2022 Hall of Fame Inductee
Santa Clara University (1987)
Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Stephen J. Hager was born on March 4, 1965, in Mountain View, California.
He attended Santa Clara University where he completed both a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and the Army ROTC program. He graduated and commissioned in 1987.
As an active duty officer, Hager served as Platoon Leader and Executive Officer for Alpha Company, 742nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 704th Military Intelligence Brigade at Fort Meade, Maryland.
During Operation Desert Storm he served as the System Control Officer, S-3, 13th Signal Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. Upon return, Hager was assigned to the National Security Agency as a Senior Electrical Engineer in the microelectronics advanced research group. Deployed in Operation Restore Hope, he was assigned as the Communications Officer, CENTCOM J-2 Forward in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Hager left active duty and joined the Army Reserves in 1995. While in the 91st Division, his assignments included Battle Command Staff Simulation Officer, Company Commander, Observer Controller, G-2 Security Officer, and G-3 Plans Officer. He commanded the 319th Expeditionary Signal Battalion and the 2nd/100th Signal Training Brigade.
Mobilized in 2013, Hager deployed to Afghanistan as the Deputy Commander for the 335th Signal Command (Theater) (Provisional). In Afghanistan, he was responsible for all Architecture, Design, Engineering and Installation of the strategic communication network as well as oversight of communications commercialization projects. He also deployed to Kuwait as the Chief of Staff for the 335th Signal Command (Theater)(Provisional) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
In March 2015, he was selected as the Deputy Commanding General for the 335th Signal Command (Theater) in East Point, Georgia. In June 2016, he was dual hatted as the Commanding General, 335th Signal Command (Theater)(Provisional) and the Army Central Command G-6, where he ran the Army’s portion of the DODIN in Southwest Asia.
Most recently, Hager served as the Deputy Commanding General for Operations, Cyber National Mission Force, and the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, USCYBERCOM.
Hager has always devoted time, energy, and effort to educate, develop, mentor and inspire ROTC Cadets, Soldiers and Officers. Always finding time to develop our future leaders, Hager established regularsessions, prior to his recent retirement, with Santa Clara University ROTC Cadets so they can be inspired to become adaptive leaders, lifetime learners, critical thinkers, and problem solvers. Hager also provided mentorship to ROTC cadre members to better their professional development and personal growth.
Hager retired from the Army on February 6, 2022, after 34 years of service. His military awards and honors include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.
About the Army ROTC Hall of Fame
The ROTC Hall of Fame was established in 2016 as part of the ROTC Centennial celebration. The first class (2016) inducted 326 former ROTC Cadets who had distinguished themselves in their military or civilian career.
The Hall of Fame honors graduates of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps who have distinguished themselves in military or civilian pursuits. It provides a prestigious and tangible means of recognizing and honoring Army ROTC Alumni who have made lasting, significant contributions to the Nation, the Army and the history and traditions of the Army ROTC Program.
Read more about the 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees.
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