Robert Lee Hodo

Robert Lee Hodo was born January 30, 1976, at Olathe, Kansas. He was the son of Howard and Connie (Powell) Hodo of Princeton Kansas. Mr. Hodo grew up in Ottawa. He was stationed at Altus Air Force Base in Oklahoma, prior to transferring a year ago to Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he made his home until his death on Saturday, June 8, 2002 at the age of twenty-six years. Robert graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1994. He was currently majoring and working toward a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice. In September 1999, he completed Airman Leadership School at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. In May 2001 he completed Military Working Dog School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Robert entered the United States Air Force in October 1994, where he received the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant on January 1, 2001. Staff Sergeant Hodo was a Military Working Dog Handler assigned to the 377th Security Forces Squadron, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico and was involved in Operation Enduring Freedom. Robert volunteered for duty in Kuwait on two separate occasions and was planning a third tour of duty later this year. After completion of technical training he was assigned to the 97th Security Forces Squadron as an Installation Entry Controller and Base Patrolman at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Staff Sergeant Hodo arrived at Kirtland in August 2001 where he was assigned to Explosive Detector Dog, Zorro. While at Kirtland Sergeant Hodo and Zorro were tasked numerous times by the United States Secret Service in support of the President of the United States. He was a member of the Community Revival Center Church, Ottawa, Kansas. In August 2001 Robert was united in marriage with Ramona Harrison. She survives of their home. Also surviving, besides his parents and wife, are a stepson, Chad Harrison, of the home; a brother, Daniel Hodo and his wife, Amy, of Princeton, Kansas; paternal grandparents, Gene and Dorthy Hodo, of La Harpe, Kansas. His maternal grandparents, Robert A. and Wilma Pauline Powell, preceded him in death. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held at Community Revival Center Church 10:00am Monday, June 17, 2002. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Pastor Dan Oglesby. IN STATE: Mr. Hodo will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 5:00pm Friday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends 6-8 Sunday evening. CEMETERY: Hope Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas. Military honors by 22nd Air Refueling Wing, McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Ottawa Christian Academy c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.