A Life Committed to Service
City Councilmember Skip Fink on the promise of America
When I started this column, I told myself I would not include politicians. I was afraid their stories would be self-serving and too biased in their opinions. I agreed to break that rule because I thought that for America’s 250th Birthday, it was important to feature a true American hero. I couldn’t think of anyone better than City Councilmember Skip Fink, who I know personally.
FOLLY CURRENT: Where were you born and how did you end up on Folly Beach?
SKIP FINK: I was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, and grew up in a military family that moved frequently throughout my father’s career. I first became familiar with the Charleston area while serving as a Marine Corps squadron commander in Beaufort during the 1980s. My wife of 53 years, Sam, and I purchased our home on Folly Beach in 2012, and we’ve been fortunate to call it home ever since. We live on the west side on West Beach Court.
FC: What do you like best about living on Folly Beach?
SF: I love that Folly allows me to be as active or as laid back as I want to be. It’s a unique community where residents, businesses, and visitors all have a stake in what happens here, and people genuinely care about the island’s future. I like having the ability to be a force of change in my surroundings.
FC: Tell me a favorite Folly Beach story or memory.
SF: One of my favorite memories is of neighbors coming together before a hurricane, when we know the power may go out. Everyone starts cooking food from their freezers, sharing meals, and helping one another prepare. Those moments remind me that Folly is more than a beach town; it’s a true community.
FC: Tell me about your military career and what would you like children today to know about military service?
SF: I served 25 years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a Colonel after graduating from the University of Florida. My career included service in the Vietnam and Gulf Wars, stations in Japan, Belgium and many other countries. I have done aviation command and control assignments, NATO staff work, recruiting duty, and command positions including at the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort.
I want young people to understand that today’s military offers far more than traditional combat roles. There are opportunities in technology, cybersecurity, aviation, communications, medicine, and countless other fields that provide valuable experience and skills. Military service teaches discipline, teamwork, and leadership while creating opportunities that can last a lifetime.
FC: What would you like people to know about America on its 250th anniversary and what are your hopes for the next 250?
SF: I believe the United States remains the greatest experiment in freedom and democracy the world has ever seen. While we are not perfect and still have work to do, we continue to offer tremendous opportunities to those willing to work hard and contribute. I think it’s important to remember how fortunate we are to live in a country where we can freely express our opinions and shape our future.
I hope America continues to lead through freedom, compassion, and opportunity. I want us to remain a nation that helps others, values democratic principles, and serves as an example for the world. Most importantly, I hope future generations continue to respect one another and work together despite their differences.
FC: What message would you like to leave people with on the 250th anniversary?
SF: Life is like a 3-legged stool. The legs being faith, family, and community. If any one of those is neglected, it’s difficult to maintain perspective and stay grounded, the stool wobbles and falls. I encourage everyone to stay always engaged in all 3. Let’s listen to one another and remember that we all share a responsibility to leave our communities and our country better than we found them. I hope that when we disagree, we do so agreeably, with mutual respect and civility. Praying for another 250 years of our democracy!
Pat “Wiggy” Hiban interviews a different “Face of Folly” for this column each month. If you have an idea of someone you think Pat should chat with, please send suggestions to editor@follycurrent.com.
