HAMLET — A Richmond County veteran has made his final salute.

R.T. Brigman, known to everyone in Richmond County as Jimmy, spent nearly 30 years placing flags on the graves of fellow veterans.

The Hamlet veteran was wounded twice while serving in the U.S. Army — once in World War II, and once during the Korean War. He retired as a master sergeant after serving for 23 years and 8 months.

According to his obituary, Brigman earned the Korea Service medal, two Bronze Stars, a Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, a Combat Infantry medal and a Master Parachutist badge.

Throughout the years, Brigman asked the community for donations to purchase the flags, some of which he gave out to other groups to stake by other military graves across the county.

“I feel like they appreciate the veterans and what they’ve done for this country,” he said of those who contribute in 2016. “When they donate, it’s because in their heart, they are thankful for the veterans. The people in this county, oh, they are so good.”

He retired as a master sergeant after serving for 23 years and 8 months.

This past year, he handed off his tradition to Ed O’Neal, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, who was asked by the family to speak at Brigman’s funeral today.

“Jimmy not only had a full military career but he also dedicated much of his time serving other veterans though his leadership in DAV Post 59 and placing flags on the graves of veterans for nearly 30 years,” O’Neal told the Daily Journal after learning of Brigman’s death. “In his 80s, you could still find Jimmy cutting grass around the DAV Post.

“Two weeks ago, Jimmy came out to Richmond Memorial park to observe flags being placed on Memorial Day,” O’Neal continued. “He will be remembered as a passionate and tireless supporter of his church, verterans and his community.”

According to his obituary, Brigman was described as “a soldier for Christ,” serving his church as a deacon, head usher, youth Sunday school teacher and brotherhood director.

Brigman died Monday at Hospice Haven at the age of 88.

Daily Journal file photo Jimmy Brigman places a small U.S. flag on the grave of a veteran in Richmond Memorial Park on Memorial Day 2016.
https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_memday_Jimmy.jpgDaily Journal file photo Jimmy Brigman places a small U.S. flag on the grave of a veteran in Richmond Memorial Park on Memorial Day 2016.
Hamlet veteran who laid flags dead at 88

Staff report