Sara Pactol: Third Generation HIANG Member

Off the Hawaii Air National Guard Facebook page

To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are featuring the Airmen of the Hawai‘i Air National Guard and their unique backgrounds.

Maj. Sara Pactol is an Intelligence Officer with the 154th Operations Support Squadron. She was the first third generation member to enlist in the Hawai‘i Air National Guard.

“AAPI month is special, especially in Hawaii, where we have a large AAPI community. It’s unique to me because my family has roots that date back to the plantation villages in Waipahu, and my Great-Grandfather interned after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. I feel proud to serve my State and Country knowing my family history.”

Grandfather – Retired Chief Master Sgt. George Hayashi, 292nd Combat Communications Squadron, HIANG

Father – Retired Lt. Col. Melvin Murakami, Hawai‘i Army National Guard

Brother – Staff Sgt. Matthew Murakami, 154th Operations Support Squadron, HIANG

Husband – Lt. Col. Brad Pactol, 203rd Air Refueling Squadron, HIANG

More photographs

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Melvin Murakami enlisted in the HIANG, serving with the then 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. He was later commissioned and continued his service with the squadron. Mel transferred to the Hawai‘i Army National Guard to pursue a full-time position. He recently retired after 30+ years of service.