Wall of Honor

Staff Sergeant (SSG) Donald P. Edmunds joined the Us Army on February 10 1972 and retired on December 22 2009, having served honorably for 27 years. His military career started with Basic Training at Fort Jackson, SC. After Basic training Don was assigned to Advanced Individual Training at Fort McClellan, Alabama to as a Chemical Staff Specialist, in this capacity, he was assigned to the 81st Chemical Company until his departure from the regular army on February 7, 1975.
After returning to Columbus County, Don joined the Army National Guard unit in Whiteville as the Chemical Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). He performed chemical training for the unit, providing instruction on how to avoid chemical hazards, decontamination of equipment and personnel and placement of chemical detection devices. He later transferred to the US Army Reserve Unit in Columbia SC as a Chemical Instructor in the 108th (IT) Chemical Battalion. To be closer to home, Don transferred to the 413th Chemical Company in Florence, SC. It was there his MOS 54E was officially changed to 74D-CBRNE Specialist Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Devices). Among numerous awards and citations, Don was awarded the Army Commendation and Army Achievement Medals.
Upon returning to civilian life he taught chemistry in NC, SC and FL for 19 years.
Donald’s roots are deeply imbedded in the fabric of Lake Waccamaw. His father William S. (Bill) Edmunds was among the individuals instrumental in founding the first Fire Department/Rescue Squad in addition to serving as Mayor during the late 50’s.