News Summary
Beaufort, SC held a touching ceremony to honor its veterans, celebrating their service and sacrifices. Featured veterans included Patrick Pylant, Paul Patterson, Mike Tollison, Jacqueline Johnson, and Kevin Egan, each sharing inspiring stories from their military careers. This event highlights the community’s gratitude and recognition of the essential role veterans play in preserving freedoms and contributing to local culture.
Beaufort Honors Local Veterans for Their Service
Beaufort, SC – In a heartwarming tribute to the pillars of the community, Beaufort recently celebrated its veterans, honoring their dedicated service to the nation. Among those recognized were Patrick Pylant, Paul Patterson, Mike Tollison, Jacqueline Johnson, and Kevin Egan, each of whom shared unique stories of bravery and commitment during their military careers.
Patrick Pylant: A Navy Veteran with Lifesaving Experience
Patrick Pylant, 63, joined the United States Navy in Charleston in 1979. After completing Boot Camp in Great Lakes, Illinois, and machinist mate school, he was assigned to the USS Brumby (FF-1044) based in Charleston. During his service aboard the Brumby, Pylant made two deployments to the Mediterranean and assisted in combating a fire on an Army Corps of Engineers dredge in Charleston harbor, for which he earned a Coast Guard Unit Commendation.
His service included being stationed off Beirut during the U.S. Embassy bombing, where he contributed to recovery operations. Pylant continued his naval career on the submarine tender USS Hunley (AS-31) in Scotland and faced natural disasters, including the Mount Pinatubo eruption and a major earthquake in Guam. He completed his service in 1997, having earned the Enlisted Surface Warfare Pin, and later worked with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Alaska before moving to Beaufort in 2023.
Paul Patterson: A Marine Corps Veteran
Paul Patterson, 76, served in the United States Marine Corps. His path to service reflects a commitment to leadership and community. Further details on Patterson’s specific contributions and experiences during his service were also noted during the event, highlighting the significant role that veterans play in the local history of Beaufort.
Mike Tollison: A Tenured Naval Reserve Officer
Mike Tollison, 83, began his military journey with the United States Naval Reserve in 1963. After completing Boot Camp at Great Lakes, he trained as a Storekeeper, balancing his miltary training with civilian employment at the Tennessee Valley Authority while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Tollison’s military career advanced as he took on roles involving nuclear weapons ordinance and officer recruitment.
He returned to active duty in 1985, focusing on training manual development and later counseling service members in career transitions. After a distinguished career spanning over three decades, he retired in 1997 with the rank of Captain (O-6) and later engaged in education roles in North Carolina and Texas before moving to Yemassee in 2017.
Jacqueline Johnson: A Rising Navy Star
Scarcity of recent representation among veterans was addressed by highlighting the presence of Jacqueline Johnson, 28, who joined the U.S. Navy in 2017. After basic training at Great Lakes, she specialized as a Culinary Specialist and has since traveled the world aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). Johnson now serves at Naval Hospital Beaufort, managing food services for hospital patients and also pursues her passion for writing, having published poems including “Mend Me.”
Kevin Egan: A Lifesaving Air Force Experience
Kevin Egan, 74, a graduate of The Citadel, began his military career in the U.S. Air Force in 1972, completing emergency medical service training. His remarkable service saw him deployed with the Peace Corps in Paraguay and later in various Air Force units, handling medical evacuations during critical military operations, including Desert Shield/Storm. Egan retired after 30 years of service as a Major, receiving seven Commendation Medals for his efforts. He currently serves as president of the Recreational Shrimpers of South Carolina.
Conclusion
As Beaufort continues to honor its veterans, events like this remind the community of the brave men and women who serve and protect the country. Their sacrifices and contributions, both in and out of uniform, shape the local culture and encourage new generations to appreciate and uphold the values of service and dedication.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Beaufort County Elections Signal Shift Toward Conservatism
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Beaufort Honors Veteran Paul Patterson for His Valor and Community Service
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Additional Resources
- Veteran of the Week: Prestine Alexander
- Wikipedia: Military Veteran
- Veteran of the Week: Mike Tollison
- Google Search: Military Service Veterans
- Veteran of the Week: Jacqueline Johnson
- Google Scholar: Military Veterans Support
- Veteran of the Week: Kevin Egan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Military Veteran
- Beaufort County Post 15 Tryouts
- Google News: Beaufort Veterans
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
