Newsroom

South Carolina National Guard In The News

11/17/2023
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Staff Sgt. Sean Delaney-Gesing, Recruiting and Retention Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). We explore the process of joining the South Carolina Army National Guard, discussing the countless opportunities and advantages that come with enlistment. Additionally, we uncover an innovative program designed to assist individuals who are on the cusp of meeting the enlistment criteria by enhancing their ASVAB scores and physical fitness. So join us as we delve into the path towards becoming a part of the Guard and maximizing your potential within it! The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver and Spc. Ana-Grace Catoe with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
11/7/2023
U.S. Soldiers, Airmen and civilians conduct the Oath of Enlistment for federally recognized applicants to become officers in the South Carolina Army National Guard, Nov. 2, 2023, Columbia, South Carolina. Applicants selected for federal recognition were evaluated to meet both South Carolina and the Department of the U.S. Army's approval in order to serve in the South Carolina National Guard as a commissioned officer. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Tim Andrews)
11/7/2023
Episode 154 - The Women’s Influential Network On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Maj. Ashley Young, president of Women’s Influential Network. We dive into what is WIN, how to get involved, upcoming events and being chosen as a distinguished recipient of the Inaugural Empowering Justice Award. WIN focuses on professional development, career longevity, balancing personal and professional lives, and promoting discipline and standards. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office. Facebook: winscguard Instagram: win_scguard Website: https://www.womensinfluentialnetwork.org/ 0:00 - intro 0:46 - what is the women’s influential network? 2:15 - how did the group get started? 3:35 - have you noticed a difference since starting WIN? 6:44 - what types of events do you hold? 8:20 - how can someone who is interested become a part of the group? 9:38 - what events do you have coming up? 10:33 - what is the best way to be involved in WIN? 11:49 - can you tell us some success stories? 13:00 - can you tell us more about the empowering justice award you recently received?
10/31/2023
A U.S. Army National Guard UH-72B Lakota assigned to the 59th Aviation Troop Command (ATC), South Carolina Army National Guard, performs a survey flight over partner-medical facilities located in Upstate South Carolina to assess the state of their landing pads and landing zones, July 26, 2023. The mission was flown by U.S. Army Cpt. Kelly Ingram, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Tim Hall, and Warrant Officer Cody Penland, 2-151st Aviation Regiment, Security and Support Aviation Battalion (SSAB), 59th (ATC). The 2-151st SSAB operates from the South Carolina National Guard Army Aviation Flight Facility Loc.2 (AASF2), located in Greenville, South Carolina; the AASF2 supports and maintains UH-72 Lakota (models A and B) and CH-47F Chinook helicopters, and is utilized as the primary support facility for all emergency response missions in Upstate. The facilities surveyed during the mission are used for the timely delivery of patients needing critical emergency care during search and rescue missions during the flight. The crew assessed approach procedures, landing pads’ conditions, alternate landing zones, and potential safety issues at each location. (Photo by James Riddle, South Carolina Military Department intern)
10/31/2023
A U.S. Army National Guard UH-72B Lakota assigned to the 59th Aviation Troop Command (ATC), South Carolina Army National Guard, performs a survey flight over partner-medical facilities located in Upstate South Carolina to assess the state of their landing pads and landing zones, July 26, 2023. The mission was flown by U.S. Army Cpt. Kelly Ingram, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Tim Hall, and Warrant Officer Cody Penland, 2-151st Aviation Regiment, Security and Support Aviation Battalion (SSAB), 59th (ATC). The 2-151st SSAB operates from the South Carolina National Guard Army Aviation Flight Facility Loc.2 (AASF2), located in Greenville, South Carolina; the AASF2 supports and maintains UH-72 Lakota (models A and B) and CH-47F Chinook helicopters, and is utilized as the primary support facility for all emergency response missions in Upstate. The facilities surveyed during the mission are used for the timely delivery of patients needing critical emergency care during search and rescue missions during the flight. The crew assessed approach procedures, landing pads’ conditions, alternate landing zones, and potential safety issues at each location. (Photo by James Riddle, South Carolina Military Department intern)
10/31/2023
A U.S. Army National Guard UH-72B Lakota assigned to the 59th Aviation Troop Command (ATC), South Carolina Army National Guard, performs a survey flight over partner-medical facilities located in Upstate South Carolina to assess the state of their landing pads and landing zones, July 26, 2023. The mission was flown by U.S. Army Cpt. Kelly Ingram, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Tim Hall, and Warrant Officer Cody Penland, 2-151st Aviation Regiment, Security and Support Aviation Battalion (SSAB), 59th (ATC). The 2-151st SSAB operates from the South Carolina National Guard Army Aviation Flight Facility Loc.2 (AASF2), located in Greenville, South Carolina; the AASF2 supports and maintains UH-72 Lakota (models A and B) and CH-47F Chinook helicopters, and is utilized as the primary support facility for all emergency response missions in Upstate. The facilities surveyed during the mission are used for the timely delivery of patients needing critical emergency care during search and rescue missions during the flight. The crew assessed approach procedures, landing pads’ conditions, alternate landing zones, and potential safety issues at each location. (Photo by James Riddle, South Carolina Military Department intern)
10/31/2023
A U.S. Army National Guard UH-72B Lakota assigned to the 59th Aviation Troop Command (ATC), South Carolina Army National Guard, performs a survey flight over partner-medical facilities located in Upstate South Carolina to assess the state of their landing pads and landing zones, July 26, 2023. The mission was flown by U.S. Army Cpt. Kelly Ingram, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Tim Hall, and Warrant Officer Cody Penland, 2-151st Aviation Regiment, Security and Support Aviation Battalion (SSAB), 59th (ATC). The 2-151st SSAB operates from the South Carolina National Guard Army Aviation Flight Facility Loc.2 (AASF2), located in Greenville, South Carolina; the AASF2 supports and maintains UH-72 Lakota (models A and B) and CH-47F Chinook helicopters, and is utilized as the primary support facility for all emergency response missions in Upstate. The facilities surveyed during the mission are used for the timely delivery of patients needing critical emergency care during search and rescue missions during the flight. The crew assessed approach procedures, landing pads’ conditions, alternate landing zones, and potential safety issues at each location. (Photo by James Riddle, South Carolina Military Department intern)
10/31/2023
A U.S. Army National Guard UH-72B Lakota assigned to the 59th Aviation Troop Command (ATC), South Carolina Army National Guard, performs a survey flight over partner-medical facilities located in Upstate South Carolina to assess the state of their landing pads and landing zones, July 26, 2023. The mission was flown by U.S. Army Cpt. Kelly Ingram, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Tim Hall, and Warrant Officer Cody Penland, 2-151st Aviation Regiment, Security and Support Aviation Battalion (SSAB), 59th (ATC). The 2-151st SSAB operates from the South Carolina National Guard Army Aviation Flight Facility Loc.2 (AASF2), located in Greenville, South Carolina; the AASF2 supports and maintains UH-72 Lakota (models A and B) and CH-47F Chinook helicopters, and is utilized as the primary support facility for all emergency response missions in Upstate. The facilities surveyed during the mission are used for the timely delivery of patients needing critical emergency care during search and rescue missions during the flight. The crew assessed approach procedures, landing pads’ conditions, alternate landing zones, and potential safety issues at each location. (Photo by James Riddle, South Carolina Military Department intern)
10/31/2023
U.S. Army helicopters assigned to the 59th Aviation Troop Command (ATC), South Carolina Army National Guard, participate in a static-display event for warbirds and legacy aircraft at the Greenville Downtown Airport, Greenville, South Carolina Oct. 7 and 8, 2023. The 59th ATC’s participation in the event is part of a broader community and recruiting outreach posture to solidify and expand the South Carolina National Guard’s presence in the local communities of the Upstate. The 59th ATC participation consisted of two helicopters, a CH-47F Chinook and a UH-72A Lakota, respectively assigned to the 2nd General Support Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment, and the 2nd Security Support Aviation Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment. The event also offered an opportunity to see up-close classic War World II warbirds like a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, a North American T-6 Texan I, and a Curtiss P-40 Warhawk. (U.S. Army National Guard photo Sgt. 1st Class Roby Di Giovine)
10/5/2023
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Staff Sgt. Sheronda Dean, personal services awards Non-commissioned Officer (NCO), about the ins and outs of submitting awards. We talk about reasons why awards may get kicked back, how to fill out the proper form and when they need to be submitted to get approved. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver and Spc. Ana-Grace Catoe with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office. SSG Sheronda Dean (803) 299-4299 Military Department Regulation 600-8-22-1 page 65 table 3-6 DA Form 638 Page 27 0:00 - intro 0:47 - how did you become a part of the awards section? 1:13 - what are the requirements for the position? 1:37 - what awards do you process and what does the workflow look like? 2:40 - what happens if someone misses the deadline for submitting an award? 3:47 - what should someone do if they have questions about filling out an award? 4:29 - what is the difference between unit level awards and state level awards? 5:01 - what is the role of the awards board? 6:56 - what are soldiers receiving these awards for? 7:48 - what could stop someone from receiving an award? 9:15 - what does the career progression look like your section? 10:19 - final words
10/5/2023
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Heather McPherson, South Carolina Military Museum curator of collections and Sgt. 1st. Class Meghann Church, South Carolina National Guard command historian. Our discussion revolves around an exciting upcoming event titled “Developed Photos of the South Carolina National Guard.” This exhibit serves as a tribute to the South Carolina National Guard’s public affairs efforts, showcasing the equipment they used and their captivating photography. We also delve into SFC Church’s fascinating journey to becoming the historian for the South Carolina National Guard, exploring the unique methods she employs to preserve and capture the rich history of the SCNG. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office. SFC Meghann Church (803) 299-5458 / meghann.l.church.mil@army.mil Heather McPherson (803) 299-1333 / heather.mcpherson@scmd.sc.gov “Developed” Photos of the South Carolina National Guard October 12th 5:30 - 7:00 pm 1 National Guard Road Columbia SC 29201 0:00 - intro 1:07 - what are some new exhibits in the museum? 2:04 - how can schools coordinate for field trips? 3:07 - where are you located and what are the hours of operation? 4:14 - Is there a strong working relationship between the historian and the museum? 6:50 - Can you tell us about the new “Developed” exhibit? 10:18 - when is the reception for the exhibit and how can people attend? 16:55 - what is a typical day like for a historian? 30:00 - how do you collect information? 33:03 - if units find artifacts that could be useful for the historian, what should they do? 41:47 - do you work closely with the Air National Guard? 44:27 - final words
9/11/2023
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Capt. Sims, with the 1980th Acquisition team, about the 1980th Acquisition team, what makes it different from other units in the guard, and how to become a part of their team. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office. 0:00 - intro 0:37 - what is the 1980th acquisition team? 1:22 - how do your responsibilities differ from fulltime civilians? 1:49 - where are you located? 2:07 - how does your unit differ in rank structure and amount of soldiers? 3:10 - since your unit is so small, how do you gain new soldiers? 4:18 - what are the requirements to be able to be considered for reclass? 4:55 - what does the reclass school look like for soldiers who do reclass? 5:55 - are there any full time positions? 6:21 - what does a typical drill weekend look like? 7:14 - does holding this mos open up job opportunities as a civilian? 7:56 - what led you to becoming a contractor? 8:51 - do you have any future plans when leaving this career field? 9:36 - what are some tools that soldiers develop that they can take with them? 11:22 - how do interested soldiers reach out to join the 1980th acquisition team?
9/11/2023
Navigating Resources: A Guide for SC National Guard Retirees & Families On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Veteran Advisor Greg Miller, South Carolina National Guard, about numerous resources available for retirees, family members, and those currently serving in the South Carolina National Guard. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver and Spc. Ana-Grace Catoe with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
8/17/2023
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Region 4 Behavioral Health Specialist Jennifer Wolff and Region 5 Behavioral Health Specialist Ann Mac Prevost about anxiety, various coping mechanisms, and resources that are available to soldiers and their families in the South Carolina National Guard. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Spc. Ana-Grace Catoe with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
8/17/2023
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Monroe, Recruiting and Retention senior enlisted leader, and Tech. Sgt. Travers, recruiter for the South Carolina Air National Guard. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver, with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office, and Airman 1st Class Danielle Dawson, with the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard.
8/17/2023
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with staff judge advocate Col. Jeff Penland, state staff judge advocate Col. Chris Barton, and attorney advisor Maj. Kelvin Wright about serving as a judge advocate in the South Carolina National Guard. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
8/11/2023
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver aka Hollywood, heads to the field to cover the Child and Youth Program 2023 Youth Camp. She talks with campers, junior/senior counselors and staff about their experience during the week long camp. They dive into their favorite activities, what they look forward to most next year and a little advice to those future first time campers. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office. South Carolina National Guard https://www.scguard.ng.mil/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/SCNationalGuard Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SCGuard/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/official_scguard/ Twitter https://twitter.com/SCNationalGuard flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/scguard/
5/25/2023
Columbia, S.C. – ‘Nurture the living, Care for the Wounded, Honor the Fallen’ is the motto and backbone of the Chaplain Corps. For 2nd Lt. Benjamin Matthews, a chaplain candidate with Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ), South Carolina National Guard, the last phrase of the motto is what he latched onto the most.
5/7/2023
EASTOVER, S.C. – The 218th Regional Training Institute (RTI), with the South Carolina National Guard, hosted the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) for the first time, December 2022 at McCrady Training Center in Eastover, S.C.
3/31/2023
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina National Guard conducted an arrival ceremony for returning Soldiers, March 18, 2023, in Columbia, South Carolina, to recognize their deployment in support of the European Deterrence Initiative.