MGySgt George E. Hijar, USMC, Retired Obituary (1942 - 2022)

MGySGT George E. Hijar USMC, Retired, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. George was born on June 30, 1942 in Hackensack, NJ. After growing up with his family in Mexico, George moved back to the US and, after graduating high school in Wilmington, DE, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. As a Marine George fought in Viet Nam then returned to Parris Island to serve as a Drill Instructor, where he participated as a member of the Special Training Branch that supported ESL recruits. During his career, "Top" Hijar served in Infantry then moved into Public Affairs where he worked as a DINFOS Instructor, the NCOIC for PA staff at HQMC, and eventually won the Thomas Jefferson Award for his work as a combat correspondent. During his more than 30 years of service George also ran 15 marathons, including the Honolulu Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon. After retirement George completed his education at Strayer University, where he earned his BA with honors and became a member of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society. After graduation, George continued to serve his country as a civilian employee of DISA. He also continued his advocacy for Marines and Marine recruits by participating in the Parris Island Share the Legacy Program and volunteering at the Parris Island Museum. George is survived by his wife Maureen Boyd Hijar; their son Mark (Emily); his siblings Robert (Marabeth) and Deborah (Russ) Allison; and his daughter Jennifer Flores. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Parris Island Historical and Museum Society. Graveside services will be held at 10AM on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at the Beaufort National Cemetery with full Military Honors.