It is with deep sadness that Lewis & Clark Young Marines shares the news of the passing of long-time staff member GySgt John P. Hudson USMC (ret.). He passed the afternoon of 1/9/2024.

Gunny Hudson joined our staff in the spring of 2004 and served much of his time as our Training Officer. He moved into a more specialized role in 2018 and took on coordinating and facilitating the promotion testing for our Young Marines, where he remained until his passing. He was a loyal and dependable staff member who regularly attended our drills and Study Nights.

The Young Marines loved him and his knowledge, his joi de vivre, and his patience. He was a fan favorite for PO/EO sign offs and would oftentimes be found with a line of YMs waiting for him to sign their guidebooks. Many of our former YMs speak of Gunny fondly and he was integral to many of their lives. Who can ever forget his map & compass or his land navigation classes?

His 20 years of service to this unit will be a very hard act to follow and we are definitely going to miss him. Fair seas and following winds, Gunny. We are profoundly grateful for and respectful of all you have done for our unit. It never went unnoticed your great personal sacrifice so the Young Marines in our unit could grow into successful and accomplished adults. Thank you for your dedicated service, Gunny. Until we meet again … your Lewis & Clark family