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Rockaway retired Army chief goes to JPMorgan Chase

Michael Izzo
@MIzzoDR

ROCKAWAY - Morris County native Gen. Raymond Odierno’s retirement was short lived, as he accepted a senior adviser job at JPMorgan Chase & Co. less than one week after retiring as chief of staff of the United States Army.

Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno salutes during the playing of taps before the start of the Veterans Day Parade Friday in New York. BOB KARP/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
New York City,  11/11/11--US Army General Raymond T. Odierno salutes during the playing of Taps during opening ceremonies before the start of the 92nd Annual Veterans Day Parade. 
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER/BOB KARP-Daily Record
2011

Odierno, 60, a Rockaway native, retired after 39 years of service Aug. 14 during a two-hour ceremony at Summerall Field in Fort Myers, Va.

At the retirement ceremony Odierno thanked many who helped him through the years, especially his wife Linda.

“Forty-three years we’ve known each other. Through West Point, through 39 years in the Army. She’s always been by my side,” Odierno said. “When I graduated from West Point I told her, we’re going to stay five years and get out. Linda, our five years are up.”

A Yankees fan, Odierno closed his retirement speech paraphrasing Lou Gehrig’s famous speech.

“I feel like I’ve been the luckiest man in the world to serve the Army for 39 years alongside incredible soldiers of tremendous courage, dedication and commitment,” Odierno said. “That’s been my honor for 39 years and I will never, never forget it.”

Odierno’s appointment as senior advisor to JPMorgan Chase was announced Thursday by the company. He will begin work at the firm Sept. 1.

As senior advisor, Odierno will offer strategic advice and global insight to JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, the Board of Directors, and members of the Operating Committee.

"I am proud to announce that General Odierno has joined JPMorgan as a senior advisor," Dimon said. "Ray has dedicated his life to serving our country, rising to the top of the Army with proven leadership that delivers results. His experience, vision and impressive track record of success when confronting overwhelming challenges will provide significant value to our leadership team, the firm and our clients across a wide range of issues."

According to a press release, Odierno will advise the firm’s leadership on issues including international planning and country risk analysis, technology, operations and the rapidly evolving issues of physical and cyber security.

Odierno will also structure and implement training programs and assist on other leadership and workforce development issues, the release said.

Odierno is also expected to represent the firm stateside and internationally by engaging with clients, government officials and policy makers. He will participate in the firm's regional advisory groups in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America.

Odierno will also be a member of JPMorgan Chase’s Military and Veterans Affairs Advisory Council and advise the firm’s Military and Veterans Affairs strategies.

"I'm excited to work with Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon, a leader in the financial industry,” Odierno said. “And to have the opportunity to contribute to JPMorgan Chase – a globally recognized industry leader."

A four-star general, Odierno assumed duty as the 38th Chief of Staff in September 2011.

Odierno has commanded units in Germany, Albania, Kuwait, Iraq, and the United States. He’s commanded units at every level of the Army and served in both the Persian Gulf War and the Iraq War. Odierno led the 4th Infantry Division during the capture of Saddam Hussein.

Odierno also served as assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as the primary military advisory to Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice.

His awards and decorations include four Defense Distinguished Service Medals, two Army Distinguished Service Medals, the Defense Superior Service Medal, six Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, four Meritorious Service Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Badge

Odierno and his wife Linda have three children and four grandchildren.

Odierno graduated the United States Military Academy at West Point and North Carolina State University, where he received a master's degree in Nuclear Effects and Engineering. He also graduated from the Army War College and received a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College.

Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com