By any standard a war hero; by South Carolina's tourism standards, not welcome

Eric Alva was a Marine for thirteen years:

When I awoke, groggily, in a hospital tent outside Kuwait City my right leg was gone, my left leg was broken, and my right arm permanently damaged. I also had the dubious honor of being the first American injured in the war. I received the Purple Heart, along with visits from the President and First Lady. I was told I was a hero...

Given the chance, the Marines would have sent him home:

I realized that I had fought and nearly died to secure rights for others that I myself was not free to enjoy. I had proudly served a country that was not proud of me.