The former general died of cancer at the age of 67.
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“Ray was a giant in military circles — dedicated first and always to the service members he commanded and served alongside,” President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden said in a statement. “And through almost four decades of service to our nation in uniform, he helped grow the United States Army into the modern fighting force it is today.”
The Bidens noted that Odierno was in command when their late son, Beau, was serving in Iraq.
“When we think back on our time as Vice President and Second Lady, Ray was part of some of our most poignant memories — ones that will be with us for the rest of our lives,” the Bidens wrote.
“Ray Odierno was such a powerful, positive, uplifting person,” said Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “He dedicated his life’s work to serving others and his was a life well lived. He will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him and serve with him.”
Stars and Stripes, the military’s longtime chronicle of its own, said, “An imposing figure, at 6-5 and 250 pounds, with a shaved head, Gen. Raymond Odierno had an affable nature and developed a strong rapport with his troops. He was considered one of the Army’s most capable battlefield leaders.“
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