From ROA Executive Director
Jeffrey E. Phillips
Maj. Gen., USA (Ret.)
Members of the Reserve Organization of America:
It is with profound sadness that we bring to you the news of the death Sunday in Waterloo, Iowa, of ROA’s beloved lifetime member and leader, retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Evan L. Hultman. Click here for General Hultman’s obituary.
General Hultman – “Curly” – perhaps more than any member in memory personified the founding purpose and spirit of ROA. Like the founders, he was a veteran of world war who returned home to help forge a new post-war America, ever mindful of the need for military readiness. He committed himself unreservedly and joyously to family and community. He joined ROA in June 1947, serving in leadership roles through some of our association’s most momentous decades. His service peaked as national president from 1981-1982, and executive director from 1986-1993.
Curly recognized the importance of international coordination among NATO allies and was an early and steadfast champion of the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers, the CIOR, an organization of reserve NATO officers. He was one of only two officers to be named by CIOR an honorary chairman for life.
Curly received the Army’s Distinguished Service Medal from President Reagan in 1984 and the U.S. Secretary of Defense Distinguished Public Service Medal in 1994, as well as decorations from the Czech Republic and the crown prince of Denmark.
Curly Hultman’s life was devoted to others. During that lifetime, he was recognized with awards and recognitions from presidents, royalty, and the influential that could fill walls.
Yet I daresay that the signal honor for Curly Hultman is that above all he served family, community, nation, and his fellow service members, veterans, and their families.
His was a life well led, and an inspiration to us all.
Thank you, Maj. Gen. Evan L. “Curly” Hultman. May your towering and loving spirit find peace in God’s grace.
From ROA National President
Layne R. Wroblewski
Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.)
My fellow members:
With a heavy heart, I share the deeply saddening news of the passing of one of our most esteemed leaders, Major General Evan “Curly” Hultman. On Sunday, he transitioned from our beloved homeland into the serene embrace of the universe, touching the face of God at the remarkable age of 99.
Many of you had the privilege of knowing General Hultman personally. He dedicated his life to uplifting thousands, if not tens of thousands, of service members, community members, and legal professionals. He was a brilliant lawyer who served Iowa as Attorney General and maintained a law practice for many years. The Army recognized his exceptional leadership qualities and honored him to lead the Army Reserve from 1983 to 1984. His contributions were acknowledged by multiple Presidents, including President Reagan, who awarded him the Distinguished Service Medal. Once more called to serve, General Hultman became a pivotal figure in the success of the Interallied Confederation of Reserve Officers, earning the title of Honorary Chairman for life. He significantly impacted our association as National President from 1981 to 1982 and later served as our transformative Executive Director from 1986 to 1993.
Curly was truly the voice of wisdom in our association. His presence was invaluable; leaders sought his counsel during national meetings where he was present. He shared in our joy during the rededication of General Pershing’s statue near the Willard InterContinental Washington Hotel, standing proud in full dress uniform to salute in his 90s.
In the coming days and weeks, we will honor and celebrate General Hultman’s incredible life and legacy. It is both a privilege and a profound responsibility for us to carry on his legacy, knowing that we can never truly fill the shoes he wore. His strength, humility, and passion are irreplaceable qualities. He was a true hero; our association and nation have lost a majestic warrior and a dedicated servant. We will forever cherish his memory.