American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Beaufort’s Kent Willard, 90, who joined the United States Navy in Milwaukee in 1952. After Boot Camp at Great Lakes, Ill., he was assigned as a heavy equipment operator at Cubi Point, Philippines. He next transferred to Point Hueneme, Calif., for 2½ years. Back overseas, he was a VIP driver at NATO headquarters in Naples, Italy for four years. He then served at Little Creek, Va., from which he deployed to the Mediterranean aboard USS Walworth County (LST-1164) and to the Caribbean before being assigned to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.
Staying south he was transferred to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for two years. Returning to the States and Davisville, R.I.. he deployed back to Gitmo to work on the airfield. Heading west, he worked at the bombing range at Boardman, Ore., before being assigned to the Seabees base at Gulfport, Miss., from which he made two nine-month deployments to Vietnam at Don Ha and Da Nang. He was then assigned to transportation services at Bainbridge, Md., before returning to Davisville, R.I. Back to Europe, he served a tour at Rota, Spain before returning to Charleston, where he retired in 1974 with 22 years of active service. After a brief period he joined the Civil Service, working in supply at MCRD Parris Island for 38 more years. He finally fully retired at age 85.
Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
