Beaufort’s Lonnie Bryan, 70, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1971 in Charleston. After Boot Camp at Parris Island and Infantry training, he was assigned to USS Saratoga (CV- 60) in security/special weapons. During his western Pacific deployment he spent six months in-country Vietnam providing security services. Thereafter, while stationed at Lejeune, he deployed to the Caribbean (Puerto Rico, Panama, Honduras and Nicaragua) before transferring to Parris Island, working in utilities. Follow-on tours took him to Iwakuni, Japan; Cherry Point; Parris Island as a Drill Instructor; Albany, Ga.; Okinawa and MCAS Beaufort. He went back to sea aboard USS Bainbridge (CGN-25) then to MCAS El Toro before deploying to Saudi Arabia for the duration of Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He returned to El Toro before separating in 1991 as a Gunnery Sergeant with 20 years of service. Back in Beaufort he worked for local auto dealerships for 22 years.
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 9. For nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
