Beaufort, October 3, 2025
News Summary
On Veterans Day, the American Legion Beaufort Post 207 held a heartfelt ceremony to honor local veterans for their dedication and sacrifices. The event showcased the diverse stories of veterans from different branches of the military, including Joe Delia, Kevin Egan, and Hal Spicer, highlighting their remarkable service and achievements. The ceremony served to remind the community of the significance of supporting veterans and recognizing their contributions to the nation.
Beaufort
On Veterans Day, the American Legion Beaufort Post 207 held a special ceremony to honor local veterans for their dedicated service to the country. The event highlighted the stories and sacrifices of several veterans, showcasing a diverse range of military experiences from different branches of the armed forces.
Among those honored was Joe Delia, 78, who joined the U.S. Air Force in Plainfield, New Jersey, in 1966. Delia completed Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and received specialty training as a Fuel Cell Technician at Chanute Air Force Base. His initial assignment sent him to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, and he later served at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida before being transferred to Da Nang, Vietnam, in 1978. Delia returned to Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska to complete his service, retiring as a Staff Sergeant in 1970. Following his military career, he worked for Hewlett Packard for 22 years as an electrical engineer, utilizing the GI Bill to earn a technical degree in electronics.
Other veterans recognized included Harry Ransome, 69, and Kathleen Young, both of whom served in the U.S. Navy. Kevin Egan, 74, joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating from The Citadel in 1972. Egan completed his Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base and went on to serve in multiple capacities, including significant missions in the Peace Corps and Air Force Medical Services Corps, where he earned seven Commendation Medals before retiring as a Major after 30 years.
Nathaniel Robinson, 59, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in Beaufort in 1984. After completing Boot Camp and Hospital Corpsman School, he served at various locations, including Beaufort Naval Hospital. Robinson later trained for Marine duty and faced adversities, including severe injuries from an auto accident and a house fire resulting in the loss of both legs and severe burns.
Hal Spicer, 73, joined the U.S. Marine Corps in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1970. His military training included Boot Camp at Parris Island and Advanced Infantry Training. Spicer has a lengthy service record, including deployments for Hurricane Hugo and training for Desert Shield and Afghanistan. He retired as a Sergeant First Class in 2000 after a notable career in the S.C. Army National Guard.
Mike Tollison, 83, began his military service in the United States Naval Reserve in 1963. After completing training as a Storekeeper, he was commissioned as a Nuclear Weapons Technical Ordnance Officer. Throughout his service, Tollison was involved in recruiting and counseling for separating members and later contributed to educational efforts before retiring as a Captain in 1997. He moved to Yemassee with his wife in 2017 and remains active in several veteran organizations.
This event not only served to honor these remarkable individuals but also to remind the community of the sacrifices made by veterans in service to the United States. Each veteran’s unique story contributes to the rich tapestry of military history and the ongoing mission to support those who have served.
FAQ
Who organized the ceremony to honor local veterans?
The American Legion Beaufort Post 207 organized the ceremony to honor local veterans for their dedicated service to the country.
What military branch did Joe Delia serve in?
Joe Delia served in the U.S. Air Force.
What rank did Joe Delia achieve before retiring?
Joe Delia retired with the rank of Staff Sergeant.
What significant events did Kevin Egan participate in during his military service?
Kevin Egan participated in several significant events, including a rescue mission related to Jim Jones in Jonestown, Guyana, and the extraction of Americans attacked by terrorists on a train to Machu Picchu in Peru.
Key Features Overview
| Veteran | Branch | Rank | Service Years | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Delia | U.S. Air Force | Staff Sergeant | 1966-1970 | 22 years at Hewlett Packard as electrical engineer |
| Harry Ransome | U.S. Navy | N/A | Unknown | N/A |
| Kathleen Young | U.S. Navy | N/A | Unknown | N/A |
| Kevin Egan | U.S. Air Force | Major | 1972-2002 | Seven Commendation Medals, multiple deployments |
| Nathaniel Robinson | U.S. Navy | N/A | 1984-Unknown | Service in Beaufort Naval Hospital, faced severe injuries |
| Hal Spicer | U.S. Marine Corps | Sergeant First Class | 1970-2000 | Served in S.C. Army National Guard, multiple deployments |
| Mike Tollison | U.S. Naval Reserve | Captain | 1963-1997 | Prominent roles in recruitment and education |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Clyburn Hosts Community Town Hall in Beaufort to Support Veterans
Beaufort Residents Honored by American Legion Post 207
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Structure Fire Displaces Family at Parris Island
Growth of Career Training Programs Boosts Job Opportunities
Community Events Set to Engage Lowcountry Residents
Beaufort Commemorates Patriot Day with Annual Observance
Additional Resources
- Veteran of the Week: Kevin Egan
- Wikipedia: Veterans Day
- Veteran of the Week: Nathaniel Robinson
- Google Search: Military service history
- Veteran of the Week: Hal Spicer
- Google Scholar: Military history
- Veteran of the Week: Mike Tollison
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Military
- Junior Legion Team Off to Good Start
- Google News: Veterans Ceremony
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.
