January
Posted on January 4, 2021
Melissa Wheeler is our Veteran of the Week! Senior Master Sergeant Melissa K. Wheeler is an intricate part of the 20th Fighter Wing Commander’s Action Group, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. She proudly serves as a direct liaison between the wing commander and the following: Air Force, Air Combat Command, 9th Air Force, 4 groups, 18 squadrons, 22 tenant units, and 19 Wing Staff Agencies consisting of 8000 members.
Sergeant Wheeler was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh on August 4, 1972. She attended Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, graduating in May 1990. A couple years after graduation, she enlisted in the Air Force in June 1992.
At Osan AB, Korea in 2000 she was awarded the NCO of the Year for 2000. After a 1-year tour in Korea, she was off to Ramstein AB, Germany. Sergeant Wheeler’s travel opportunity grew tremendously when she was assigned to the USAFE Inspector General. They inspected every base in Europe and traveled 300 out of 365 days of the year. She then was hired to be the Trip Coordinator for the USAFE Commander in 2003. After a year, she was ready to move on to the next challenge. Staying at Ramstein AB, she then took a job at USAFE Public Affairs as the NCOIC, Client Support Administrator. Her excellence continued as she garnered the Public Affairs NCO of the Year for 2004 and USAFE’s Volunteer of the Quarter in 2005.
Sergeant Wheeler deployed in 2006 to Phoenix Base in Baghdad Iraq where she served as the Protocol Officer for the Commanding General, Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq. This was her first joint assignment and where she learned to appreciate all branches of service.
After being overseas for 10 years, Wheeler was assigned to Shaw AFB, South Carolina. Sergeant Wheeler first started off assigned to the 20th Operations Support Squadron and served as the First Sergeant for all the Airmen in the 20th Operations Group to include the 3 fighter squadrons, 55 FS, 77 FS and 79 FS. She was the very first core First Sergeant for the Red Flag Exercise at Nellis AFB, Nevada. She was so successful, ACC decided to benchmark her efforts and added a First Sergeant position for future Red Flag Exercises.
Sergeant Wheeler then moved to the 20th Security Forces Squadron in 2011 and deployed to an Undisclosed Location in Kuwait. In 2012, she was recognized for her exceptional leadership skills and was assigned to the 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, the largest single-first sergeant unit in the wing. Her selfless dedication to duty and her commitment to her Airmen was once again recognized when she was named the 20th Fighter Wing’s First Sergeant of the Year for 2012. After a 20-month stint in Maintenance, Sergeant Wheeler moved to the 20th Communications Squadron for a couple months to help out until the inbound First Sergeant arrived. She then moved to the 20th Civil Engineering Squadron in 2014 and deployed to Al Udeid AB, Qatar prior to ending her 7-year run as a First Sergeant. In 2015, she returned to her original career field, and enjoyed her time in the 20th Fighter Wing’s Commander’s Action Group. Thank you for your service, SMG Wheeler!
Posted on January 11, 2021
Sarah E. Ziaja is our “Veteran of the Week.” Major Ziaja currently resides in Ladson, South Carolina as a Warrior PATHH (Progressive and Alternative Training for Healing Heroes) Guide.
Maj Ziaja entered the Air Force in May 2009 as a graduate of the University of Portland Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program. At the University of Portland she earned a BS in Civil/Environmental Engineering and Minors in Theology and Environmental Science.
During Major Ziaja’s 8.5 years of service she supported two base infrastructures and assets totaling $12.1B and deployed three times. In 2012, Major Ziaja deployed with the Army as the lead engineer for Provincial Reconstruction Team Paktya, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). While there she also led the PRT’s Female Engagement Team and numerous key leadership engagements with government officials in order to revitalize and stabilize the local infrastructure.
From 2013 to 2015 she was selected for a special duty assignment with the Navy SEABEES where she deployed twice with them to Rota, Spain and Okinawa, Japan as a Company Commander in support of OEF and Major Combat Operations (MCO) response in the Pacific, European, African and Central Command Theaters.
After her assignment with the Navy SEABEEs she was stationed at Joint Base Charleston. There she was the Chief, Operations Engineering for the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron. She was responsible for twenty-one base operating support service contracts, the new resources and optimization section to include customer service, along with the material handling section that supports the entire squadron. During this time, she received medical treatments for the injuries she sustained in Afghanistan and unfortunately after 2 years of unsuccessful treatments she was medically retired.
Since being retired, she desired to continue to serve in some capacity so when she was afforded the opportunity join and work with the people who were bringing the Warrior PATHH to South Carolina it was the opportunity she had been waiting for. It has always been the people that have meant the most to her. It is an honor to her to be able to continue service to our military and utilize the experiences she’s gone through to help them through their healing process. Thank you for your service, Maj. Ziaja!
Posted on January 19, 2021
Henry “Hank” Povinelli is our Veteran of the week. Staff Sergeant Povinelli served in the Army from 1967-1969 spending more than a year in Vietnam. He was stationed in Chicago and at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Since his honorable discharge, Povinelli has been a member of multiple VFW posts around the state of South Carolina and has been a major supporter of community service and advocacy for veterans and also volunteers with the AARP.
AARP South Carolina selected Povinelli for the 2020 Andrus Award for Community Service for his remarkable and dedicated support to the company’s vision and mission, which inspired other volunteers. Throughout his years as an AARP volunteer, Povinelli stuffed food bags for the hungry, helped veterans in need, given public presentations on AARP information and resources, moderated a gubernatorial candidate discussion, performed leadership roles at AARP on state and national levels, and much more.
Giving back after a successful career is laudable, but Povinelli’s service to others goes above and beyond. Like every year prior, in 2020, Hank gave ceaselessly of his time and talent to help improve the lives of others. He continued to give of his dedicated time even after receiving a cancer diagnosis and treatment during a pandemic that’s especially deadly to those with underlying health conditions.
Hank never let cancer slow him down. “I always try to stay positive and I don’t believe in looking backward. I want to make things better and get things done.”
Despite all he’s done, Povinelli says some of his most meaningful work has been done with veterans. As a Vietnam Veteran Povinelli is heavily involved in AARP’s work with veterans, especially homeless and at-risk veterans. Povinelli was instrumental in creating the national AARP Virtual Veterans Brigade, which helps disseminate available information, resources, and benefits to veterans and their families through social media channels. Thank you for your service, Hank!
Posted on January 25, 2021
Colonel (Retired) Elisabeth (Liz) S. Litvin is our “Veteran of the Week.”
Col. Litvin received her commission in the U.S. Army in 1995 and retired in 2020, serving 26 years. After completing the Aviation Officer Basic Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama, as an AH-64 pilot, she reported to her first assignment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Liz transitioned to Adjutant General’s Corps in 1998 and served in various Human Resources and leadership positions in Korea, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Iraq, and Fort Bragg.
She served as the commander for 1st Battalion, United States Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) in Minneapolis, Minnesota where her units were responsible to process all enlistments for each branch of the Military across the upper Midwest. She completed a tour in the Pentagon in the Army G1, focusing on building Soldier readiness for the Army. Following War College at the Eisenhower School in 2016, Liz deployed to Afghanistan where she served as the Executive Officer to the Commander of the Combined Security Transition Command – Afghanistan (CSTC-A). Her final assignment was at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State as the Human Resources executive agent and advisor to the Commander for the 40K+ Soldiers of America’s First Corps.
Liz is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Frostburg State University and a Master of Human Resource Management from Troy State University, as well as a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from National Defense University’s Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy.
Liz is one of South Carolina’s Ambassadors to the Military Women’s Memorial in Washington, DC. All Women Veterans are eligible to share their stories and she encourages them to visit the memorial at www.womensmemorial.org to learn more. Thank you for your service, Colonel Litvin!
February
Posted on February 1, 2021
Sergeant Major (Retired) Steven Noonan is our “Veteran of the Week.”
SGM Noonan enlisted in the United States Army in 1990 and spent more than 30 years on active duty until retiring in June of 2020. He now continues to serve those who have served as the Director of Training and Standardization for The South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs. In and out of uniform, he prides himself on taking care of Soldiers.
SGM Noonan has had several deployments throughout his career including multiple training deployments to Central America, Asia, and Europe. In 1990 he deployed to Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Steve also deployed to Joint Forge in 2002 and multiple tours to both Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
His awards and decorations include The Legion of Merit, The Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal and many more medals. He also has earned his Drill Sergeant Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Master Parachute Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, and parachute badges from ten different countries.
Noonan says the three biggest things he got from the Army is that, “It’s not about me it’s about the team. Making your subordinates better and serving the nation.” Thank you for your service SGM Steven Noonan!
Posted on February 8, 2021
Lieutenant Colonel Chaveso “Chevy” Cook is our Veteran of the Week.
Chaveso “Chevy” Cook is an active-duty Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army. His career started in the historic 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. After selection and training for Army Special Operations, he transferred to Psychological Operations, continuing service at Fort Bragg. During his military career he’s deployed during “The Surge”, the “Arab Spring”, and the fight against ISIS in roles working with a wide variety of American embassies, local leaders, and non-governmental organizations, in addition to assisting/training foreign militaries, and serving multiple special operations task forces. These and other experiences span Iraq (x3), Qatar (x2), Niger, Jordan, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Tajikistan, and the United Arab Emirates. He has led small, specialized teams and large formations with a variety of both civilians and military, as well as a multitude of specialties and demographics. Chevy was also fortunate enough to be a psychology instructor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at United States Military Academy (USMA).
Chevy’s education includes USMA (B.S. Psychology), the University of Texas-El Paso (M.A. Leadership Development), and Columbia University (M.A. Organizational Psychology). He recently earned his Ph.D. at Tufts University where he focused his research on Human Development, particularly the formation of character. He has also earned a certificate in Community Leadership and Social Change from the Institute for Nonprofit Practice. Chevy’s professional memberships, some of which include the American Psychological Association, the Council on Foreign Relations, the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, Forbes Ignite, and his non-profit role as Executive Director of Military Mentors allow him to uniquely serve others outside of the uniform. He’s consulted for industry leading businesses as well as special mission units at the edge of high risk/high stress leadership. Chevy has guest spoken and been widely published on topics of character, leadership, organizational change, diversity/equity/inclusion, innovation, mentorship, social justice, and a multitude of other matters of personal and professional development.
Of his awards and instances of recognition, Chevy is most proud of his three Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals for sustained community and organizational investment and the 2016 Secretary of the Army Diversity and Leadership Award, given to one Army leader yearly for commitment to equal opportunity practices, Army Values, and professional development.
Chevy and his wife Ashley are from Columbia, S.C. She is his high-school sweetheart, a personal trainer, and avid community supporter. Their most important triumphs are being together for over two decades and their beautiful daughters London and Lola.
February 16, 2021
Staff Sergeant Lawren Tucker is our “Veteran of the Week.”
SSgt. Tucker is currently serving in the Air Force Reserves as a Pharmacy Technician (4P0). She has been in the Air Force for more than seven years and is based out of the 413th ASTS, Robins AFB, GA. She has deployed with her unit to Guyana, South America, New Horizons (NH19).
SSgt. Tucker is from Columbia, S.C. where she worked at Prisma Health Children’s Pharmacy as a pharm tech for the past three years. Tucker also assists in the operation and facilitating of COVID-19 testing at the University of South Carolina’s College of Pharmacy. She is currently looking to commission in the Air Force as on officer. She has a B.S. in Biology from Francis Marion University and is getting ready to pursue her master’s in Public Health.
The most significant moment in Tucker’s military career was serving as a pharm tech in the New Horizons Exercise where she was able to utilize not only military, but civilian training to offer health services to patients in an impoverished community in a joint operation with her sister services (Army and Marines). She was also able to assist and assimilate other medical AFSC’s in their daily duties and operations. Thank you for your service, SSgt. Lawren Tucker!
February 22, 2021
Staff Sergeant Louis Moore Jr. is our “Veteran of the Week.”
SSgt. Moore is currently serving in the United States Marine Corps Reserves as a Light Armored Vehicle Crewman at Camp McCrady in Eastover, S.C. His ten faithful years of service he will tell you, “Is just the beginning.” He plans to do twenty plus years and retire in Lexington, S.C. where he lives with his family.
When not at drill, Moore is constantly doing volunteer work for local and national veteran nonprofits and takes great pride in serving the Veteran community throughout the Midlands. From Toys for Tots to Marine Corps mud runs and Veteran’s Day 5K’s he is always doing something with his family to show his support for those that have served before him.
SSgt. Moore is very proud to be an essential worker as a local truck driver. He also has the most pride in being a family man and the best dad to his two children as he can be. He loves setting a good example for his lifetime sweetheart, kids, and young Marines by always being motivated and leading from the front. Thank you for your service, SSgt. Louis Moore Jr!
March
March 1, 2021
Captain Janay D. Morris is our "Veteran of the Week."
CPT Janay D. Morris (Retired) served in the US Army as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological Nuclear, and Explosives Officer. She started her career as an enlisted Soldier and at her 10 year anniversary she was selected to commission as an officer. She has served as a Drill Sergeant, Platoon Leader, and retired as a Commanding officer. She has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri Science and Technology and is getting ready to pursue her Doctorate in Business Administration.
The most significant moment in Morris’s military career was serving as a basic training Drill Sergeant. Despite all she has done, the most meaningful part of the job was being able to assist in training the Army’s future Soldiers. This position allowed her to shape the minds and bodies of individuals.
Morris's passion of helping others led her to pursue real estate. She currently lives Columbia, SC. where she works as a Realtor with David Lloyd Realty servicing NC, SC and Georgia. Morris is also a military relocation professional (MRP). She believes the Veterans are some of the most underserved in the market. She enjoys meeting people and watching them fall in love with the beautiful homes they purchase.
Thank you for service, CPT Janay D. Morris!
March 8, 2021
Roland “Rocky” Gannon is our “Veteran of the Week.”
Rocky Gannon was born in Palermo, New Jersey and moved to Ocean City when he was seven years old. Shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and while he was a junior at Ocean City High School, Rocky enlisted in the Air Force at seventeen. He immediately entered pilot training. Shortly after his high school class graduated, Rocky became a B-17 Flying Fortress pilot. At age twenty he was flying the B-29 Super Fortress. For the next 37 years, he flew six-thousand hours in thirty-four different aircraft, from bombers to transports, from gliders to fighters. He has fifty military awards and decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, ten Air Medals, four Meritorious Service Medals and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. He flew as a combat pilot in World War II, Korea, the Belgian Congo and 387 combat missions in Vietnam. After World War II, he served three years in the occupation of Iwo Jima and Japan. Fifteen of his thirty-seven years of active duty were served overseas.
Rocky is active in the community, serving on 11 boards and commissions. He is an Eagle Scout, recipient of the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award, the Rotary Four Way Test Award, and the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2001 he was named South Carolina Aviator of the Year and inducted into the South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame.
After his retirement from the Air Force in 1980, he became an International Aviation Consultant. Later he became the Executive Director of the Florence, South Carolina Regional Airport, retiring in 1993. He has been married to the former Roberta Gause for 56 years. They have three grown children, ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Thank you for your service LTC Rocky Gannon!
March 15, 2021
Destiny Marut is our “Veteran of the Week.”
Warrant Officer 1 Marut has served in the Army since 2013. She enlisted as a 25Q Multichannel System Operator/Maintainer where she reached the rank of Sergeant. In 2018 she commissioned as a Warrant Officer 1 and now is a 152H Apache Pilot. She currently lives in Columbia, S.C. and is stationed at McEntire JNGB with the 151st Aviation Regiment.
Destiny first deployed in 2016 as the J6-3 Noncommissioned Officer in Charge for Horn of Africa (HOA) out of Djibouti at Camp Lemonnier OEF in support of mission New Normal. That same year Marut first flew as a Specialist in Africa and fell in love with it. When she returned to the states in to 2017, she then began to pursue it. Among her awards and medals include the Army accommodation medal, Army achievement medal, and National Defense.
WO1 Marut also helped establish the Warrior Fit Program, A SCNG recruiting tool used to promote fitness throughout the state to eligible candidates from 2014-2016 and again in 2017 prior to commissioning. Destiny is currently the only fully qualified female Apache Warrant Officer in the state of South Carolina.
Thank you for your service, WO1 Destiny Marut!
March 22, 2021
Sandy Bostick is our “Veteran of the Week.”
Sandy Bostick was born June 8, 1974 in Winnsboro, South Carolina. She currently lives in Columbia, South Carolina. She is proud to have a 20-year-old daughter who is in her third year of college at North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State College (NCA&T) in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Sandy enlisted in the Army National Guard in August 1994 as a Food Service Specialist (94B). After graduating from Basic Training, she completed Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in January 1995 at Fort Lee, Virginia. In December 1996, Bostick signed up for active duty and was Stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii in 1998, Fort Drum, New York in 2000 and finished her 11 ½ year time in service due to an injury in Iraq at Fort Polk, Louisiana in 2005. Sandy deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom I & II in April of 2003 and returned to Fort Polk, Louisiana 15 months later in July 2004.
Sandy’s awards and medals include the Army Commendation Medal, 5 Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Strayer University and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Administration.
When Sandy left the military after hurting my back in Iraq in 2005, she started working at South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce in 2005 as a work study. Then she was hired in February 2006. She has had many jobs working with people with unemployment, working with people with disabilities and her favorite job ever was with the Veteran’s Department to work with Veterans. Sandy’s passion has always been to help others. The title of a Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) afforded her an opportunity to help Veterans in their transition from active duty to civilian life. She worked on Fort Jackson with soldiers who were exiting the military. Sandy then left South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce in August 2017 and began her new journey at South Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs as a Veterans Claims Representative. The job allows her to make a difference in the lives of some many veterans by advocating in front of the Law Judge from Washington, DC.
Bostick volunteers a lot around the community to include her church, food banks, feeding the homeless and specialty walks to raise money for a particular cause, and has worked on and off as a Guardian Ad Litem. Sandy has always felt the need to advocate for people who cannot find their voice, especially children.
Thank you for your service, Sandy Bostick!
March 29, 2021
Candace M. Terry is our “Veteran of the Week.”
Candace Terry served in the Navy from 2002-2010 as a Cryptologic Technician Interpretive. She worked as a Russian and Persian Farsi Crypto analyst serving at both Ft Meade, Md, and Ft Gordon Ga. After her service she attended both the University of Kentucky and University of South Carolina where she obtained her BA in Russian Studies and MSW respectively.
At both universities she served as the President of the local Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapters where she worked as an advocate for holistic services and supports for Veterans on the university campuses. During her time at the University of South Carolina she was recognized as one of the top student Veteran advocates across the nation when was selected to attend the Student Veterans of America Leadership Institute.
Prior to that she was selected to be a part of the women Veterans’ fellowship at Purdue University Campus, IUPUI, the Focus Forward Fellowship. Through her work at the University of South Carolina, Candace was able to cultivate the relationships and skillset for her next chapter as the Director of Governmental Affairs at the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA.) In this role she acts as the primary lobbying for the department advocating for policy change to positively impact the lives of Veterans in the state of South Carolina.
Thank you for your service, Candace!
April
April 5, 2021
HM2 Ricky Holbert is our "Veteran of the Week."
HM2 Ricky Holbert is currently serving the United Stated Navy as the inspector-instructor Corpsman at Camp McCrady in Eastover, SC. His main job is to perform technical and administrative medical assistance to supporting the mission and functions of field units. His 8 years of honorable service has earned him awards such as the Navy Marine Achievement Medal 3rd award and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
HM2 has served at a number of reserve platforms including NOSC Atlanta, SEAL Team 18 and now 4th LAR F Co. He has earned warfare qualifications in expeditionary warfare and Fleet Marine Force warfare.
When HM2 is not at work he is enjoying his family, getting fitness session in, or studying for the next test or qualification. Although he loves his job he is thriving to commission as an officer and continue to serve.
Volunteer work includes over 150 hours in the toys for tots program, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and volunteering at food banks.
Thank you for your service, HM2 Holbert!
April 12, 2021
Staff Sergeant LaGinia Dove is our “Veteran of the Week.”
SSgt. Dove served 10 years in the U.S. Army from 19998-2008 in 1st Battalion, 311th Regiment. Dove was apart of providing mission-focused training and enables team-building actions for designated units during post-mobilization training at CAJMTC, IN in order to prepare them for operating in a COIN environment while executing their DMETL tasks in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She deployed with this unit in 2004 (OEF).
SSgt. Dove received three Army Achievement Medals while she was active duty before moving to Spartanburg once she was honorably discharged. She currently continues to serve as a fifth-grade school teacher and tutor, as well as a little cheer coach and a full-time mom of three children.
Thank you for your service, Staff Sergeant LaGinia Dove!
April 20, 2021
Henry Howe is our "Veteran of the Week."
Henry moved to Columbia in 1968 when the Army assigned his father to Fort Jackson. He is a graduate of E. L. Wright Elementary School, Dent Middle School, Spring Valley High School, and the University of South Carolina. Upon his graduation from USC, he was commissioned in the U.S. Air Force and left Columbia to pursue his career as a Weapons Systems Officer. While in the Air Force, he flew T-37, T-43, F-4, AT-38, F-16, and F-15 jet aircraft.
When he retired in from the Air Force in 1995, Henry came home to Columbia to care for his parents and start a second career. After a brief career with the Richland County Sheriff Department, Henry was hired as a museum technician with the U.S. Finance Corps Museum. He moved into the position of curator for the Finance Corps Museum in two short years and remained there for seven years.
In 2011, Henry transferred to the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum and assumed the roles and responsibilities of museum director and curator. During his tenure with the BCT Museum, he has guided the museum through a complete renovation of their artifact collections, a major overhaul gallery space, and comprehensive redesign of their museum storyline. Recently, Henry had been a major motivator behind Fort Jackson’s centennial recognition, spearheading efforts to research, write, and publish two books chronicling the history and heritage of Fort Jackson. Additionally, he orchestrated the Post’s centennial lecture series; bring together recognized authorities on the social, economic, and cultural history of Fort Jackson in an effort to foster enthusiasm and interest in Fort Jackson’s 100th birthday.
In 2019, he was promoted to Director of the Fort Jackson Museum Community, assuming the responsibilities for the administration, management, and oversight of all four museums located on Fort Jackson.
Currently, Henry and his wife Sonja live in Blythewood, South Carolina.
Thank you for your service, Henry Howe!
April 27, 2021
Corporal Steven Diaz is our "Veteran of the Week."
Steven Diaz, a Marine who was severely injured by an IED blast in Iraq in 2005, has been left with numerous permanent scars to include Post-Traumatic Stress, a seizure disorder, and Traumatic Brain Injury. Steven's military service earned him the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Ribbon. After losing more friends to the trauma of post-war life than by enemy action, he knew what his next mission in life would be.
In 2010, Steven became one of the founding members of "Hidden Wounds." Steven serves as the Program Officer and oversees all areas of Hidden Wounds' daily operations to make sure the mission of providing Veterans the help they deserve are met. Apart from his non-profit work, Steven serves on various boards to help advocate for Veterans and to help the community better connect with them.
Corporal Diaz is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor's in Business Administration. He is a founding member of UofSC’s newest alumni affinity group just for Veteran Alumni all across the country. He was also recruited in 2019 by Northwestern Mutual and currently serves as a financial advisor and a Veteran Ambassador helping transitioning Vets deal with post-military life.
Steven currently lives in Columbia, South Carolina with his lovely wife, Laura and three-year-old son Thomas.
Thank you for your service, Steven Diaz!
May
May 3, 2021
Mildred Oberhofer is our “Veteran of the Week.”
Mildred is one of the few remaining WWII Veterans and she celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday, May 1. She served in the Women’s Air Corps for almost two years. Prior to enlisting, she was machine operator at a bullet factory making weaponry for the military.
Mildred was originally stationed in Selfridge Field, Michigan. Once she finished her basic soldier training, she was assigned to Baker and Cook’s school at Westover Field, Massachusetts.
Mildred grew up in a small-town inn White Plains, Kentucky as the only daughter of a local coal miner. She met and married her husband, George, of 52 years (now deceased) while in service to our country. They lived in Germany for many years where her husband was stationed as a Master Sergeant in the Army.
They retired at Fort Bliss, Texas and lived for several years in El Paso. Later they moved to Los Angeles, California where they spent the next 40 years together. In the Fall of 2016, Mildred left the west coast with her daughter to start a new life of leisure in beautiful Clemson, South Carolina.
Thank you for you service, Mildred Oberhofer!
May 10, 2021
Lieutenant Colonel Matt “Cobb” Webb is our, “Veteran of the Week.”
LTC Webb served for 20 years in the Air Force from 1991-2011 retiring as a 13B Air Battle Manager. Webb is a Mission Crew Commander and E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System qualified.
Cobb was stationed all over the world holding various titles including the Senior Weapons Director- 932nd Air Control Squadron in Rockville, Iceland. Master Instructor/evaluator-32nd Training Squadron at Tyndall FB in Florida, and spent time in Manta, Ecuador and Curacao, Netherlands Antilles.
Cobb deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Northern Watch, Operation Allied Force and Counter Drug Operations (Detachment Commander). He has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal and GWOT Expeditionary Medal.
Since retirement, Webb’s contributions to the York County VA have been unmeasurable. He singularly developed a benefits checklist - one for each benefit for which a Veteran or their family would be eligible to receive, training modules presented to Veterans in the York county community, office SOPs and more. His efforts have streamlined our claims operations and allowed this office to quadruple the number of claims and encounters.
Thank you for your service, LTC Matt Webb!
May 17, 2021
Staff Sergeant Jason Ramos is our "Veteran of the Week."
Staff Sergeant Jason Ramos, US Army, Airborne Infantry, 2010 to 2021 Active Duty, is now currently serving in the US Army Reserve, recently selected for and pending promotion to Sergeant First Class.
Ramos has two combat deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, 2010, 2012-2013, Global War on Terrorism with Chosen Company, 2-503rd, of the 173rd Airborne Infantry Brigade.
His notable awards include the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), Airborne Wings/Parachutist Badge, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, numerous achievement and commendation medals.
Ramos lives and works in Columbia, South Carolina with his wife Crystal and their five-year-old son, Jackson, named after members of Jason’s company in Afghanistan who were killed in their 2012-2013 deployment by enemy fire.
Ramos became a Financial Advisor with First Command Financial Services in 2020 after serving 11 years on active duty and transitioning into an operations support role with the US Army Reserve. Jason graduated Summa Cum Laude from Purdue University Global while serving on Active Duty, a benefit of service Ramos wholeheartedly advocates for when possible.
Staff Sergeant Ramos is the operations and training non-commissioned officer for HHC, 2nd Brigade, 98th Training Division, Ft Jackson, SC, and fulfills a number of roles within the unit in support of the Company Leadership Team.
Staff Sergeant Ramos is a member of the Purple Heart Association, the National Infantry Association, the PeeDee Veteran’s Advisory Council, and is involved in various groups at his Church, St. Peter’s Basilica, where he and his family attend Mass weekly.
As a result of his wounds in combat, and military experience on and off the battlefield, Ramos is intimately aware of the importance of effective planning, and applies those principles to his career as a Financial Advisor.
May 24, 2021
Chief Master Sergeant Dayne Peterson is our “Veteran of the week.”
CMSgt Dayne E. Peterson is the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 169th Fighter Wing, McEntire Joint National Guard Base in Eastover, South Carolina. As command chief, he serves as the principal advisor to the Wing Commander on matters of readiness, health, welfare and morale, professional development, and the effective utilization of more than 1100 enlisted personnel assigned to the South Carolina Air National Guard.
Peterson has served in the Air National Guard and active-duty for 35 years and plans on retiring next year. He has made it his life’s work to serve our country and the men and women who wear the uniform. He will always say that he’s the voice that speaks for the McEntire Joint National Guard Base and how much of an honor it is to represent so many fine men and women.
In his career, Peterson has been awarded a number of medals including; Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, AF Organizational Excellence Award (2), AF Good Conduct Medal (3), Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal (4), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Medal, AF Longevity Service (6), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 1 ‘M’ Device (1), USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon Air Force Training Ribbon.
Peterson has been stationed all over the U.S. along the east coast including Maryland and South Carolina, in the Midwest in Ohio and Illinois and the south in Texas and Mississippi. He is an active volunteer at the Big Red Barn Retreat and Warrior PATHH program in Blythewood, S.C. and a life time advocate for the National/State Guard and reserve components.
Thank you for your service, CMSgt. Dayne Peterson!
June
June 1, 2021
Sergeant Jonathan Mayberry is our “Veteran of the week.”
Sgt. Mayberry served eight years in the Army before he was medically retired due to wounds he received in combat. He enlisted in 2002 as 13 Bravo and was stationed with the 1st Armor Division in Baumholder, Germany. Starting in March of 2003, Mayberry’s unit went on a 15-month deployment to Baghdad.
After returning from the middle east Mayberry served in the 2nd Infantry Division for a year with 1/37 Field Artillery (FA) Battalion and then a year later would deploy again with 3rd Infantry Division 1/10 FA in 2007-2008. He was later medically retired in 2010.
Sgt. Mayberry was awarded three Army Commendation medals, two Purple Hearts, an Army Achievement Medal, Unit Presidential Citation, two Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Iraq campaign with one star, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon and 2 Overseas Service Ribbons.
From his own battle with mental health, Mayberry has made an unpaid career advocating for others who also have the same battle. As a supporter and Veteran of the Warrior PATHH program, he loves spending time with other Veterans at the Big Red Barn Retreat in Blythewood and practicing equine therapy as well as other services that are offered.
Thank you for your service, Sgt. Jonathan Mayberry!
June 7, 2021
Colonel Kevin Shwedo is our “Veteran of the Week.”
Col. Kevin Shwedo served for 32 years in the Army culminating his career as the Deputy Commanding Officer of Fort Jackson. Col. Shwedo upon retirement started service as the Executive Director of the SCDMV. He was originally appointed by Governor Nikki R. Haley on January 14, 2011 and confirmed by the South Carolina Senate on February 1, 2011. He is responsible for overseeing the functions and responsibilities of the entire agency.
In previous assignments, he served as a project officer at the U.S. Army Infantry School and later as a platoon leader in the 197th Infantry Brigade. He moved to Germany where he commanded two infantry companies. Colonel Shwedo then taught leadership at the U.S. Army Engineer School for two years and later served as the Senior Combat Arms Analyst to the Director of Officer Personnel Management at the Total Army Personnel Command in Alexandria, Virginia.
At Fort Carson, Colorado, he served as a Battalion S-3 for 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment. Following graduation from the Command and General Staff College in 1991, Colonel Shwedo was assigned to Fort Polk, Louisiana and served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Battalion S-3 and Executive Officer for the 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment and the S-3 for the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Armored Division.
In El Paso, Texas, Colonel Shwedo served as the Director of Personnel and Deputy Chief of Staff for Joint Task Force Six. In July 1995, he moved to South Carolina where he took command of the 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment at Fort Jackson. He then served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-3 for the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) during the Division Advanced Warfighting Experiment. After graduating from the Army War College in 1999, he was assigned to the U.S. Army Forces Command in Atlanta where he served as the Special Assistant and Speechwriter to the Commanding General of United States Army Forces Command in Atlanta, Georgia.
Colonel Shwedo then successfully commanded the largest Basic Combat Training Brigade on the Army at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Following command, Colonel Shwedo was reassigned to Fort Monroe, Virginia for duty as both the Chief of the TRADOC (Training and Doctrine Command) Commanding General's Planning Group, followed by selection to become the G-3 (Director of Operations, Plans and Training) for United States Army Accessions Command.
His awards include the Order of the Palmetto (the State’s highest civilian honor), Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with seven Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Commendation Medal (with three Oak Leaf Clusters), Joint Service Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (with four Oak Leaf Clusters) and Global War on Terrorism Medal (Service).
Col. Shwedo is very active in 33 Committees and Boards that assist organizations around the state that either support the military and their family members or serve to provide oversight to charitable organizations supporting some of the more vulnerable citizens in the state.
Thank you for your service, Colonel Kevin Shwedo!
June 14, 2021
Technical Sergeant Stephen Goshorn is our “Veteran of the Week.”
TSgt. Goshorn originally served on Active Duty in the US Navy from 1976 to 1982 before switching to the Navy Reserve in 1984. While in the Navy, Goshorn served as an Aviation Structural Mechanic on the Vought A7-E Corsair II (VA-174 Hellrazors) NAS Cecil Field, FL, Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion (VP-MAU) on NAS Brunswick, ME and at NAS Atlanta Marietta, GA (AIMD Cecil Field, FL Unit). In 1987, he then transferred to the Vermont Air National Guard.
While in the Air Guard Goshorn was a F-16 Crew Chief/Aircraft on the Lockheed Martin F-16 Falcon. Additional duties were 158FW Base Honor Guard where he started sounding live Taps. Air National Guard NCO Academy Distance Learning Instructor and Starbase Vermont F-16 Tour Guide for students.
In his 29 years of service, Goshorn is a Cold War and Global War on Terrorism Veteran who also deployed to Operation Southern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle 9/11/01.
Goshorn is currently 2nd Vice Commander Camp Sevier 30th Infantry American Legion Post 271 in Mauldin, SC. He is a member of Bugles Across America and Taps for Veterans as well as a volunteer for sounding live Taps at Military Honors and Remembrance Ceremonies for all branches of the military.
Thank you for your service, Technical Sergeant Stephen Goshorn!
June 21, 2021
Lieutenant Colonel Hubert “Herb” Rentz Jr. is our “Veteran of the Week.”
LTC Rentz served for 20 years in the Army on active duty, the reserves and South Carolina national guard. On active duty, Rentz was assigned to V Corps headquarters where he toured Germany as Assistant Installation Coordinator. He was also an Aero Rifle Platoon Leader for the 1st/17th Cavalry and apart of the 82nd Airborne Division.
At Fort Knox in Kentucky, LTC Rentz attended the Basic and Advanced Armor Officer courses, Command and General Staff College and Officer Maintenance school. He attended Airborne school at Fort Benning and later Civil Affairs school at Fort Gordan in Georgia.
LTC Rentz served in the 108th Training Division, the 3/321st Regiment as a company E Commander, Battalion S-3 Operations Officer and the Battalion Executive Officer in Brevard, North Carolina while he was in the Reserves. While in the National Guard he was stationed at the 2/263rd Armor in Rock Hill and the Palmetto Military Academy at Fort Jackson, S.C.
The Citadel and Winthrop alum is also a retired schoolteacher where he taught Social Studies and coached at Great Falls high school in Great Falls, S.C. He is very active volunteering and promoting awareness for Veteran suicide as well as breast cancer. Rentz has created his own PSA that plays on multiple radio stations throughout the state of South Carolina and encourages others who are going through hard times to, “talk about it.”
Thank you for your service, Lieutenant Colonel Herb Rentz Jr!
June 28, 2021
Specialist Zachary Bogue is our “Veteran of the Week.”
South Carolina Army National Guard Specialist Bogue enlisted two and a half years ago. Bogue was a student in college and wanted to continue his long family tradition of serving in the armed forces as well as receive assistance financially to continue his education. Bogue is serving in the mechanized infantry unit, C. Co. 4th 118th Infantry Brigade.
Bogue’s unit recently got home from a deployment to Kuwait, Syria, and Iraq. He started pre-mobilization training as soon as he checked into the unit and was still able to complete courses online for school. For his service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom-Spartan Shield, Bogue was awarded the following medals.
National Defense Service Medal, Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Mobilization Device, Army Good Conduct Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon.
Bogue wants to continue serving and upon graduation of college wants to eventually own his own UPS store and try to buy multiple stores.
Thank you for your service, Specialist Zachary Bogue!
July
July 6, 2021
Staff Sergeant Derek Rast is our “Veteran of the Week.”
SSG Rast has been serving in the U.S. Army for 12 years and is currently a recruiter for the South Carolina National Guard and stationed in Columbia. Rast attended Basic training and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. From there he was assigned to the 132nd Military Police Company in West Columbia, SC. In September 2011 Rast went to Afghanistan with 133rd Military Police Company out of Timmonsville, SC for a year.
Rast has also served in the SC National Guard Counterdrug Taskforce March 2013-October 2014, Servicemember Family Care Directorate (SMFC) January 2015-September 2015, Training NCO for the 133rd September 2015-September 2017. Rast was the Readiness NCO HHC 59th Troop Command from October 2017-May 2018.
His awards include the combat action badge, Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal, NATO Medal, Army Good Conduct ribbon, Overseas Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign ribbon, Counterdrug Service ribbon, National Guard Recruiting and Retention ribbon.
Rast has also responded and mobilized units to every natural disaster since 2015. When he is not wearing the uniform, Rast likes to hunt and fish and hang out with his four-year-old daughter Kora. Thank you for your service, Staff Sergeant Derek Rast!
July 12, 2021
Petty Officer Second Class Karl Roman is our “Veteran of the Week.”
PO2 Roman is originally from Manhattan, New York and enlisted in the Navy to get out of his hometown and to see the world. Roman is a Nuclear Electronics Technician and additionally qualified as a Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor.
After completing training, his first duty station was the Naval Nuclear Power Training Pipeline in Goose Creek, South Carolina from 2013-2015. For the next four years, Roman was on the USS Providence (SSN 719) where the submarine’s homeport was in Groton, Connecticut.
Roman went on two deployments on the SSN 719, one in the North Atlantic and one in the Mediterranean. He was awarded for his service medals and ribbons as follows, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal (2), Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Navy Battle E Ribbon (2), Navy Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Enlisted Submarine Warfare Qualification, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Rifle Sharpshooter Ribbon, Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon.
Since retiring from the Navy, Roman works a Peace Officer to fulfill his need to serve. Thank you for your service, PO2 Karl Roman!
July 21, 2021
Sergeant James Hull is our “Veteran of the Week.”
Sgt. Hull went to Marine bootcamp in early 1998 and then stationed in Norfolk, VA as an Embark Specialist. Over the next five years, Hull would coordinate the movement of more than 3,000 Marines. This would include the movement of personnel and equipment from the United States to hostile environments to include Libya and Afghanistan.
Hull was selected as the subject matter expert for deployment of Marines being sent to Libya following the September 11th attacks. This would include deployment, as well as replacement of additional equipment needed in securing U.S. assets in Tripoli, Libya. Hull trained more than 75 Marines in the skills and techniques of embarkation for redeployment of personnel and equipment back to home base.
Hull’s awards are as follows: Joint Service Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (2), Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (w/1star), Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (Navy Reserve) Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3), Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (2), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (w/”M” Device) (2), NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan, Expert Rifle Qualification Badge, Sharpshooter Pistol Qualification Badge.
James Hull now works for the University of South Carolina and is assisting other administrators in the production of a book with stories to honor student-Veterans from the University that have lost their lives in combat. Thank you for your service, Sergeant James Hull!
Petty Officer Second Class Harrison Church is our “Veteran of the Week.”
PO2 Harrison Church has been serving in the U.S. Navy for eight years. Since leaving active duty in 2018 Church has been in the reserves and recently completed studies at the University of South Carolina. While Church was active, he served on the aircraft carrier, USS George HW Bush (CVN-77) in Norfolk, VA. Church was an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate-Equipment (ABE) specializing in catapult operations and maintenance.
Church was a Topside Safety Petty whose responsibility was to ensure proper catapult hookup and safe execution of flight operations over dozens of fixed wing aircraft launches every day while on the CVN-77.
In 2014, Church deployed for nine months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and was part of the very first launches of F-18’s to Iraq counter-attacking Isis. Later, Church deployed for seven months in 2017 in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He spent a total of 25 months in his five years active duty out to sea.
Once joining the reserves, Church became an Operations Specialist (OS) with Expeditionary Port Unit 108 specializing in international logistics support. Church graduated from UofSC in May and now works for Navitas Credit Corp. Thank you for your service, PO2 Harrison Church!
August
August 2, 2021
Colonel Tammy Miracle is our “Veteran of the Week.”
Col. Tammy Miracle served 30 years in the U.S. Army from 1985-2015. She served all over the globe and went on many combat and peacetime tours including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Miracle is the author of numerous published academic works on military and leadership subjects, including The Army and Embedded Media, 2003, which is frequently cited. Miracle now lives in Columbia and is an award-winning Realtor, where she specializes in assisting servicemembers and helps Veterans to navigate the homebuying process.
Miracle enjoys golfing in her free time and making friends everywhere she goes. Thank you for your service, Colonel Tammy Miracle!
August 10, 2021
Specialist Med "Doc" Uddin is our “Veteran of the Week.”
"Doc" Uddin served in the US Army from 2002 – 2009 as a 68WY8 Combat Medic. Uddin deployed in 2006 to 2007 with Task Force 1-26 Infantry "Blue Spaders" to Sadr City, Iraq as a line Medic. He was promoted to senior line medic/squad leader and earned an Army Commendation Medal with "V" (Valor) as well as a Presidential Unit Citation.
The Blue Spaders deployment to Sadr City is known as one or the deadliest deployments of the war on terror, as well as one of the deadliest since Vietnam. At this time there is one book written about this deployment and talks of a mini-series being made (Band of Brothers style series), where it has been mentioned Uddin will be the featured medic.
Uddin also served in Korea with the 1-503 Infantry as a line Medic, in the Pentagon at DTHC (DiLorenzo Tri Healthcare Clinic) in the immunology/travel clinic with a specialty in allergies, immunotherapy, infectious diseases and travel medicine. Also, as the ERT medic responding to emergency medical calls around the building, SWAT medic (volunteer) for the Pentagon Police Force, HAZMAT medic and special mission’s medic. Uddin ended his career in Alabama at Ft. Rucker where he worked in the primary care clinic as well as in the field attached to the SERE school during their classes. Uddin was training to become a flight medic when the command at the Ft. Rucker clinic medically retired Uddin due to the injuries he sustained while in combat.
Uddin currently lives in Lexington County, South Carolina, and works as an independent security contractor (CONUS AND OCONUS). Thank you for your service SPC Med “Doc” Uddin!
August 16, 2021
Lance Corporal Chase McCallister is our “Veteran of the Week.”
LCPL Chase McCallister served four years in the Marine Corps from 2005-2009. McCallister was an 0331 Machine Gunner and deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom twice in 2007 and 2008. He received a Combat Action Ribbon with one star.
After his term of service, McCallister attended the University of South Carolina in the upstate for his bachelor's degree and got his master’s in accounting from Clemson University. He is currently an Assurance Manager with Price Waterhouse Company (PwC) working in Spartanburg, SC but servicing clients throughout the state. McCallister serves as the Operations Lead for the PwC Carolina’s Veterans Affinity Network and enjoys serving and connecting with Veterans. He lives with his wife, Lauren in Greenville, SC with their two daughters Bennett and Porter.
Thank you for your service, Lance Corporal McCallister!
August 23, 2021
Major General Van McCarty is our “Veteran of the Week.”
MG McCarty serves as the 29th Adjutant General for South Carolina and head of the South Carolina Military Department. He administers the affairs of the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard, the Emergency Management Division, the State Guard, and the Youth Challenge Academy.
A native of South Carolina, McCarty attended The Citadel graduating in 1982 with a United States Army Reserve commission in the Field Artillery. In McCarty’s 36 years of service, he has commanded units at every echelon, from Battery to Brigade. McCarty’s previous command assignments include Battery Commander, Alpha Battery, 4th Battalion, 178th Field Artillery, Battalion Commander, 1st Battalion, 178th Field Artillery (Operation Iraqi Freedom), Regional Police Advisory Commander (Operation Enduring Freedom), 218th Enhanced Separate Brigade; Commander 59th Troop Command, Assistant Adjutant Army, and Deputy Adjutant General.
McCarty holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The Citadel and completed the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy at Quantico, Virginia, serving twenty-four years in the Law Enforcement Division with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. McCarty’s Military Education includes The Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced courses, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Air Defense Artillery Transition Course, Joint Task Force Commander Course, U.S. Army Senior Service College, Capstone, and the Advanced Army Strategic Education Program.
McCarty’s awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; Meritorious Service Medal, with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Commendation Medal, with Four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, with One Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, and Two Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, with Bronze Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, with Bronze Star, Iraqi Campaign Medal, with Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, with Silver Hourglass Device, with M Device Second Award, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with Second Award, NATO Medal, the SC Meritorious Service Medal, SC Active State Service Medal with one Silver Star, SC Achievement Ribbon, and the SC Mobilization Ribbon.
McCarty and his wife Susan have one daughter, Madelynn and four sons, Matthew, Micah, Mackenzie, and Major. Thank you for your service, Major General Van McCarty!
August 30, 2021
Staff Sergeant Jason Dersch is our “Veteran of the Week.”
SSG Dersch served for 14 years in the armed forces. He started as a Soldier in the Army, joined the Air Force for four years and then finished his career once again in the Army.
Dersch enlisted in 1995 as an Airborne Infantryman and was assigned to 1-506 (Air Assault) in South Korea. For the next four years, he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division LRSD (Long Range Surveillance Division). Later, he would graduate Ranger school and earn the rank of Sergeant before separating from the Army.
After eight months, Dersch started serving again in the Air Force as a Command and Control Operator with one deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and was a recruiter for two years. In 2005, Dersch participated in the Blue to Green program and transferred back over to the Army.
Dersch was assigned to 1-505 PIR Scouts/82nd Airborne Division. He attended Scout Sniper school in 2006 and upon graduation was promoted to Staff Sergeant. He would then go on multiple deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom before separating from the Army in 2009.
Dersch is now one of the Guides for the Warrior PATHH program at The Big Red Barn Retreat in Blythewood, SC. He strives by helping other Veterans and First Responders who are suffering their internal battles and teaching them to embrace their demons and continue to grow.
Thank you for your service Staff Sergeant, Jason Dersch!
September
September 7, 2021
Lieutenant Craig Augenstein is our “Veteran of the Week.”
LT Craig Augenstein graduated from the Naval Academy in 1987 where he commissioned as a Nuclear Officer on a submarine in Charleston. He went on two deployments in his five years of service. On deployment was to North of the Arctic Circle as well as one to the Mediterranean.
Now, Augenstein is a real estate agent at Navigo Homes with Keller Williams and recently has become a board member on the Palmetto chapter for Folds of Honor where a portion of his sales goes to the foundation. Folds of Honor is funded to help Gold Star families and spouses who have lost their loved ones in war.
Augenstein also serves as the President of the Naval Academy Alumni Association’s Palmetto chapter. His daughter is also a member and followed in her dad’s footsteps by graduating from the Naval Academy and doing the same job on the USS Wyoming as Augenstein did when he was in the Navy.
Thank you for your service, LT Craig Augenstein!
September 13, 2021
Staff Sergeant Carter Lybrand is our “Veteran of the Week.”
SSG Carter Lybrand has served in the South Carolina National Guard for 12 years and counting. Lybrand is currently an 89B, Ammunition Specialist with 1/151 Attack and Reconnaissance Battalion. He is in charge of all ordinance through his unit from conventional ammunition for small firearms all the way to explosives and large rockets. Lybrand deployed to Iraq in 2011-2012 where he was at Camp Taji.
Outside of drilling in the National Guard, Lybrand has made a name for himself and his band as a musician. He started singing and playing guitar years ago but two and a half years ago quit his job in sales and took to performing full-time. Now, the Carter Lybrand Band can be seen all over the state of South Carolina as well as other surrounding states.
Lybrand is also a Veteran of the Warrior PATHH Program at The Big Red Barn Retreat (BRBR) in Blythewood, S.C. and will soon also start working there and helping other Veterans and first responders that struggle with their own internal battles. He also performs for fundraisers for BRBR and encourages every Veteran to check out their facility and all the free services they offer.
Lybrand has made a handful of music videos and has released songs on all streaming services. He has been married for ten years and enjoys taking his wife and kids on the road with him whenever he can. Thank you for your service, SSG Carter Lybrand!
September 20, 2021
Sergeant First Class Bobby Edwards is our “Veteran of the Week.”
SFC Edwards retired in March of this year after 17 and a half years of service in the Army. Edwards enlisted in 2003 and after training was stationed with the 82nd Airborne Division from 2004-2010. He deployed multiple times to Iraq in 2007-2008 and once again in 2009-2010. The 82nd also deployed to Afghanistan from 2005-2006.
After his three deployments, Edwards went to 6th RTB, the last phase of Ranger school and was a Ranger instructor for the next four years. In 2017 he was stationed in Alaska and an Airborne Infantry Platoon Sergeant for three years before finishing his career in Columbia, SC at Fort Jackson.
In his spare time, Edwards works four days a week at Sportsman’s Wearhouse behind the gun counter and has recently started a nonprofit with his wife called “For His Glory Outdoors.” The purpose of the nonprofit is to take Veterans with combat trauma on hunting and fishing trips and build/grow a relationship in Christian faith.
So far, the group has completed their first trip in August flying five combat Veterans in first class from around the nation to Lake of the Woods, Minnesota where they stayed a week in a world class cabin. The trip was filled with top water fishing and hunting. Edwards’ end goal is to have land that can facilitate everything for the nonprofit and one central location that Veterans in need of support can come from all around the world.
Thank you for your service, SFC Bobby Edwards!
September 27, 2021
Corporal Kevin Brewington is our “Veteran of the Week.”
Corporal Kevin Brewington was medically retired from the Army in 2013. Brewington was assigned to 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, in Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry where he was stationed at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska. After eight months he deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2011. Roughly six months into the deployment, Brewington was conducting a routine foot patrol in Panjwai, Afghanistan when he stepped on a 30lb IED. He was knocked unconscious by the blast and saved by his unit's quick action, getting him on a medical evacuation aircraft (MEDAVAC) which took him to a trauma center at Kandahar Airfield (KAF). He was then transferred to Germany where he was stabilized to fly to Walter Reed Medical Center.
Brewington suffered numerous injuries including double amputation of both legs, a severed right arm, a stroke, amputation of right index finger, ruptured ear drum, mild TBI, and mild PTSD. He was in Walter Reed a year and a half when he officially retired in 2013. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal for his faithful service.
Currently, Brewington is an honorable deputy with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office and won "volunteer of the year" in 2019 by doing in-service classes and talking to officers involved with shootings. He does ride & fly along with SWAT teams for training and has seen how homicide cases are processed thanks to Sheriff Chuck Wright. This year (2021) Brewington ventured into entrepreneurship with his good friend started a flooring covering company, All American Flooring Specialties, LLC.
Brewington is also an ambassador and member of the following nonprofits, The Independence Fund, The Greatest Generations Foundation, American Valor, Chris Kyle Memorial Foundation, Combat Marine Outdoors, Hook Lines & Heroes, and Upstate Warrior Solution.
Brewington currently lives in Jonesville, SC with his wife Hannah Leigh Brewington of more than seven years along with his two daughters, Tinsley Marie (6) & Jayci Faith (3) and their bulldog Jasper. Thank you for your service, Corporal Kevin Brewington!
October
October 4, 2021
Sergeant Greg Sword is our “Veteran of the Week.”
SGT Greg Sword served for 14 years in the Army Reserves from 2003-2016. After Basic training, Sword went to Fort Huachuca for Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Once his active duty training was completed Sword kept the warrior mindset and was a contractor on the civilian side. He would deploy with the Army in 2007-2008 during Operation Iraqi Freedom and back to Iraq as a contractor later in 2009. Sword also deployed with the Army in 2010-2011 in support of Operation New Dawn and one last deployment, Operation Enduring Freedom from 2013-2016.
In 2011, Sword moved cross country to Oregon to be a civilian instructor at Fort Huachuca. Sword’s last duty station was at Shaw Air Force Base where he would find his next career by accident. While hanging out with fellow soldiers and listening to them play guitar and sing he couldn’t figure out why they were not playing for money in local venues. Fast forward to present day and Sword owns his own company "On the Marc Studio" where he works with local musicians to build their brand and promote their music careers.
Thank you for your service Sergeant Greg Sword!
October 12, 2021
Julius Eugene “Gene” Driver is our newest ‘Veteran of the Week.”
Julius Eugene Driver served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1972. Driver began basic training in San Antonio, Texas and then was moved around to different bases including Edwards Air Force Base in Mojave, California; Dobbins Air Force Base near Atlanta; Williams Air Force Base in Arizona; Bethel Air Force Station in Fairbanks, Alaska; and a base in Buxton, Mississippi.
He was also stationed at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina for about six months. While at Shaw, Driver unknowingly joined the CIA when he received orders to become apart of the “1007th Air Intelligence Service Group.” He was flown to "Area 51" in Nevada where for more than a month he completed spy missions for the United States government.
He was deployed to Vietnam for a year in 1967 where he received the Bronze Star with a “V” device for his heroic actions in the rescue of other soldiers following a mortar attack.
Following his service in Vietnam, Driver, his wife, and daughter spent time in Tokyo until his retirement. During his time in service, Driver went to weld-man school, and was part of the fire department, crash rescue team and was a military training instructor. After retirement Driver and his family moved back to Chester County where he is now a Chaplain for Past Adjutant Chapter 19 DAV (Disabled American Veterans of James D. Wessinger Chapter 19).
Thank you to Roxanne James for "Gene" Driver's nomination for Veteran of the Week!
Information in this article sourced from Winthrop University: Interview with Eugene 'Gene' Driver (winthrop.edu)
October 18, 2021
Brandon Worley is our newest “Veteran of the Week.”
Brandon Worley enlisted in the U.S Army after graduating high school in 2010 from Clinton High School. When he lost the opportunity to play college golf with a scholarship, he decided he was best fit to serve our country. He was an active-duty artillery mechanic from July 2010 to July 2014. In 2012, he was selected to deploy for nine months to Regional Commands (RC) East Afghanistan as a lead driver and mechanic for the Security Force Advisory and Assistance Team. Once his four years of active duty were complete, Worley moved back to the Upstate of South Carolina and began furthering his education.
While working on his Master of Science in Positive Psychology at Life University in 2018, Worley founded Upstate-Carolina Adaptive Golf (UCAG) after being inspired when volunteering for a Georgia State Golf Association adaptive golf program for children with visual impairments and cognitive challenges. UCAG serves Veterans, individuals recovering from physical or mental trauma, adults and children with developmental, cognitive, and physical disabilities.
Currently, Worley is living in Greenville and operates UCAG as the Executive Director. He is dedicated to the mission of USAG to serve individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities and provide opportunities for adaptive golf. In early 2019, he hosted an adaptive golf coach training at Clemson University and UCAG has been operating consistent adaptive golf clinics since July 2019.
Thank you, Brandon Worley, for your ongoing service and thank you, Matt St. Clair, for nominating Brandon Worley for Veteran of the Week!
October 25, 2021
Lieutenant Colonel Larry Dandridge is our "Veteran of the Week."
Lieutenant Colonel Larry Dandridge is an ex-enlisted Army infantryman, warrant officer aviator, and retired aviation commissioned officer. Over his 24 years in the US Army, LTC Dandridge served as a flight instructor, flight examiner, flight commander, company commander, maintenance test pilot, airport manager, US-German negotiator, locomotive operator, procurement official, and logistician. Dandridge went through counter terrorism training and served in combat in Vietnam and Iran. In 1969, he was severally wounded in Vietnam while flying an attack helicopter. During his service, he received many military awards including Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, the Joint Meritorious Service Medal, five Meritorious Service Medals, 15 Combat Air Medals, German Silver Cross, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
LTC Dandridge is an honors graduate of the Saint Louis County and Municipal Academy and the Southwest Alabama Police Academy. As a police officer, he set many records in arrests, crime prevention, community policing, marksmanship, and DUI enforcement.
Following his passion of reading and writing, Dandridge is currently the Editor and a Senior Writer with Tigers, Vikings, and Vipers Publishing, LLC. Writing weekly columns for the Lowcountry ISLAND NEWS newspaper on Leadership, Veterans Benefits, Hospice, and one on “What Citizens Should Know about Policing and Police Use of Force Authority” – Larry Dandridge never slows down. He is a published author and his military history and action book, “Blades of Thunder” (BOOK ONE), is an award winning, popular, informative, and non-fiction account of the US Helicopter War in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969. A chapter in the book is used among different organizations and colleges to teach leadership.
Dandridge taught courses for Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Chapman University, the University of Maryland, and Lassen Community College. He was a professor in economics, industrial operations, business aeronautics, technical writing, business law AND ran university extension divisions for 10 years.
Larry Dandridge is a member of the West Point Logistics Hall of Fame, his awards include the SC House of Representatives, Resolution and Service Award H.5224, Military Writers Association of American Silver Writing and Book Award, Association of the US army Exceptional Service Awards, Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 3rd Region Brenda M. Dougherty Award, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Volunteer and Sponsor of the Year Award, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Charleston Robert J. Lahm Award, AUSA 3rd Region Significant Achievement Award, the VA Special 2012 Volunteer Award, 3 Silver Quill Awards.
Today, LTC Larry Dandridge is living in Charleston. He is married with five children, nine grandchildren and a miniature Italian Greyhound. Between writing books and magazine articles, Larry is the VP for Veteran and Retiree Affairs for the Lowcountry, the Good Will Ambassador for Fisher House Charleston and a volunteer Patient Advisor for the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. He also is serving as a Patient and Family Centered Care Instructor, Custer Service Council Member, CEO’s Veterans Service Officer Council Member, and the Patient & Family Advisory Council Member at his local VA hospital.
We thank him for his service and ongoing efforts with Veterans in the Lowcountry and beyond!
November
November 8, 2021
Our ‘Veteran of the Week’ is Tasha McClendon.
Tasha McClendon graduated from Longview High School in Longview, Texas. Following the family tradition, Tasha joined the military in 2004 serving in the US Navy for four years on USS Preble and the USS Porter. During her time in the service, she was stationed in Great Lakes, Illinois. Norfolk, Virginia, and San Diego, California. She was deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Throughout her deployment she traveled to Singapore, Hong Kong, Diego Garcia, Bahrain, and Dubai. She has been awarded Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
McClendon is currently living in Greenville where she is a Regional and Veterans Coordinator with SC Thrive helping military and Veteran families. She is also a senior at Limestone University. Upon graduation she plans to continue her work at SC Thrive with active-duty military and Veteran populations to help them gain access to vital resources and programs.
November 15, 2021
Our ‘Veteran of the Week’ is Mark Holyfield
Our newest Veteran of the Week is Mark Holyfield. Mark has served in the U.S. Marine Corps for more than 16 years, with more than half of his tenure on active duty as an Infantry Officer and District Injured Support Coordinator (DISC). He is currently serving in the Marine Corps Reserves. He deployed twice to the Middle East including service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as a platoon commander, company executive officer, company commander, and battalion operations officer with various units.
Mark was assigned to the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment’s DISC program from 2014 to 2016. While serving in that role he supported wounded, injured, and ill Marines and Navy Corpsman across South Carolina, Western North Carolina, and Northeast Georgia as they reintegrated into civilian life.
He is a founding member of Vantage Point Foundation. He currently serves as a Co-Chair of the Lowcountry Veteran Engagement Team (LVET), A “MyVA” Community Board comprised of Veteran serving organizations within the Lowcountry of South Carolina. This board collaborates with the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston, SC.
Thank you Mark Holyfield and to the Vantage Point Foundation for all that you do for Veterans in the state of South Carolina!
November 22, 2021
Our 'Veteran of the Week' is First Sergeant Robert Numerick!
First Sergeant (1SG) Robert Numerick started his military career by joining the Marine Corps for the first four years. Numerick decided to join the Army where he spent time in the 3rd Battalion of the 75th Ranger Battalion. After retiring in April 2020, Numerick decided to start his own company in West Columbia doing woodworking, 90 Proof Woodworking, LLC.
Through the Army transition Assistance Program (TAP) he used the Vocational Rehabilitation Program to help purchase equipment needed to start and sustain his company. He continues to support veterans in the community through the DOD Skillsbridge program. Currently, he is living in West Columbia with his wife, Samantha, and growing his Veteran owned and operated business.
Thank you to our Midlands Regional Integration Officer, Dan Wrightsman, for nominating Robert Numerick and thank you 1SG Numerick for your service.
November 29, 2021
Our 'Veteran of the Week' is John Charles “Bullit” Killian.
John Charles “Bullit” Killian served two years in the U.S Marines. Killian was drafted in January of 1966 and served until January of 1968. He completed basic training in Parris Island and was then sent to Camp Lejeune, NC for infantry and electrician training. From there, Killian was stationed at Cherry Point, NC shortly before receiving orders. He deployed to Vietnam and assigned, to his surprised, to the Artillery 155 Howitzer gun unit at Camp Evans, Phu Bai. After learning all aspect of the gun crew, Killian became a Gun Chief. “One Flight we fired so many rounds we had to cool the barrel off with water.” Not long after, an executive officer offered him a job as a Supply Sergeant. As a supply Sergeant, Killian would drive ammunition runs to Da Nang with a 5-ton truck. He served a year in Vietnam before being discharged in San Francisco. During his time in as an activity duty Marine, Killian received the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Rifle Marksman Badge.
Currently, “Bullit” Killian is living in Chester County with his wife of more than 60 years. He is a retired machinist, Commander at the American Legion Post 27, a DAV member, a Marine Corp League Jr. Vice, a Deacon at Woodard Baptist Church and a Chester County School Board Member.
“Being in Marines affected your life: made me harder but at same time softer,” John Charles “Bullit” Killian.
December
December 6, 2021
This week we are honoring Captain Charlotte Holyfield as our “Veteran of the Week.”
Captain Charlotte Holyfield followed in her father’s footsteps, Master Sergeant Michael Shelton, by joining the US Air Force in 2005. She attended Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. From there, Captain Holyfield decided to pursue her undergraduate degree and earned her commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force from West Virginia University, Detachment 915. She was deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan as a Logistics Readiness Officer from October 2018 to May 2019 in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and the Resolute Support Mission. She was awarded FIVE Air Force Achievement Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal with a Combat Device, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
Captain Charlotte Holyfield is currently stationed at the University of South Carolina Air Force ROTC Detachment 775. She is married to Master Sergeant and First Sergeant Darnell Holyfield, USAF, active duty, and a mother of five children. Captain Holyfield is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies at the University of South Carolina where she instructs, guides, and mentors, 107 students, creating leaders of character for the Air Force.
We are honored to recognize Captain Charlotte Holyfield and we thank her for her continuing service to our country.
December 13, 2021
This week we are honoring Captain Charles A. "Chuck" Jackson as our “Veteran of the Week.”
A native of Charleston, West Virginia, Charles A. “Chuck” Jackson graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1969. During his distinguished Air Force career, Chuck held aeronautical ratings of navigator and pilot.
On June 24, 1972, Captain Chuck Jackson was a Weapons Officer on an F-4 out of Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, engaging in a bombing run at the Thai Nguyen Steelworks. A group of North Vietnamese MIGs intercepted the mission. Capt. Jackson’s plane was shot down by an air-to-air missile. He was captured near a tiny village not far from the Laotian border in Son La Province. The villagers subsequently turned him over to the militia after insisting on providing him with food and rest. During the walk out of the mountains, Chuck had two documented escape attempts. He was taken to Hanoi where he spent 8 months in captivity in various North Vietnamese prisons, including the Hanoi Hilton. He was released during Operation Homecoming in 1973.
With the help of his cellmates and an excellent sense of humor, Chuck survived the rigors of being a Prisoner of War (POW) in North Vietnam prior to being released in February 1973 during the prisoner repatriation exchange. After medical recuperation and training, Chuck served as a pilot on the C141 Starlifter based at Charleston AFB, SC. Combat injuries forced medical grounding. Chuck went on to serve as Administrative Officer for the 437th Field Maintenance Squadron, followed by a tour as Executive Officer at a MEPCOM Center in Milwaukee. He ultimately accepted a medical retirement from the Air Force.
In January 2017, Chuck and his wife, Marty Lehder Jackson, embarked on a unique journey. Chuck had long wanted to return to the tiny, remote, mountain village in North Vietnam to thank the residents for the kindness of food and rest shown him 45 years earlier. During the visit to Muong Gio Village, several of Chuck’s captors were present along with the widows of others. The opportunity to thank these individuals for their care and kindness was beyond measure.
In the fall of 2018, Chuck returned to Vietnam to meet Col. Nguyen Van Nhgia, the Vietnamese pilot who shot him down. The two men had the opportunity to discuss their missions and the course their lives and families since that fateful day. Nhgia went on to become one of the founding pilots of Vietnam Airlines, having returned to Ho Chi Minh City following his time in service. The time spent with Nhgia brought full circle the story of war, family, and gratitude.
Chuck subsequently went on to establish and manage three successful companies - Salters Bar & Grill, Palmetto Powder Coating, and Dune Ridge Group. He also directed Command Evaluation/Quality Assurance Programs at Naval Regional Hospital Charleston.
Chuck & Marty live in Mount Pleasant. They are happily retired and travel often.
Our ‘Veteran of the Week’ is Lieutenant Colonel Daniel L. Rausch.
Lieutenant Colonel Daniel L. Rausch, of Dalzell, enlisted in the Army Reserves in June 1996 as a 54B Chemical Operation Specialist. He opted for split Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort McClellan, AL in August 1997 after which he was assigned to the 414 Chemical Company in Orangeburg and then attended the Infantry Officer Basic Course and Ranger School at Fort Benning, GA. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1999 and was then commissioned as an Infantry Officer. In 2000, he was given his first assignment as an Infantry Platoon Leader in A Company 1-187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (ASSLT), Fort Campbell, KY, followed by duties assigned to D Company where he served as an Anti-Tank Platoon Leader and deployed his platoon in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
Upon redeployment from Afghanistan, LTC Rausch assumed duties as the HHC Executive Officer where he deployed again, this time in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Upon return from Iraq in 2007, he was assigned to the Maneuver Center of Excellence Directorate of Training (DOT) and served as a Maneuver Captains Career Course Small Group Instructor for two years and the MCCC Team 3 Chief for an additional year. In 2011, he attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS where he earned a Masters in Military Arts and Science. In 2016, Lieutenant Colonel Rausch was assigned to the United States Army Central Command (USARCENT) and immediately deployed to the USARCENT Forward Headquarters at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait for one year as the Executive Officer for the USARCENT Deputy Commanding General. Following his assignment in Kuwait he was assigned to Shaw Air Force Base, SC as the USARCENT Training and Exercise Deputy Chief in the G37 Directorate. From May 2019 to May 2021 Lieutenant Colonel Rausch served as the Battalion Commander of 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 193d Infantry Brigade at Fort Jackson, SC.
Rausch is currently serving as the Army ROTC Professor of Military Science at the University of South Carolina. He is married to Tara Sweatt Rausch and they have four children.
Lieutenant Colonel Rausch’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC), the Meritorious Service Medal with Four OLC, the Army Commendation Medal with 1O Leaf Cluster (LC) and “V” Device, the Army Achievement Medal with Three OLC, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Peruvian Parachutist Badge, and German Parachutist Badge.
Our ‘Veteran of the Week’ is Sergeant First Class Aaron Anthony.
Sergeant First Class (SFC) Aaron Anthony served in the US Army as a 13F Forward Observer and deployed to Iraq four times throughout his military career. He was stationed to Fort Still Oklahoma, Fort Bragg North Carolina, Fort Wainwright Alaska, and the Republic of Korea before his final station on Fort Jackson in October 2020 as a Senior Drill Sergeant.
SFC Anthony is currently living in Elgin with his family as a police officer with the Columbia Police Department. Thank you to Dan Wrightsman, Midlands Regional Integration Officer at SCDVA, for the nomination and thank you SFC Aaron Anthony for your continuing service to keep our citizens safe.