Honoring a Marine Hero: Ron West of Beaufort
Beaufort is a city that knows how to honor its veterans, and this week, we’re shining a light on the remarkable life of Ron West, an 80-year-old Marine who has devoted much of his life to serving his country and supporting his community.
A Journey that Began in 1963
Ron West’s story began in 1963 when he decided to join the United States Marine Corps in Atlanta, Georgia. His decision was driven by a strong sense of duty and patriotism. After completing Boot Camp at Parris Island, he moved on to train in communications at Montford Point, North Carolina. This training set the groundwork for a career dedicated to communication and service.
First Assignments and Global Adventures
His first official assignment was at Camp Lejeune, a base known for training Marines. In 1964, he found himself deployed to Panama during the tense times of the Panama Crisis. This was just the beginning of a series of adventures that would take him around the globe.
Following his time in Panama, Ron served in Spain in support of NATO and then enjoyed a three-year assignment at Naval Facility Argentia in Newfoundland, Canada. Each of these locations brought unique experiences and challenges, shaping him into the leader he would become.
Service in Vietnam and Beyond
Ron’s journey continued near Chu Lai, Vietnam, at a communications center, where he played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War. After his time in Vietnam, he returned to Parris Island for 2½ years, further honing his skills in communications.
His commitment to service didn’t stop there. Ron attended the Staff NCO Academy, which paved the way for a significant three-year assignment in the National Military Command Center at the Pentagon. This prestigious role allowed him to be at the heart of military operations.
Global Duty on Okinawa
After his time at the Pentagon, Ron found himself stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where he continued his work in communications for more than a year. Following this overseas duty, he returned to Beaufort, serving at MCAS Beaufort before taking on recruiting duties in Charleston and Marietta, Georgia.
A Legacy of Service
After an impressive span of 22 years of active duty, Ron retired in 1985 as a Master Sergeant. But retirement didn’t mean he stopped serving. In 2012, he made a new home in Sun City, where he stepped into the role of chaplain for the local Marine Corps League Association chapter. His commitment to his fellow veterans and the community has been unwavering.
Ron also dedicated ten years to a jail ministry in Georgia, helping those in need and guiding them toward a better path. Additionally, he is a proud member of organizations such as AMVETS and the DAV, which advocate for veteran rights and support.
The Call to Honor Veterans Continues
As we celebrate Ron West, it’s clear that his life exemplifies the spirit of service. He has shown that being a Marine goes beyond just the years of active duty; it’s about lifelong commitment to helping others. His story reminds us that veterans like him deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.
For those looking to honor veterans in our community or to suggest a Veteran of the Week nomination, feel free to reach out to us—it’s time to continue recognizing the sacrifices made by those who have served our nation.
