Meet Four Local Veterans

 

Christopher S. Lea
As told by nominator

Tell us about his loved one?

Wonderful wife. Son and two daughters. Recent addition of twin granddaughters.

In what branch of the military did he serve?

Veteran of the Army and Air National Guard. Owns Coastal Endodontics in Richmond Hill/Hinesville.

What was his most memorable experience serving?

Dr Lea was impacted most by the selflessness of his fellow servicemen.

What advice would he give about serving his community now?

To put yourself second to the needs of others. Life’s blessings will come naturally if you keep a sincere, genuine attitude and make it a habit to give more than you take. Generosity, kindness and compassion are contagious to all.

Don Royals
As told by nominator

Tell us about his loved ones?

Don is an 80-year-old Vietnam Vet who lives with his wife of 43 years, Norma, a retired music teacher. Don is in the moderate stages of Alzheimer’s, but still retains enough of his older core memories to patriotically partake in his local VFW, visit his favorite fellow Vets at Nine Line weekly, and act as Greeter at Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church. He is the father of two adult children, Christina and Daniel, and has 1 sprightly 3 year old grandson, Juan Tomás.

In what branch of the military did he serve?

Army, Special Forces, Green Beret in Vietnam War

What was his most memorable experience serving?

Don remembers being shot while evacuating the jungles of Vietnam as he was making his way towards a rescue chopper.

What advice would he give about serving his community now?

It is important to give back, no matter your stage in life and health.

Marcus Sack
As told by nominator

Tell us about his loved ones?

Family means everything to Marcus. He is married with three children. His wife, Jennifer, is an educator. His oldest son, Tennessee, attends the University of Georgia, following in his dad’s footsteps with a love of engineering. His daughter, Peyton, just graduated from Richmond Hill High School and will be attending Georgia Southern in the fall as a member of their prestigious dance team. And his youngest son, Mason, loves football and attends Bryan County schools. In Marcus’ free time, he usually finds himself on the ball fields or attending dance competitions. And when the opportunity presents itself, you can find him and his family out on the boat! They live in Richmond Hill and love the Lowcountry lifestyle.

In what branch of the military did he serve?

U.S. Air Force

What was his most memorable experience serving?

Marcus worked on the Predator aircraft, the unmanned spy plane. He also was deployed to Pakistan/Afghanistan for three months in 2002 during the War in Afghanistan. Among many awards for his service and dedication, he received the “Air Force Achievement Medal” multiple times.

What advice would he give about serving his community now?

Marcus can share advice and his experience with creating and running a veteran-owned business and serving in a different capacity.

Steve Curran
As told by nominator

Tell us about his loved ones?

Steve is married to his wife Dawn for almost 30 years. They have two children, Emma, who just graduated high school and will attend SCAD in the fall.  Their son, Sam, will be entering 6th grade in the fall and is a black belt in karate. They have been residents  of Bryan County for 11 years.

In what branch of the military did he serve?

US Navy for 23 years. Retired as a Chief Petty Officer, Hospital Corpman, Surface Warfare Qualified.

What was his most memorable experience serving?

Helping perform open heart surgery while afloat in the Persian Gulf. Fighting literal pirates off the coast of Somalia-- Steve was two ships ahead of the ship that rescued Captain Phillips. Flying into the middle of the Yugoslavian Civil War to provide medical care for the US Peace Envoy.

What advice would he give about serving his community now?

Help first and always, serving those around you with of love & gratitude.