January 3, 2023
Reserves Seaman Shawn Queen is our Veteran of the Week!
U.S. Coast Guard Reserves Seaman Shawn Queen is our newest Veteran of the Week! SN Queen enlisted into the USCG right out of high school in 2014, serving four honorable years on active duty. While enlisted, he performed Search & Rescue operations in conjunction with Federal Law Enforcement while serving onboard USCG Station Charleston. Following separation from service, he then served two years active reserve prior to filling an inactive reserve status. Currently, SN Queen is employed by the City of Myrtle Beach as a Certified Law Enforcement Officer. In this capacity, he has continued the tradition of servant leadership within his respective community, placing the needs of others before self. Notably, this tradition of service preceded his own enlistment by several generations in the Queen family. His father, Jeff Queen, served in the U.S. National Guard. His uncle, Terry Queen, served in the U.S. Army and was deployed multiple times for Operation: Desert Storm. His grandfather, Preston Queen II, served with the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam, and his great grandfather, Preston Emory Queen, served in World War II. It is this sort of family service that inspired SN Queen to serve in the USCG and continue his service in a different capacity once he returned home. Now, SN Queen services the Myrtle Beach community as a Certified Police Officer, assisting with Beach Patrol and Maritime emergency scenarios, as needed and feasible. He currently resides in Carolina Forest, S.C.
Queen also supports his community by helping raise awareness about heart disease by participating in the recent American Heart Association awareness and education event where he joined in a horse ride on the beach.
January 9, 2023
Aviation Machinist's Mate Third Class Petty Officer Earl D. "Poppy" Wilson, Sr. is our Veteran of the Week!
Earl D. "Poppy" Wilson, Sr. was born on December 27, 1922 in Columbia, SC. He grew up in the Olympia Mills area where he met his high school sweetheart and the "love of his life", Mrs. Dorothy Floyd Wilson and the two were married for 78 years before her passing. The two were married in secret from their families, misrepresented their ages so that they could marry and kept it a secret. Their secret marriage lasted for about a month before they shared the news, by then AMM3 Wilson, Sr. found a job on a construction crew out at Fort Jackson. To their family, they were inseparable and their story was a shining example of love, family, faith, and commitment. AMM3 Wilson, Sr. enlisted in the United States Navy on May 19, 1944 and served as an Aviation Machinist's Mate Third Class Petty Officer. He said one of his favorite things about being in the service was being stationed at NAS Vero Beach, FL where he had a great commander who made sure they were ready for everything. After his military service, AMM3 Wilson, Sr. ran an extremely successful chain of McCrory's Five and Dime shops which took him from SC, again, to Florida where he and his wife settled and grew a tremendously large family. There they became vested in Flower Nursery and Gardens around the Winter Park, FL area where he currently resides and doesn't mind telling a few old Navy stories. AMM3 Wilson, Sr. recently turned 100 years young on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. AMM3 Wilson, Sr. remains active at his age by helping his family sell flowers at the Winter Park Farmers' Market and continues to drive after recently renewing his license.
January 30, 2023
Command Sergeant Major Joseph "Curt" Cornelison is our Veteran of the Week!
Command Sergeant Major (ret) Joseph "Curt" Cornelison graduated in 1989 from Northwest Whitfield High School, Tunnel Hill, Georgia. He enlisted in the United States Army in January of 1990. He received his Basic Combat and Infantry training as well as Airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia and began his first duty assignment with Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning in June of 1990. During his 31 years of service, CSM Cornelison held numerous leadership positions to include: Fire Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Operations Sergeant Major, and Command Sergeant Major. His previous Command Sergeant Major assignments include: Command Sergeant Major of U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Command Sergeant Major of U.S. Army Central, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Command Sergeant Major of the First Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas; Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; Command Sergeant Major of the 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry, Fort Hood, Texas; Command Sergeant Major of the 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, Grafenwoehr, Germany.
CSM Cornelison's other assignments include: 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry, Baumholder, Germany; 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry and 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; 5th Ranger Training Battalion, Dahlonega, Georgia (Ranger Instructor); E Company, 51st Infantry (Long Range Surveillance), Darmstadt, Germany and 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Georgia. He deployed to Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq in support of contingency and Combat operations for the United States Army. CSM Cornelison's awards and decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, The Combat Infantryman's Badge, and the Ranger tab. He is a graduate of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Class 59 and has a bachelor’s degree from Troy University. CSM Cornelison is married to his wife of 24 years, Juliet and they have three children; Amy (25), Katie (21) Vinnie (15) and a Chihuahua named Zoey (14). He currently resides in Columbia, South Carolina.
February 6, 2023
Master Sergeant Andre Jenkins is our Veteran of the Week!
Master Sergeant Andre Jenkins served 23 years in the United States Army from June 1998 to February 2022. MSG Jenkins was a combat engineer and earned the prestigious Sapper Tab. During his time in the Army, MSG Jenkins deployed twice to Afghanistan and Iraq and is a Purple Heart recipient. He is currently a Federal Employee with the Directorate of Public Works (DPW) on Fort Jackson. He is also a devoted husband and father of four children.
February 13, 2023
Sergeant First Class Mark Hall is our Veteran of the Week!
Sergeant First Class Mark Anthony Hall Sr was born on March 11, 1960, in Columbia, TN. He joined the US Army in 1979 and completed his Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood MO Advance Initial Training (AIT) at Fort Jackson, SC as a 63B Wheel Vehicle. His assignments include Brigade Motor Sergeant 201st Headquarters Company Military Intelligence Brigade Fort Gordan, GA; Platoon Sergeant 6th Battalion 37th Field Artillery Defense Artillery Regiment Camp Stanley Korea; Platoon Sergeant 24th Headquarters Company Aviation Brigade Hunter Army Airfield Savannah, GA; Platoon Sergeant 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Camp Hovey Korea; Squad leader 249th Quartermaster Company Fort Bragg, NC; Squad leader 26th Supply and Support Company Hanau Germany, Squad leader 26th Quartermaster Company Fort Ord, CA; Drill Sergeant 1st Battalion, 61st Infantry Fort Jackson, SC.
SFC Hall received awards and decorations including the Army Commendation Medal (5 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (2nd Award), Southwest Asia Service Medal (2 OLC), Humanitarian Service Medal, Non-Commission Officer Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (4 Tour), Drill Sergeant Badge. He deployed to Iraq and participated in Operation Desert Storm. After retiring from the United States Army, Hall continued to serve as a civilian Motor Vehicle Operator and Supply Tech at Fort Jackson, SC. The Department of the Army awarded SFC Hall with the Achievement Medal for Civilian Service. SFC Hall retired from the federal service on August 27, 2021 after successfully completing 35 years in the Army.
Hall currently lives in Blythewood, SC. He attributes his success and support of service to his wife of 32 years, Cheryl Hall, with whom they share five kids; Brittany, Mark Jr., Malcolm, Jasmine, and Mason Hall enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.
February 21, 2023
Command Sergeant Major Lamont Christian is our Veteran of the Week!
Retired Command Sergeant Major Lamont Christian is a native of Brooklyn, New York and resides in Elgin, SC. He entered the Army Reserves as a Parachute Rigger in 1986 and later entered active duty, completing Infantry One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He served his country as a Noncommissioned Officer from 1986 to 2018, serving in several combat operations during Desert Shield/ Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). Lamont held every leadership capacity from Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Command Sergeant Major, Commandant and Post Command Sergeant Major. His assignments included tours of duty with the: The Army Training Center and Fort Jackson, The United States Army Drill Sergeant Academy, Fort Jackson, SC, 101st Airborne Div. (AASLT) Fort Campbell, KY; 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks. HI; U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy, Fort Benning, GA; 82nd Airborne Division, 18th Airborne Corps, United States Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.
He is recognized around the world as America’s Drill Sergeant having led the Army’s only Drill Sergeant Academy and having his voice premiered in the Gatorade HARD WORK military cadence commercial and also for being the Army’s Senior Enlisted Leader for the Commander of the world’s largest training post and center of excellence for initial military training at Fort Jackson, SC.
Since retiring in 2018, after 33 years of service, he continues to assist nonprofit organizations, Law Enforcement and First Responder organizations by providing leadership, training improvement and development. Serving the community at-large nationwide in various causes for the betterment of social, economic and progressing services for Veterans and those who support Veterans and their Families. He has sat on countless committees of change to include the Hawaii Supreme Court Subcommittee Member for equality in the Courts and the National Major Gang Task Force and has been recognized as the Midlands Chamber of Commerce 2022 Military Advocate of the Year. He is currently serving as a Richland County Reserve Deputy and the Director of Post-Traumatic Growth at the Big Red Barn Retreat in Blythewood, SC.
February 27, 2023
Sergeant First Class Fa'apepele "Pele" Hunkin is our Veteran of the Week!
Sergeant First Class Fa'apepele Hunkin is from the beautiful island of Samoa and is affectionately known as "Pele," which means "Sweetheart" in her native Samoan language. She was born in Nu'uuli, American Samoa, and raised by her beloved grandparents, Fa'apepele and Leauma Auva'a, in Vaiusu & Pesega, Samoa. Pele relocated to Nu'uuli to live with her late parents Malae and Miriama Hunkin upon the passing of her grandmother. She owes her faith, life, and breathtaking journey to her ancestors, who made the ultimate sacrifice and paved the way for her and her twelve siblings.
SFC Hunkin is a retired United States Army Combat Veteran who served honorably and distinctively for 19 years in various organizations and deployments before retiring as a Sergeant First Class in October 2013. Today, Hunkin is a dynamic speaker and Bestselling Author, and International Bestselling Author of HEART OF A WARRIOR-The humble journey of a Samoan warrior. She is also a Contributing Author to 8 Bestselling and International Bestselling anthologies and founder of Pele Inspire-Embracing Authentic Love, and a devoted mother of four loving children (Nicole, Dean Jr., Victoria, and Isabella).
SFC Hunkin draws her strength from telling others about her journey around the world and sharing her faith in God. In November 1994, she enlisted in the United States Army and later wed Deanne Ignacio Tajalle, the man she had fallen in love with and the father of her children. Sadly, her husband was in a catastrophic accident that left him in a coma for six months until he died from his injuries. His untimely passing left SFC Hunkin a widow and a single Hunkin is an ambassador for The Women of Dignity Magazine and the Re-Discover Me community in Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Renee Huffman, the publisher of "The Women of Dignity Magazine," also gave Pele two honors: she was named one of the Top Fifty Pioneers of Change - Women's History Month 2022 and one of the Top Twenty-five Rising Stars - Watch Her Win 2022. She has won many accolades and been recognized by many groups, including The Wounded Warrior Project.
Hunkin is a graduate of the University of Management and Technology with a Master's Degree in Health Care Administration (MHA). She is a Life Coach and a certified Power Voice global speaker, having been trained to speak by the world-renowned Global motivational speaker, Les Brown. Additionally, she was recognized by The South Carolina International Festival and Commission of Minority Affairs as the first Samoan to represent the Island of Samoa and the first Samoan to receive the Volunteer of the Year Award by the Mota Crosslinking Business Academy. Hunkin is also an outstanding cook who frequently prepares the traditional family favorites passed down from the generations before her. She is writing a cookbook to share some of her family's favorite recipes.
Her testament of speaking to hundreds of people worldwide reveals the positivity bestowed upon her journey that always encourages others to work on themselves and become the best version of themselves. Pele's ability to candidly share her story with others through her books and speeches has proven her to be someone who inspires, motivates, and empowers those she encounters. She was the keynote speaker for The Asian American Pacific Islander Observance Celebration 2022 for The United States Army Central Command (USARCENT) Headquarters, Shaw Air Force Base, Sumter County, SC, and also for The Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Observance Celebration at the United States Army Training Center and Fort Jackson.
Pele is a resilient person who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of those she meets while on her quest to live fully and pass away without regrets. She thinks that having love and unwavering faith in facing life's challenges can motivate individuals to rise and overcome all the challenges and curveballs life throws their way.
Pele's divine purpose is to inspire and empower women to know that they are enough so they can be vessels of love and positivity while fulfilling their God-given purpose. Her guiding philosophy in life is to "Stay Humble, Stay Positive, Stay Strong, And Always Stay Encouraged."
March 6, 2023
First Sergeant Michael Gasser is our Veteran of the Week!
Michael S. Gasser was born in Houston, Texas. He joined the Army in 2002. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in September 2004. After returning he was assigned to the Army Marksmanship Unit, Ft Benning, GA. Mike served a total of 20 years in the Army with other assignments including Ft Hood, TX and ending with an assignment as a Drill Sergeant and First Sergeant at Ft Jackson, SC. Mike has set numerous national records and won multiple titles as an individual and team member during several competitions to include Interservice, the National Pistol Championships, and the Bianchi Cup. He retired from the Army in 2022 and currently resides in Blythewood, SC.
March 13, 2023
Sergeant First Class Sally Talbott is our Veteran of the Week!
Sergeant First Class Sally A. Talbott was born in Buckhannon, WV. She joined the Army in 1994. She deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in April 2010. SFC Talbott served a total of 24 years in the Army with other assignments including being a paratrooper at Ft Bragg, NC and a Drill Sergeant at Ft Jackson, SC. She also spent a total of four years with the Army Marksmanship Unit at Ft. Benning, GA. SFC Talbott has set numerous national records and won multiple titles as an individual and team member during several competitions to include Interservice, the National Pistol Championships, and the Bianchi Cup. She retired from the Army in 2022 and currently resides in Blythewood, SC.
March 20, 2023
Zachary Green is our Veteran of the Week!
Zachary Green’s U.S. Marine Corps. experiences forged his successful business trajectory for years after hanging up his dress blues. Green joined the United States Marine Corps in 1992. This included receiving infantry training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, attending the U.S. Army Field Artillery Training Center in Fort Sill, Oklahoma and then joining the U.S. Marine Corps 1/24th Weapons Company while attending Bowling Green State University. He served as a cold-weather infantry fire direction controlman for 81mm mortars until 1996 and then spent the remainder of his tour with the 14th Marines Communication Company.
Green also participated in several major training events, including one of the largest peacetime CAX (Combined Arms Exercises) in Twentynine Palms and his work with U.S. air, armor and infantry units in the SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) component of the operation. In 1993, he attended the Marine Corps (OCS) Officer Candidate School / (PLC) Platoon Leaders Course in Quantico, Virginia where he graduated top of his company. Green then left the U.S. Marine Corps in 1999 with a deep love and respect for the military and its founding principles. Affected by the events of September 11th, he again formalized this commitment to community and the safety of others while serving as a volunteer firefighter for the next 10-plus years.
In 2019, Green and his family became permanent residents of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina after vacationing on the Island for more than 20 years. The Green family home is now only a few short miles from the Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot, were’ Green’s military journey began three decades ago. As an active community resident, Green spends every Tuesday participating in the Share the Legacy program at Parris Island, where he actively speaks with the graduating U.S. Marines about honor, courage and commitment and the ways these fundamental values will positively impact their lives long after they leave active service. In addition to these efforts, Green is also a member of the Parris Island Living History Detachment, where he represents the Marines of WWI. This includes joining with the recruits on the final leg of the grueling Crucible, while carrying the same period specific weapons and wearing the very gear and uniforms that their Marine forefathers wore in battle during WWI.
Recently, Green captured the very sentiments he learned as a US Marine and firefighter when he authored the international best-selling book titled Warrior Entrepreneur-Lessons From The Battlefield To The Boardroom. This was followed by the 2022 launch of Warrior Enterprises LLC, a Small Business Administration (SBA) Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and then the 2023 introduction of the Warrior Academe. Both programs were developed specifically to combine historic and modern warrior principles with the hands-on skills needed to launch successful businesses and grow new ones in challenging markets that include the trades and agricultural field – industries that are presently plagued by the ongoing retirement of skilled workers and the dearth of quality labor. Green is now working to have the Warrior Academe program costs covered by the Montgomery GI Bill.
Green is the founder and former CEO of MN8 LumAware/Foxfire, which he grew from the trunk of his car into a $30 million organization whose customers include the U.S. Government, The Home Depot, Kroger, General Electric Aircraft Engines, and Procter and Gamble. Throughout his business career, Green has also received numerous honors that include the President of the United States “E” award for exporting and being named the Exporter of the Year by the Ohio Small Business Administration for his successful efforts that exported his products to 25 separate countries. As a result, Green has also been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine, the front pages of Yahoo.com and MSN.com, USA Today and numerous other local and national media outlets. He has also testified in front of the US House of Representatives Small Business Committee, was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Former Ohio Governor John Kasich, selected by the Obama White House as one of 10 entrepreneurs to represent the United States at the Global, and elected to the Wyoming (Cincinnati), Ohio City council in 2018.
In his spare time, he can often be found at industry events speaking about the Warrior Spirit and its value in overcoming adversity and fostering ongoing growth through life and business.
April 3, 2023
SPC Joe Pinner is our Veteran of the Week!
Specialist Joe Pinner also know as "Papa Joe" spent 60 years in television and radio, with 55 of those successful years being with WIS-TV in Columbia, SC. At the young age of nine, SPC Pinner knew he wanted to be on the radio. At that time, television was just beginning. SPC Pinner first got behind a microphone at the age of 15 when a friend invited him to work at WMBL in New Bern, North Carolina during the summer. He also worked at WHIT, a local A.M. station in high school. In college, Joe worked for WCHL in Chapel Hill.
After one year at the University of North Carolina, SPC Pinner returned to WHIT until he received an offer to work in television in Jacksonville, Florida in 1955. It was a natural transition from radio to television. In 1958, SPC Pinner enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Jackson. While there, he worked as a manager for the Fort Jackson radio station, WFJX. He also worked for WNOK seven days a week. The move introduced him to a city he would later call home for the rest of his life.
A few years later, Joe received an offer to work at WIS-TV. He joined the powerhouse TV station in May of 1963. Shortly after, a children's program was started and Joe was the perfect fit to lead the program. The "Mr. Knozit Show" was born. He quickly became a favorite of viewers both young and old as he talked about the world, music, food, fun, and asked children what they wanted to be when they grew up.
The show was a huge success and actually won a prestigious Peabody Award in 1967. Once SPC Pinner left his official role at WIS-TV, he continued starring in numerous commercials and still today continues to emcee events that better his community. In the late 1950's, soldiers knew the sound of SPC Pinner's voice over the Armed Forces Radio at Fort Jackson. The Columbia community knew him from hosting the Mr. Knozit Show on WIS-TV for 37 years, and the latest generation recognized Pinner as the weatherman before he retired in 2018.
In April, 2021, SPC Pinner received another high honor - an induction into the Fort Jackson Hall of Fame. Fort Jackson's NCO Club has performed the ceremony annually since 2014, according to an article on the U.S. Army website. He joined the likes of many high-ranking Army soldiers who've passed through Fort Jackson. SPC Pinner managed the base's radio station, Armed Forces Radio WFJX, from 1958 to 1959. In 2003 to 2004, Pinner was awarded an Honorary Colonel position at Fort Jackson for his dedication to serving as the "voice of Fort Jackson" according to a video of the ceremony posted on YouTube by his son, Greg. For many years, SPC Pinner emceed Fort Jackson events like the annual Army Band Christmas concert. During his service, SPC Pinner helped make training videos along with the radio programs.
Each year, up to 50,000 soldiers hear his voice in a recorded welcome video from their last 20-mile hike before graduating from basic training. SPC Pinner's other honors include South Carolina's highest governmental honor in 1982 when Gov. Dick Riley gave him an Order of the Palmetto and the Biggest Media Hog award given by readers of the Free Times in the newspaper's "Best Of" honors.
April 17, 2023
SGT William "Billy" Britt is our Veteran of the Week!
SGT William Britt grew up in Lexington, SC. Soon after 9/11, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman. While deployed to Iraq, he was fortunate enough to lead some of the more challenging engagements ranging from raids on Fallujah to foot patrols all over the country. In 2006, SGT Britt was Honorably Discharged and then chose to pursue his lifelong passion of becoming a commercial diver. He worked on decommissioning hydro/electric dams, subsea construction projects more than 250 feet, pipeline construction in the Gulf of Mexico and installation of intake structures for nuclear power plants.
After nearly eight years, SGT Britt realized he was struggling with post-traumatic stress from his deployments and entered the Boulder Crest Program called Warrior PATHH (Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes). PATHH introduced him to the practices that are needed for individuals who are struggling with trauma. The training program focuses on the concept of post-traumatic growth. The training program was his decompression chamber, and it could not have come at a better moment for him in life. The program helped him so much that he decided to become a Warrior PATHH instructor. Years later, SGT Britt became the senior instructor at the Big Red Barn Retreat as a Warrior PATHH guide as he helps others who are struggling with post-traumatic stress by helping them grow and thrive from their traumas. He has helped hundreds of other Veterans who are struggling through his hard work at the Big Red Barn Retreat.
April 24, 2023
Master Sergeant Larry Stafford is our Veteran of the Week!
Master Sergeant Larry Stafford joined the United States Air Force and served approximately 22 years in the military. MSgt Stafford was stationed at many military bases throughout the United States, as well as in England, and also served in the Vietnam War. MSgt Stafford was awarded many medals during his service, including a medal for rescuing an airman from a fire and extinguishing the flames. MSgt Stafford's performance reports throughout his military career always noted how skilled and devoted he was and how he encouraged teamwork among others. His reports also made note of his management style and how it contributed to the overall success of his squadron and the USAF. MSgt Stafford came from a difficult childhood, growing up mostly in an orphanage in Memphis, TN. Joining the Air Force was a turning point in his life, giving something to be proud of and enjoy. He eventually retired from the Air Force in the 1980's. MSgt Stafford was also skilled musically, being able to sing, play the bass guitar, guitar, steel guitar, and many more instruments. Stafford often played at Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) clubs, opries, and other venues. MSgt Stafford was described as an incredibly kind, loving, funny, and intelligent man. Despite everything he went through in life, he never lost his kindness and shared it with his family and everyone he encountered. Sadly, MSgt Stafford passed away in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness.
May 15, 2023
First Sergeant Alvin King is our Veteran of the Week!
First Sergeant Alvin King served in the United States Army from December 1998 to December 2018. He served several deployments including: Operation Joint Forge (Bosnia) 2000, 2001; Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) 2002, 2003, 2004; Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) 2005, 2010; and Operation New Dawn (Iraq) 2011. King served several assignments before retiring as a First Sergeant Senior Intelligence Advisor. Those assignments included: 2/3 Special Forces Group (Airborne) Fort Bragg, NC; 4/4 Aviation Reconnaissance Battalion [4th Infantry Division] Fort Hood, TX; 157th Infantry Brigade Fort Jackson, SC; 3/7 Infantry [3rd Infantry Division] Fort Stewart, GA; and US Army Central, Shaw Air Force Base, SC.
Upon completing his sophomore year in college, 1SG King realized that school was not for him. At the time, he was searching for more direction in his life; inevitably, he stumbled upon an opportunity to join the US Army. While at first, 1SG King was hesitant, the moment he signed his name on the dotted line, he knew that he had found what he had been searching for. King says that the culture of camaraderie and the brotherhood in the military was like nothing he had ever experienced. Since leaving the military, 1SG King has authored the book, Purpose Fulfilled: A Guide to a Life Well Lived; started a consulting company specializing in leadership development and mentorship; and traveled around the state to different organizations and schools, delivering talks as a keynote speaker. Additionally, in 2018, 1SG King launched King Fore A Day, a charity golf tournament designed to give back to Veteran nonprofit organizations in the Midlands. Since its inception, King Fore A Day has filled all 36 teams for the past three consecutive years. Thanks to sponsors and tournament participants, up to $20,000 have been donated to nonprofits, including Hidden Wounds, Project Josiah, and PGA HOPE (Columbia). Most recently, donations from King Fore A Day facilitated funding for the Tammy Finney VA Volunteer Scholarship—awarded to Serena Parmar, a first-year student at the University of South Carolina selected for her commitment to serve Veterans at the Dorn VA through the VA Youth Program.
The success of King Fore A Day inspired other Veterans and 1SG King to found Range Fore Hope Foundation, a military nonprofit organization. Its mission is to facilitate outdoor activities as a positive outlet for active-duty service members, Veterans (combat and disabled), and their dependents to help them overcome life's difficulties attributed to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The organization believes that providing programs and resources to Veterans and their families directly impacts their healing process. Additionally, their inclusive approach encourages participation amongst adaptive sports participants—the nonprofit's framework provides an equitable environment for those we serve. After the nonprofit’s inception, King launched a six-month golf program that catered to military communities at Fort Jackson and Shaw Air Force Base. Programming consisted of free weekly introductory golf lessons at Cobblestone Park Golf Club and the James Clyburn Golf Center—with children as young as four to patrons well into their 70s attending. Due to the program's increasing popularity, Range Fore Hope Foundation's executive board decided to increase the program from six to eight months on April 18, 2022.
In February 2022, a team of 13 completed an adaptive golf program—expanding its reach to golfers with rated disabilities. Following the training, Range Fore Hope Foundation was nationally recognized as a certified adaptive golf instruction program and became a US Adaptive Golf Alliance (USAGA) member. With an emphasis on adaptive golf, King's organization hosted the inaugural golf charity tournament, Fairways to Freedom. All proceeds went towards purchasing a ParaGolfer, an all-terrain power wheelchair typically used for golfers with high-level spinal cord injuries. 1SG King's organization hosts weekly free golf lessons on Wednesdays from 5-6:30 p.m. at James Clyburn Golf Center and Thursdays from 5-6:30 p.m. at Cobblestone Park.
May 22, 2023
First Sergeant Kevin Jones is our Veteran of the Week!
First Sergeant Kevin L. Jones (Retired) is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and enlisted in the United States Army over two decades ago. He completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and Advanced individual training at Fort Lee, Virginia where he began his career in Logistics.
1SG Jones’s assignments included: Delta Company, 32nd Signal Battalion, Darmstadt, Germany; Operation IRAQI FREEDOM; Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion 60th Infantry, Fort Jackson, South Carolina; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion 28th Infantry Regiment, Fort Jackson, South Carolina; University Circle Recruiting Station, Cleveland, Ohio; 335th Theater Support Command, East Point, Georgia; Warrior Transition Unit, Fort Polk, Louisiana; Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion 8th Field Artillery Regiment, Fort Wainwright, Alaska; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska; and Headquarters and Alpha Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
1SG Jones is currently completing the last semester of his Master’s in Organizational Leadership degree, he holds Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management, an Associate of Arts degree in Supply Chain Management, a Graduate Certificate in Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from Villanova University, and a Graduate Certificate as a Project Management Professional from the University of South Carolina. He is a member of the Society of Logistics Engineers and the South Carolina Association of Government Purchasing Officials.
Since retiring in January 2022, he has continued a career providing global procurement, logistic and supply chain operations management. He is experienced in forecasting, inventory administration, purchase order oversight, deep source-to-contract, and vendor relations/negotiations. He currently works as a Procurement Manager II with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind where he works to assist his new team, by ensuring they have the tools needed to provide quality individualized vocational rehabilitation services, independent living services and prevention-of-blindness services to consumers who are blind and visually impaired leading to competitive employment and social and economic independence.
June 5, 2023
First Sergeant Jerod Burghardt is our Veteran of the Week!
First Sergeant Jerod Burghardt is a native to the US Army. 1SG Burghardt his country from 1998 until October 2020 when he retired after 21.5 years in Active Service. 1SG Burghardt had seven Combat deployments to Afghanistan serving every position an Infantryman can, from Saw Gunner to Squad Leader as well as Operational Advisor. He even went on to Iraq and other locations across the globe.
Burghardt has filled several leadership roles from Team Leader to Company First Sergeant. He was also assigned to the US Army Asymmetric Warfare Group as an Operational Advisor and Troop Sergeant Major. 1SG Burghardt finished his career at Fort Jackson as a BCT First Sergeant and BN Operation NCOIC. He is married to his wonderful wife Tiffany and has two sons. Since retirement, Burghardt works at Michelin Tire plant in Lexington, where he is a part of the Veteran Resource Group, as well as volunteers his time as a Palmetto Pathfinder. One of his major on-going efforts is to bridge the gap between manufacturing and hiring Veterans in the manufacturing community.
June 12, 2023
Sergeant First Class Ella C. Calvert is our Veteran of the Week!
Sergeant First Class Ella C. Calvert is the first elected female Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) State Quartermaster (QM). She joined the VFW in 2006 after proudly serving 20 years and retiring as Sergeant First Class (SFC) in the US Army. SFC Calvert served during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm before retiring as J-1, Human Resources NCOIC at Scott AFB, IL. Her assignments included Korea, Germany, Honduras, Fort Campbell, KY and Fort Jackson, SC. Among her military awards and decorations are the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM), Joint Service Commendation Medal (JSCM), Humanitarian Service Medal, several Army Good Conduct Medals and a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. SFC Calvert has two children,12 grandchildren and a Quaker bird that she loves dearly. She also enjoys taking trips to the beach every possible chance she gets.
SFC Calvert is passionate and focuses on advocating, empowering and helping Female Veterans to get their earned recognition just as male Veterans. Calvert would like to see more female Veterans occupying spaces in military organization meetings usually filled with their male counterparts. She is a Bronze Life Legacy Member of the VFW, Annual Member of The Military Order of the Cootie, All American QM 2021-22, 2022-23, All State QM 2020-21 Calvert enrolled into the Boulder Crest Program called Warrior PATHH (Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes). PATHH introduced her to the practices that are needed for individuals who are struggling with trauma. She says that the course brought her awareness and was refreshing and assisted with equipping her with the tools to change the quality of her life mentally and physically. SFC Calvert is also a new Palmetto Pathfinder and assisted her first Pathee with homelessness in an underserved community.
June 19, 2023
First Sergeant Bunthy Thap is our Veteran of the Week!
First Sergeant Bunthy Thap honorably served 23 years in the United States Army. After coming to the United States as a child and gaining his citizenship 1SG Thap, out of love for his country, joined the United States Army in 1995 out of Holyoke, MA. He spent 11 years as an Infantryman and 12 years as an Ammunition Specialist. He served in numerous leadership and staff positions. Prior to his retirement, Thap served as the Senior Equal Opportunity Advisor with the 3rd ESC, Fort Bragg, NC.
1SG Thap was deployed once to Saudi Arabi, twice to Iraq, and twice to Afghanistan. His awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Drill Sergeant Badge, Parachutist Badge, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and Iraq Campaign Medal. Since retirement, Thap served as a contractor in Kuwait and various other countries as a Supply Technician in support of various United States military units. He then transitioned to federal service as an Ammunition Specialist at Fort Jackson, SC. He is currently a federal employee with the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security (DTPMS) on Fort Jackson, SC.
1SG Thap is a proud lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 11079 Elgin, SC and served as Jr. Vice Commander from 2021-2022. His civilian education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Transportation and Logistics Management in 2020 and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in human resources. 1SG Thap currently resides in Elgin, SC. He is happily married to his wife Jamie since 2006. They have four wonderful children: Brandon, Sasha, Erika and Emily (twins), and a grandson, Daemon. He enjoys spending his time with his family, cooking, volunteering, and playing golf.
June 26, 2023
Ethan Gardner is our Veteran of the Week!
Ethan Gardner joined the US Marine Corps out of Memphis Tennessee in December of 2011. He was a young man eager for the opportunity to both serve, and prove that he could be more. Though a poor student, Gardner scored in the high 70's on the ASVAB, giving him a lot of opportunities in the Corps-- however, he was young, and Infantry was what he wanted. Gardner enlisted as an 03-11 Infantry Rifleman, under a special contract for Security Forces. His first duty station was with 2nd FAST Company (Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Teams), where he spent time in Guantanamo Bay Cuba on the security line, and then 6 months deployed to the Pacific AO. He then had the great privilege to serve at 3rd Battalion 6th Marines at Camp Lejeune, famous for earning the French fourragère at the Battle of Belle Wood in WWI. It was that battle where Marines earned the name "Devil Dog."
Gardner was honorably discharged in 2015 and moved to Lexington, SC where his family had moved in 2013. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing in late 2020. He spent a lot of time assisting with Veteran non-profit work in the community, and even used his passion of riding motorcycles to help start up a chapter of the American Infidels VMC-- a national Veterans motorcycle club dedicated to serving Veterans. Gardner has had the honor to host The Soldier Salute with 94.3 The Dude, serve as the Account Manager for The General's Hot Sauce, serve as an Account Executive for The Post and Courier, and now serve as the Public Affairs Chief for the US Army's Columbia Recruiting Battalion, where he advises the command staff of ways to better market the opportunities and privilege of service to the youth of South Carolina. Above all, he would be nothing without the love and support of his beautiful fiance, Zoie and their daughter Sloane.
July 3, 2023
Terrance Deyo is our Veteran of the Week!
Terrance Deyo served in the United States Army from January 21, 1969 to December 12, 1970. Deyo served in Vietnam with the 84th Engineer Battalion. His duty was to operate and maintain the team of 4-gun trucks that the battalion provided. The trucks were unauthorized by the Department of the Army and were built from existing 2 ½ and 5-ton vehicles steel sided with heavy armament of 50 CAL’S and M60’S, one truck had a ‘mini gun’ that fired 3000 rounds a minute. The trucks also carried ‘Laws’ rockets, hand grenades, CS canisters, M79 Grenade Launchers, and thousands of ‘rounds’ of ammunition on the floor of the truck. Deyo's responsibility was to protect his fellow soldiers while working on different projects, such as road building and repair, bridge repair and firebase construction, and the convoy. There were many ambush situations where Deyo and his team had to put down intense fire to get the engineers out of the hot zone.
In one mountain pass near the Laos border, the ambush was fierce, and the four-gun trucks put down heavy fire both above and below the roadway as the enemy tried to stop the convoy with rockets and heavy machine gun fire. Two members of his team were wounded in the ambush. Deyo called in medevac helicopters to meet them at the bottom of the pass. The two wounded soldiers were taken to a field hospital and were treated for their wounds. Deyo then found out that their commanding officer was thankful that their convoy made it out of the mountain pass battle. Due to their bravery and heroism in connection with ground operations in the Republic of Vietnam in November 1970, Deyo's commander awarded him and his fellow soldiers a Bronze Star. Unfortunately, Deyo was airlifted out a short time after and went home. Due to the quick withdraw from Vietnam, Deyo was never pinned for his Bronze Star. Deyo is a member of the Sun City Veterans Association, which provides support to active duty Veterans through donations, raises awareness of the Armed Forces, and provides information and support to Sun City Veterans and their spouses.
July 10, 2023
Petty Officer Second Class Jim Coples is our Veteran of the Week!
PO2 Jim Coples graduated from Elizabeth State University in 1972. In August 1973, he joined the United States Navy and served 4 years active duty as a personnel specialist. He was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, and Japan. He then transitioned to the Navy reserves where he served 18 years until retirement in 1995. Coples worked for the United States Federal government as an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) investigator and retired from South Carolina State government in 2019. Now Coples spends his time volunteering with different organizations such as Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Dorn VA Medical Center, his local NAACP chapter, Columbia YMCA, Oliver Gospel Mission and his fraternity Phi Beta Sigma to assist with various community events.
July 18, 2023
U.S. Army National Guard Major James E. Smith, Jr. is our newest Veteran of the Week!
James E. Smith Jr. has been involved in supporting Veteran related issues across the Palmetto State for more than 20 years. During his more than two decades in the General Assembly, James was involved in early efforts to establish a cabinet level agency supporting Veteran issues and championed many other Veteran-related initiatives.
Before and during his time in state government, Smith served in the United States Army Reserve. Following the attacks of September 11th, Smith resigned from his position as a JAG officer in the Army Reserve and sought a commission as a combat infantry officer in the South Carolina Army National Guard. Serving as an infantry detachment commander in Afghanistan supporting Special Forces, Smith was wounded and received Combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart. His other awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. He was also inducted into the Palmetto Military Academy Hall of Fame for his bravery and commitment to military service in 2018.
James Smith served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1996-2018 and was the Democratic nominee for Governor in 2018. Following his time in the legislature, James worked at the University of South Carolina where he spearheaded efforts to establish a Veteran’s center to support USC student Veterans and military students. As a practicing attorney James has also supported both servicemembers and Veterans in a range of legal needs.
More recently, James served as the Executive Director of the USC School of Law Veterans Legal Clinic for and currently serves as a volunteer board member for The Big Red Barn Retreat in Blythewood. James remains a serving member of the South Carolina Army National Guard and as an Afghanistan Veteran, he remains invested in coordinating with other South Carolina Veterans in support of Afghan allies who supported the U.S. effort.
July 24, 2023
Captain Glenis Redmond is our newest Veteran of the Week!
United States Army Reserves Captain Glenis Redmond is the First Poet Laureate of Greenville. She was a Captain during the 80's and 90's and was born on Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter. She is a Kennedy Center Teaching Artist, and a Cave Canem alumnus. She has authored six books of poetry: Backbone (Underground Epics, 2000), Under the Sun (Main Street Rag, 2002), and What My Hand Say (Press 53, 2016), Listening Skin (Four Way Books), Three Harriets & Others (Finishing Line Press), and Praise Songs for Dave the Potter, Art by Jonathan Green, and Poetry by Glenis Redmond (University of Georgia Press). CPT Redmond received the highest arts award in South Carolina, the Governor’s Award and inducted into the South Carolina Academy of Authors. She is a “Charlie Award” recipient awarded by the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and was recently a recipient of the Peacemaker Award by the Upstate Mediation Center in 2022.She was the founder of the Greenville Poetry Slam in the early 90’s.
CPT Redmond conducted a six-week writing workshop at the Rupert Huse Veteran Center: Telling Our Stories Through Poetry with Glenis Redmond. She is living with cancer and was diagnosed with Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma in July of 2019. Glenis is a cancer advocate, as she works to help improve the lives of people living with cancer. Her motto is Bloom Anyhow. CPT Redmond currently resides in Greenville. She is a “Charlie Award” recipient awarded by the Carolina Mountains Literary Festival and was recently a recipient of the Peacemaker Award by the Upstate Mediation Center in 2022. Glenis is the mother of twin daughters, Amber Sherer and Celeste Sherer Farmand. She is the Gaga of Julian, Paisley and Quinn. Other than poetry her passions are gardening, dancing and collecting art and Fluevogs. You can read more about her work with the arts by visiting her website https://www.glenisredmond.com/.
August 7, 2023
Staff Sergeant Charles Lin is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Staff Sergeant Charles Lin is a Taiwanese immigrant, who enlisted into the active-duty US Air Force in July of 2000 and joined the Air Transportation career field. He naturalized after September 11th as a US citizen and quickly rose through the ranks to become a Staff Sergeant in less than 3 years. SSG Lin spent the entirety of his 6-year enlistment assigned to the 621st Contingency Response Group (prior to 2005, known as the 621 Air Mobility Operations Group) at McGuire AFB, NJ. He served as a party to the invading force into Iraq on March 19th, 2003, and following that, a second tour in Iraq to assist in the redeployment of the 1st Infantry Division out of Tikrit during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. SSG Lin has travelled worldwide on countless missions in direct support of the nation’s sister branches and global allies on various strategic, tactical, and humanitarian operations.
After his time in the Air Force, SSG Lin elected to pursue his secondary passion: art and animation. Since 2006, he has worked on projects for notable brands such as Kraft, Electronic Arts, SAAB, CBS Sports, and BBC Worldwide. His work led him to a new passion in local television when in 2014, he became the Art Director for the dominant local television station in Birmingham, AL, WBRC FOX6 News. In June of last year, his career brought him, his fiancée, and their two dogs to Columbia, SC where he accepted the role of Director of Marketing for WIS.
SSG Lin's military background and status as a Veteran, combined with his passion for local television and its impact on local communities, makes him an ideal ambassador for WIS’s United for Veterans initiative. In the past year, United for Veterans has lent its voice in support of such local causes as Guitars for Veterans, the Big Red Barn Retreat, Wreaths Across America, the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Fisher House to name a few.
“It was an honor that I was able to serve. Today, I find myself privileged that WIS provides me with a conduit in United for Veterans to bring awareness to some of the unique challenges that many of our brothers and sisters face after coming back home,” says Lin.
August 14, 2023
Sergeant Stephen Root is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Sergeant Stephen Root was born in French Camp, California on 1 June 1981. He comes from several generations of family serving in the military. His upbringing instilled in him that it is his patriotic duty to serve his country. After graduating from Anzar High School in San Juan Batista, California in 2000, Stephen joined the U.S. Marines Corps fulfilling his duty to himself and his Country. After basic training at San Diego Marine Corp Recruit Depot, he was assigned as an Infantryman with 1st Battalion 2nd Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune N.C. In early 2003 he was deployed to Iraq where on March 23rd, his unit became heavily engaged during the Battle of An Nasiriyah. The aftermath of this grueling event resulted in objectives being met, but at the cost of 18 Marines being killed and 23 injured during an intense and constant fire fight. This battle was also known for where the U.S. Army soldier Jessica Lynch was captured.
Stephen is a life member of VFW Post 8131 in Greenwood where he is the Adjutant. He serves as a Mentor in the Veterans Treatment Court of the SC 8th Circuit Solicitor, volunteers with homeless Veteran’s organizations in and around Greenwood County and has earned leadership positions of Worshipful Master and is a 32 degree Mason in the Scottish Rite Masons.
August 21, 2023
Deon Generette is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Deon Generette is a native of Johnsonville, South Carolina, a graduate of the University of South Carolina, and the father of four amazing boys whom he loves dearly (DJ, Nic, Owen, and Seven).
Generette served in US Army from 2005-2012 including one tour in the Iraqi Freedom war. He is now a retired Veteran and CEO/Founder of 7Sunday/7Sunday Live “Thee Best Recurring Live Themed Music Show in the Carolinas and Beyond”. 7Sunday is a groundbreaking platform where Indie and national recording artists can be featured through live themes.
7Sunday can be seen on multiple Media Platforms in 5 US Markets on the East Coast. They have also produced projects for the City of Columbia Office of Business Opportunities "Historic Columbia ~ Black Wall Street” and currently assists the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus with the “50th Anniversary of Giants For Justice” documentary. He also serves on the board of Richland County First Steps. Lastly, his most treasured accomplishment aside from being a devoted son, father, brother and philanthropist, Generette birthed “Dapper and Distinguished Gentlemen” where he mentors and empowers young men to be great in their communities and families while building and securing their legacy.
August 28, 2023
Staff Sergeant Sanford Gray is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Staff Sergeant Sanford Gray was born in Abbeville, SC and graduated from Abbeville High School before volunteering to join the United States Air Force. While the United States was at war with Vietnam, Gray wanted to prove his commitment to self and country. Gray's father, Wallace Gray, served in the United States Navy during WWll, inspiring him to continue his family's legacy of military service. SSgt Gray proudly served in the United States Air Force “Air Police” now known as “Security Forces”. His unit was highly trained in Air Base ground defense, weaponry, and hand to hand combat. They were Infantry troops assigned to provide protection for Air Bases all over the world. Their mission was to protect the Air Base and its resources. His career took him to many places, including Alaska and Spain.
SSgt Gray left the Air Force with an honorable & decorated discharge to return to Abbeville, SC with his wife Melinda, who was also from Abbeville. Together they raised their four children. Gray worked in management at Pirelli Corporation in Abbeville until his retirement. He served as a little league coach and has been a contributor and volunteer to many local charities & organizations. Some of these organizations and charities included Relay For Life & St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Gray has been an advocate for human rights and equal opportunity. He continues to share with his 11 grandchildren the values the United States Air Force instilled in him: "To Fly, Fight and Win"!
September 5, 2023
Sergeant Major Tim Conrad is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Army Sergeant Major (Ret) Timothy M. Conrad is a native of Highland, IL. In March of 1995, he enlisted in the US Army as a 19D Cavalry Scout and attended One Station Unit Training at Ft. Knox. KY. After being stationed at Ft Carson, CO with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regt for two years, SGM Conrad reenlisted to become an US Army Infantryman. After successfully completing One Station Unit Training at Ft Benning, GA, he was awarded the MOS 11B Infantryman. SGM Conrad has held the positions of Cavalry Scout Team Leader, Bradley Gunner, Riflemen, Paratrooper, Javelin Gunner, Infantry Fire Team Leader, Infantry Squad Leader, Infantry Weapons Squad Leader, Drill Sergeant, Senior Drill Sergeant, Infantry Platoon Sergeant, Battalion Fusion Cell NCOIC, Airborne Infantry Platoon Observer Controller (NTC), Deputy Team Chief (SFAT) Afghanistan, Brigade S-3 NCOIC, Infantry Company First Sergeant, and Infantry BN SGM.
His assignment locations include Ft Carson, CO (2), Ft Campbell, KY, Ft Jackson, SC (3), Vilseck, Germany, Ft Irwin, CA, Ft Richardson, AK, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK, Joint Base Lewis-McCord, WA, Ft Bliss TX.
SGM Conrad’s military and civilian education include Armored Recon School, Inf Basic course, Basic Leaders Course, Advanced Leaders Course, Senior Leaders Course, First Sergeants Course, and Sergeant Majors Academy. Javelin Gunner Trainers Course, M249 and M240 Leaders course, Small Weapons Course, Master Fitness Trainers Course, NBC and Radiation Officers Course, FBCB2 OPNET Leaders Course, Military Advisor Course, Battle Staff, Drug and Alcohol Prevention Course, Observer Controller Course, Master Terrain Drivers Course, Military Advisor Northern Warfare Trainers Course (CWIC) Leaders Course, Drill Sergeant School, Airborne School, Joint Fires Control Course, Anti Terrorism Course, Master Resilience Trainers Course, and Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on Management from Excelsior College, Albany, NY.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (4) Army Commendation Medal (6) Army Achievement Medal (8) Army Superior Unit Award (Iraq), Army Good Conduct Award (8), National Def Service Medal with Bronze Star, Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Development Ribbon (4), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5), NATO Medal (2), Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Arctic Badge, Drill Sergeant Badge, Parachutes Badge, Expert Marksmanship Badge, and Weapons Bar.
SGM Conrad is married to Kimberly N. Conrad, and they have six children: Zach, Alyssa, Josh, Colton, Kelsey, and Connor. He is also the proud grandparent to Braylon, who loves soccer. Conrad currently works for Upstate Warrior Solution, a nonprofit organization that assists Veterans and first responders in the Upstate of South Carolina. Conrad serves as the UWS advocate in Pickens and Oconee counties. As an advocate, he identifies warriors and family members and connects them to local resources and opportunities. He also serves on the Pickens County Veterans Council. As a part of an official partnership between Upstate Warrior Solution and Clemson University, Conrad is on site at Clemson three days a week to serve the university's military population. His work is invaluable to the military and Veteran community and he is often the first person that Veterans and military family members who need assistance reach out to. His response always communicates care and sets a positive tone in any situation.
September 11, 2023
Senior Master Sergeant Rick Johnson is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Senior Master Sergeant Rick Johnson’s extensive aviation experience draws from 32 years of military service, including two overseas deployments to Afghanistan and one recently in Iraq where he received the Bronze Star Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. He recently retired after 32 total years of service from the US Air Force Reserves as the Operations Flight Chief of the 69th Aerial Port Squadron at Joint Base Andrews and he attained the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Prior to the Air Force Reserves, Johnson served four years active duty in the United States Navy.
Some of SMSgt Johnson's positions and duties while in the military included: Flight Chief, Cargo Operations – SMSgt (senior master sergeant) - Air Transportation 2T291, United States Air Force Reserves – AFB, MD 1988-Present, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in charge of Cargo Operations, Ramp Operations and Special Handling Operations, assigning specific team members duties during on and off-loading operations of aircraft maintaining 97% on time departure rate, coordinating and executing squadron mission essential cargo movements, maintaining detailed squadron records for all personnel, managing a team of 84 subordinates, serving as a direct mentor and providing direction regarding their journey within the military and SECRET Security Clearance. Some of his awards included: Air Force Achievement Medal 2008 (Afghanistan), Air Force Commendation Medal 2012 (Afghanistan), 459th Air Refueling Wing Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year 2019, 459th Air Refueling Wing Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year 2020, Bronze Star Medal 2020 (Iraq), and Air Force Commendation Medal First Oak Leaf Cluster W/”C” Device 2020 (Iraq).
Johnson and his wife, Krista, moved to Charleston in July of 2022. Although retired, Johnson continues to mentor many of his former subordinates and assists with career planning, retirement planning, and general questions regarding military life. He has an immense respect for those who choose to serve and is always eager to lend a helping hand when needed.
READ the 459th Air Refueling Wing's article on SMSgt Johnson receiving the Bronze Star.
September 18, 2023
Alton Jenkins is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Alton Jenkins served in the US Army as a Generator Lead Technician. He deployed twice to Afghanistan, the first time he was deployed he served with DSTB 82nd Airborne. During one of his deployments his Platoon rebuilt and recovered many MRAPS, Generators, Buffaloes, MATV that were hit by IED’s or direct/indirect fire. Their shop was the first shop to test drive and license on MATV’s in Afghanistan. In stride, Jenkins is always grateful, stating the following about his comrades: “We're like family! We worked hard but played even harder. I can’t thank my chief enough for accepting me into his platoon.”
Jenkins currently serves as the Director of Veterans Affairs for Jasper County. He assists Veterans and their families in accessing military and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. He answers questions and advises Veterans on federal and state benefit programs as well as helping their dependents file claims, representing them in VA hearings, directing them to appropriate resources, and providing educational materials. Jenkins is known to take a personal journey with each Veteran, each family member, and each person he works with being proactive instead of reactive in every aspect of his job. He is also in tune with the community he grew up in, moving back to Jasper County to give back. He started his own nonprofit to mentor students called MotivateYourGrowth Inc to provide quality performance training to inner city student-athletes, along with gathering resources and educational support to further develop collegiate opportunities. Jenkins works with the County Police Agency to assist with the local PIT Count for homelessness, serves as a Palmetto Pathfinder with SCDVA, assists with Jasper County Youth Football, RLVET, and collaborates with other CVAOs to head up a Veterans Day Parade and a Rural Lowcountry Veterans Engagement Team to solve issues such as homelessness, transportation, and employment in the rural counties.
September 25, 2023
Captain Craig Wiggins, Jr. is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Captain Craig Wiggins, Jr. is a native of Reelsboro, NC and currently resides in Taylors, SC with his wife, Denise. He served in the United States Marine Corps from August 1995 to August 2015. Wiggins' enlisted years were spent as an avionics calibration technician. He spent time in Cherry Point, NC and Iwakuni, Japan traveling to air stations supporting the Marine Corps Aircraft Wing. In 2002 he was selected for the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program where he attended The Citadel from 2003 to 2007 earning a Business Administration degree. From there he became a Marine Corps Communications Officer and was stationed at 9th Communications BN, Camp Pendleton, CA where he had several tours to Afghanistan and served as a platoon commander, executive officer, and battalion current operations officer.
Wiggins was then select to be an inspecting officer for Region 1, Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, Frankfurt, Germany. In 2015 he retired from the Marine Corps and began a career with the BMW Regional IT Infrastructure Group in Greenville, SC. Since his retirement in 2015, Wiggins has been supporting Veterans in his community. He has done this by assisting them with their own VA disability claims and working to bring awareness to Veterans' needs. In June of 2022 Craig saw an opportunity to bring his love of motorsports together with supporting Veterans. Craig is the founder and president of Heel and Toe 4 Heroes which is a non-profit whose mission is to "Support Veterans, Veteran families and Veteran organizations. Bring Veterans together at the racetrack and supporting Veteran small businesses."
October 9, 2023
Maliek Fowler is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Maliek Fowler served in the United States Marine Corps at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) in 29 Palms, California. During his time at MCAGCC, he excelled in his position as the Imagery Coordinator and Photography Chief, leaving a lasting impact through his hard work and dedication. Fowler is currently employed as the photographer and videographer for the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce and takes immense pride in capturing moments and bringing them to life through his lens.
One of Fowler's greatest achievements was overseeing the photography team and managing all imagery released for the base. Additionally, he provided support for Marine Corps cold weather training in Bridgeport, CA, as well as the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWT-1) in Yuma, AZ. He received recognition for his exceptional performance by being awarded the prestigious Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Fowler's work can be seen currently at the new on[base clinic at the 29 Palms base in California. The captivating images showcase his talent and leave a lasting impression on all who see them. It is his aim to capture the essence of the world through his unique perspective and offer others a glimpse into his artistic vision, making a mark in the world of photography.
November 13, 2023
Laura Robbins is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Laura Robbins is United States Air Force Veteran (1989-1998), serving in the Gulf War and Dessert Shield. After she separated from service with an Honorable Discharge and numerous medals and awards for her service, Laura took her experience as an Information Manager and transitioned to an Administrative Assistant in a corporate setting. Over a few short years, Robbins rose to the level of Executive Assistant, supporting the Chief Executive Officer and Board Chief of a multi-million-dollar company.
Robbins is a Dually Certified Peer Support Specialist working with individuals struggling with substance misuse and mental health illness at a nonprofit organization. She is an Alcohol and Drug Counselor-In Process and is a recent graduate from Liberty University with her Masters in Addictions Counseling. Laura received her Certification in Addiction Treatment in Military and Veteran Culture through the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) and is a Certified South Carolina Palmetto Pathfinder.
In January 2004, Laura began her personal journey away from substance misuse to a life of recovery and sobriety. This change eventually led her to a path of helping others struggling with addiction in her community as an Addictions Counselor and Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS).
In 2019, Robbins got her start at Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) Piedmont which covers six counties in upper South Carolina. She began her CPSS work with the adult drug court diversion programs, and more recently with the Veterans Court Alternative Program (VCAP) in the 6th and 16th circuits. In 2021, Robbins started the first virtual Veterans Recovery Support Groups for Veterans struggling with addiction, life/military transitions, and mental health support in her area. She now conducts individual Telehealth sessions with Veterans enrolled in VCAP, self-referrals, and other community referrals. The contributions Robbins makes help to remove the stigma about addiction and mental health, while bringing light to the importance of our Veteran population.
Robbins' family includes her daughter and three dogs.
