FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Army has given an unusual honor to a Valley native who served with the military branch's Delta Force.
Normally, the Army will not dedicate anything — such as a building — in the name of a veteran unless that veteran is dead.
Not so for Dennis Wolfe, 65, a retired sergeant major who served with the hostage rescue, counter-terrorism unit when it began in 1978. The name of the Port Trevorton native now graces a deployment building at Kirkland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, N.M. The building is used by the 21st Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Weapons of Mass Destruction Company, and houses equipment for rapid deployment.
"It's quite an honor," said Wolfe, a nationally recognized expert in EOD and special operations. "I was very humbled by the whole affair."
His VIP treatment continued recently when he was honored with a ride in a submarine from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to its home port in San Diego.
"It was like being home again," said Wolfe, who retired in March after 48 years in military and civilian federal service.
He returned home Thursday to Fayetteville, N.C., following his adventure in the $2 billion submarine, commanded by one of his former workers.
Wolfe served in Delta Force's Combat Applications Group, developing an explosive ordnance disposal capability, and equipment and techniques for explosive entry into buildings.
Tried to help Americans held hostage in Iran
He was also involved in the rescue attempt of Americans held hostage in Iran in 1980, served in Grenada, and performed a number of other classified missions that he cannot talk about.
He served 25 years in active duty with the Army, and 23 years in civil service with the Joint Special Operation Command, which deals with all four branches of the military. Headquarters are in Fort Bragg, N.C.
Wolfe traveled to Iraq during his civilian service, spending 4½ months, from 2007 and 2008, working under Gen. Stanley McChrystal.
"I took every challenge that came along," Wolfe said. "There was always something interesting in the new assignment."
Teen wanted to see the world
He lived in Port Trevorton until he was 18 — in 1962, when he graduated from high school. That fall, he joined the Army.
"I didn't know what I wanted to do," he said, "but my family didn't have much money and schooling was out of the question. I wanted to see the world, and I figured one way to do it was joining the military."
He was one of six children. His father had two jobs most of the time, he said, in order to support them.
"When it came time to enlist, there was nothing back in Selinsgrove for me," he said. "I kept re-enlisting, and before I knew it, I turned around and had 24 years in."
Wolfe said he enjoyed the camaraderie with the people with whom he worked. They became closer than even his own family, he said.
He later got a degree in psychology from Campbell University in North Carolina.
Chief of staff approves building dedication
Those who wanted to honor him by dedicating a building in his name were told they couldn't dedicate anything unless the person is dead. But, it was later approved by the Air Force chief of staff. The building was dedicated as "Wolfe's Gate."
Wolfe received a Lifetime Achievement award, and the American Preparedness Defense Association Award for Exceptional Contributions in Support of Special Operations. Other awards include the Superior Civilian Service Award, Fort Bragg's Executive of the Year Award, the Order of the Dragon Award from the Chemical Corps, and the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe Award. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and various other unit and campaign medals.
Wolfe said he returns to the Selinsgrove area every fall, and for class reunions. He has two sisters and two brothers living in the Valley.
He and his wife, Coralee, live in Fayetteville. They have two daughters, Carrie and Sarah.
n E-mail comments to tpursell@dailyitem.com.
