Beaufort, South Carolina, October 9, 2025
News Summary
In Beaufort, South Carolina, local veterans were honored for their dedicated service to the nation by the American Legion Beaufort Post 207. Ralph Young, a Marine Corps veteran, was celebrated along with Joe Delia, Kevin Egan, Hal Spicer, Nathaniel Robinson, and Mike Tollison. The ceremony recognized their contributions and sacrifices, reinforcing the importance of honoring veterans within the community.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Local veterans were honored for their exemplary service by the American Legion Beaufort Post 207 in a ceremony recognizing their contributions to the nation. Ralph (Gunny) Young, aged 83, was among those celebrated for his dedicated service in the United States Marine Corps, alongside fellow veterans including Joe Delia, Kevin Egan, Hal Spicer, Nathaniel Robinson, and Mike Tollison.
Ralph Young joined the Marine Corps in 1960 in South Bend, Indiana, and completed Boot Camp at Parris Island. Young initially served as a Transportation Specialist and began his military career as a driver at Parris Island. His service took him to DaNang, Vietnam, where he spent two years driving troops and supplies during a pivotal time in U.S. history. After Vietnam, he was stationed in Okinawa and then returned to the U.S., where he completed significant tours at MCAS Beaufort and Parris Island, primarily serving as a VIP driver. Young retired as a Gunnery Sergeant in 1980, having dedicated 20 years to military service. He moved to the Retreat at Lady’s Island in 2019 after a successful civilian career.
Another veteran honored, Joe Delia, aged 78, served in the U.S. Air Force, with further details about his service pending confirmation. Kevin Egan, 74, who graduated from the Citadel in 1972, joined the Air Force in Charleston. He completed Basic Training at Lackland AFB, Texas, and later trained in Emergency Medical Service at Shepherd AFB. During his service, Egan was deployed to locations such as Naval Hospital Charleston and later joined the Peace Corps in Paraguay. He led rescue missions in various crisis situations, including the extraction of injured U.S. citizens during terrorist attacks abroad. Egan spent 30 years in the military, retiring as a Major and now serves as the president of the Recreational Shrimpers of South Carolina.
Hal Spicer, 73, joined the Marine Corps in 1970. Following his training in communications at Camp Pendleton, he was stationed in various locations, including Okinawa and MCAS Beaufort, to provide communication support. After leaving active service, Spicer joined the South Carolina Army National Guard and was called to action during Hurricane Hugo and subsequent military operations. He retired as a Sergeant First Class in 2000.
Nathaniel Robinson, aged 59, enlisted in the Navy in Beaufort in 1984. He completed Boot Camp and Hospital Corpsman School before serving at Beaufort Naval Hospital. Robinson’s qualifications led him to support Marines on deployments to Okinawa and Korea before transitioning into civilian life, where he excelled in multiple careers, including criminal justice and firefighting. Furthermore, Mike Tollison, 83, enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve in 1963. He served with distinction, retiring as a Captain in 1997 after a rich career that included work on nuclear weapons training at Sandia National Laboratory and various educational roles post-retirement.
This ceremony serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans in service to their country. The American Legion Beaufort Post 207 continues to prioritize the recognition and support of veterans in the local community, ensuring their bravery and contributions are honored appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was recognized in the event?
Local veterans including Ralph Young, Joe Delia, Kevin Egan, Hal Spicer, Nathaniel Robinson, and Mike Tollison were recognized for their service.
What branch did Ralph Young serve in?
Ralph Young served in the United States Marine Corps.
What significant role did Kevin Egan play during his service?
Kevin Egan was involved in rescue missions, including extracting injured Americans during terrorist attacks in Peru.
What is Nathaniel Robinson’s background after leaving the Navy?
Nathaniel Robinson worked in landscaping, graduated from the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy, and served in various roles, including with local fire departments.
When did Mike Tollison retire?
Mike Tollison retired in 1997 after a 33-year career in the Naval Reserve.
Key Features of Local Veterans Recognition
| Veteran Name | Age | Service Branch | Service Years | Retirement Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ralph Young | 83 | Marine Corps | 1960 – 1980 | Gunnery Sergeant |
| Joe Delia | 78 | Air Force | PENDING | PENDING |
| Kevin Egan | 74 | Air Force | 1972 – 2002 | Major |
| Hal Spicer | 73 | Marine Corps | 1970 – 1975, 1977 – 2000 | Sergeant First Class |
| Nathaniel Robinson | 59 | Navy | 1984 – 1988 | PENDING |
| Mike Tollison | 83 | Naval Reserve | 1963 – 1997 | Captain |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Beaufort Commemorates Patriot Day with Annual Observance
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New Nursing Program Launches at USCB’s PATH Center
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Kevin Egan
- Wikipedia: American Legion
- Washington Daily News: Area 1 Legion Baseball Tourney
- Google Search: American Legion ceremony veterans
- Your Island News: Hal Spicer
- Google Scholar: Veteran Recognition
- Bluffton Today: Beaufort County Memorial Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veteran
- Your Island News: Nathaniel Robinson
- Google News: Veteran recognition 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.
