Roger Carl Hagerty

December 25, 1931 - April 28, 2016

Colonel Roger Carl Hagerty (U.S.M.C., Ret'd.), a decorated veteran who dedicated his life to protecting the freedoms of our country for his family and future generations, passed away the evening of April 28, 2016, in the presence of his loving family. He was 84 years old.

Colonel Hagerty was an active participant in Grand Junction's community events and was the driving force behind the establishment of Grand Junction's vibrant Annual Veterans Day Parade and was instrumental in constructing the Vietnam War Memorial in Fruita.

A true patriot who was committed to giving back, Hagerty also regularly gave presentations to local primary and secondary schools about the origins and history of the American flag. He was also very active with the American Cancer Society , the Colorado Riverfront Project and enthusiastically rooted for the Denver Broncos.

Col. Hagerty was born in New York City on December 25, 1931. He was the son of James C. and Marjorie L. Hagerty, also of New York. His father notably served as Press Secretary and close advisor to both President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Governor Thomas E. Dewey.

Roger Hagerty attended Hamilton College, graduating in June 1954 with a degree in Political Science. In that same year, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Col. Hagerty continued his education throughout his career with the Marine Corps, attending Arabic Language School in 1966, the Naval War College in 1972 and 1973, and earning an M.S.A. degree in Personnel Management from George Washington University in 1975.

During his Marine Corps career, Col. Hagerty had several overseas tours, including the Middle East, Korea, and Vietnam (Khe Sanh). Rising through the ranks, Col. Hagerty eventually became Military Secretary to the Commandant of the Marine Corps in 1976 and then Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3, and then Commanding Officer of the 7th Marines in 1978. After 30 years serving his country, Col. Hagerty retired from the Marine Corps in 1981.

Over the years, he earned many awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat ""V"", the Combat Action Ribbon and the UN Military Observer Medal.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Col. Hagerty worked as a business administrator in Los Angeles, California and Grand Junction, Colorado. He also taught Geography at Mesa State College (now Colorado Mesa University) in Grand Junction, became a proud member of Grand Junction's Rotary International chapter and also served as President of the Veterans Committee of the Western Slope. He was also a long time member of the Military Officers Association of America.

From 1997 to 2008, Col. Hagerty turned to a brief career in journalism, where he wrote a monthly column on veterans' affairs and military history for the Daily Sentinel. The column gave him a platform where he could reach even more veterans while sharing his thoughts and opinions on global events.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Dunning Hagerty; sons, James R. Hagerty of Washington, DC; L. Christopher Hagerty of Corcoran, California, and George A. Hagerty of Denver, Colorado and five grandchildren, Grace L Hagerty, Landis Hagerty, John L. Hagerty, Anne T. Hagerty and Finn Hagerty. His first wife, Eva M. (Thoren) Hagerty, originally from Krokek, Sweden, passed away on June 13, 2003.

A memorial service and celebration of Col. Hagerty's life is scheduled for Saturday, May 28, at 1:00 p.m., at the Western Slope Vietnam War Memorial in Fruita.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you make a donation in his name to the Western Slope Vietnam War Memorial Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 340, Fruita, Colorado 81521.

Published in The Daily Sentinel on May 22, 2016

The family of Col. Roger C. Hagerty wishes to thank friends and family who attended Roger's service. We also would like to express our gratitude for the outpouring of special cards and generous contributions in Roger's honor to the Western Slope Vietnam War Memorial Scholarship Foundation and HopeWest.

With pride and presence of the military honor guard and the bag piper made it a special ocassion.Thank you

Betty

Published in The Daily Sentinel on July 3, 2016