WTOC-TV: Savannah, Beaufort, SC, News, Weather & Sports Marines and sailors say goodbye to one of their own

Marines and sailors came together during a special memorial service to remember and honor one of their own, HN Valencia Compton, who served at Naval Hospital Beaufort.

"She was a wonderful mother and a friend to everyone," said Monica Masanto, co-worker.

"Always smiling," said Chief Amanda Hughes, Naval Hospital Beaufort. "She cared very much for her son Jayden. It's one of the reasons she joined the Navy is to give him a better life."

Sadly, Compton's life was cut short when police say her ex-boyfriend, Leo Scott, shot and killed her at her apartment on Battery Lane in Port Royal in late January. They say he then kidnapped their young son and then dropped the boy off to family members.

After weeks of searching for Scott, police say he later took his own life last week after a standoff with police.

Fellow shipmates say Compton was a dedicated Sailor, who proudly served our country and had a bright future ahead.

"She always talked about being a dentist and staying in the Navy for 20 years until retirement," said HM3 Danielle Brown. "So, she really loved the Navy."

"She was starting school, everything she could do to attain those goals," said Chief Hughes. "She had her path laid out in front of her."

"She encouraged a lot of young girls in the same situation as her to do something with their lives and if the military was the way of getting their education, the money for their education, she encouraged them to do that," said Masanto.

While she was only in the Navy a short time, her fellow sailors say Compton made a difference.

"She made an impact by her work ethic, dedication and her smile," said Chief Hughes. "The sacrifices she made in her own life to better the life of her son made an impact. She made an impact on here shipmates, friends and family."

Naval Hospital Beaufort is in the process of revamping their programs designed to help victims of domestic violence and abuse. They have just appointed new victim advocates to help sailors get the help and assistance they need.

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