MSG Roland David Hanks

MSG Roland David Hanks, 53, of Fort Bragg passed away Sunday, April 9, 2023 at his home at Fort Bragg, NC. MSG Hanks was born in Carlisle, PA on September 24, 1969 to the late Robert D. Hanks (SFC, RET) and Lore Pfeiffer Hanks. Growing up, Roland was the comedian and performer in the family. He loved music and could sing and play any instrument he picked up. He loved to act silly and make people laugh - but most of all Roland was kind and looked out for others.

Roland started his career as a teacher in Indonesia, where he met his wife, Sherridan. They worked together at a school in Jakarta and were married in Bali in December 2003. Together they shared a love of music, of laughing, and of trying new restaurants everywhere they travelled. Mostly though, they just enjoyed spending time together and truly took great care of each other.

In 2007, they returned to the US and Roland entered the Army as a paralegal. Roland joined the Army later in life – but he could still outrun most soldiers, running for the Army 10-miler team several times over the years. During his 16 years of service, MSG and Mrs. Hanks served at Fort Lee, VA, Fort Polk, LA, the U.S. Embassy in Conakry, Fort Rucker, AL, and Fort Bragg, NC. Roland served with the utmost Honor and Distinction, earning his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership in 2021, and receiving multiple awards and decorations including three Meritorious Service medals, an Army Commendation medal, and a Joint Service Achievement medal.

More important than any award, Roland was regarded by all as a great leader, teacher, and mentor to the soldiers he served with – using his gifts of laughter, kindness, and generosity to improve the lives of all he knew.

Roland is survived by his wife, Sherridan Hanks of Fort Bragg, NC; his brother, Randy Hanks and his wife Judy of Pennington, NJ; his sister, Rebecca and her husband COL (RET) William Coffin of Lorton, VA; his twin sister Evelyn and her husband MAJ (RET) Andrew Johnson of Boise, ID; and his nephews and nieces, Will Hanks, Rachel Coffin and her husband Paul Townsend, Billy Coffin, 2LT Jack Johnson, and Edie Johnson; and his beloved cat, Elvis.

Visitation 10:00 AM -12:00 PM, Saturday, April 29, 2023.

Funeral Services 12:00 PM Saturday, April 29, 2023

All American Chapel, Fort Bragg, NC with Chaplain (MAJ) Patrick Hester officiating.

A repass will be held for the family following the service at the All American Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in MSG Hanks’ honor to:

ASPCA – aspca.org

or 

Team Red, White, and Blue - https://about.teamrwb.org/

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