thedrifter
01-29-09, 09:29 AM
Winners help show strength of community
Published Thu, Jan 29, 2009 12:00 AM
Beaufort native W.R. "Skeet" Von Harten easily could have stolen the show Friday evening when the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce announced its CIVITAS Awards.
Von Harten won the Lifetime of Leadership Award. He was cited for devoting his life to public service and the protection of Beaufort County's land, water and quality of life. In 10 years on the Beaufort County Council, including terms as both chairman and vice chairman, Von Harten has helped shape a number of issues vital to the community, including military affairs, land management, land preservation, transportation, health care and economic development.
He is a highly decorated retired Marine lieutenant colonel who also is a past Water Festival Commodore and volunteer with his church, Carteret Street United Methodist.
But Von Harten did not steal the show. In part, it's because he said he "was in good company" with all his efforts. It's also because the event highlighted so many other noteworthy individuals, organizations and companies. We owe them all our sincere thanks.
• Sgt. Ryan T. Montgomery, Military Citizen of the Year: Despite hours of off-duty study and the rotating work schedule demanded by his job as an air traffic controller at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Sgt. Montgomery has spent more than 200 hours mentoring 45 youth in the Young Marines of Parris Island.
• Sgt. Patrick J. DeForge, Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year: This drill instructor was cited for his military appearance, professional demeanor, time-management skills, judgment and a contagious "can do" attitude. His troops also succeed at high levels, yet Sgt. DeForge used his time at the microphone to salute his wife, Angelique, who runs a family of three children while he works from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Airman Shawn Reagan, Junior Enlisted Service Member of the Year: This U.S. Navy aviation structural mechanic "consistently displays the innate ability to perform as a true professional in high-tempo operations and was selected as VFA-86 Blue Jacket of the Month for August and Blue Jacket of the Quarter for the fourth quarter."
• Tray Hunter, Outstanding Young Professional: This Eagle Scout and father of a 4-year-old finds time outside his work with Palmetto Electric Cooperative to spend at least two to three hours in volunteer work "on a slow week."
• Kiwanis Club of Beaufort, Outstanding Nonprofit: During the past year, members devoted more than 2,000 hours to community service -- much of it in the schools -- and raised more than $40,000 for scholarships and a number of youth-oriented organizations. Members also delivered 120 Thanksgiving dinners.
• Lowcountry Insurance Services, Partner in Education Award: Frank Gibson III accepted this award as a "champion for career and technology education as a means to support a qualified future workforce." He is best known for leadership with the Academy for Career Excellence, but he's also on the Beaufort County School District Foundation board and is a personal mentor in the schools.
• First Citizens Bank, Community Stewardship Award: Market executive Robert Halfacre lists 10 community-service efforts, while First Citizens employees are involved in 34 volunteer activities.
• Technical College of the Lowcountry, Regional Economic Impact Award: While experiencing a 25-percent enrollment increase over the past three years, TCL has added programs to help fuel the regional economy as state funding dips to the level of 1997.
• Trailerworks, Entrepreneurial Spirit Award: Owner Eric Drugge found a niche that has gained customers and media attention worldwide. This restoration company specializing in the retro travel trailer business has shifted with the economy to concentrate on servicing travel trailers.
• Blakely Williams, Outstanding Employee of the Year: This employee's value as the chamber's member services director hits close to home.
Ellie
Published Thu, Jan 29, 2009 12:00 AM
Beaufort native W.R. "Skeet" Von Harten easily could have stolen the show Friday evening when the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce announced its CIVITAS Awards.
Von Harten won the Lifetime of Leadership Award. He was cited for devoting his life to public service and the protection of Beaufort County's land, water and quality of life. In 10 years on the Beaufort County Council, including terms as both chairman and vice chairman, Von Harten has helped shape a number of issues vital to the community, including military affairs, land management, land preservation, transportation, health care and economic development.
He is a highly decorated retired Marine lieutenant colonel who also is a past Water Festival Commodore and volunteer with his church, Carteret Street United Methodist.
But Von Harten did not steal the show. In part, it's because he said he "was in good company" with all his efforts. It's also because the event highlighted so many other noteworthy individuals, organizations and companies. We owe them all our sincere thanks.
• Sgt. Ryan T. Montgomery, Military Citizen of the Year: Despite hours of off-duty study and the rotating work schedule demanded by his job as an air traffic controller at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, Sgt. Montgomery has spent more than 200 hours mentoring 45 youth in the Young Marines of Parris Island.
• Sgt. Patrick J. DeForge, Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year: This drill instructor was cited for his military appearance, professional demeanor, time-management skills, judgment and a contagious "can do" attitude. His troops also succeed at high levels, yet Sgt. DeForge used his time at the microphone to salute his wife, Angelique, who runs a family of three children while he works from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Airman Shawn Reagan, Junior Enlisted Service Member of the Year: This U.S. Navy aviation structural mechanic "consistently displays the innate ability to perform as a true professional in high-tempo operations and was selected as VFA-86 Blue Jacket of the Month for August and Blue Jacket of the Quarter for the fourth quarter."
• Tray Hunter, Outstanding Young Professional: This Eagle Scout and father of a 4-year-old finds time outside his work with Palmetto Electric Cooperative to spend at least two to three hours in volunteer work "on a slow week."
• Kiwanis Club of Beaufort, Outstanding Nonprofit: During the past year, members devoted more than 2,000 hours to community service -- much of it in the schools -- and raised more than $40,000 for scholarships and a number of youth-oriented organizations. Members also delivered 120 Thanksgiving dinners.
• Lowcountry Insurance Services, Partner in Education Award: Frank Gibson III accepted this award as a "champion for career and technology education as a means to support a qualified future workforce." He is best known for leadership with the Academy for Career Excellence, but he's also on the Beaufort County School District Foundation board and is a personal mentor in the schools.
• First Citizens Bank, Community Stewardship Award: Market executive Robert Halfacre lists 10 community-service efforts, while First Citizens employees are involved in 34 volunteer activities.
• Technical College of the Lowcountry, Regional Economic Impact Award: While experiencing a 25-percent enrollment increase over the past three years, TCL has added programs to help fuel the regional economy as state funding dips to the level of 1997.
• Trailerworks, Entrepreneurial Spirit Award: Owner Eric Drugge found a niche that has gained customers and media attention worldwide. This restoration company specializing in the retro travel trailer business has shifted with the economy to concentrate on servicing travel trailers.
• Blakely Williams, Outstanding Employee of the Year: This employee's value as the chamber's member services director hits close to home.
Ellie