Newsroom

South Carolina National Guard In The News

10/1/2025
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Durant Simmons, 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, South Carolina National Guard, travels by escalator to his patrol site on the District of Columbia monorail system at Dupont Circle on Sept. 29, 2025. Through the Joint Task Force-DC, soldiers from multiple states work closely with emergency management services and law enforcement in creating a safer and more secure environment in the nation’s Capital. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Shane Gay)
9/30/2025
U.S. Soldiers with the South Carolina National Guard patrol the NoMA Metro station in support of Joint Task Force - District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., Sept 17, 2025. About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Josiah Mugabe)
9/30/2025
A South Carolina National Guardsman patrols the NoMA Metro station in support of Joint Task Force - District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., Sept 17, 2025. About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Josiah Mugabe)
9/30/2025
U.S. Soldiers with the South Carolina National Guard patrol the NoMA Metro station in support of Joint Task Force - District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., Sept 17, 2025. About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Josiah Mugabe)
9/30/2025
A U.S. Soldier with 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, South Carolina National Guard, assists with security at Union Station, Washington, D.C., Sept. 16, 2025. About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Josiah Mugabe)
9/29/2025
Brigadier General Linda J. Riedel of the South Carolina National Guard, who currently serves as assistant adjutant general for the Army, has been selected as the deputy commanding general (DCG) of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence (CCoE). She is expected to begin this dual-hat role in January 2026.
9/22/2025
Georgia National Guard Soldiers took over the Washington, D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission Friday from South Carolina National Guard troops who spent five weeks supporting local and federal agencies in the nation’s capital.
9/19/2025
Foster, a former infantry officer, along with other Soldiers of the 4th, spent two weeks training in the sweltering, August heat of Fort Stewart, Ga. They returned home to their families Friday, Aug. 15 only to get the phone call the next morning telling them to report to their armories on Sunday Aug. 17. They’ve been tasked with helping to make Washington D.C. safe and beautiful. This is a story about what it's like being a chaplain on a short-notice mission to the nation's capitol.
9/19/2025
In the aftermath of 9/11, the Federal Emergency Management Agency launched National Preparedness Month in 2004. This national campaign, every September, aims to educate and empower Americans to respond to natural disasters or potential terrorist attacks.
9/12/2025
U.S. Army Capt. Jess Foster, a chaplain, with 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, South Carolina National Guard speaks about the many ways a chaplain cares for Soldiers on a typical Sunday in Washington D.C., Sept. 7, 2025. (For privacy reasons, the counseling scene in this video is simulated.) About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work, and visit the District. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Senior Master Sgt. Carl Clegg)
9/11/2025
U.S. Soldiers with the South Carolina National Guard patrol areas around the nation’s capitol, to include the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Audi Filed, Nationals Park, Navy Yard Park and metro station, Waterfront and also attend Protestant and Catholic religious services in Washington D.C., Sept. 4-7, 2025. About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work, and visit the District. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Carl Clegg)
9/4/2025
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Hardy Bogue, Spc. Noah Lampinen, Spc. Chris Elston and Spc. John Stewart, all with 4th Battalion, 118th Regiment, South Carolina Army National Guard, assisted D.C. Metropolitan Police Department officers in the arrest of a robbery suspect in Washington, D.C., Aug. 31, 2025. About 2,300 National Guard members are supporting the D. C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Senior Master Sgt. Carl Clegg)
8/30/2025
What began as a routine lunch at the Anderson Metro Diner quickly transformed into a life-saving event thanks to the quick thinking and decisive action of Sergeant Major Michael Binninger. On August 28, 2025, Binninger and a friend were dining when they observed a man urgently patting his wife’s back.
8/10/2025
In this episode of Chap Chat, Chaplain John Denny continues his conversation with Maj. Dena Ogden, who shares her deeply personal journey through tragedy and the hope that emerged from it. Maj. Ogden discusses the numbness she experienced following her loss and the three months she spent in isolation, grappling with her emotions. She recalls the support she received from her school community, including a heartfelt album filled with memories from her son’s classmates. As she returned to work, Maj. Ogden describes the challenges of reintegrating into her role while coping with her grief, highlighting the kindness of her colleagues who checked in on her during this difficult time. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on resilience and the power of community support in the face of adversity.
8/2/2025
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Karma Simmons, the acting Integrated Primary Prevention Program Manager, to discuss the Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS). Karma explains what the DEOCS survey is, its purpose, and the importance of participation from service members and DoD civilians. The survey aims to gather feedback on command climate and culture, providing insights into the day-to-day experiences of personnel. Tune in to learn more about how the DEOCS can influence the work environment and enhance overall organizational effectiveness. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
8/2/2025
U.S. Soldiers with the 1222nd Engineer Company, 178th Engineer Battalion, 117th Engineer Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, prepare and detonate linear charges July 14, 2025 at McCrady Training Center, Eastover, South Carolina. This was part of their annual training used to instruct the Soldiers on proper technique and procedures of demolition live fire to maintain proficiency. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews)
8/2/2025
U.S. Soldiers with the 1222nd Engineer Company, 178th Engineer Battalion, 117th Engineer Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, detonate M18A1 Claymore mines July 15, 2025 at McCrady Training Center, in Eastover, South Carolina. This was part of their annual training used to properly set up and detonate claymores to maintain capabilities and lethality. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews)
8/2/2025
U.S. Soldiers with the 1222nd Engineer Company, 178th Engineer Battalion, 117th Engineer Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, prepare and detonate linear charges July 14, 2025 at McCrady Training Center, Eastover, South Carolina. This was part of their annual training used to instruct the Soldiers on proper technique and procedures of demolition live fire to maintain proficiency. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews)
7/30/2025
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian, we talk with Nicole Davis, the Education Services Specialist for South Carolina National Guard, to discuss important education benefits available to service members. The focus is on federal tuition assistance (FTA) and credentialing assistance (CA), emphasizing the eligibility requirements for FTA, including the necessity of having a common access card (CAC) and not being flagged for any actions. Nicole highlights the importance of completing the Army Ignited 101 training, which outlines the FTA process. This episode aims to equip service members with the essential information they need to apply for education benefits ahead of the upcoming semester, ensuring they take advantage of these valuable opportunities. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
7/22/2025
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian, we talk with Spc. Jazmine Squire, the GI Bill Manager for South Carolina National Guard, to discuss the various education benefits available through the GI Bill. We explore the different types of GI Bills, including Chapter 1606, Post 9-11, and Chapter 30, highlighting the key differences in eligibility requirements and payment structures. Spc. Squire explains that Chapter 1606 requires a six-year contract, a high school diploma, and completion of initial active duty training, while the Post 9-11 Bill demands qualifying service time under specific orders. Tune in to learn more about how these benefits can support your educational goals! The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.