American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Ray Leek, 77, who joined the U.S. Marine Corps in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., in 1967. After Boot Camp at Parris Island, he trained at Naval Air Station Memphis as a Jet Engine Mechanic.
In 1969 he was sent to Okinawa on the way to duty at Chu Lai, Vietnam, where he was a Plane Captain for the A6 Intruder. He next served at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan before beginning an assignment at MCAS Cherry Point, N.C.
In 1982, he served at McDonald Douglas Aircraft Corporation in Lamore, Calif., training personnel to transition from the F4 Phantom to the F18 Hornet aircraft, In 1986, he transferred to MCAS Beaufort. In 1989 he was assigned to the Weapons Training Battalion at Parris Island as the senior enlisted on the rifle ranges.
In 1992 he retired as a Gunnery Sergeant and immediately began a 15-year career as a City of Beaufort Police Officer. He is a member of the DAV, AMVETS and Operation Patriots FOB, and has been married for 56 years.
Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.