Brig. Gen. David M. Hodne, deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, has his new shoulder boards pinned on by his children, Taylor and Matthew, during a promotion ceremony Dec. 15, 2017, at the division headquarters. (Photo by Sgt. Asa Bingham)
By Sgt. Asa Bingham
14th Public Affairs Detachment
Brig. Gen. David M. Hodne was promoted to his new rank during a ceremony at the 4th Infantry Division headquarters Dec. 15, 2017.
Maj. Gen. Randy A. George, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, presided over the ceremony for the deputy commanding general, which was attended by his Family, friends and colleagues.
“This is a great day for Dave, a great day for Dave’s Family, but also a great day for the 4th Infantry Division and a great day for our Army,” said George.
He recognized the significance of the promotion to brigadier general and shared stories about Hodne’s achievements during his 26 years of service.
“Everybody in here knows how long it takes; the journey it takes to become a general officer,” George said. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving to be promoted today than Dave Hodne.”
George concluded his comments with, “Let’s make you a general.”
Hodne’s daughter, Taylor, and son, Matthew, pinned on his new rank insignia. Subsequently, Hodne unfurled his brigadier general’s flag with Sgt. Maj. Richard L. Ayala Jr., who formerly served as the 4th Inf. Div. command sergeant major.
Maj. Gen. Randy A. George, left, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, promotes Brig. Gen. David M. Hodne, deputy commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson, during a ceremony Dec. 15, 2017, at the division headquarters. (Photo by Sgt. Asa Bingham)
Hodne assumed his duties as the 4th Inf. Div. deputy commander June 9. Shortly after, he deployed to Poland in support of Atlantic Resolve where he served as deputy commanding officer for U.S. Army Europe’s Mission Command Element.
Commissioned as an infantry officer from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York, in 1991, Hodne has served in a variety of command and staff positions in both conventional and special operations formations with multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.
He arrived to the U.S. Military Academy in 1987 alongside his twin brother, Retired Col. Daniel Hodne, who stood proudly as he watched his brother become a general nearly 30 years after their first day at West Point.
Brig. Gen. David M. Hodne, deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, speaks to a room full of Family, friends and colleagues during his promotion ceremony Dec. 15, 2017, at the division headquarters. (Photo by Sgt. Asa Bingham)
“I couldn’t think of anything more than pride,” said Daniel Hodne. “Pride in my brother, pride in our service together, but, more importantly, pride in what he will continue to do for our Army.”
David Hodne thanked George for the ceremony and for his example of leadership that Hodne intends to follow.
“Only two words adequately describe my emotions at this moment: humbled and appreciative,” David Hodne said. “Both for this incredible opportunity to continue to take care of Soldiers and their Families, to use my rank for good, but also for the incredible support I’ve enjoyed that made this possible.”
He turned to his wife, Shelley Hodne, and added, “There’s no better example of leadership then what you do for our Family. Thank you for your love, support and friendship.”
Brig. Gen. David M. Hodne, deputy commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, unfurls his general officer flag alongside Sgt. Maj. Richard L. Ayala, former 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson command sergeant major, during a promotion ceremony at the division headquarters Dec. 15, 2017. (Photo by Sgt. Asa Bingham)