Celebrating Our Veterans: A Look at Beaufort’s Own Carley Willing
Beaufort, a charming city known for its rich history and vibrant community, has a special story to tell about one of its own veterans, Carley Willing. Born in 1982, Carley made a significant decision back in 2003 when she joined the U.S. Air Force, right from her hometown of Leesville, South Carolina. This choice not only shaped her life but also showcased her dedication to serving her country.
From Basic Training to Dental Assistant
After enlisting, her journey began with Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. It’s a place known for turning civilians into disciplined military personnel. From there, she continued her training at Sheppard Air Force Base, also in Texas, where she learned the ropes as a dental assistant. This role was pivotal; it combined her skills with her passion for helping others, laying the groundwork for a fulfilling military career.
A Journey Through Various Bases
Carley’s first assignment was at the dental clinic in Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. This was an important step in her career, allowing her to serve active duty members on a daily basis. After her time in Nebraska, she moved to Pope Air Force Base near Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Each of these assignments helped her grow both personally and professionally.
Afterwards, her career took her to the sunny state of Georgia at Moody Air Force Base, followed by a stint in Wichita, Kansas, at McConnell Air Force Base. During her decade of dedicated service, Carley didn’t just work in dental clinics; she was part of various decontamination teams during deployments. This experience was intense and showcased her ability to handle pressure while contributing to the safety and well-being of her fellow service members.
A Life After the Military
In 2014, after ten fulfilling years, Carley made the decision to separate from the Air Force. However, her journey in the dental field didn’t end there. She continued to work at the dental clinic at McConnell, providing assistance to active duty members. This dedication to service demonstrates her commitment to those who continued to protect and serve the nation.
Eventually, Carley transitioned to the VA dental clinic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before making her way to Beaufort in 2021. Here, she took on the role of a dental assistant at Marshland Family Dentistry. Her journey reflects a remarkable blend of military service and community involvement.
New Beginnings at Piggly Wiggly
Currently, Carley is making a new name for herself at the local Piggly Wiggly supermarket on Ribaut Road. This transition from a dental assistant to a position in one of the community’s beloved grocery stores is a fresh start that brings her closer to the people of Beaufort. Her friendly demeanor and service-oriented background make her a great asset to the Piggly Wiggly team, and customers appreciate her warm presence.
Connecting with Veterans and Community
Carley’s story is just one of many in Beaufort, a reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families. The city is continually working to honor those who served, including initiatives from the Beaufort County Veterans Affairs and collaborations with organizations like Lowcountry Legal Volunteers. Events and resources aimed at supporting veterans are always in the works, such as the recent outreach for legal assistance and the upcoming Veterans Day celebrations.
As we recognize individuals like Carley Willing, it’s important to remember the collective efforts of all veterans who have selflessly served our nation. Their experiences and contributions strengthen our communities, and they deserve our sincere gratitude and respect.
