Over the years, Hank Stratman worked his way up through the ranks of the U.S. Army, and spent more than eight years in overseas combat assignments in Kuwait, Iraq and Bosnia.
But as the retired two-star general explained, one of his most interesting experiences has been the revitalization of commercial property in Jefferson City - a triumph he attributes to his military training.
A native of Vienna, Stratman's military career began to unfold when he enrolled at Lincoln University after graduating from high school in 1968.
"It was affordable and close to home," Stratman said of his decision to study at the local college. Working a construction job full time while going to school, Stratman also participated in the Reserve Officer Training Corps program, which was, at that time, a requirement for all students.