‘True patriot’ presses on

It was supposed to have been a day of celebration, a mark of incremental progress in the United States’ ongoing effort to train Afghan forces to resist extremist elements in their own country.

Sgt. 1st Class Takumi Abe, a member of the Hawaii Army National Guard on deployment in Af­ghani­stan with a NATO contingent, was attending a graduation ceremony for Afghan National Army members that December day two years ago. Standing to the side of the stage, he was among the first to feel the sheer violent force of the improvised explosive device that had been planted just 15 feet away at the dais.

"My first reaction was anger," said Abe, 30. "I had to calm myself down, assess the situation and make sure everybody was OK."

Abe suffered a severe concussion from the blast, an injury that would effectively end his 13-year military career. Amid a small gathering of friends, family and fellow guardsmen Sunday at the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team classroom at Kalaeloa, Abe was awarded a Purple Heart in recognition of his wounds in the line of duty.

"It’s an honor," Abe said. "At the same time it’s the beginning of the next phase for me."

Abe joined the Army National Guard in 2001 as a senior at Kaimuki High School. Before his deployment to Af­ghani­stan, he had served tours in Kuwait (2004-2006) and Iraq (2008-2009).

Abe said he is being medically retired from the Guard. He’s studying psychology at Cha­mi­nade University in the hope of one day being able to help fellow soldiers make the adjustment back to civilian life.

U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, a captain with the Hawaii Army National Guard, met Abe in 2008 and quickly came to appreciate his strong leadership qualities.

"He’s one of those guys people go to when they need something done," Gabbard said. "He has a positive attitude, and he exhibits all of the qualities you would want in a leader. He’s not just a great soldier; he’s a person other soldiers willingly follow."

At Sunday’s ceremony Gabbard presented the Purple Heart to Abe with a firm handshake and a heartfelt "Hiki no" — the "can do" motto of the Hawaii Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery.

Retired Col. Ed Cruick­shank attended the ceremony with several other members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

"(Abe) fought for his country and was wounded while serving his mission," Cruick­shank said. "It’s bittersweet but he’s a true patriot."