Newsroom

South Carolina National Guard In The News

7/16/2025
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, 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 photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews)
7/16/2025
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, 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 photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews)
7/16/2025
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, 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 photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews)
7/16/2025
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 photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews)
7/16/2025
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 photo by Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews)
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)
7/5/2025
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian, Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver takes listeners to Camp Bob Cooper to share the exciting experiences of the campers and staff during the Child and Youth Programs 2025 Youth Camp. Known as "Hollywood," Chelsea gives an insider's look at the camp's vibrant atmosphere and introduces the junior counselors (JCs) who are learning new skills throughout the week. Tune in to hear interviews with campers and staff as they share their unique stories, highlighting the teamwork, fun, and personal growth that make the camp experience unforgettable. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
7/2/2025
In this episode of Chap Chat, Chaplain John Denny welcomes Lt. Col. Javier Yudice, the state training officer and battalion commander of the 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment in the South Carolina National Guard. Yudice shares insights into his dual roles and the responsibilities that come with them, particularly focusing on the significance of combined arms operations, which involve heavy military equipment like tanks and bradleys. The conversation touches on leadership philosophy and the importance of resilience and spiritual strength among military personnel. Tune in to hear Yudice’s experiences and the stories that shape his worldview and leadership approach.
7/1/2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Surrounded by family, history, and tradition, U.S. Army Pvt. Dylan Frey was sworn into the Florida Army National Guard by his mother, U.S. Army Maj. Karla Evans, South Carolina National Guard in Columbia, South Carolina, July 1, 2025, marking the start of his chapter in a proud, multigenerational legacy of military service.
6/22/2025
On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian, we continue our conversation with Maj. Gen. Robin Stilwell, the 30th Adjutant General of South Carolina. We delve into the significance of family support in the military, the value of relationships, and leadership insights. Gen. Stilwell shares personal reflections and advice for service members, emphasizing the importance of enjoying and appreciating the present moment in their military careers. He encourages listeners to focus on making a difference rather than solely seeking promotions or higher ranks. Tune in for valuable insights from experienced leaders in the South Carolina National Guard. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver and Maj. Karla Evans with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
6/15/2025
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)
6/15/2025
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)
6/15/2025
Former Soldiers and their families, along with community members and local officials, gathered on June 14, 2025, at the Whitmire Armory to honor its historic legacy and the citizen Soldiers who trained within its walls. The occasion marked the dedication of a commemorative plaque recognizing the generations of Soldiers who have passed through the Armory since 1961.
6/15/2025
Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell, adjutant general of South Carolina was one of the former Soldiers gathered at the Whitmire Armory to honor its historic legacy and the citizen-Soldiers who trained within its walls, Whitmire, South Carolina, June 14, 2025. Family members, friends, along with community members and local officials attended. In 1961, Company C, 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, consisted of 102 men. Today, Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Billy Rhodes from Clinton and Private 1st Class Billy Joe Tankersley from Greenwood are the only living representatives from the 1961 "Whitmire Guard" unit that once called the Whitmire Armory home. The occasion marked the dedication of a commemorative plaque recognizing the generations of service members who have passed through the armory since 1961. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Maj. Karla N. Evans)
6/15/2025
Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell, adjutant general of South Carolina was one of the former Soldiers gathered at the Whitmire Armory to honor its historic legacy and the citizen-Soldiers who trained within its walls, Whitmire, South Carolina, June 14, 2025. Family members, friends, along with community members and local officials attended. In 1961, Company C, 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, consisted of 102 men. Today, Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Billy Rhodes from Clinton and Private 1st Class Billy Joe Tankersley from Greenwood are the only living representatives from the 1961 "Whitmire Guard" unit that once called the Whitmire Armory home. The occasion marked the dedication of a commemorative plaque recognizing the generations of service members who have passed through the armory since 1961. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Maj. Karla N. Evans)
6/15/2025
Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell, adjutant general of South Carolina was one of the former Soldiers gathered at the Whitmire Armory to honor its historic legacy and the citizen-Soldiers who trained within its walls, Whitmire, South Carolina, June 14, 2025. Family members, friends, along with community members and local officials attended. In 1961, Company C, 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, consisted of 102 men. Today, Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Billy Rhodes from Clinton and Private 1st Class Billy Joe Tankersley from Greenwood are the only living representatives from the 1961 "Whitmire Guard" unit that once called the Whitmire Armory home. The occasion marked the dedication of a commemorative plaque recognizing the generations of service members who have passed through the armory since 1961. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Maj. Karla N. Evans)
6/15/2025
Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell, adjutant general of South Carolina was one of the former Soldiers gathered at the Whitmire Armory to honor its historic legacy and the citizen-Soldiers who trained within its walls, Whitmire, South Carolina, June 14, 2025. Family members, friends, along with community members and local officials attended. In 1961, Company C, 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, consisted of 102 men. Today, Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Billy Rhodes from Clinton and Private 1st Class Billy Joe Tankersley from Greenwood are the only living representatives from the 1961 "Whitmire Guard" unit that once called the Whitmire Armory home. The occasion marked the dedication of a commemorative plaque recognizing the generations of service members who have passed through the armory since 1961. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Maj. Karla N. Evans)
6/15/2025
Maj. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell, adjutant general of South Carolina was one of the former Soldiers gathered at the Whitmire Armory to honor its historic legacy and the citizen-Soldiers who trained within its walls, Whitmire, South Carolina, June 14, 2025. Family members, friends, along with community members and local officials attended. In 1961, Company C, 1st Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, consisted of 102 men. Today, Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Billy Rhodes from Clinton and Private 1st Class Billy Joe Tankersley from Greenwood are the only living representatives from the 1961 "Whitmire Guard" unit that once called the Whitmire Armory home. The occasion marked the dedication of a commemorative plaque recognizing the generations of service members who have passed through the armory since 1961. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Maj. Karla N. Evans)