By Betsy Finklea
Bobby McLean was named the Dillon County Veteran of the Year at the annual Veterans Day ceremony held on Friday, November 11th.
He was introduced by last year’s Veteran of the Year Levern Hayes.
McLean has been serving the  veterans community long after his enlistment was over. He served in the Marines in Vietnam from March 1966-March 1968. When he returned home he joined the VFW and served as Post Commander and currently services as Chaplain. He is active with the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and Neighbors Helping Neighbors. McLean served numerous years as a law enforcement officer.
McLean said it was a humbling experience and he appreciated the confidence they have in him. He thanked everyone.
Mayor Todd Davis said that they could not have picked a better person and that McLean epitomized service above self.
The presentation was made as part of the larger Veterans Day ceremony which was held. Welcome and announcements  were given by Mayor Davis.
The invocation was given by New Faith Missionary Baptist Church Assistant Pastor Rev. Shay Jackson (Ret./SSG/US Army). Mrs. Lynn Bowman sang the National Anthem. The United States and POW/MIA flags were raised by M/SGT. (Ret)  U.S. Army Terry Morris and Former Seaman First Class U.S. Navy Tony Peele. The raising of the South Carolina flag was by CSM (Ret) U.S. Army George Pullie, VFW Member/U.S. Army Mallory Scott, and SFC (Ret) U.S. Army Harry Moore. The pledge of allegiance was led by U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Patrick A. McBride.
The VFW Scholarship award (George F. Spradley Annual $1,000 Scholarship) was presented to Brandi Williams.
Ret. U.S. Air Force M/SGT James E. Leslie introduced the guest speaker, U.S. Army Sergeant Major Irwin L. Whittington. The memorial wreath was laid by Peele and Morris. The Veteran of the Year Award was presented. TAPS was played by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Ja-Jala Gallispe. The benediction was given by Rev. Jackson.

PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON HERALD
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