Dennis Via Inducted into 82nd Airborne Hall of Fame

General Dennis Via (Ret.) is one of only twelve U.S. Army African-American four-star generals in the U.S. Army’s 248-year history, and the first and only commissioned Signal Corps officer to achieve the rank of four-star general. On May 24, the Booz Allen executive vice president added yet another milestone to his exceptional career: induction into the 82nd Airborne Division Hall of Fame.

“This is our hallowed area where we put names up that had an impact not only on our division but on our country,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, commander of the 82nd Airborne Division, at the honorees’ induction ceremony.

During his 36-year military career, Dennis commanded at all levels. He began his career at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, serving as a platoon leader in the XVIII Airborne Corps Signal Brigade. He served in the All-American Division in four positions over the course of seven years, including as assistant division signal officer in the division headquarters and operations and executive officer for the 82nd Signal Battalion. He returned to the division to command the 82nd Signal Battalion. He later served as commanding general of the U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC), the largest logistics command within the Department of Defense, which develops and delivers readiness solutions for global land force capabilities. 

Known as “America’s Guard of Honor,” the 82nd Airborne Division’s mission is “to, within 18 hours of notification, strategically deploy, conduct forcible entry parachute assault, and secure key objectives for follow-on military operations in support of U.S. national interests.”

The Hall of Fame induction, which took place at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, honors veteran service, lifelong commitment to the division’s values, valorous combat action, and contributions to their field outside of the division.

“General Via’s passionate service to our nation and commitment to the highest standards of performance and conduct set the bar for each of us,” said Booz Allen President and CEO Horacio Rozanski. “He has dedicated himself to his country, to addressing inequality in all forms, and to creating a better, purpose-driven future for us all. It is wonderful to see his contributions achieve such worthy recognition, and on behalf of Booz Allen, I am proud to congratulate Dennis on receiving this prestigious honor.”

Dennis joined Booz Allen in 2017 following his retirement from the Army. He is currently the firm’s executive vice president for corporate engagement, bringing invaluable experience and perspective to the company and its clients.

True to his lifelong commitment to developing, supporting, and empowering others, Dennis is also a leader in the firm’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. He serves as a co-chair of the firm’s DEI executive council. In addition, he plays an active role in many of Booz Allen’s ongoing DEI and employee engagement activities, from leading employee fireside chats to serving as executive sponsor of the firm’s Military and Veterans business resource group and executive leader development. He is also chair of the corporate ethics and compliance committee.