Beaufort’s Ervin Atkins, 65, graduated from Beaufort High School in 1977 and joined the United States Army. After Basic Training at Fort Jackson, he specialized in wheeled vehicle maintenance. His first assignment was at Fort Riley, Kan., followed by a three-year tour at Darmstadt, Germany. He returned to Fort Polk, La., where he transitioned to Utility Equipment (HVAC) Maintenance. He next served for 7½ years at Fort Bragg, N.C., where he attended Airborne School and deployed for Desert Storm to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and to Fort Greely, Ark., and Fort Bliss, Texas. His final assignment was at Fort Sill, Okla., from which he retired in 1997 as a Staff Sergeant with 20 years of service. Returning to the Lowcountry, he worked at MCAS Beaufort for five years and at Parris Island for 12 years.
Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
