Hodgen earns Bronze Star

Air Force Capt. Ronald K. Hodgen has been decorated with the Bronze Star Medal for serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The medal is awarded to an individual who, while serving in the U.S. armed forces, has performed a heroic act, meritorious achievement or distinguished service during armed conflict or ground combat while engaged against an armed enemy of the United States.
Capt. Hodgen received the medal for exceptionally meritorious service as a member of the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He managed the anesthetic care of more than 120 patients seen for surgical intervention while deployed to a forward remote firebase.  His complete and steadfast approach to caring for his patients led to 100 percent successful airway securement, even in the facial trauma and burn patients.
Additionally, Hodgen was recognized for his superior teaching skills as he further enhanced team effectiveness by teaching airway management and intubation techniques to Australian Special Forces medics, U.S. Special Forces medics, Air Force pararescuemen, and Army flight medics.
Hodgen is nurse anesthetist regularly assigned to the 96th Air Base Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Valparaiso, Fla.  The captain has served in the military for 10 years.
He is the son of Ronald L. and Ellen A. Hodgen of Somerville.
The captain graduated in 1988 from Hartselle High School.
and earned a master’s degree in 2007 from Uniformed Services University of the Health Services, Bethesda, Md.