In Memory of MSG Leon Hanson, US Army
January 23, 1962 – June 26, 2015
Bronze Star with Valor
Leon was born January 23, 1962 and lived in San Francisco, California. He joined the Army at the age of 18. He was stationed in Washington serving in the 75th Ranger Platoon. Later he was stationed in North Carolina with the Delta Force unit going into Afghanistan right after 9/11. He served in the Army for 22 years and retired a Master Sergeant. After retiring in Washington in 2005, he worked with different contract companies training soldiers on new equipment. He suffered from depression and lost his battle June 26, 2015, taking his life. He leaves behind his wife, his two daughters, three grandchildren, his brother and nieces, and many friends.
Shared in by Leon’s daughter, Nicole (Spring 2024)
This past week was filled with a roller coaster of emotions; we attended a very meaningful ceremony to honor the men who were part of Objective Gecko, America’s first ground combat action into Afghanistan after 9/11. My father, Leon Hanson, had been among those men.
Listening to the men at the ceremony speak about the time after 9/11, the preparations they were making, and then their objective brought back a flood of memories for me. At the time of 9/11, I was newly married but living with my dad. At the same time, my husband Seth was completing basic training; he later went on to the Ranger Indoctrination Program and eventually deployed himself with the 2nd Ranger Battalion. Those days and weeks after 9/11 were heavy and hectic; my dad was home very little. I was helping take care of my little sister, who was seven at the time. I remember he would call and tell us not to wait up for him; it would be another late night. While most of the world was in shock and mourning, my father and the men in his unit were preparing to risk their lives in defense of our country.
Objective Gecko involved a special operations task force that executed a high-risk strategic raid on the Taliban’s “White House” in Kandahar. On Oct 19, 2001, these brave men ventured deep into enemy territory without reinforcements, boldly facing two enemy divisions equipped with armor, artillery, and air defense systems. It was the highest-risk mission successfully accomplished by the unit, requiring the most extended air assault in history! For their immense bravery, the men of Objective Gecko were awarded a bronze star with valor and a specially constructed dagger forged from the steel of the USS Kitty Hawk from which the mission was launched.
Many of you know we lost my father to suicide in 2015. Attending the Objective Gecko ceremony was an honor and a challenge for me. I wish he had been there to accept these honors he earned, but I’m also grateful to have been part of this significant moment. The memory of this room full of literal warriors singing God bless America will stay with me forever. It was a day filled with pride for my father’s bravery and sorrow for his absence.
The ceremony for Objective Gecko was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve. Despite the emotional challenges, I am grateful for the opportunity to honor my father and reflect on his legacy, which most certainly includes his incredible service to our country. His legacy also includes my family, which I know he would be tremendously proud of!
#RLTW #JSOC #specops
