By SOWF President & CEO Major General (Retired) Clayton Hutmacher
Reflecting on my journey from a private in the United States Marine Corps to a Major General in the U.S. Army, I am reminded of the pivotal moments and the extraordinary people who shaped my path.
I enlisted in the Marine Corps on January 4, 1978, driven by a desire to serve my country. The rigor and discipline of the Marines instilled in me the core values that would guide me throughout my career. However, my journey took a significant turn in May 1984 when I transferred to the Army to pursue my passion for aviation through the Warrant Officer Flight Training program. This transition marked the beginning of a new chapter, where I discovered the exhilarating world of military aviation.
Upon completing Officer Candidate School and the Aviation Officer’s Basic Course, I received my commission as a Second Lieutenant of Aviation in October 1987. After completing my initial officer training, I assessed and was accepted into the 160th Special Operations Aviation Group (Airborne), a unit renowned for its exceptional capabilities and high-stakes missions.
My tenure with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers) became a cornerstone of my career. Over three tours, including roles as the Executive Officer of 1st Battalion, Commander of 1st Battalion, Regimental Commander, and ultimately the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Special Operations Aviation Command (USASOAC), I honed my leadership skills and deepened my commitment to special operations. Each mission, whether it involved direct action, reconnaissance, or support, reinforced the critical importance of teamwork, precision, and resilience.
One of the most defining moments came during my command of the 1st Battalion. Leading my battalion through challenging missions at an unprecedented operational tempo, I witnessed firsthand the extraordinary bravery and unwavering commitment to the special operations forces they support that defines Night Stalkers. These encounters were not without sacrifice, and the weight of responsibility for my soldiers’ lives was a constant presence. However, it was their unwavering spirit and professionalism that continually inspired me to strive daily to be a better version of myself.
After retiring from active duty, I was acutely aware of the unique challenges faced by the families of fallen and wounded Special Operations Personnel. This awareness drove my transition to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF). As someone who has experienced firsthand the sacrifices made by military families, I felt a profound duty to support these families in any way I could.
As the President and CEO of SOWF, my focus has been to expand the foundation’s reach and impact. We focused on enhancing our programs to provide comprehensive educational support to the children of fallen Special Operations Personnel and all Medal of Honor Recipients. In addition, we have since expanded eligibility to children of deceased spouses of active-duty Special Operators, recognizing the critical role spouses play in the lives of our families. These children now receive the same benefits as all other children in SOWF’s educational programs. Another part of our mission includes immediate financial assistance to severely wounded, ill, and injured Special Operators.
One of my proudest achievements has been assisting with the introduction of educational counseling and mentorship programs. As a team we recognized that financial support alone was not enough; these families and students needed ongoing guidance and resources to navigate the complexities of higher education and career planning. By adopting this holistic approach, we have significantly increased the success rates of our scholarship recipients, empowering them to achieve their full potential.
My leadership style is deeply rooted in empathy, strategic vision, and a relentless commitment to our mission. At SOWF, we have fostered a culture of transparency and accountability, ensuring that every dollar donated directly benefits the families we serve. Connecting with donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries has been incredibly rewarding and has strengthened our community and expanded our support base.
My journey from the battlefield to the boardroom has been marked by an unwavering dedication to service. The principles of duty, honor, and compassion that guided me in the military continue to drive my work at SOWF. By supporting the families of fallen SOF heroes, we honor their legacy and ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
This work is more than a career; it is an honor. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to be part of Special Operations Warrior Foundation and to make a difference in the lives of our families. This is my story, and it is a privilege to share it with you.
