Saluting Our Heroes: 3 Lowcountry veterans reflect on the true meaning of service

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - What does it mean to be a hero? For those who have dedicated their lives to protecting others, it is a title they rarely claim. Instead, they point to a simpler, deeper motivation: a calling to serve their communities and their country.

Through WTOC’s “Saluting Our Heroes” series, we highlight three remarkable Lowcountry veterans whose lives are defined by sacrifice, mentorship and an enduring spirit of service.

‘A guardian mentality’ — Sgt. Lyle Harris

For Sergeant Lyle Harris of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, service has been a lifelong commitment. Before putting on the badge, Harris spent more than 20 years in the U.S. Army, including multiple deployments to some of the world’s most volatile conflict zones.

“Some people are just born with that guardian mentality.”

Harris’s military career took him to Afghanistan, Iraq, Germany and Bosnia. Today, he channels that same protective instinct into policing, continuing to serve the local community on the home front. For him, the motivation is straightforward: “We just like to get out in the community and serve.”

Laying a solid foundation — Lt. Craig Washington

Fellow Deputy Lieutenant Craig Washington, also an Army veteran, shares Harris’s humble perspective. When reflecting on his service—including an eye-opening deployment to Bosnia—Washington shies away from the word “hero.” Instead, he embraces a different role: mentor.

“I think having a good solid foundation about living right, doing things right [is key].”

Washington has dedicated much of his career to working with the youth in Beaufort County. He believes that building character in the next generation is the ultimate way to serve.

“Having a good personality and things like that will lead on to their future but will also make everything better,” Washington said. “People get along better.”

Unsung Heroes on Four Legs — Sgt. Thomas Dove & K9 Eereck

Over at Fort Stewart, the call to service extends beyond human soldiers. Sometimes, it is the military working dogs who make the ultimate difference.

K9 Eereck is a highly trained military working dog who has served on the front lines of war and helped protect U.S. Presidents. His handler, Sergeant Thomas Dove, joined the Army’s K9 unit to push his own limits.

“I wanted to really challenge myself when I joined the Army, and K9 was available.”

Dove describes Eereck as a dedicated partner: “He loves to work and he’s really good at his job.”

Like his civilian law enforcement counterparts in Beaufort County, SGT Dove is quick to share credit, viewing his high-stakes mission as simply doing his duty. “Anyone of us could be called up to that at a moment’s notice,” Dove said. “It’s just when and where.”

Sgt. Lyle Harris, Lt. Craig Washington, and Sgt. Thomas Dove embody the humility and bravery of the American veteran. None of them seek the spotlight, yet all three continue to leave an undeniable impact on the Lowcountry.