Stamford Resident Selected For CT Veterans Hall Of Fame

STAMFORD, CT — One of Stamford's own will soon be a member of the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.

Adele E. Hodges is one of 14 veterans to be elected as part of the 21st class of honorees for induction into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame, the state’s official tribute recognizing former members of the United States Armed Forces who are from Connecticut and have continued making significant impacts in their communities after leaving military service.

"The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame celebrates the many veterans from Connecticut who have gone above and beyond in their service to our nation by continuing to contribute to our communities in so many ways, even after leaving the military," Gov. Ned Lamont said this week in a news release."These veterans answered the call to serve our nation and then returned home to continue strengthening our state through leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement. This class of inductees reflects the values of dedication and selflessness that define Connecticut."

This year’s class will be honored during an induction ceremony scheduled for 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, in the Gold Star Families Memorial Auditorium on the historic Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs campus in Rocky Hill.

Hodges has a distinguished resume, according to the announcement from Lamont's office.

She enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from Southern Connecticut State University and was accepted into the Enlisted Commissioning Program. She was commissioned in December 1980.

During her career, Hodges served in a wide range of assignments in the U.S. and abroad, including with the 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Force Service Support Group, and the 3rd Supply Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group in Okinawa, Japan.

Other assignments included Marine Forces Pacific Headquarters in Hawaii; the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing in New Orleans; Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, NC; the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms, Calif.; the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.; Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, Va.; Brigade Service Support Group One at Camp Pendleton, Calif.; the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI; NATO Joint Headquarters North East; and the NATO Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger, Norway.

Her final assignment was at Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps, Office of the Inspector General, where she served as director of readiness assessments.

Hodges commanded the 1st Maintenance Battalion, 1st FSSG, with duty stations at Camp Pendleton, and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, one of the largest installations in the Marine Corps. She retired in 2011 after more than 33 years of service.

In 2013, Hodges founded RALDFO Group LLC, where she serves as president and chief financial officer.

Hodges is a life member of the Marine Corps League, Women Marines Association, Montford Point Marine Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the National Naval Officers Association. She was named Onslow County, North Carolina’s Woman of the Year in 2006 and was recognized as "Most Intriguing Woman" in 2007.

She holds master’s degrees in business administration, military art and science, and strategic military studies. Her awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit with one star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three stars, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Hodges currently serves as chair of the Veterans Heroes Foundation, commandant of Greater Bridgeport Marine Corps League Detachment 654, and a member of the boards of Homes for the Brave and the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs. She also chairs the advisory board for the Bridgeport Salvation Army and is a member of the Greater Bridgeport Veterans Council. She also sponsors the Greater Bridgeport Veteran Coffee House, held every other month and hosted by Teamsters Local 191 in Bridgeport.

"The men and women inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame remind us that military service is often just the beginning of a lifetime of leadership," Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. "This year’s class includes veterans who have shaped young minds as public educators, strengthened communities through nonprofit board service and entrepreneurship, and stood as tireless advocates for veterans and their families."

Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch noted the range of contributions represented by this year’s class of inductees.

"This year’s inductees reflect the diversity of ways veterans continue to serve," Commissioner Welch said. "They include leaders deeply engaged with veteran service organizations, advocates who have worked to improve access to benefits and services, and community members who have devoted countless hours to strengthening civic life across Connecticut."

The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame was established in 2005 to formally recognize veterans who have made significant post-military contributions, honoring individuals whose lives exemplify continued service.

Inductees are selected for their achievements in areas such as public service, community leadership, education, nonprofit work, and advocacy on behalf of fellow veterans.

Honorees are nominated throughout the year by members of the public, which are then reviewed and selected by a committee consisting of the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, the adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard, members of the legislature’s Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs, and several veterans from across the state who have been appointed by the governor.

Nominees must be born in Connecticut or resided in the state for a minimum of five years.