SCS November 2022

Parallel Lives

Gary and Sherry Knight

MILLS

PHOTO BY TOM

Willow

When The Power Goes Out So Do We. When The Power Goes Out So Do We.

Living and working in a coastal community, we all have to endure our fair share of storm related outages.

But as ever y member knows, Palmetto Electric’s linemen work diligently to restore the calm after the storm and to ensure our community is back up and running as soon as possible

By Katherine Mace

“He is an amazing man.” Sherry Knight quietly described Gary Knight, CW4 US Army Ret., who is her husband of four years and a Vietnam veteran whose helicopter was shot down three times – twice in one day.

Many residents have certainly seen Gary and Sherry Knight in a distinctive Army-green 1996 Corvette with an eagle emblazoned on the hood. But most proba bly don’t know that they each have incred ible experiences that feature parallels and coincidences that circle back to the 1960s, Vietnam, and the 170th Aviation Company.

Gary Knight was born and raised in Florida, joined the Civil Air Patrol in 1959, and after high school entered the Merchant Marines. The draft was for real in 1965, and while he was on a ship, two people who identified themselves as federal agents, boarded and told him that he had one month to enlist. The or-else was implied.

He enlisted in 1965 and attended the

Army’s Marine Engine School at Fort Eustis Virginia. The $79 per month salary wasn’t much, so when he was offered Officers’ Candidate School (OCS) at $302 a month,

he accepted. Knight completed OCS, qualified for flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and graduated in 1969.

In Vietnam his work was clandestine, and

Knight still does not talk freely about it. As part of the Bikini 170th Helicopter Assault Company and the Buccaneers Gunship Platoon, he served with distinction in a top secret LRRP (Long Range Reconnais sance Patrol), flying helicopter-gunships in cross-border missions that were so secret that they reported only to the Joint Chiefs and the White House.

Three helicopter gunships would escort and protect larger helicopters called “slicks” (so-named because they had only two door gunners), as they resupplied special forces on the offensive lines. During the entire time the 170th Helicopter Assault Company was in Vietnam, it lost 45 men. Sixteen pilots and crew were lost while Knight was there.

His skill and bravery were recognized, and among many other medals, he was awarded a Bronze Star, several Army Com mendations, and two Distinguished Flying Crosses.

In 1970, he returned to Fort Rucker as an

Gary and Sherry Knight enjoy rides together in his army green Corvette.

PHOTOS BY TOM MILLS

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843-227-6725

843-227-6725

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Now is the time to change if you're not happy with current plan or your plan's annual notice of change.

Now is the time to change if you're not happy with current plan or your plan's annual notice of change.

Now is the time to change if you’re not happy with current plan or your plan’s annual notice of change.

Now is the time to change if you're not happy with current plan or your plan's annual notice of change.

Compare options at medicare.gov/planfinder

Compare options at medicare.gov/planfinder

Compare options at medicare.gov/planfinder

Review your Annual Notice Change Letter from your carrier, if you have a drug plan or medicare advantage

Review your Annual Notice Change Letter from your carrier, if you have a drug plan or medicare advantage

Review your Annual Notice Change Letter from your carrier, if you have a drug plan or medicare advantage

Review your Annual Notice Change Letter from your carrier, if you have a drug plan or medicare advantage

843-227-6725 1. Are your drugs in the new 2023 formulary? 2. Are your doctor’s still in network for next year?

1. ·Are your drugs in the new 2023 formulary?

DURING THE ANNUAL ELECTION PERIOD

you can switch the following plans:

2. ·Are your doctor's still in network for next year?

3. ·Higher hospital copays or deductibles, max-out-ofpocket?

1. ·Are your drugs in the new 2023 formulary? 2. ·Are your doctor's still in network for next year? 3. ·Higher hospital copays or deductibles, max-out-ofpocket?

Higher hospital copays or deductibles, max-out-ofpocket? 4. Are there new quantity limits or preauthorizations for your drugs?

4. Are there new quantity limits or preauthorizations for your drugs?

4. Are there new quantity limits or preauthorizations for your drugs?

You don't have to change anything with your medicare supplement,but you should shop out the market every two years

Compare options at medicare.gov/planfinder 1. ·Are your drugs in the new 2023 formulary? 2. ·Are your doctor's still in network for next year? 3. ·Higher hospital copays or deductibles, max-out-ofpocket? 4. Are there new quantity limits or preauthorizations for your drugs?

You don't have to change anything with your medicare supplement,but you should shop out the market every two years

You don't have to change anything with your medicare supplement,but you should shop out the market every two years

You don’t have to change anything with your medicare supplement,but you should shop out the market every two years

CAN CODE TO THE RIGHT TO GET YOUR FALL AEP CHECKLIST

AND WATCH VIDEO ON THREE THINGS YOUR MUST DO DURING FALL ENROLLMENT

SCAN CODE TO THE RIGHT TO GET YOUR FALL AEP CHECKLIST AND WATCH VIDEO ON THREE THINGS YOUR MUST DO DURING FALL ENROLLMENT

SCAN CODE TO THE RIGHT TO GET YOUR FALL AEP CHECKLIST AND WATCH VIDEO ON THREE THINGS YOUR MUST DO DURING FALL ENROLLMENT

SCAN CODE TO THE RIGHT TO GET YOUR FALL AEP CHECKLIST AND WATCH VIDEO ON THREE THINGS YOUR MUST DO DURING FALL ENROLLMENT

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VETERAN

Army tactics flight instructor; but in 1972, he joined the Louisiana National Guard when the Army’s Reduction in Forces elim inated his position. There was a billet for a CW4 (Senior Chief Warrant Officer,) and Knight took it, and retired in 1990 after 25 years of service.

Knight continued to fly, working at a pri vate, on-demand -flight service that ferried company executives and celebrities in a variety of aircraft from Lear jets to seaplanes. Remarkably, during this time, he discovered that the oil from spills in the Gulf of Mexico could be herded using the wash from heli copter rotors (a technique that is still used today).

In all, Knight logged more than 17,000 flying hours.

While living in Slidell, Louisiana, Knight was in a military honor guard and worked as a service officer at an American Legion post, where he successfully appealed the cases of 123 individuals who had been denied benefits from the Veterans Admin istration. He was 100% successful in the appeals.

Knight’s wife of 38 years passed away while they lived in Slidell.

Sherry Knight was born and raised in Maryland, and her connection to the 170th began in the 60s.

One of her childhood friends was Tom, who moved away when they were young.

Some 11 years later, she was expecting a man she was dating to come to the door. “I answered the door, and there stood Tom!,” she said. “I dated them both on and off –got engaged to the other guy, but ultimately broke it off.”

But she stayed in touch with Tom. “He

came home on leave between boot camp and flight school,” Sherry said.

Tom was assigned to the 170th.

“In 1967, two months into his tour in Vietnam, Tom was killed,” she said. “I found out from a friend at Christmastime. It was awful – but I put it away.”

Sherry married another man, worked, and raised a family in the Washington, D.C. area.

“It’s interesting,” she said, “that I was right there, but I never went to the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial.” After her husband died, she found herself researching what happened to Tom and his unit.

“Years passed and I went to a memorial at Fort Rucker to honor Tom and the others in the 170th, Sherry said, “and that’s where I met Gary. We were at a dedication for lost pilots and crew. That was nine years ago.”

The two stayed in touch.

One thing led to another, and “In 2018, Gary and I had a fun wedding,” Sherry said. “Ten of our grandchildren were in it.”

Sherry had moved to Sun City by then, and Gary joined her there.

He joined the Sun City Car Club and has enjoyed displaying his car in shows. He also participates in the annual Wreaths Across America local effort.

Sherry enjoys spinning and weaving, and has created lovely works of textile art.

Sherry reflected on the serendipity that led to their meeting, Gary’s life in service to the country, and their lives together. “When he walks in a room, people notice,” she said.

“Gary has helped so many people.”

Katherine Mace is a writer who lives in Sun City.

The design on the hood of Gary Knight’s Corvette is an homage to his service, and the service of others.

By David W. Smith CONTRIBUTOR

Golf carts are almost a necessity for a Sun City golfer and a great optional mode of transportation for the rest of us. They are street legal in South Carolina provided they are registered, insured, and driven by a licensed driver age 16 years or older.

They can be legally driven within four miles of home, and on public streets that have a maximum speed limit of 35 mph. That’s why so many of the parking slots at Food Lion are for carts.

When choosing a golf cart, there are two primary power mode options: electric/ battery or gasoline. New cart base prices of either will be similar. Once the power source decision is made, there are numerous options in brands, models, and accessories.

Electric carts have a motor powered by multiple rechargeable batteries. Recharg ing requires only few hours in a standard electrical outlet. Gas-powered carts have a small engine which requires gasoline and oil. Since there are no gas stations within

street-legal range of Sun City, gasoline must be transported and stored.

Electric carts are far more common and a much better choice for Sun City for numer ous reasons. If you are concerned about the environment, there is no question! Electric carts run noiselessly, give off no fumes or emissions, and leak no oil or gasoline.

Many golf courses, concerned about these hazards, don’t allow gas-powered carts.

Electric carts always start instantly and require no tune-ups. Electric carts are relatively maintenance free beyond checking the battery’s water level monthly and storing distilled water to top them off.

Unless the owner is mechanically proficient, gas-powered carts need to be transported for periodic service. This cost of service will typically more than offset the need to replace the electric’s lead-acid

batteries every four to six years.

The only advantages of gas-powered carts are their range and raw power. A gas cart can go up to 100 miles on a tank of gas, much farther than an electric cart on a full charge.

This is of little advantage in Sun City, as an electric cart with fully charged batteries will get you from the Riverbend dock to Hidden Cypress for 18 to 36 holes of golf and back on a single charge.

Raw power has little benefit here as elec tric carts have no trouble climbing our only hill, the Millennial Bridge. If you plan to go off-roading or do farm work, these features might offer benefits.

An even better option would be to opt for lithium-ion batteries, which are mainte nance-free, charge faster, are much lighter, offer greater range, and last two or more times longer than lead-acid. They cost more in the initial purchase but more than make it up in longevity.

David W. Smith is a member of the Environ mental Action Group of Sun City Hilton Head.

Golf cart parking is plentiful at the Food Lion just outside the Sun City gate.

Horses remember kindness long after they are grown

By Chris Roosa CONTRIBUTOR

Siblings Benny and Jenny came to our property when they were 9 months old. They needed time to mature and grow into adulthood.

Already these lovely foals were about 700 pounds each but, in time, they would develop into massive equines. Their owners purchased them with the intent of using them for hay rides upon maturity.

The pair grazed in my pastures during the next two summers and returned to their next-door property in the colder sea sons, so they could be hayed and grained during their growth.

One evening I was painting my bed room when there was a tap at my window. The duo’s owner asked if my husband and I would like to go on a hay ride.

It was a beautiful fall evening with a crisp chill to the air. Sure, I said. I was al ways up for anything “horsey.” We walked over and approached this impressive

team of matured drafts. They looked so handsome in their fancy harnesses, calmly standing there hitched up to the wagon.

The moon was bright, the air was so fresh. The silence was broken only by the sound of giant hooves and the squeak of the churning wagon wheels. Up and down hills we traveled, being pulled by these now massive “babies.” They were working so hard that steam could be seen rising from their backs in the moonlight.

I finally asked the owners when they had broken the team. Their response, “Oh … tonight. This is their maiden run. We wanted to see how they would do.”

So, let me get this straight, I thought. They invited the older geezers (us) to be the guinea pigs on their first time out, in the dark, straining to haul our lards around 500 acres.

I didn’t know whether to feel proud that we were chosen or jump off the wagon.

One day I was on the tractor cutting the 10 acres. I was a city girl who moved to the country with my horses. I had that

citified attitude that I wanted my pastures to look manicured and pristine like a city lot.

I spent hours each month mowing and weed-whacking that acreage. The pond was crystal clean, with bluing added. It was a picturesque setting for my own three grazing equines.

My husband came out to check on my progress. I was just making the last swipe up the hill, alongside the pond, when the tractor stalled out. I began shooting backwards, down the incline, toward the water.

Mr. Husband is screaming, “Hit the brakes!” Like I didn’t know enough to do that?

But regardless, I was gaining momen tum as there were no brakes! At that point, my “savior” is running down the hill trying to catch or stop this tractor in motion. We all shot backwards into the water – me still pressing the non-existent brakes and him being swept in behind the tractor.

He’s darn lucky I didn’t roll over him and pin him under water. It was not one of our better “Farmer Brown” days.

To make matters worse our Aussie jumped into the pond too. The normally white ducks and geese swam around us, with their new powder blue feathers from the added bluing.

Next, my three horses came galloping to the waters edge to watch the human nut cases flailing around with the ducks and dog. It was like a family affair gathered in our spring fed pond. We must have been quite a sight from the road.

Now what? I called upon those now matured drafts for the rescue. We hooked Benny and Jenny to the tractor and they pulled that tractor out of 10 foot deep water like it weighed nothing.

I like to think it was their way of paying us back and thanking us for those sum mers spent under my care and devotion to them.

Chris Roosa is a resident of Sun City Hilton Head.

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