News Summary
Veterans in Beaufort share their remarkable stories of service and the challenges they faced. The American Legion Beaufort Post 207 highlights their contributions to the community, showcasing the resilience of local heroes like Nathaniel Robinson and Betty Hamilton, among others. These narratives serve to educate and inspire future generations about the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces.
Beaufort – Local veterans have come forward to share their remarkable stories of service and resilience, showcasing their contributions and the challenges they have faced throughout their lives. The American Legion Beaufort Post 207 compiled these inspiring narratives in an effort to highlight the significant roles that veterans have played in both national service and local communities.
Nathaniel Robinson, aged 59, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in Beaufort in 1984. After completing Boot Camp and Hospital Corpsman School at Great Lakes, Illinois, he was assigned to Beaufort Naval Hospital. Robinson underwent further training at Camp Lejeune to qualify for duty with the Marines, leading to deployments in Okinawa and Korea. Following his separation from the Navy in 1988, he returned to Beaufort, where he began a career in landscaping. Robinson later graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in 2001 and worked in various detention facilities, including the Beaufort and Jasper County Detention Centers, as well as Ridgeland Correction Center.
In addition to his work in law enforcement, Robinson joined the Lady’s Island and St. Helena Fire Department. His life took a drastic turn following a severe auto accident, resulting in serious injuries that forced him to leave the fire department. More recently, in 2018, he earned an Associate’s Degree with Honors in Paralegal Studies from Technical College of the Lowcountry. Unfortunately, Robinson suffered another setback when a house fire left him with severe burns and the loss of both legs. Despite these challenges, he continues to maintain a positive outlook and values his independence.
Another notable veteran featured is Tiffany Nobles, aged 43, who served in the U.S. Army. Alongside her story is that of Herbert Washington, 75, who graduated from Robert Smalls High School in 1969 before joining the U.S. Army. Washington served in Vietnam, earning a Purple Heart Medal for his bravery. Following his military service, he capitalized on the benefits of the GI Bill to earn degrees in various fields and later worked as a civil servant. He retired as a Master Sergeant from the Army Reserves in 2010.
Highlighting the incredible commitment of female veterans, 105-year-old Betty Hamilton joined the U.S. Army in Boston in 1940, prior to the U.S. entering World War II. Serving as a physical therapist, Hamilton met her future husband in England and was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant after the war. In 2014, she moved to Beaufort to live with her daughter and son-in-law, and she is set to celebrate her 106th birthday in June.
The narratives compiled by the American Legion Beaufort Post 207 not only honor these local veterans but also enhance the community’s understanding of the sacrifices and contributions made by those who served in the armed forces. As part of their ongoing efforts, the organization welcomes nominations for the ‘Veteran of the Week.’ Interested individuals can contact John Chubb via email for further details.
In addition to celebrating these veterans, Beaufort is also known for its unique community events. Notably, a great horned owl named Elliott was successfully released on July 15, 2025, at Elliott’s Beach. Furthermore, the community is excited to learn that one of its residents will be joining the Blue Angels for the 2026 season, demonstrating the diverse talents and achievements of Beaufort’s citizens.
The stories of these veterans serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength found in the Beaufort community and beyond. Their dedication continues to inspire future generations to honor and remember those who have served in the military.
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Additional Resources
- Veteran of the Week: Nathaniel Robinson
- Google Search: Veterans in Beaufort
- Veteran of the Week: Herbert Washington
- Wikipedia: Veteran
- Veteran of the Week: Betty Hamilton
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veterans Organization
- Junior American Legion Baseball Returns to Beaufort County
- Google News: Beaufort Community Events
- Veteran of the Week: Jacqueline Johnson
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.
