Newsroom

South Carolina National Guard In The News

5/2/2023
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) James Billingsley was promoted to the rank of CW3 during a promotion ceremony held at the TAG building, April 16, 2023. ALong with being promoted, CW3 Billingsley was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal for completing the Cybercrime Investigation Competition, where he came in first place. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Turner Horton, South Carolina National Guard.
5/2/2023
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) James Billingsley was promoted to the rank of CW3 during a promotion ceremony held at the TAG building, April 16, 2023. ALong with being promoted, CW3 Billingsley was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal for completing the Cybercrime Investigation Competition, where he came in first place. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Turner Horton, South Carolina National Guard.
5/2/2023
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) James Billingsley was promoted to the rank of CW3 during a promotion ceremony held at the TAG building, April 16, 2023. ALong with being promoted, CW3 Billingsley was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal for completing the Cybercrime Investigation Competition, where he came in first place. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Turner Horton, South Carolina National Guard.
5/2/2023
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) James Billingsley was promoted to the rank of CW3 during a promotion ceremony held at the TAG building, April 16, 2023. ALong with being promoted, CW3 Billingsley was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal for completing the Cybercrime Investigation Competition, where he came in first place. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Turner Horton, South Carolina National Guard.
5/2/2023
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) James Billingsley was promoted to the rank of CW3 during a promotion ceremony held at the TAG building, April 16, 2023. ALong with being promoted, CW3 Billingsley was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal for completing the Cybercrime Investigation Competition, where he came in first place. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Turner Horton, South Carolina National Guard.
5/2/2023
U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) James Billingsley was promoted to the rank of CW3 during a promotion ceremony held at the TAG building, April 16, 2023. ALong with being promoted, CW3 Billingsley was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal for completing the Cybercrime Investigation Competition, where he came in first place. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Turner Horton, South Carolina National Guard.
4/13/2023
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Lieutenant General Milford H. Beagle, Jr., Commanding General, United States Army Combined Arms Center, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas about his career in the Army. We dive into why he decided to join the military, how the SC State University ROTC program helped mold him into the person he is today and how his family and friends have supported him along the way. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver and Airmen 1st Class Danielle Dawson with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
4/13/2023
Ep 139 What Is Buddy Aid? On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Bixler, Sgt Travis Duncan, South Carolina National Guard Victim Advocates and Jill Williams, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Corrdinator for South Carolina National Guard about April being Sexual Assualt Awarness Month. We talk about the Buddy Aid program and different resources that are out there to help you or someone you know who has been affected by sexual assault. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver and Spc. Turner Horton with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office. For more information contact Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Program: JFHQ SARQ: (803) 727-2413 1225 Bluff Rd. Columbia, S.C. 29201 DOD Safe Help Line: (877) 995-5247 0:00 - Intro 1:19 -What is Buddy Aid? 4:04 - How does deterrence play a role in sexual assault prevention? 6:19 - Does Buddy Aid require training like victim advocacy? 7:43 - What is the difference between Buddy Aid and victim advocacy? 15:45 - What is the process of reporting a sexual assault and what is the difference between restricted and unrestricted? 18:02 - Does a report of sexual assault have to be between soldiers? 19:40 - Why would someone not report a sexual assault? 25:28 - Are there any tips for soldiers to help them with sexual assault prevention? 31:02 - Who can become a victim of sexual assault? 35:48 - Sexual assault awareness isn’t just for a month. 36:24 - Would you like to become a victims advocate?
4/10/2023
U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 751st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 59th Troop Command, South Carolina National Guard, under a tactical environment conducted water purification operations by emplacing near a body of water within McCrady Training Center, utilizing reverse osmosis and filtering water as a way of self sustaining asset to the force and keep personnel hydrated in support of “Operation Guardian Spring,” a field exercise involving multiple South Carolina Army National Guard commands and partner agencies in Eastover, South Carolina, March 31, 2023. Operation Guardian Spring challenged the participating units with tasks and training scenarios supporting the deployment and the conduction of Foreign Humanitarian Assistance (FHA) operations. During the training, the South Carolina Army National Guard units from army aviation, military police, infantry, transportation, engineers, and maintenance operated jointly, replicating the organizational and operational structure of a typical FHA operation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Tim Andrews)
4/10/2023
U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 751st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 59th Troop Command, South Carolina National Guard, under a tactical environment conducted water purification operations by emplacing near a body of water within McCrady Training Center, utilizing reverse osmosis and filtering water as a way of self sustaining asset to the force and keep personnel hydrated in support of “Operation Guardian Spring,” a field exercise involving multiple South Carolina Army National Guard commands and partner agencies in Eastover, South Carolina, March 31, 2023. Operation Guardian Spring challenged the participating units with tasks and training scenarios supporting the deployment and the conduction of Foreign Humanitarian Assistance (FHA) operations. During the training, the South Carolina Army National Guard units from army aviation, military police, infantry, transportation, engineers, and maintenance operated jointly, replicating the organizational and operational structure of a typical FHA operation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Tim Andrews)
4/10/2023
U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 741st Quartermaster Company, 751st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 59th Troop Command, South Carolina National Guard, conducteded entry control point security operations at Forward Operating Base Palmetto to inspect and restrict opposing enemy forces from entering the base, in support of “Operation Guardian Spring,” a field exercise involving multiple South Carolina Army National Guard commands and partner agencies in Eastover, South Carolina, March 31, 2023. Operation Guardian Spring challenged the participating units with tasks and training scenarios supporting the deployment and the conduction of Foreign Humanitarian Assistance (FHA) operations. During the training, the South Carolina Army National Guard units from army aviation, military police, infantry, transportation, engineers, and maintenance operated jointly, replicating the organizational and operational structure of a typical FHA operation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Tim Andrews)
4/10/2023
South Carolina State Guard Soldiers with the South Carolina Military Department, supported Forward Operating Base Palmetto with communications and data cellular services to the tactical operations center for 59th Troop Command, South Carolina National Guard, to continuously monitor status, situation, and transmit to higher among the battlespace within “Operation Guardian Spring,” a field exercise involving multiple South Carolina Army National Guard commands and partner agencies in Eastover, South Carolina, March 31, 2023. Operation Guardian Spring challenged the participating units with tasks and training scenarios supporting the deployment and the conduction of Foreign Humanitarian Assistance (FHA) operations. During the training, the South Carolina Army National Guard units from army aviation, military police, infantry, transportation, engineers, and maintenance operated jointly, replicating the organizational and operational structure of a typical FHA operation. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Tim Andrews)
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.
3/31/2023
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Sgt. Corey Outen, South Carolina National Guard Medical Training Team, about the ins and outs of a Combat Medic Specialist (68W). We dive into different medic identifiers, biannual training and re-certifications and training and real world events they support as medics. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver and Spc. Ana-Grace Catoe with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
2/24/2023
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Shirley Morgan and Justin White, McCrady Fire and Rescue Firefighters about their love for fitness and how that led them to be a part of the bodybuilding community. We dive into their daily routines, how they juggle work, family and competition preparation and what it’s like during “off season.” The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver and Spc. Ana-Grace Catoe with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office. 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Outside of McCrady, do you have any other ties to the military? 1:30 - What led you to become a firefighter and how did you end up at McCrady? 2:40 - What is the dynamic like working at McCrady opposed to a normal fire department? 3:58 - Why did you choose bodybuilding? 9:08 - What specific category do you compete in? 10:50 - How does working together help you both in your individual bodybuilding journeys? 12:00 - How does your family dynamic support you during competition training? 14:22 - What does your typical day look like while you’re in season? 17:35 - How much different is it when you’re not in season? 19:27 - Do you have an upcoming competition? 21:04 - Is there a meal or snack you look forward to being able to eat after your show? 22:15 - What advice would you give to someone wanting to start bodybuilding?
2/17/2023
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with U.S Army Warrant Officer Shanequa Pendergrass, food service technician for the South Carolina National Guard about her journey from being enlisted to becoming a warrant officer as well as the best kept secret in the Army! The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver and Pfc. Ana-Grace Catoe with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
2/10/2023
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Christopher Wallace, McCrady Fire and Rescue Lieutenant about his service in the Army and what led him to become a firefighter. We dive into his passion for health and fitness and his journey to competing for the title of McCrady’s Strongest Firefighter. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver and Pfc. Ana-Grace Catoe with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
2/3/2023
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with U.S. Army Maj. Ben Thornton, South Carolina National Guard state training administrator about his military career. We dive into his history with the 4-118th Combined Arms Battalion and how he started from a platoon leader to now becoming the battalion commander. We also talk about his experience during COVID-19 while deployed and how that changed the dynamic of daily operations. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver and Pfc. Ana-Grace Catoe with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
2/2/2023
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian middle school interns, Makayla Simmons, Beechwood Middle School and Keyonna Washington, Ebenezer Middle School spend the day with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs Office. They experience what it’s really like to work in public affairs and the ins and outs of daily operations. They interview U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Sean Delaney-Gesing, South Carolina National Guard Marketing NCO about his experience being a recruiter and what it was like transitioning into marketing. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
1/27/2023
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Lisa Mustard, South Carolina National Guard behavioral health office about how to deal with failure. We dive into ways to overcome failure, how it’s not about failing but how you respond to failure and understanding that you are in control of your own path. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver and Pfc. Ana-Grace Catoe with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office. 0:00 - Intro 1:26 - How do you cope with failure? 3:40 - Internalizing failure 6:20 - Reframing the story you tell yourself about failure 9:00 - The importance of readiness and how you use feedback 10:53 - Keeping mind of the company you surround yourself with 12:45 - How to reframe your failure for motivational use and the importance of support 16:00 - Helping fellow soldiers see through their own denial of failure 18:30 - Reassessing your goals 20:30 - Understanding that you are in control of your own path in life 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/ DVIDS https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/SCNG