Aiken—Thomas M. Monahon was awarded the Order of the Silver Crescent by South Carolina Gov. Nikki R. Haley recently for exemplary performance, contribution and achievement within the community.
It is the state’s highest award for volunteer and/or community service. Monahon is the former state deputy of the South Carolina State Council of the Knights of Columbus.
Under his leadership, the Knights placed seven ultrasound machines worth over $250,000 in pregnancy centers around the state, with the hope that they would be instrumental in the fight against abortions and save thousands of lives. In addition, the 8,800 members contributed over $9 million to charity and local community organizations in donations and volunteer hours.
State Sen. W. Greg Ryberg of Aiken endorsed Monahon.
In a letter to Haley, Ryberg wrote: “Tom has worked for many years to protect the lives of the unborn, and his contributions to Aiken, our region and our state have stood out among his peers.
“Tom has served in leadership roles for the Knights of Columbus, and has led efforts at the local, regional and national level.
“Tom has played a major role in bringing hundreds of thousands of dollars in resources to clinics across the state, and those resources have saved lives.”
Monahon is a native of Aiken and has been married to his wife, Katherine, for 37 years. They have three children and eight grandchildren. They are active members of St. Mary Help of Christians Church in Aiken, and he is a 40-year member of the Msgr. George Lewis Smith Council of the Knights of Columbus in Aiken.
Monahon is employed by SRNS where he serves as the chief engineer of the M&O Engineering Programs and Integration.
He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and is a registered professional engineer.