Mount Pleasant Magazine Nov/Dec 2017

59 www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.BestofMP.com feature back to the United States. “I told them no, I’d had enough. I thank God every night before I go to bed,” the Mount Pleasant resident said. “But I never met a coward when I was overseas – everyone’s life depended on everyone else.” Although the times have changed since World War II, some still hear that call to serve. James Skelton moved to Mount Pleasant as a child in the 1980s and decided to join the military shortly before the 9/11 attacks, which happened during his freshman year at The Citadel. As a Marine Corps officer, Skelton piloted a CH53 Super Stallion helicopter serving as assault support, transporting troops and special forces in and out of military hot zones. “It wasn’t ever easy landing under fire at 2 a.m. in a foreign area with sand blowing everywhere,” he explained. “In many situations, we would try to go weapons hold – when you’re coming in, you’re trying to extract a team and have to be cautious because you don’t know where your friendlies are or any innocent villagers.” Skelton met his now wife, Jill, in flight school. A captain, Marine Corps aviator and Super Stallion pilot as well, she planned many of his missions in Afghanistan. “I did the flying; she did the planning,” he laughed. Skelton served from 2005 to 2014: “I miss the job. I love flying, but once you have a family, it gets harder.” Today’s Mount Pleasant is a different world compared to the sleepy little 1940s town – or even what it was before 9/11 – but there are many who will never forget. We shouldn’t either. It’s important to thank our veterans – our friends, co-workers and neighbors – for the sacrifices they have made for us in the name of freedom. James Skelton, with his wife, Jill, decided to join the military shortly before 9/11. From the latest cosmetic techniques in dentistry to gentle restorative procedures and preventative hygiene services, trust 22 years of experience and comprehensive dental training. Garner Family Dentistry, LLC 1059 Chuck Dawley Blvd. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 843.884.6002 Mon-Thurs 8-5 cynthiagarnerdentistry.com r $QPFKPI r %QUOGVKE %QPVQWTKPI r %TQYPU CPF $TKFIGU r %QUOGVKE (KNNKPIU r +ORNCPVU r 8GPGGTU r <QQO 9JKVGPKPI r 5GCNCPVU r 'ZVTCEVKQPU r 5ECNKPI CPF 4QQV 2NCPKPI r &GPVWTGU r %QUOGVKE &GPVKUVT[ r ,CY 6/, r 1TCN JGCNVJ UETGGPKPIU %[PVJKC )CTPGT &&5