The United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School honored 12 veterans and three active-duty soldiers on Friday, May 29, in an awards ceremony that paid homage to Special Forces, Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations histories.
One of those honorees was long-time Moorestown resident Maj. Gen. Steven Hashem, now retired, who was honored as a Distinguished Member of the Civil Affairs Regiment for his lifetime achievements in Special Operations.
“It is very special and humbling to be recognized by the people in the community that I’ve given so many years of my life to. This isn’t just for a single event; it’s a lifetime award. I’ve spent two-thirds of my life in the military. To receive this award is satisfying and humbling, especially to receive it with the other people there,” Hashem said.
Hashem was born and raised in Concord, N.H., and is a 1970 graduate of Concord High School. He joined the military because of his patriotism for his country and a desire for selfless service. When he got the opportunity to go to West Point, one of the top United States military academies, that sealed the deal.
“I wanted to represent my country in a meaningful way and do something for other people,” Hashem said.
Hashem graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1974 as a second lieutenant and served for 37 years on both active and reserve duty in the United States, Germany, Bosnia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq.
“West Point is a great institution and great place. My closest friends are my classmates and those who served with me in the Army during my career. It is all about that bond that is formed because of the challenging times and the trust built between you,” Hashem said.
Hashem, an infantry officer by trade, served in 18 civil affairs assignments and commanded 11 units in both peace and war in Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations.
“I was involved more in Civil Affairs, like nation building and restoration. My role was really more as a warrior diplomat, not really fighting, but nation building and helping people,” Hashem said.
In 1991, he deployed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield as a Civil Affairs plans officer. Hashem also deployed to Bosnia in 1998 for Operation Joint Forge as deputy commander of Combined Joint Civil Military Task Force.
Later, Hashem would develop a training program for civil affairs soldiers that would become the standard for U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command.
He deployed once again to the Middle East in 2004 as commanding general of Task Force 353 and director of Civil-Military Operations Directorate, Multi-National Forces Iraq. Upon his return to the United States one year later in 2005, he concluded his military career with assignments as president of Joint Special Operations University and director of training, knowledge and futures for the United States Special Operations Command and director of Coalition Coordination Center at the United States Central Command, where he was responsible for coordinating international support to coalition operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and for overseeing representatives from 60 different nations.
“The people in Bosnia and Iraq needed our assistance. We helped families and children out and gave them hope for a better life. That is one of the most satisfying aspects of being in the military for me. That and working with young soldiers and people I served with; I wouldn’t have attained the levels that I did without their help, and to see many of them become successful is satisfying,” Hashem said.
His military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (second award), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, numerous international decorations to include the Polish Gold Star and Berlin Occupation Medal as well as the Ranger, Airborne and the Expert Infantryman Badges.
“It isn’t about me. This award belongs to all of the people who served with and helped me be successful. I didn’t get to where I was without a lot of good people helping/looking out for me. I have been very fortunate in my life. It is a reflection on them and all of the units/organizations I served in,” Hashem said.
Hashem also worked for Lockheed Martin for 27 years where he was an engineer, senior manager and executive. In addition to his BS degree in engineering from West Point, he has an MBA from The Wharton School and a MA in international relations from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences from the University of Pennsylvania.
He lives in Moorestown with his wife Martha Harris and is on the faculty of the Thayer Leadership Development Group, an executive leadership training consulting firm located at West Point as a senior advisor.
