Those that don combat boots and head downrange are always classified as heroes, but there's a rare few who keep selflessly serving long after their uniforms have been hung up in the closet.

By either measure, retired Maj. Gen. John A. Hemphill, a Steilacoom resident and noted community leader, is a hero in every sense of the word.

"My motivation is the American soldier and their families," he said. "That is my focus."

However, while his focus will never waver, Hemphill is ready to surrender the spotlight.

"I am stepping back from many of my leadership roles," admitted Hemphill. "I'm still around, but I'm just participating as a member now. It was time to give others a chance to lead and give myself a rest."

Indeed, after so many decades of service, Hemphill, who recently turned 85, has earned that rest.

Hemphill graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and entered into a 34-year Army career during which he commanded during the Korean War and served two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars and three Bronze Star Medals for Valor, as well as three Purple Hearts.

Off the battlefield, Hemphill, and his wife of more than 60 years, Peggy, have raised five daughters and have 12 grandchildren, many of whom have pursued military careers.

Most recently, Hemphill was involved with organizing the Massing of the Colors ceremony that was held Sept. 11 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. As part of the Military Order or World Wars, which is in charge of promoting the historical flag ceremony, Hemphill met with I Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Robert Brown and the two agreed to integrate the Massing of the Colors with JBLM's Patriot Day commemoration.

"It is a patriotic and serious ceremony meant to honor those that are serving and those have died," said Hemphill. "It needs to be continued."

Many of Hemphill's largest contributions have been done through the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), of which he's been a member since 1956. In 2008, Hemphill was recognized for these accomplishments and awarded the General Creighton W. Abrams Medal for exceptional service to the United States Army.

During his tenure as the president of the local AUSA chapter and then the president of the entire AUSA Sixth Region, he initiated and created the Captain Meriwether Lewis Memorial Park, which is outside the main gate on JBLM, and, even after he gave up the title, he championed the concept of 12 local AUSA subchapters, which has been successful beyond even his own expectations.

"John Hemphill is a huge asset to the Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter of AUSA. His ambition and passion has rubbed off on all of us, and he's truly driven by his compassion for soldiers and their families," offered Carlene Joseph, local AUSA president. "I, personally, feel very blessed that he's part of our team and he's a ‘huge player' in the chapter's overall success."

Hemphill has also worked with the Steilacoom Historical School District, spearheading the program to fundraise and install a statue of Chloe Clark within the district. Subsequently he was awarded the Washington Association of School Administrators Community Service Award. He also created the Steilacoom Kiwanis Club and helped found the Steilacoom Chamber of Commerce.

"God is good to me," he replied when asked why he has continued to work so hard. "My West Point class is a known quantity and I think we're down to less than 50 percent of the class still being around.

"I hope that others continue to donate their time and energy. It's simple. You give back to the country that gave to you, that's how I see it."