10/28/2026
For nearly four decades, General Raymond Thomas Odierno devoted his life to the United States Army, rising from a young artillery officer to one of America's highest-ranking military commanders. He led the 4th Infantry Division during the Iraq War, directed coalition operations during the 2007 troop surge, and eventually became the Army's 38th Chief of Staff. But on October 8, 2021, six years after retiring, the 67-year-old general passed away following a battle with cancer. He left behind his wife, Linda, three children, and a military career that shaped an important chapter of American history.
Before General Raymond Thomas Odierno became one of the most recognizable American military commanders of the Iraq War, he was a young man from New Jersey whose future would become inseparable from the United States Army. Over a 39-year career, he served through the Cold War, the Persian Gulf War, and three deployments to Iraq. His name would eventually become closely associated with some of the most consequential military operations of his generation.
Born on September 8, 1954, in Dover, New Jersey, Raymond grew up in Rockaway Township. His father had served as an Army sergeant during World War II, and Raymond developed a strong interest in sports. He played football, basketball, and baseball in high school before attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1976 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Burkarth, who would accompany him through decades of military life.
His early assignments took him to Germany and Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he developed his experience leading artillery soldiers. He later served in Europe during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the American-led effort to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait in 1990–1991. As his responsibilities increased, Odierno continued his military education, earning advanced degrees while preparing for senior command positions.
In October 2001, he assumed command of the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. When the United States invaded Iraq in March 2003, his division deployed as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, conducting operations across the country. In December, soldiers from the division, working alongside special operations personnel, participated in the mission that captured former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein near Tikrit. The operation became one of the most widely recognized events of the war.
But the Iraq conflict did not end with the removal of Saddam's government. Sectarian violence and insurgent attacks continued, placing American troops and Iraqi civilians in increasing danger. By December 2006, Odierno had returned to Iraq as commander of Multi-National Corps–Iraq, responsible for directing coalition combat operations during a particularly difficult period.
In 2007, American forces began implementing a troop increase commonly known as the surge. Working within the command structure led by General David Petraeus, Odierno directed major operations intended to improve security, confront insurgent groups, and reduce violence. American units established positions closer to Iraqi communities while conducting operations against armed groups. Violence declined substantially during 2007 and 2008, although the relative importance of the surge, Iraqi political developments, and local ceasefires remains a subject of historical analysis.
In September 2008, Odierno became the senior commander of Multi-National Force–Iraq, taking responsibility for American and coalition military operations across the country. He later commanded United States Forces–Iraq, overseeing the transition as American troop numbers declined and Iraqi security forces assumed increasing responsibility. By the time he completed his final tour in September 2010, he had spent more than fifty months serving in Iraq.
His family also understood the personal cost of war. His eldest son, Anthony “Tony” Odierno, served as an Army officer and lost his left arm following a rocket-propelled gr***de attack in Iraq in 2004. The general was therefore not only a commander responsible for thousands of deployed soldiers but also the father of a wounded combat veteran.
On September 7, 2011, Odierno became the 38th Chief of Staff of the United States Army, its senior uniformed officer. He led the service during a period of changing military commitments and declining defense budgets, while overseeing efforts to modernize the force and expand opportunities for women in military training. After completing his tenure, he retired in August 2015.
During his years of service, Odierno earned numerous military decorations, including multiple Distinguished Service Medals, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal. Yet those who remembered him after his death often spoke about his personal qualities as much as his military accomplishments. Fellow officers described a commander who maintained strong relationships with his soldiers and remained deeply committed to their welfare.
On October 8, 2021, Raymond Odierno died in Southern Pines, North Carolina. His family confirmed that cancer had taken his life but did not publicly disclose further medical details. His death was not combat-related. News of his passing brought tributes from former colleagues, military leaders, and the soldiers who had served under his command.
For Linda and their children, Tony, Katie, and Mike, the loss was deeply personal. They had shared the demands of his military career through long separations, deployments, and the responsibilities that accompanied his rise to senior leadership. The Army had been a central part of their family life for decades, but behind the four stars on his uniform was a husband and father whose presence could never be replaced.
General Raymond T. Odierno lived through an extraordinary period of American military history. From leading artillery soldiers as a young officer to directing operations involving thousands of troops, he carried responsibilities that few military leaders ever experience.
His service remains part of the Army's history, alongside the sacrifices of the men and women who served under his command.
Rest peacefully, General Raymond Thomas Odierno. Your lifetime of service and dedication to American soldiers will never be forgotten.
This true story is based on historical records. This post is for educational purposes.
Sources: U.S. Army Center of Military History; U.S. Army Official Biography; Joint Chiefs of Staff; Association of the United States Army; Associated Press, October 9, 2021; The Washington Post; Army Times.
