News Summary
Beaufort County celebrated local veterans at American Legion Post 207, highlighting their diverse military backgrounds and contributions to the community. Among those honored were veterans from various branches, showcasing their dedication and resilience. Their experiences enrich Beaufort County, inspiring others as they continue to serve even after military life.
Beaufort County is honoring local veterans at American Legion Post 207, celebrating their service and contributions both during and after military life. Among the honored are individuals with diverse military backgrounds, encompassing different branches of the armed forces and various roles. These veterans have not only served their country but have also integrated into the community, offering their rich experiences and skills to further strengthen Beaufort County.
Bob McClure, a 73-year-old veteran, joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1963 and transitioned through various training phases, including Boot Camp and Advanced Infantry Training at Parris Island. As a radio operator stationed at Camp Lejeune, McClure also undertook vehicle maintenance roles and participated in extensive training exercises across the United States, including mountain warfare training in California and amphibious training in Virginia. He was discharged as a Sergeant in 1969 and later returned to Pennsylvania to support the family defense industry business. Currently, McClure resides in Beaufort County and is a proud member of the Disabled American Veterans organization, having a 100% VA disability rating attributed to his service at Camp Lejeune.
Pioneering the integration movement at Beaufort High School, Prestine Alexander, 72, marked her legacy by joining the U.S. Air Force in 1977. After completing Basic Training at Lackland AFB, she served in various capacities, ultimately specializing in administration and Command and Control. Alexander’s military career spanned prestigious assignments, including tracking military assets at U.S. Navy Base Keflavik in Iceland, and culminated in her retirement as a Master Sergeant in 1997. Following her military tenure, she worked as a paralegal for a decade before returning to Beaufort County in 2015, where she also participates as a member of DAV.
Another significant figure, Kevin Egan, 74, is an alumni of The Citadel and joined the United States Air Force in 1972. Egan underwent Basic Training at Lackland AFB and completed his Emergency Medical Service (EMS) training at Shepherd AFB. His extensive service included pivotal roles in major rescue operations, such as the crises in Jonestown and Peru. Egan also actively participated in military actions in Grenada and served during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. After three decades of dedicated service, he retired as a Major and currently leads the Recreational Shrimpers of South Carolina.
Young and dynamic, Jacqueline Johnson, 28, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2017. After successfully completing her Boot Camp at Great Lakes, Illinois, she trained as a Culinary Specialist and was subsequently assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). Johnson’s service enabled her to travel to various international destinations, and after her time aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, she transitioned to Naval Hospital Beaufort to manage food services for patients. In addition to her military career, Johnson is also a published author, with her poetry available on Amazon.
Lastly, Betty Hamilton, 105, represents a remarkable chapter of history, having joined the United States Army in 1940 before the U.S. entered World War II. Initially serving as a physical therapist in a Washington D.C. Army hospital, she was later posted to a convalescent center in England during the war. It was there that she met her future husband, Dr. Robert Hamilton. After the war, she settled in various places with her husband before relocating to Beaufort in 2014 to be with her family. Betty is scheduled to celebrate her 106th birthday in June, making her one of the oldest living veterans in the area.
These heroes represent the strength and resilience of Beaufort County’s veteran community, showcasing their dedication and commitment to their country. Their contributions continue to inspire and uplift the community, reminding residents of the importance of honoring those who have served.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Prestine Alexander
- Wikipedia: Veteran
- Your Island News: Kevin Egan
- Google Search: Veterans in the United States
- Your Island News: Jacqueline Johnson
- Google Scholar: Military Service and Community
- Bluffton Today: Beaufort County Memorial Day Ceremonies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Armed Forces
- Your Island News: Betty Hamilton
- Google News: Veteran Profiles
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.
