Jon C. Hatfield

Lieutenant Colonel Jon C. Hatfield was commissioned an Infantry Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School Class 518, 28 September 1968. His first duty assignment was as a Platoon Leader, Special Training Company, Fort Polk, Louisiana. | His subsequent duty assignments include: Shift Officer, Commanding General Message Center, Headquarters 8th Army, Korea; Executive Officer, U Company, Quartermaster School Brigade, Fort Lee, Virginia; Commander, H Company, Quartermaster School Brigade, Fort Lee, Virginia; Executive Officer, Headquarters Company, 300th Area Support Group USAR; 2079th USAR Instructors School, Fort Lee, Virginia. | Among his many achievements as a civilian, he served for nearly twenty years as the Executive Director of the Virginia War Memorial. During this time, it was transformed from a crumbling static Memorial with two ceremonies a year into the premier veterans’ state memorial in the United States. Under his guidance, the Memorial building, grounds, and Shrine of Memory were completely renovated; the 18,400 square foot Paul and Phyllis Galanti Education Center was built, and the plans and funding for the final phase of the Master Plan were completed. Now in construction, the new 20,000 square foot wing will contain an expansion of the Shrine of Memory, additional galleries, library, long distance learning center, and 200 space underground parking deck. | To honor the sacrifice of the over 12,000 Virginians who have died in combat since the beginning of World War II, under Jon’s leadership, the Memorial developed and conducted over 50 educational events annually for students, teachers, and the general public. He also oversaw the planning and production of a series of award-winning “Virginians at War” documentary films for use in the Virginia middle and high schools as well as Junior and Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps classes. Twenty of these video programs were completed and distributed to Virginia classrooms statewide. During Lieutenant Colonel Hatfield’s tenure as Executive Director, visitation to the Memorial increased from just over 9,000 annually to over 74,000. | His military education includes: Quartermaster Officer Advanced Course, Supply Management Officer Course, and the Logistics Executive Development Course. | His military awards include: National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Expeditionary Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.