The Army’s oldest soldier, and Vietnam war veteran, was killed in Iraq by a roadside bomb. Maj. Steven Hutchison died in Basrah, Iraq on May 10, 2009 when an explosive devise detonated near his vehicle. See photos and a video below.
Army’s Oldest Soldier Dies – Major Steven Hutchison
Major Hutchison’s story is one of valor and service to our country. He re-enlisted in the Army after his wife, Kandy, died of breast cancer in 2007. He served one tour of duty in Afghanistan and then was sent to Iraq in October 2008 to train Iraqi soldiers. That mission ended and he was tasked with securing Iraq’s southern border with the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Ft. Riley, Kansas.
Richard Hutchison, Maj. Hutchison’s brother said Steven “had been a soldier his whole life.” Hutchison wanted to re-enlist immediately after the September 11th attacks but his wife, Kandy, asked him not too. After she died, “a part of him died,” his brother said.
Steven Hutchison served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division and was awarded a Bronze Star and a Meritorious Service Medal.
Hutchison re-enlisted at the age of 59 in July 2007 through a military Retiree Recall program. The Retiree Recall program allows experienced soldiers to return to action. New soldiers with no prior service can be no older than 42, but reinstated retiree volunteers can re-enlist up to the age of 64. Maj. Hutchison would have turned 61 on June 5, 2009.
Hutchison grew up in California. He taught psychology at various California universities between 1988 and 1996, although his classroom schedule was on-and-off. He worked for an Arizona health care corporation before re-enlisting, and he considered Scottsdale, AZ home.
The Army’s oldest active duty soldier, a veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq, and a two tour Vietnam vet will be honored at services scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th at 1000 Green Acres Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ. Maj. Hutchison will be laid to rest beside his wife, Kandy.
Army’s Oldest Soldier – Maj. Hutchison (Photos)
Major Steven Hutchison
Army strong, Sir! A much deserved rest for one helluva Soldier.
Mad props and my total respect.
Meanwhile young liberals walk around oblivious to the sacrifices made by others so that they have the freedom to denounce this country.
To the leftist mind, idiot Michael Moore is a hero. I have no doubt that when the time comes, all these cowards will hide behind a soldier asking him to protect them.
My hat is off to the Major, who I somehow believe I know. My sympathy goes to his remaining family.
I would like to add that while he went back in at 59 in 2007, I came out of retirement at age 61 in 2005. I presided over two Army Birthdays as the oldest soldier. This story is touching but I do believe that there were several older soldiers who “went back in” prior to him. Many in the Medical fields. When I got out the last time I got my army retirement once again and my social security. A real close friend who I served with in the retiree class, was Bill Jacobs, a Special Forces Hero, who passed as well in 2005..