Alvin L. Hodges retired as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army after over 25 years of service. Enlisting in the military in 1984 as a lieutenant, he was promoted to the rank of captain and major. During his tenure, he was stationed in Fort Benning, Fort Knox, Fort Riley and Fort Stewart, as well as overseas in Iraq. For many of those years, Mr. Hodges notably spent 28 days every month in the field as a tanker.
Forced to retire in 2010 due to a shoulder injury, Mr. Hodges has remained involved in the industry as a subject matter expert and writer of military service content with Quora.com since 2018. He also recently published his first book, titled “Perseverance,” which chronicles his life’s journey.
Mr. Hodges remains active as a life member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is also a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Shriners International. In his spare time, Mr. Hodges enjoys giving back through volunteer work in his community and donating to organizations such as Goodwill and Feed the Hungry.
Rather than pursuing sports, Mr. Hodges joined the United States Army as a high school senior. He was fortunate to receive a Reserve Officer’s Training Corps scholarship, which led him to a lengthy career in military service. The opportunity became one of his greatest highlights because it gave him a sense of honor and character.
Born in Arkansas, Mr. Hodges studied locally, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in history from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 1984 and a Master of Science in criminal justice from Troy University in 1989. He also completed doctoral coursework at Walden University.
Mr. Hodges has been decorated with numerous accolades for his outstanding military service, including a Good Conduct Medal, an Overseas Service Medal, an Achievement Medal for Global War on Terrorism, a National Defense Service Medal, a Bronze Star Medal for Combat Operations, and a Combat Action Medal.