Beaufort Celebrates Veterans and Their Contributions
Beaufort is shining a spotlight on its local veterans who have dedicated their lives to serving our country. One inspiring story is that of Carley Willing, a remarkable woman who has traversed a unique path since she joined the U.S. Air Force back in 2003.
A Journey Begins
Originating from Leesville, South Carolina, Carley’s journey kicked off with Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, where she learned the ropes of military life. After completing her initial training, she continued her education as a dental assistant at Sheppard Air Force Base, also in Texas. This set the stage for her first assignment at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, where she spent valuable time in the dental clinic.
From Offutt, her journey took her to Pope Air Force Base near Fort Bragg, North Carolina, followed by positions at both Moody Air Force Base in Georgia and McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas. Carley devoted a total of ten years in service, separating from the Air Force in 2014. During her time at McConnell, she was also part of important deployments as a member of decontamination teams—an experience that undoubtedly shaped her military career.
Continuing the Mission
After leaving active duty, she didn’t just walk away from her passion for helping others; instead, Carley continued her service in a different capacity. Working at the dental clinic at McConnell AFB, she supported active-duty members by providing essential dental care. This transition shows her unwavering commitment to her fellows, demonstrating that her service didn’t stop when her military career did.
Eventually, she relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she made the switch to the VA dental clinic, continuing to support those who have served our nation, before settling into Beaufort in 2021. A natural fit in this small community, Carley began working as a dental assistant at Marshland Family Dentistry, creating connections and contributing to the health of residents.
A New Chapter
In an exciting turn, Carley now offers her skills and friendly service at the local Piggly Wiggly supermarket on Ribaut Road. Transitioning from dentistry to grocery retail is no small feat, but it displays her flexibility and eagerness to stay involved in the community. It’s through these local interactions that veterans like Carley help strengthen the fabric that holds Beaufort together.
Support for Veterans
Beaufort County Veterans Affairs is also making strides to support its veterans further through partnerships. Recently, they announced a collaboration with Lowcountry Legal Volunteers aimed at providing free legal resources for veterans and their families. This initiative highlights the ongoing efforts to assist and empower veterans as they transition back to civilian life.
Furthermore, as Veterans Day approaches, the county is preparing educational resources for teachers to help students understand the importance and significance of veterans’ sacrifices. This serves as a reminder not just to honor our veterans, but to pass the knowledge to our younger generations.
Call to Action
For anyone interested in nominating veterans who have made exceptional contributions like Carley, there’s an open invitation to reach out via email. The power of community spotlighting can uplift those who have served and remind us all of their sacrifices.
In conclusion, as we reflect on the journeys of veterans like Carley Willing, we gain a deeper understanding of the transitions they make, and how their service continues to shape our communities. As Beaufort celebrates its heroes, each story helps us appreciate the hard work and dedication of those who put on the uniform, past and present.
