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Governor Mark Sanford awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian award, to retired Beaufort County Councilman W.R. Skeet Von Harten in ceremonies held Jan. 12 during the regular meeting of County Council.Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort, presented the award, which is given to those whose accomplishments benefit the people of the entire state. He read a letter from the governor citing Von Harten’s “outstanding record as a community, civic and business leader.”
In his announcement of the award, Council Chairman Weston Newton noted Von Harten’s affection for Beaufort County.
“A self-styled 'river rat' there is no one more devoted or committed to the well being of the land, waterways and the people of South Carolina," Newton said. "He has devoted his life to public service and his commitment has furthered our county, our state and our nation.”
Von Harten, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Colonel, was nominated by Newton, who listed several of Von Harten’s achievements in the nomination materials he submitted to the governor, including the following:
* Presidential Citation, Outstanding Vietnam Veteran in S.C.
* Recipient of Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Stars and Purple Heart
* Governor’s Award, S.C. Ambassador of Economic Development
* Commendation by commanding officer, MCAS, Beaufort (for leadership in projects that support and protect the military presence)
* Former chairman and vice chairman, Beaufort County Council
* Former chairman, Beaufort County Economic Development Board
* Former President, Sea Island Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow)
* Former Beaufort County Water Festival commodore
* Former chairman, Beaufort County Military Enhancement Committee
* Former board member, Broad River Health Care
* Former executive director, Beaufort County Commission on Alcohol & Drug Abuse
* Former chairman, Burton Fire District Commission
* Board member, South Carolina Association of Counties
* Former chairman, Beaufort County Land Management Committee and member of Community Services and Public Safety, Finance, Legislative Affairs and Public Services Committees and liaison to Beaufort Memorial Hospital
* Former member, Beaufort Area Transportation Advisory Group
Von Harten was also active in South Carolina’s volunteer effort to help rebuild the towns of Biloxi and Gulf Port, Miss., following Hurricane Katrina and worked as a volunteer to repair homes and public facilities across the U.S. through the service wing of the non-profit organization, Elderhostel. Through his church, Carteret Street United Methodist Church, he helped build a gymnasium at a school in Costa Rica.
