Eight years ago, Christina Kemmer was named civilian aide for Hawai'i to the secretary of the Army. Her tenure in the position goes back five secretaries of the Army.

The important job is that of liaison between the Army secretary and the civilian community. In Hawai'i, with disagreements over cultural and environmental issues, the challenge was great. And still is.

Kemmer, closing out her fourth term in the position, recently was recognized for her efforts by the Hawai'i Army Museum Society with its Ihe Award.

In ancient Hawai'i, the ihe, or spear, was always at a warrior's side and the award represents preparedness to meet every challenge.

The last four Ihe Award recipients were retired Gen. Fred Weyand, former chief of staff of the Army; Gov. Linda Lingle; former Advertiser publisher Mike Fisch; and retired Maj. Gen. Herb Wolff, president emeritus of the Hawai'i Army Museum Society.

Kemmer, who is executive vice president of Communications Pacific, collected accolades from Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, the commander of the 25th Infantry Division.

Mixon said Kemmer and Bill Paty, in his role as Pacific region civilian aide to the secretary of the Army, did an "absolutely fantastic" job.

"She facilitated community meetings with the Wai'anae Coast, with Rotary clubs and other key organizations that I could go out to and talk story and explain to folks what was being done," Mixon said.

William Aila Jr., a Wai'anae Coast activist, also had good things to say about Kemmer.

"I know her very well. She has done a great job in attempting to bring the military portions of the community together," Aila said. The Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i always has had a great relationship with the Army, he said.

"I think Native Hawaiians, on the other hand, have not had a great relationship with the military, and she has in the past, I think, gently intervened and brought some respect and reason to certain circumstances on both sides," Aila said.

Kemmer, in her acceptance, said: "It is essential for local communities to be involved in the planning and use of land, sea and sky. It is also essential to ensure we are inclusive and not just speaking to the choir. I ask that we grow this opportunity to include new and future leaders from across the state, non-choir representatives, more Native Hawaiians and all who work as peacemakers."

The next challenge in peacemaking is never far.

Mixon, who was named to become commander of U.S. Army, Pacific, with headquarters at Fort Shafter, said he was very concerned about the need to conduct additional Stryker brigade training in California because it couldn't be conducted in Hawai'i.

A federal court challenge led to limited training here and the need for soldiers to spend an extra three to four weeks in California.

"It put additional stress on the unit ... and in fact cost the taxpayers several million extra dollars," Mixon said. "We have got to come together as a community and resolve this issue."

IN BRIEF

SCHOFIELD QUADS STORY STIRS MEMORY

Mike Kelly, a retired Marine Corps major from Texas, saw a story in The Advertiser about the historic "Quads" barracks at Schofield Barracks, which were first built in the days of horse cavalry.

The author James Jones was among those affected by life in the quads, and his book, "From Here to Eternity," as well as the movie, were partly set in the barracks.

Kelly added his own recollections of the Quads:

"I lived directly across from Quad D from 1963 to 1966. I was 13 when we arrived. I've always felt emotionally attached to Schofield and the Quads.

"It was a good time for me. I surfed the North Shore, got a Hawaiian (Social Security number) and my first driver's license. Learned that girls had interesting features that I previously had not been aware of.

"I first saw 'From Here to Eternity' while living at Schofield. Just from the background scenes, I could identify where all the shots had been filmed.

"The house used for the scene with Debra and Burt's meeting in the kitchen was next to my best friend's house.

"My last year there the division deployed to Vietnam. Shortly afterwards the casualty reports started coming in. My swimming coach, a young trooper, was one of the first (to be killed in action).

"I grew up fast that day. Now the troops are leaving the Quads to go in harm's way again. I wish I could go with them."

FAREWELL EVENT FOR WIERCINSKI TODAY

A "Flying V" farewell ceremony will be at 10 a.m. today at Schofield Barracks for Brig. Gen. Francis J. Wiercinski, the deputy commanding general for support.

Wiercinski, one of three general officers within the 25th Infantry Division, will be replaced by Brig. Gen. Robert B. Brown.

KANE'OHE BASE TO GET SOLAR PANELS

Two new solar panels and roofing will be added to two buildings as early as February at the Marine Corps base at Kane'ohe Bay, the base said.

The panels can generate as much as 40,547 kilowatt hours each year, enough to continuously power an air conditioner for 15 months.

"It's a savings in base operations funding," said Bill Nutting, energy manager of the base facilities department, in the base newspaper. "It's about $7,300 per building in terms of the amount it will save our electric bill in the first year."

The two buildings needed roof repairs. The Corps encourages plans including renewable energy.

The solar panels to be added are flexible silicon, measuring 10 by 20 feet. The panels are sturdy enough to walk on and weigh 12 ounces per square foot.

Reach William Cole at wcole@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Make a difference. Donate to The Advertiser Christmas Fund.