Beaufort’s Jerry Coine, 74, joined the United States Marine Corps in Shreveport, La., in 1969. After Boot Camp in San Diego, he trained as a Radio Telegraph Operator. His first assignment was to an artillery battalion at Camp Lejeune with which he deployed to Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, spending 18 months in Thailand.
After returning to Camp Lejeune, he deployed aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), making a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean. He returned to Camp Lejeune and again deployed on other Navy ships, visiting the Caribbean, France, England, Spain and Kosovo. He returned to Camp Lejeune and transferred to Parris Island to be a Drill Instructor, separating in 1978 with eight years of active service.
He went to work for Beaufort County as a transportation parts manager for more than a decade, then for Project Head Start as maintenance manager on St. Helena Island. He also coached for Parks and Recreation youth football, T-ball, basketball and girls fast-pitch softball. He finally retired after a stroke sidelined him.
Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
