Beaufortonian and USMC Master Sergeant (Ret.) James T. Handrinos has been named 2022 Beaufort County Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshall. Mr. Handrinos joined the US Marine Corps in June 1954 until he retired in August 1974.

Born in Bridgeport, CT, Mr. Handrinos joined the Marines and attended boot camp on Parris Island. His station assignments included Camp Lejeune, Okinawa, Japan, Marine Barracks, Phil Navy Yard, SMS Cherry Point, NC and Montford Point Supply Co. He became a Drill Instructor on Parris Island and served a tour of duty in Vietnam.

In 1960 he was on the USS Graham County LST 1176 as part of an operation that evacuated United Nations troops from the Congo and was also attached to the 2nd Battalion 6th Marines during the Cuban Blockade in 1962.

Upon his return, he had Inspector and Instructor duty in Youngstown, OH as well as several years stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

He retired in August 1974. 

He owned his own business for several years and then became Director of Housekeeping at Beaufort Memorial Hospital until his retirement in 1995.

Mr. Handrinos and his wife Marlene, who have been married 48 years, will be riding in a gold colored Volvo convertible at the head of the parade to kick off the festivities.

Special honored guest Alford Taylor, SC Department of Veterans Affairs Senior Director of Operations, will attend representing VA Secretary Will Grimsley. 

The 2022 Beaufort County Veterans Day Parade will be held Friday, 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.

Every community group, children’s group, civic organization, and community member is encouraged to show their community spirit and our veterans how much they are appreciated.

Visit www.beaufortcountysc.gov/veterans-affairs to download the application.

The deadline to submit parade applications is Sunday, October 31.