National Guard Chief Selects Medford to Hold Retirement Ceremony

Medford, Oregon- Retired General Daniel R. Hokanson, the 29th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, was honored on Saturday in a ceremony at the Medford Armory, marking the culmination of a 38-year military career deeply intertwined with the state of Oregon. The event, held on August 17, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., took place just weeks after Gen. Hokanson officially retired from his role as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on July 31.

Gen. Hokanson, who previously served as the Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, selected Southern Oregon for his retirement ceremony, reflecting the region’s significant influence on his military journey. “Southern Oregon has always held a special place in my heart; it’s the closest to home I could get, and the Oregon Guard has been so amazing to Kelly and I,” Gen. Hokanson stated, underscoring his personal connection to the area.

The ceremony featured military honors, including performances by the 234th Army Band, the presentation of medals, and remarks from Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees (Ret.) and Capt. McKinnon Hokanson, the General’s son. The event was a fitting tribute to a career that spanned multiple decades and significant challenges.

During his tenure as Chief of the National Guard Bureau from 2020 to 2024, Gen. Hokanson guided the National Guard through complex and unprecedented events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and various natural disasters. Under his leadership, the Guard administered 35 million COVID tests, disinfected 71,000 facilities, supported over 1,000 food banks, and delivered over 1 million meals to the public. He also oversaw the Guard’s participation in the evacuation of Afghan civilians in 2021, a mission that became the largest non-combatant evacuation operation in U.S. history.

In his farewell letter earlier this month, Gen. Hokanson expressed his gratitude, saying, “It has been a tremendous honor to serve as your Chief, and my wife Kelly and I are forever grateful for your faith and your support.”

Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees (Ret.), who served as the Oregon Adjutant General three times for a total of 17 years, praised Gen. Hokanson’s leadership and service during his remarks. “Personally, it’s been a great honor to have seen you both blossom and grow in each of these positions you have held throughout your 29 years as members of the Oregon Guard,” Maj. Gen. Rees said. He emphasized the impact of Gen. Hokanson’s service, not only for Oregonians but for the entire National Guard across all states and territories.

Gen. Hokanson’s military career began with his graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1986. His service included combat deployments to Panama, Afghanistan, and Iraq. His final day at the Pentagon was marked by a traditional clap-out ceremony, symbolizing the respect and admiration he garnered throughout his career.

The Medford ceremony was not only a tribute to Gen. Hokanson’s distinguished service but also highlighted the strong connection between the National Guard and local communities across the nation. Armories like the one in Medford play a crucial role in this relationship, serving as training hubs for citizen-soldiers who prepare for both state and federal missions.

Organizers say the event served as both a homecoming and a celebration of a lifetime of service, cementing Gen. Hokanson’s legacy in the hearts of those he served alongside and the communities he dedicated his life to protecting.