Gary Hughes

United States Army Major Gary Hughes passed away on February 28, 2018, after a courageous battle with service-connected cancer. 

Hughes grew up in Cicero, Illinois, where he was raised by his mother alongside his two younger brothers. Seeking a brighter future and an opportunity to help support his family, Hughes began his military service on February 8, 1986, when he enlisted at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After completing Officer Candidate School, he received his commission as a Military Police Officer on May 7, 1992. Over the course of more than three decades of service, he served in the Army National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Army Reserve, holding numerous leadership positions both stateside and overseas. His assignments included Operations Officer with the 327th Military Police Battalion, deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, G8 Quality Review Officer with the 416th Theater Engineer Command, and Historian with the 416th. 

A lifelong learner and dedicated leader, Hughes completed numerous military courses, including the Military Officer Basic Course, Counterinsurgency Course, Military History Detachment Course, and Military Police Captain Career Course. His distinguished service was recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NATO Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with the “M” Device, and the Combat Action Badge. Through his service, leadership, and selfless dedication to others, Hughes left a lasting impact on his fellow service members, colleagues, family, and community. 

Hughes served as a Provost Marshal in Afghanistan, where he played a critical role in maintaining order and accountability during challenging circumstances. Following terrorist attacks and other serious incidents, he ensured that witnesses were interviewed thoroughly, evidence was recovered properly, and investigations were conducted with professionalism and respect. His attention to detail, integrity, and dedication to justice helped ensure that difficult situations were handled with dignity and care. 

Throughout his life, Hughes demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving and protecting others. One of the most remarkable examples of his courage occurred when he witnessed a devastating car accident and found the driver trapped inside the vehicle. Thinking quickly, Hughes covered the victim with dirt to help protect him and increase his chances of survival until emergency responders arrived. His heroic actions earned him a Lifesaving Award from the Chicago Police Department. 

Sometimes the most life-changing moments begin with the simplest decisions. Hughes met the love of his life, Kimberly, when she agreed to pick up an extra shift at work to earn some extra Christmas money. It was a day she had not originally been scheduled to work, and that simple decision would change her life forever. When Hughes walked in with a fellow Army officer, Kimberly froze, exhaled, and felt as though she had seen their entire future together in an instant. From that moment on, she was certain she was going to marry him. 

Together, Hughes and Kimberly built a life centered on love, family, and cherished moments. One of their favorite traditions was returning each year to the special place where they were married. They also treasured watching their son, Justin, and daughter, Kaylee, grow up together. Whether they were pushing the children on the swings at the park, spending a day at the zoo, taking weekend getaways, or simply enjoying life’s simple moments, they found joy in life’s simple moments. As Kimberly reflects on their years together, more than anything, she misses holding his hand. 

Hughes leaves behind a legacy of hope. Despite witnessing the realities of war, fear, and suffering throughout his life and military service, he never lost faith in the goodness of people or the possibility of a better future. He cared deeply about others and made a genuine effort to stay connected with family and friends, often reaching out to check on them and asking how they were doing. Hughes believed in second chances and viewed each day as an opportunity for a fresh start. Above all, Hughes will be remembered for his ability to see the good in others and for the kindness, grace, and hope he shared with all those around him. 

Hughes’ legacy continues through his family and the values he instilled in them. Today, Kimberly and their children are all pursuing higher education at Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Inspired by his example of service and dedication to others, Kimberly and Kaylee are pursuing careers as educators, and Justin became a police officer. Together, they are committed to educating, serving, and helping others become the very best they can be. In doing so, they proudly honor the life, service, and enduring legacy of Hughes. 

United States Army Major Gary Hughes is survived by his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their beloved children, Justin and Kaylee. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Hughes family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.