>> Cmdr. Bradley A. Carpenter assumed command of Patrol Squadron Nine (VP-9), relieving Cmdr. Robert A. Lally.
Camp Smith
>> Col. David P. Fridovich has been assigned as deputy director for operations at the U.S. Pacific Command.
Gregg K. Kakesako can be reached by phone at 294-4075
or by e-mail at gkakesako@starbulletin.com.
