Walter Preston Hodge

Walter (Walt) Preston Hodge, age 80, a long time resident of Northern Virginia (West Springfield, Burke, Warrenton, and Bealeton) passed away on August 10th, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his children: Walter G. Hodge; Larry W. Hodge and wife, Anja; Gary A. Hodge and wife, Toni; Adrian D. Hodge and wife, Lori; Deborah G. Riccio and husband, Marc; and Tanja C. Awan and husband, Omar; ten grandchildren: Marki, Alec, Rachael, Gary, Phillip, Katarina, August, Wilhelmina, Olivia, and Phoebe; siblings: Hortence, Lois Jean, Virginia, and John. He was predeceased by his wife, Gisela, and sister, Shirley. He was born in Newberry, Florida on July 18, 1932. Walt was a retired Army officer with twenty years of service. He served in Korea, Vietnam and two tours in Germany. In addition to his other medals and citations, Walt was most proud of being awarded the Combat Infantry Badge (CBI) and the Purple Heart for service to his country in war time. He spent the majority of his military career as an Intelligence Officer in the US Army. After retiring from the Army, he settled in Northern Virginia and started his second career as a financial advisor; providing guidance and counseling in the areas of wealth accumulation, estate protection, retirement planning, and life insurance. He spent seven years with John Hancock Financial Services and thirty-two years with MONY Financial Services. Walt qualified for the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) for over thirty years. Walt was a very active citizen of the community. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce for over thirty years, first with the Fairfax County Chamber from 1978 – 1998, and Fauquier County Chamber, since 1999. Walt was on the Membership Committee for the Fairfax County Chamber for over sixteen years. He recommended and helped launch the “LeadShare” and Anthem Health Insurance programs for the Fauquier County Chamber. In 2009, he received the SBDC Small Business "Veteran of the Year” award in Fauquier County. Walt launched and ran his own Business Breakfast Club in Fairfax for over seventeen years. Walt was a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO), Purple Heart Association, Rotary Club and Million Dollar Roundtable. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Nebraska in 1967. Walt will be greatly missed by his family, friends and community. A Memorial Gathering is scheduled for August 18th from 3PM – 5PM at Demaine Funeral Home at 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, Virginia, 703-941-9428 demainefunerals.com. A graveside service and internment with Full Military Honors will be conducted at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia. Flowers are welcome to be sent to Demaine Funeral Home. Should friends prefer, contributions may be sent in memory of Walter P. Hodge to The Wounded Warrior Project at http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.