Adele E. Hodges, ’77, a Stamford resident, was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. Hodges, who received the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2007, was the first woman to lead the U.S. Marine Corps base, Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.
Announced by Gov. Ned Lamont, the Hall of Fame is Connecticut’s official tribute to military veterans who have continued to make meaningful contributions to their communities after their service. Honorees were recognized during an induction ceremony held Jan. 22 in Rocky Hill.
Hodges earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in recreation and leisure from Southern Connecticut State College in 1977 before beginning a distinguished 33-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps. Commissioned in 1980 through the Enlisted Commissioning Program, she served in leadership roles across the globe, including assignments in Japan, Hawaii, California, North Carolina, Virginia and NATO commands in Europe. Her final post was at Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps in the Office of the Inspector General as director of readiness assessments. She commanded major Marine Corps units, including the 1st Maintenance Battalion and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, one of the Corps’ largest installations.
Hodges holds master’s degrees in business administration, military art and science, and strategic military studies. Her military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and multiple Navy and Marine Corps commendations.
Since retiring in 2011, Hodges has remained deeply engaged in veteran advocacy and community leadership. She is president and chief financial officer of RALDFO Group LLC and serves in numerous volunteer roles, including chairman of the Veterans Heroes Foundation, commandant of the Greater Bridgeport Marine Corps League Detachment No. 654, board member for Homes for the Brave, trustee for the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, and chair of the advisory board for the Bridgeport Salvation Army. She also sponsors a recurring Greater Bridgeport Veteran Coffee House that connects local veterans with resources and camaraderie.
Hodges joins fellow Southern alum Jack Mordente, M.S. ’77, 6th Yr. ’79, retired coordinator of Veterans and Military Affairs and founding coordinator of Southern’s Veterans Center, as a member of the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.
