Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Leo J. Violette, 75, of Fayetteville, died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008, in his home. Mr. Violette was a veteran of the Korean War and the Vietnam War. During his military service of 28 years, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, ARCOM 3rd OLC, U.N. Service Medal, Combat Medic Badge and numerous other medals and citations. Highlights of his career included serving as a Green Beret in Special Forces, 82nd Airborne training, and field medic. He attended the first class of the Sergeant Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas. He served his last tour as the command sergeant major for Dwight D. Eisenhower Medical Center on Fort Gordon, Ga. Upon retirement from the military, he received his bachelor of arts degree in social work from Methodist College. He worked with the Cumberland County Department of Social Services for 10 years. Over his lifetime, he was a Little League coach, Boy Scout leader, former member of Knights of Columbus, avid fisherman and nature lover. He was also a member of the VFW in Supply and a member of the Special Forces Association, Chapter XVIII. He will be remembered for his strong commitment to family, community and country. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rachel Violette, "the girl next door," of the home; three sons, Leo J. Violette Jr. (Tina) of Sudbury, Canada, Cal Violette (Allison) of Fayetteville, and John Violette (Nikki) of Florence, S.C.; two daughters, Terry Jones of Clayton and Gale Greene (Mike) of Angier; and six grandchildren. He is also survived by five brothers, Roland, Claude, Clarence, Rodney and Lloyd; and three sisters, Irene, Rachel and Norma. The family will receive friends at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home in Fayetteville from 7 to 9 this evening, Jan. 29, 2008. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008, at JFK Memorial Chapel on Fort Bragg. Graveside services, with full military honors, will follow immediately at Cumberland Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The CARE Clinic, 239 Robeson St., Fayetteville, NC 28301; or to a preferred charity.