Retired General Daniel R. Hokanson, the 29th Chief of the National Guard Bureau, was honored last weekend in a ceremony at the Medford Armory, celebrating his 38-year military career and deep ties to Oregon.
The ceremony held last Saturday in the Assembly Hall of the Medford Armory, came just weeks after General Hokanson's official retirement from his position as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on July 31st.
General Hokanson, who previously served as the Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, chose Southern Oregon for this ceremony to recognize the region's significant role in his military journey. He said "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 my wife Kelly and I."
The event featured standard military honors including musical performances by the 234th Army Band, presentation of medals, and remarks from Retired Major General Raymond F. Rees and his son Captain McKinnon Hokanson.
During his tenure as Chief of the National Guard Bureau from 2020 to 2024, General Hokanson led the Guard through unprecedented challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic response and numerous natural disasters. Under his leadership, the National Guard administered 35 million COVID tests, disinfected 71,000 facilities, supported over 1,000 food banks and delivered over one million meals to the American public.
General Hokanson also oversaw the Guard's participation in the evacuation of Afghan civilians in 2021, which became the largest non-combatant evacuation operation in US history.
