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South Carolina National Guard In The News

5/15/2025
In this episode of Chap Chat, Chaplain Denny interviews Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Vargas, a dedicated member of the South Carolina National Guard. With a heartfelt introduction, Denny expresses admiration for Carlos’s deep care for soldiers, highlighting the genuine passion he brings to his role. Carlos shares his journey from Costa Rica to the United States, revealing that his desire to become a citizen in the early 2000s led him to join the military. He reflects on the significant opportunities he received through education and service, as well as how a part-time military commitment has evolved into a fulfilling 19-year career. Tune in to hear more about Carlos’s inspiring story and the impact of military service on his life.
5/12/2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Recognizing the vital connection between inner strength and operational effectiveness, the South Carolina National Guard hosted a prayer breakfast at the beginning of May, at the Bluff Road Readiness Center in honor of the National Day of Prayer. The event, organized by the Guard’s Ministry Team, highlighted the importance of spiritual readiness as a key component of overall preparedness.
5/12/2025
U.S. Army Chaplain Lt. Col. John Denny, full-time state ministry team, South Carolina Army National Guard and Chaplain U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christina Pittman, 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air Force National Guard, along with U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Powell, full-time ministry team, hosted a prayer breakfast at the Bluff Road Readiness Center, Columbia, South Carolina, May 1, 2025. The event emphasized the importance of spiritual readiness alongside operational effectiveness. The event was attended by approximately 40 Soldiers, Airmen, and civilian employees from across the South Carolina Military Department. The USO provided coffee for everyone who joined this special morning of fellowship. (U.S. Arm National Guard photo by Maj. Karla N. Evans)
5/9/2025
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment, 59th Aviation Troop Command, South Carolina Army National Guard are recognized by the South Carolina State House for their disaster relief efforts since Hurricane Helene and wildfire response efforts in Covington Drive fire and Table Rock Complex wildfires, May 7, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. South Carolina Rep. Doug Gilliam, chairman of the House Military Caucus, House Military Caucus for the South Carolina House of Representatives and South Carolina Sen. Ronnie Cromer, chairman of the Senate Military Caucus applauded the National Guard contribution and dedication to their domestic operations saving lives and property to countless South Carolinians dedicating April 30th, 2025 "2-151 Aviation Regiment Day". (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews)
5/9/2025
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment, 59th Aviation Troop Command, South Carolina Army National Guard are recognized by the South Carolina State House for their disaster relief efforts since Hurricane Helene and wildfire response efforts in Covington Drive fire and Table Rock Complex wildfires, May 7, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. South Carolina Rep. Doug Gilliam, chairman of the House Military Caucus, House Military Caucus for the South Carolina House of Representatives and South Carolina Sen. Ronnie Cromer, chairman of the Senate Military Caucus applauded the National Guard contribution and dedication to their domestic operations saving lives and property to countless South Carolinians dedicating April 30th, 2025 "2-151 Aviation Regiment Day". (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews)
5/3/2025
EASTOVER, S.C. – April is a special month dedicated to honoring the often unsung heroes of military service: our military children. While service members answer the call to duty worldwide, their children have unique challenges, yet they demonstrate incredible resilience and adaptability.
5/2/2025
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the MEDEVAC Detachment “Dustoff”, 2nd Battalion, 59th Aviation Troop Command, South Carolina Army National Guard, conduct K9 medical support training with Soldiers from the Fort Jackson Veterinary Treatment Clinic, and K9 handlers from the Richland County Sheriff Department, McEntire Joint National Guard Base and Fort Jackson, South Carolina, April 16, 2025. The training included K9-specific classroom sessions, simulated treatment of injured dogs, and familiarization flights abord a South Carolina Army National Guard UH-60L MEDEVAC helicopter. During the flight portion of the training, the K9 handlers focused on their dogs’ sensorial response to the helicopter environment, like loudness and motion. For good measure, muzzles and other K9-specific protective gear were utilized to minimize the risk of accidental injuries caused by the dogs’ reaction to a new, stressful environment aboard the aircraft. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Roberto Di Giovine)
5/2/2025
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the MEDEVAC Detachment “Dustoff”, 2nd Battalion, 59th Aviation Troop Command, South Carolina Army National Guard, conduct K9 medical support training with Soldiers from the Fort Jackson Veterinary Treatment Clinic, and K9 handlers from the Richland County Sheriff Department, McEntire Joint National Guard Base and Fort Jackson, South Carolina, April 16, 2025. The training included K9-specific classroom sessions, simulated treatment of injured dogs, and familiarization flights abord a South Carolina Army National Guard UH-60L MEDEVAC helicopter. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. 1st Class Roberto Di Giovine)
4/28/2025
Twenty Army National Guardsmen from eight states, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands face-off during the Region Three Best Warrior Competition (BWC) held at South Carolina National Guard's McCrady Training Center in Columbia, South Carolina. Hosted by the South Carolina National Guard from April 21-26, the Region Three BWC 2025 is open to all enlisted National Guard Soldiers. Competitors advanced through their state to the regional competition, facing demanding military challenges designed to test their combat skills and doctrinal knowledge. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Ana-Grace Catoe, Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver, Staff Sgt. Brian Calhoun, and Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews)
4/28/2025
U.S. Army Soldiers with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 178th Field Artillery, 678th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, head to the field to conduct Table VI certification on the M109A6 Paladin Self Propelled Howitzer, Apr. 28, 2025, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. The primary mission of this training is section level certification for the Battalion through safe and successful delivery of fires. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Kailey Campbell)
4/23/2025
A 15-year South Carolina Army National Guard veteran, Everett serves with the 251st Area Support Medical Company in Darlington, South Carolina. Originally from Cornville, New York, Everett was inspired to join the military by his father, a firefighter, and the events of 9/11. After graduating college, he followed that calling into service.
4/22/2025
Noncommissioned officers and Soldiers from the Southeastern United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands gathered Monday to participate in Region Three’s Best Warrior Competition.
4/21/2025
In this episode of the Chap Chat, Chaplain Denny welcomes Capt. Lisa Allen from the South Carolina Air National Guard, 169th Fighter Wing. She shares her unique journey from the Navy to the Air Guard, with 11 years of experience in the Navy Reserves, specifically in Public Affairs, Captain Allen discusses the challenges she faced while managing her military responsibilities alongside her family and civilian career. She highlights the lack of integration between the reserve and active components, which ultimately led her to seek a more fulfilling role in the Air Guard. Capturing her passion for public affairs, she explains how her transition was motivated by a desire to hone her skills and serve effectively. Tune in to learn more about the significance of public affairs in the military and the personal journey of a dedicated service member.
4/10/2025
The 218th Regiment, South Carolina Army National Guard, hosted its fifth annual "Walk a Mile in Their Shoes" at McCrady Training Center on April 9, 2025. Approximately thirty Soldiers from various South Carolina Army National Guard units participated in the event. Each year, this walk signifies more than just a mile of running or walking; it means support for victims of sexual violence.
4/10/2025
In this episode of Chap Chat, Chaplain Denny welcomes Sgt. Travis Duncan, the State Resiliency Coordinator with the Service Member Family Care Directorate of the South Carolina Army National Guard. Travis shares his insights on various support programs available for service members and their families, including suicide prevention, behavioral health, and family programming. With a military career spanning since 2009, Travis recounts his journey through different military police units, reflecting on his experiences and the importance of resilience in service. Tune in to hear valuable keys to staying grounded during challenging times.
4/7/2025
Fifteen future Soldiers committed to defending the nation and state were sworn into the South Carolina Army National Guard on April 6, 2025, in an inspiring enlistment ceremony at Darlington Raceway. The event took place in the infield of the legendary track, highlighting the significance of the oath of enlistment and the dedication these new recruits bring to the force.
4/6/2025
Fifteen South Carolina Army National Guard Recruiting Sustainment Program members were sworn into the Army National Guard during a NASCAR pre-race enlistment ceremony on the infield of historic Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina, April 6, 2025. The oath of enlistment was administered by U.S. Army Maj. Matthew Moser, commander of Bravo Company, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, South Carolina Army National Guard. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeff Jones, deputy adjutant general of South Carolina, was also in attendance. The pre-race ceremony was hosted by Darlington Raceway to formally recognize and welcome the newest members of the South Carolina Army National Guard as they begin their military journey. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jimmy Townsend, Recruiting and Retention Battalion)
4/6/2025
Fifteen South Carolina Army National Guard Recruiting Sustainment Program members were sworn into the Army National Guard during a NASCAR pre-race enlistment ceremony on the infield of historic Darlington Raceway in Darlington, South Carolina, April 6, 2025. The oath of enlistment was administered by U.S. Army Maj. Matthew Moser, commander of Bravo Company, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, South Carolina Army National Guard. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeff Jones, deputy adjutant general of South Carolina, was also in attendance. The pre-race ceremony was hosted by Darlington Raceway to formally recognize and welcome the newest members of the South Carolina Army National Guard as they begin their military journey. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jimmy Townsend, Recruiting and Retention Battalion)
4/3/2025
In this episode of CHAP Chat, we welcome Staff Sgt. Jamie Beaman, who works in the G3, the state-level division responsible for training and mobilization. Jamie shares her military journey, her love of reading, and how literature helps her cope with stress. Jamie candidly shares her decade-long struggles with anxiety and depression, insights from her deployment to Afghanistan, and the challenges she faced as a female in a predominantly male environment—including the valuable lessons learned from Afghan women in authority roles. She also recounts her transformative experience at the Big Red Barn, a nonprofit supporting veterans and first responders, emphasizing the importance of personalized mental health care and the courage to seek help. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, mental health, and the power of community support.
4/2/2025
U.S. Army Soldiers from the South Carolina National Guard gathered at Fort Jackson's Range 14 today to officially rededicate it in honor of Distinguished Service Cross recipient, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Wesley F. Walker.