The
Bluffton Blufft n Sun
September 1, 2026 • Volume 29, Issue 17 • Complimentary • BlufftonSun.com
Lowcountry Bike/Walk Advocates seek a connected Lowcountry 14A
Team RWB builds community one mile at a time By Sasha Sweeney Editor
Michael “Sully” Sullivan has spent much of his summer logging miles on Hilton Head Island, sometimes heading out before most of his neighbors are awake. Some training days begin at 3 a.m. During one recent week, he covered more than 120 miles. Hilton Head is not exactly known for elevation, so preparing for hills requires a little creativity. “The only hill on the island is the bridge,” Sullivan joked. Beginning Sept. 12, Sullivan will join Lisa Hallett, a Gold Star spouse, and retired Command Sgt. Maj. Lee Yoneyama as they attempt to cover the entire 250 miles of One Flag Forward from New York City to Washington, D.C., over five days carrying an American flag for the full journey. “We will take turns carrying the flag and we will have seven “day runners” who have been selected to help carry the flag,” said Sullivan. “Some will complete the total mileage for their day while others will rotate on
and off, maybe run 5 miles then take a break for 10 then jump back in for 5, supporting throughout the day.” For Sullivan, however, the challenge is about more than how far he can run. It’s about his military service, his work with veterans and something he talks about often: the importance of simply showing up for other people. “The camaraderie and the community are the key,” Sullivan said. He is working to build some of that community in the Lowcountry. Sullivan is executive director of Team Red, White & Blue, or Team RWB, a national organization that brings veterans, service members, military families and civilian supporters together through physical and social activities. On July 4, he launched a chapter serving Hilton Head Island and Bluffton. His involvement with Team RWB began years before he became its executive director. Sullivan helped found the Fayetteville, North Carolina, chapter in 2011 before taking over as executive director in 2025.
Taking sea turtle education beyond the beach 20A
Good planning make good sense 23A
RWB CONT. ON PAGE 3A
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½ Priced Wines for Lunch or Dinner
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McCormick finds joy in painting, giving
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