Aiken Community Honors Veterans Through Powerful Stories and Reflections

Bringing the Stories of Service to Life in Aiken

On a cozy November afternoon, the community of Aiken came together at Newberry Hall to pay tribute to the brave men and women who served in the military. The air was comfy and warm, perfect for the important discussions that were about to unfold. As the clouds began to gather, promising a bit of rain later on, the spotlight was on five distinguished veterans who shared their experiences and reflections on military life.

A Heartfelt Dialogue on Veterans’ Impact

The Rotary Club of Aiken hosted a panel discussion moderated by the charismatic Jimmy Foley, himself a proud Marine. As he kicked off the session, he opened up about how his time in the Marine Corps has shaped him into the man he is today. “Everything I am and everything I will be, I owe a large part of it to the U.S. Marine Corps,” he said with passion, stirring applause from the audience. He joked that his family thinks he might just be “more Marine than Foley,” but it was clear his service had a lasting impression on him in every aspect of his life, especially as a father and husband.

Wisdom from Across the Services

Joining Foley were fellow veterans Charlie Hansen, Greg Paschal, Candy Hamilton, and John Rush, each bringing their distinct military backgrounds to the table. The conversation flowed easily as they shared stories and life lessons learned during their service. Hansen, a Navy veteran, recounted how his time in the military paved the way for a 46-year-long career in engineering project management. “I was assigned a lot of responsibility at a very young age,” he reflected. “By the time I was 32, I was reporting directly to Admiral Hyman Rickover.”

His stories of working with nuclear operations added a profound layer to the discussion, showing just how pivotal those early experiences were in shaping his life.

Emphasizing History and Values

Paschal, who served in the Army, echoed similar sentiments, talking about how military service reinforced the values he learned as a child. He emphasized the critical role the armed forces play in protecting the freedoms that Americans enjoy every day. “Regardless of our political views, we must recognize that without our military, we wouldn’t have what we have today,” he asserted, driving home the importance of honoring those who serve.

Life Before and After Service

For Candy Hamilton, her journey started not during her enlistment but as an “Army brat.” Growing up in a military family, she learned the importance of accountability and responsibility early on. “Having four brothers and a sister with a very regimented father shaped who I was,” she said thoughtfully. It’s clear that her upbringing instilled in her values that would guide her throughout her military career and into civilian life.

Meanwhile, John Rush, who served in multiple capacities from the Air Force to the Air National Guard, reflected on his unique experiences with Special Forces. “We pulled together a lot of different people from different services and backgrounds to get the job done,” he explained, illustrating the importance of teamwork and collaboration in both military and civilian settings. It was a meaningful reminder that success hinges on unity, regardless of differing opinions and backgrounds.

Looking Toward Veterans Day

As the discussion wrapped up, the rain began to fall gently outside, capturing the essence of the day—a mix of warmth, reflection, and poignant storytelling. With Veterans Day just around the corner, the stories shared during the Rotary Club meeting were a beautiful tribute to the heroic journeys of those who served our nation.

The panel left everyone with something to ponder and a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members. It was a heartwarming reminder that the spirit of service lives on, not just in the military but in each of us who cherish the freedoms they fought to protect.