SURFSIDE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Veterans Day is a day out of many to honor those who are serving and those who have served.
One of those is 94-year-old Wiley Dummich, who lives in Surfside Beach. The veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars spent five years in service.
Many who leave the military look for something therapeutic or a hobby. For Dummich, that was painting.
“I spent many years in the Navy, and all I can say is, ‘I did it and I’m out,’” Dummich said.
Some say Dummich is a man with many layers. He served our country, but he’s also an artist and a writer. During his time in the Navy, he said he spent much of his time as an editor for the ship’s newspaper.
“Sometimes, we’d take troops over there and my job was to relate to the troops and what to do,” Dummich said. “I was just a good Navy man.”
While working on the newspaper, Dummich said he would spend time sketching and drawing. When he got out, he dedicated much of his time to painting, and at 94 years old, it’s something he does to this day.