Hugh “Doc” Hopson is a decorated United States Navy veteran whose life has been defined by service, leadership, and integrity. After high school he enlisted in the Navy, completed Hospital Corpsman training at Great Lakes, joined the Fleet Marine Force, and was assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines.
In Vietnam he took part in combat operations from Deckhouse V through Operation Prairie IV, and later served with 3rd Medical Battalion at Phu Bai. He was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Doc went on to a 42-year career in insurance and financial services. He started as a branch manager in consumer finance, joined Allstate Insurance, and advanced through sales management, leadership, and compliance roles. He finished his career as a State Compliance Officer overseeing more than 250 Registered Representatives, and retired in 2012. He is the proud father of five and grandfather of eleven.
A Life Member since 1989, Doc has worked with his fellow Board members to strengthen governance, modernize operations, and build local chapters. He believes the Association’s defining challenge is engaging new generations of Marines while preserving the proud traditions of The Walking Dead.