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South Carolina National Guard In The News

9/11/2025
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell, adjutant general for South Carolina, speaks to guests during the 9/11 Morning of Remembrance ceremony, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, South Carolina, Sept. 11, 2025. The ceremony honored service members and first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice following 9/11. The event also included remarks by South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, a South Carolina Air National Guard F-16 flyover, and a performance from the White Knoll High School choir. The event is hosted yearly on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by the 9/11 Remembrance Foundation of South Carolina, a nonprofit organization committed to memorializing and honoring military service members and first responders through a variety of charitable initiatives in South Carolina. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Ana-Grace Catoe)
9/11/2025
U.S. Army Soldiers, with the South Carolina National Guard, participate in the 9/11 Morning of Remembrance ceremony, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, South Carolina, Sept. 11, 2025. The ceremony honored service members and first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice following 9/11. The event also included remarks by South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, a South Carolina Air National Guard F-16 flyover, and a performance from the White Knoll High School choir. The event is hosted yearly on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by the 9/11 Remembrance Foundation of South Carolina, a nonprofit organization committed to memorializing and honoring military service members and first responders through a variety of charitable initiatives in South Carolina. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Ana-Grace Catoe)
9/11/2025
U.S. Army Soldiers, with the South Carolina National Guard, participate in the 9/11 Morning of Remembrance ceremony, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, South Carolina, Sept. 11, 2025. The ceremony honored service members and first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice following 9/11. The event also included remarks by South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, a South Carolina Air National Guard F-16 flyover, and a performance from the White Knoll High School choir. The event is hosted yearly on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by the 9/11 Remembrance Foundation of South Carolina, a nonprofit organization committed to memorializing and honoring military service members and first responders through a variety of charitable initiatives in South Carolina. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Ana-Grace Catoe)
9/11/2025
U.S. Army Soldiers, with the South Carolina National Guard, participate in the 9/11 Morning of Remembrance ceremony, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, South Carolina, Sept. 11, 2025. The ceremony honored service members and first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice following 9/11. The event also included remarks by South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, a South Carolina Air National Guard F-16 flyover, and a performance from the White Knoll High School choir. The event is hosted yearly on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by the 9/11 Remembrance Foundation of South Carolina, a nonprofit organization committed to memorializing and honoring military service members and first responders through a variety of charitable initiatives in South Carolina. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Ana-Grace Catoe)
9/11/2025
U.S. Army Soldiers, with the South Carolina National Guard, participate in the 9/11 Morning of Remembrance ceremony, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, South Carolina, Sept. 11, 2025. The ceremony honored service members and first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice following 9/11. The event also included remarks by South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, a South Carolina Air National Guard F-16 flyover, and a performance from the White Knoll High School choir. The event is hosted yearly on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by the 9/11 Remembrance Foundation of South Carolina, a nonprofit organization committed to memorializing and honoring military service members and first responders through a variety of charitable initiatives in South Carolina. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Ana-Grace Catoe)
9/11/2025
U.S. Soldiers with the South Carolina Army National Guard greet locals attending a soccer game at Audi Field Washington, D.C., on Sept 7, 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)
9/11/2025
U.S. Army Sgt. Dakota Beahn, left, and Pfc. Richard Hodges, both with the South Carolina National Guard, stand watch at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Sept 4, 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)
9/11/2025
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.
7/11/2025
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with retired Sgt. Maj. Paul Mead, the Education Service Officer for the South Carolina National Guard, to discuss the College Assistance Program (CAP). CAP is a state tuition program funded by lottery money that helps cover costs for in-state schools, including bachelor’s degrees and academic certifications. Paul explains the benefits of CAP, including its recent increase to $12,000 per academic year, which equates to $4,000 per semester for full-time students attending fall, spring, and summer sessions. So tune in to learn how CAP can support your educational goals! The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
7/11/2025
Soldiers with the South Carolina National Guard Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team flying a UH-72 Lakota helicopter helped rescue an injured hiker alongside partner agencies. (Video by Burke County Rescue)
7/11/2025
Soldiers with the South Carolina National Guard Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team flying a UH-72 Lakota helicopter helped rescue an injured hiker alongside partner agencies. (Video by Burke County Rescue)