Retired Brigadier General Donald W. Hansen Commemorated for service to country and his 92nd Birthday

July 10, Ashby Ponds Senior Living Complex, Ashburn, VA

Chariots of Honor sponsored the celebration of the achievements of Brigadier General Donald W. Hansen, United States Army (Retired) and a celebration of his 92nd birthday. The celebration was attended by family, friends, elected officials and patriotic organizations who recognized BG Hansen with proclamations and presentations.

Brigadier General Donald W. Hansen graduated from the University of Colorado in 1956 and was commissioned a second lieutenant. After completing military justice training, he served as Assistant Staff Judge Advocate for the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam and was later made the Staff Judge Advocate for the United States Army Support Command in Saigon. Notably, the 1st Infantry Division is also known as the Big Red One, a combined arms division of the U.S. Army. It is the oldest continuously serving division in the regular U.S. Army, having served continuously since its organization in 1917 during World War I. BG Hansen then served as the Staff Judge Advocate for the 3rd Armored Division in Europe. Upon returning to the United States, he was appointed Executive Officer and later became Chief of the Government Appellate Division of the U.S. Army Legal Services Agency. In 1976, BG Hansen became the Staff Judge Advocate for Fort Dix, New Jersey. He was made Chief of the Criminal Law Division for the Office of the Judge Advocate General in 1979.
BG Hansen then became Commander of the U.S. Army Legal Services Agency and Chief Judge for the U.S. Army Court of Military Review in 1981. He served as Assistant Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Army before retirement. In summary, BG Hansen had a distinguished and honorable career in the United States Army.

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors was represented by Sylvia Glass, Broad Run district, who presented a Commending Resolution from the Board of Supervisors. United States Congressman Suhas Subramanyan presented a proclamation read into the Congressional Record on the floor of the House of Representatives. VFW Post 1177 of Leesburg presented a certificate of Recognition. American Legion Leonard W. Kidd Memorial Post 2001 also presented a certificate of Recognition.

The Sgt Maj John Champe (SMJC) Chapter VA SAR opened the ceremony with presentation of Colors. Carrying flags were Chapter President Barry Schwoerer and Chapter Chaplain James Watts, both in Revolutionary War militia attire. The Chapter presented the General with a SAR Good Citizenship Medal for exemplary performance in service to the United States. The chapter also presented the General with a SAR Wounded Warrior Coin . While serving in Vietnam he was exposed to Agent Orange resulting in severe impact to his health. Chapter member Rhett Wade presented the general with a handmade plaque honoring his career in the United States Army.