Beaufortonian and Air Force Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Raymond Stocks has been named 2021 Beaufort County Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshall. Mr. Stocks joined the US Air Force in June 1943 as a Radar Navigation Instructor until he retired in February 1964.
Throughout his career with the Air Force Mr. Stocks was stationed in Germany, where he met aviator Charles Lindbergh, who he was scheduled to fly with but due to inclement weather was unable. As his military career continued, Mr. Stocks was also stationed in Korea and Vietnam where he flew on B52 bombers as a Radar Navigator. His career wrapped up with time spent training pilots as a Radar Navigation Instructor at March Air Force Base in California, where he met Hollywood actor and Air Force Pilot Brigadier General Jimmy Stewart.
According to Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Director Carl Wedler, more than 40 community groups and individuals have submitted applications to participate with floats, bands or walking groups.
Mr. Stocks and his wife Margaret “Jerry” Stocks, who have been married 52 years, will be riding in a convertible Cadillac at the head of the parade to kick off the festivities.
The 2021 Beaufort County Veterans Day Parade will be held Thursday, November 11 at 10 a.m. It will begin and end at Beaufort National Cemetery. In case of inclement weather the parade will be canceled.
