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Fitch grad retiring from Marine Corps
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Hogan
By DANNY RESTIVO
AUSTINTOWN
After 29 years of service, five deployments and a Bronze Star, a Mahoning County service member is preparing to wear his uniform for the last time.
Master Gunnery Sgt. Robert Hogan, a 1982 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School, is set to retire from the Marine Corps after an illustrious career.
“I’ve been fortunate enough with the career I’ve had,” Hogan said.
Hogan’s Marine Corps journey began a few months after graduation when he entered recruit training at Parris Island, S.C. Throughout his time in the Corps, Hogan served two assignments as a recruit drill instructor, before three tours in support of Operation Enduring freedom, and two in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Though his career has many memories, Hogan points to his first Iraq deployment as one that stands out.
In 2004, Hogan was deployed to Al Anbar province where he helped direct riverboat patrols. With a small group of Marines, he battled insurgents along the Euphrates River. Because of his unit’s size and it’s effect on the enemy, it was one of the proudest moments in his career, he said.
“It was a small group of 100 of us,” said Hogan. “But it turned out very successful.”
Hogan’s not sure what he’s going to do after retirement, but that’s OK with his mother.
“I’m very relieved,” said Judy Hogan. Like many other service members’ loved ones, Judy Hogan watched the news and prayed for her son’s safety while he was overseas. Her greatest anxiety came in late 2004 when the nightly news broadcast images of Marines fighting in Fallujah. Although it may have been hard to watch, she understood her son’s commitment to his country and fellow Marines.
“People say he’s a Marine’s Marine,” she said.
She will be present Friday when her son wears the uniform for the last time during his retirement ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Along with a Bronze Star, Hogan’s personal awards include a three-time Meritorious Service Medal, a three-time Navy/ Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a two-time Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon.