January
January 2, 2024
Captain Phil Palmer is our newest Veteran of the Week!
When asked about his greatest inspiration in life, Captain Phil Palmer dedicated that title to his grandfather, a Vietnam Marine Corps Veteran, as well as his father. Throughout his early life, he watched both men demonstrate high levels of resilience and strength. From these motivating figures, Phil gained an unwavering passion for serving his country and sacrificing for those he cares about. As a decorated Marine Corps Veteran himself, Palmer also found himself positively influenced by his MiTT (Combat Advisor), who helped shape him into the individual he is today. Capt. Palmer has carried his love for helping others throughout his career, and is now the proud Founder, President, and Executive Director of WarriorWOD.
Having graduated from The Citadel in 2005 and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps, Capt. Palmer's military career took him to serve in pivotal roles, including serving as a Combat Advisor and Operations Officer in Iraq, Instructor and Staff Platoon Commander at The Basic School, Operations Officers for the Marine Corps Martial Arts Center of Excellence, and finally an Operations Officers for the Security Force Assistance Program at the Training & Education Command (TECOM).
His commendable service over the years earned him numerous awards, such as the Purple Heart and Army Commendation with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor, among many other recognitions. Beyond his decorated military career, Palmer faced challenges after being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and a traumatic brain injury (TBI) upon his honorable discharge in 2013. Fortunately, he discovered a source of healing and strength in physical fitness and nutrition. Realizing that many Veterans struggled with similar invisible wounds, Palmer established WarriorWOD in June 2021.
WarriorWOD emphasizes exercise and nutrition as crucial prescriptions for Veterans' recovery from PTS. With the addressing the root cause, Post Traumatic Stress, WarriorWOD also is instrumental in reducing Veteran suicide and deaths from substance abuse. Further, the WarriorWOD program’s by-products are reducing Veteran obesity, occupational and social dysfunction, and preventing homelessness. Under Capt. Palmer's leadership, WarriorWOD has made a measurable impact, aiding over 500 Veterans with a notable 29% reduction in PTS symptoms intensity. His holistic approach has also fostered improvements in Veterans' mental health, physical well-being, and social integration. WarriorWOD is also a part of the South Carolina Veteran Coalition, a network of Veteran resources created by SCDVA.
WarriorWOD, under Palmer's motivational leadership, has positively impacted hundreds of Veterans' lives since its founding. The program prioritizes exercise, nutrition, and mentorship as prescriptions for veterans' recovery from PTS, providing hope for those who have served our nation. Phil’s extraordinary journey of service and compassion continues to empower and uplift, creating lasting change in the lives of our nation's heroes through the transformative power of WarriorWOD.
Capt. Palmer's prior role as the co-chair of the Lowcountry Veterans Engagement Team further highlights his commitment to coalition building and Veteran advocacy. His efforts have not only supported individual Veterans but have also enhanced the broader community's understanding and support of Veterans' needs. Palmer's vision and dedication to Veterans has earned him accolades, including being a Regional Jefferson Award recipient. Additionally, his passion for physical fitness led him to embark on an astounding 4,000 skydives, previously serving as his therapy and escape.
In addition to his role at WarriorWOD, Phil excels in his career as the Director of Sales for Liquid Web, a global IT hosting company. His commitment to empowering clients' growth and success reflects his unwavering dedication to excellence. Outside of his remarkable work, Palmer cherishes the role of a devoted father to his daughter Sophie and a loving husband to his wife, Tessa. As a true fitness enthusiast, he dedicates time daily to exercise, aligning with WarriorWOD's mission.
January 23, 2024
Commander Geoff Weber is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Geoff Weber departed the private sector in response to the September 11th attacks on America. He earned a commission in the United States Navy from Officer Candidate School at Pensacola, Florida. After graduating from the Naval Intelligence Officer Basic Course (NIOBC), Ensign Weber went to sea with the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). He served as the Carrier Intelligence Center (CVIC) Division Officer and participated in Operation Unified Assistance, providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief on the ground in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. While attached to the Lincoln, Lieutenant Junior Grade Weber was a member of the All-Navy Marathon and Cross Country Teams, broke a treadmill World Record, and was named the 2005 Navy Athlete of the Year.
Lieutenant Weber then served as the Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) Department Head at SEAL Team EIGHT at Little Creek, Virginia. He deployed to Baghdad, Iraq as the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Task Group Intelligence Officer (N2) supporting security to the democratically-elected Government of Iraq officials. LT Weber also served as the NSW Liaison Officer (LNO) to the Office of Regional Affairs, deployed to Fallujah to establish an intelligence fusion and targeting cell for a Joint Task Force, and directly contributed to security of Al Anbar province during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
LT Weber next served as an instructor at the Navy & Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center (NMITC). He was the Expeditionary Warfare Intelligence “C” School Division Officer responsible for training over 500 officers and enlisted to deploy with NSW and the newly-established Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC). LT Weber next reported to the Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training (MCAST) Command where he deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom-Trans Sahel as the Civil Affairs Planner to NSW on the African continent.
In 2013, Lieutenant Commander Weber reported to the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) to train as a Russian linguist and attaché. After graduating from the Joint Military Attaché School (JMAS) in April 2014, LCDR Weber reported to Defense Attaché Office (DAO) at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia and served as the Assistant American Legation U.S. Naval Attaché. Serving at the DAO during one of the most contentious times in the U.S. relationship with the Russian Federation, LCDR Weber leveraged the Prevention of Incidents On and Over the Highs Seas (INCSEA) agreement to maintain strong lines of communication with the Russian Ministry of Defense and used his diplomatic skills to expand and improve critical reporting to strategic decision makers in Washington. The Directorate of Operations named LCDR Weber as the Field Grade Officer of the Quarter in 2015.
In 2016, LCDR Weber reported to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island where he earned a Masters of Arts Degree in Defense and Strategic Studies. He was chosen as one of six US officers to serve in International Programs and was selected to conduct critical research for the Russian Maritime Studies Institute (RMSI). In 2017, he reported to the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) and deployed as the first LNO to Commander Naval Forces Korea (CNFK) during a time of heightened security concerns on the Peninsula. Later in 2017, he reported to the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA) and served as the Defense Fellow in the Office of US Senator Tammy Baldwin. His essay, “Data Rich and Information Poor- the Adversary of Lethality”, was published in Strategy Bridge. In 2018, LCDR Weber reported to DIA as support to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. While there, LCDR Weber promoted to Commander, served as the Senior Strategist in the Office of Data Strategy & Innovation at the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), and was awarded an Intelligence Community Galileo finalist for his writing on “Disrupting a Monoculture by Recruiting Autistic Talent.”
Commander Weber is a qualified Information Warfare Officer, an Airborne Parachutist, and a Defense Strategic Debriefer. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and a Presidential Unit Citation. He has been married to Nancy Karulski of Chicago, Illinois for over 30 years. They have three children. Now retired, Commander Weber founded a technology startup, www.heirloom.cloud, that actively recruits military Veterans to protect the world’s photos, videos, and other cherished memories. Through his organization, he has provided three to six months of training to 24 transitioning service members through SkillBridge internships and has employed some of those same Veterans who have completed the program.
January 30, 2024
Master Sergeant Michael Sudik is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Master Sergeant Michael R Sudik is from Winburne, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, at the age of 17 in 1978 and served 22 years as an aircraft Weapons Mechanic/Armament Systems Specialist on several airframes including F-111, F-4, F-16, F-15, OV-10 and OA-37. With assignments throughout PACAF, USAFE, TAC, CENTCOM and ACC. Retiring in 2000 from Langley AFB VA as Production Superintendent for the 94thFighter Squadron.
During his service, MSgt Sudik deployed in support of several campaigns to include Southwest Asia, Asia and Eastern Europe. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, National Defense and the Korea Defense Medal.
After retiring from the USAF, MSgt Sudik's civilian service was spent in leadership positions at manufacturing plants in the Greenwood area and as a Janitorial Operations Manager, semi retiring in 2023 to become a caregiver for his wife, of 32 years. He has since become a Veterans Advocate and the Veterans Treatment Court Manager for the SC 8th Circuit Solicitor. Sudik is the Commander of VFW Post 8131, Active member of American legion Post 20, Palmetto Pathfinder and serves on the Greenwood Veterans Coalition.
Sudik retired to Greenwood SC in 2000. He and his wife Lema are parents to three children and seven grandchildren. They are active participants in the VFW, VFWA, American Legion, Palmetto Upstate Veterans Coalition and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. They have remained residents of Greenwood, SC for the past 23 years. Sudik is also an active Palmetto Pathfinder with the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs, where he works as a mentor to assist Veterans transitioning out of the military.
You can watch a profile story regarding his work with Veterans in his community HERE.
February
February 5, 2024
Captain Charles Lutz is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Charles H. Lutz was commissioned as an Army Intelligence Officer through the ROTC program at the Pennsylvania State University in 1967. After Infantry Officer Basic training at Ft. Benning, Georgia, and Intelligence Staff Officer training at Ft. Holabird, Maryland, he was sent to Vietnam. Initially assigned as an Intelligence Officer in Operation Hurricane to prepare Saigon for a second Tet Offensive, when that possibility dimmed the unit was disbanded and he was reassigned as the Assistant S-4 / Property Book Office at the 519th Military Intelligence Support Battalion on the outskirts of Saigon. Not satisfied with the prospect of spending the war as a “Saigon Warrior,” he volunteered his way out to the field.
CPT Lutz was reassigned to MACV’s 87th Advisory Detachment at Xuan Loc but, disappointingly, found himself in another 9 to 5 office job, albeit on the compound of the 18th Infantry Division of the Army of Vietnam. By sheer persistence, he finally found his way into combat as the intelligence advisor directing “Fire Fly” missions, nighttime helicopter assaults on enemy positions, for which he earned the Bronze Star Medal.
As much as he enjoyed military life, when CPT Lutz returned stateside the war was winding down, peace talks were underway, with a reduction in force inevitable. He knew reserve officers, like himself, would be the first to go. So, he decided to follow his childhood dream of becoming a law enforcement officer. But he took with him to his new career the self-confidence and leadership abilities he had gained from his military service, a love of foreign adventure, as well as his knowledge of military operations.
CPT Lutz began his law enforcement career with the Drug Enforcement Administration in 1970 and learned his trade in Philadelphia. Due to his undercover work, his reserve duty obligation was waived and he was placed in the Inactive Reserve. Nevertheless, years later, he graduated from the Intelligence Career School at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona, was promoted to Captain, and returned to the inactive reserve.
When first eligible to work overseas, CPT Lutz applied for Thailand from where the majority of heroin found in America was originating. There, among other award-winning cases, he helped to dismantle a group of retired U.S. military non-commissioned officers responsible for shipping tons of heroin to the United States, some reportedly in the coffins of U.S. servicemen killed in Vietnam upon which the 2010 movie American Gangster was based, and a case for which he received the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service.
CPT Lutz spent two years with responsibility for most of DEA’s operations in the Middle East. Based in Cairo, several times he assisted the U.S. Naval Investigative Service by coordinating Egyptian police actions to limit sales of illegal drugs to sailors on port calls to Alexandria.
After assignments in DEA Headquarters and Reno, Nevada, in 1986 Lutz was reassigned to South Florida during the Cocaine Cowboy era. From Miami, he managed DEA’s criminal investigations in The Bahamas, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, and established new offices in Haiti and Barbados. He also coordinated helicopter-borne air and sea cocaine and marijuana interdiction operations in the Caribbean between the DEA, U.S. Customs, host-nation law enforcement authorities, and supporting U.S. military forces. After four years he was transferred to DEA Headquarters to take over DEA’s raids on clandestine cocaine laboratories in the jungles of Bolivia and Peru, and also initiated a helicopter-borne cocaine air smuggling interdiction operation in Guatemala, all with the support he mustered from DoD’s Southern Command.
In 1995, CPT Lutz was promoted into the Senior Executive Service and transferred back to Thailand to head DEA’s operations in Southeast Asia. Coincidentally, the Clinton Administration decided at that time to begin normalizing diplomatic relations with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and the State Department chose international drug control as the issue to begin the dialogue. He made eleven trips from Bangkok to Hanoi over the next three years to help build the relationship with his former enemy that has since blossomed into one of America’s political and economic partners in Southeast Asia.
After the tragedy of 9-11, CPT Lutz was appointed TSA’s Federal Security Director at Orlando International Airport where he ensured the airport and air carriers were operating in compliance with federal security regulations, there were appropriate responses from law enforcement authorities to security incidents, and that passengers and baggage were properly screened.
He ended his full-time working career in Manila as the State Department’s Antiterrorism Assistance Program Manager and Counterterrorism Advisor to the Government of the Philippines. As such, he worked to integrate their law enforcement agencies into the nation’s counterterrorism efforts that theretofore had been the sole responsibility of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
For the past ten years, CPT Lutz has been a spokesman in the Upstate of South Carolina in opposition to the legalization of marijuana. He has worked closely with current South Carolina Senate President Thomas Alexander, and Oconee County Sheriff Michael Crenshaw in these efforts, and even testified before the Senate Medical Affairs Committee when it was considering the measure that would have legalized it.
He is a former member of the Salem Lions Club and for many years led their program to provide eyeglasses to the needy. CPT Lutz is currently a member of the American Legion Post 124 in Walhalla, South Carolina. He has been working with the VA’s Veteran Affairs Director for Oconee County, and others, to develop a panel of Vietnam War Veterans to speak at a community forum on Vietnam Veterans Day 2024 to create a better understanding by citizens of the hardships faced by many in Vietnam, by some when they returned home, and of the many contributions Vietnam Veterans have made to our community, state, and nation.
Coming full circle, Lutz was honored last year by being requested to be the keynote speaker at an Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony at Penn State. He regaled the new officers with how his relatively brief military service aided his law enforcement career, and his life, recognizing that most ROTC-commissioned officers do not make a career of the military. He gave each new officer a copy of his book, Unpopular Causes: A Career in Service to America, which details his career, a copy of which is in the library at the Governor's Mansion in Columbia.
CPT Lutz retired to Salem, South Carolina in 2006 with his wife, Joy.
February 12, 2024
Chief Petty Officer Jason Legare is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Chief Hospital Corpsman Jason Legare is the son of an Air Force Vietnam Veteran. He was raised and attended schools on Johns Island, SC. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1997, attending recruit training at Recruit Training Command and Hospital Corpsman “A” School in Great Lakes, Illinois. He later attended Field Medical Service School at Camp Johnson, NC.
CPO Legare was assigned to National Navy Medical Center, Bethesda, MD prior to him attending Aerospace Medicine Technician “C” School in Pensacola, FL. Upon completion of “C” School, he reported to Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan. There he was selected as the 2002 Aerospace Medicine Technician of the Year. He terminated shore duty for sea duty and transferred to VFA-211, NAS Oceana, VA. While assigned to VFA-211, CPO Legare was embarked on the USS ENTERPRISE in support of the OIF. He was selected as VFA-211 2005 Junior Sailor of the Year. During this tour, he volunteered as an Individual Augmentee with HC-4, Sigonella, Italy which deployed to support the Army at Camp Behring, Kuwait.
After his second deployment, he reported to the Navy Dosimetry Center, Bethesda, MD and worked as Primary Reviewer and Manpower Analysist at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) Washington, DC. He later transferred to MAG-31, MCAS Beaufort, SC and was assigned to VMFA-312. While attached to VMFA-312, he embarked on the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN and was selected as the MAG-31 2011 Sailor of the Year. He also deployed to Afghanistan with 2D Marine Aircraft Wing (FWD) during this tour.
In 2012, CPO Legare transferred to US Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan. There, he was selected for Chief Petty Officer and served as the LCPO for Patient Administration, Staff Education and Training and Combined Food Operations Departments. Chief Legare served in Japan for three years and returned to MAG-31 and served as the acting Navy Senior Enlisted Leader. In January 2017, he volunteered as the Navy Senior Enlisted Leader for the Special Marine Aircraft Group Task Force Crisis Response 17.2. As the SEL, he deployed to Moron, Spain in supported operations allocated to U.S. Africa Command to respond to missions in permissive and uncertain environments to protect U.S. personnel, property, and interests in the AFRICOM area of responsibility.
CPO Legare's personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy Achievement Medal (5), Good Conduct Medal (5) and various unit and service awards. His warfare qualifications include Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Specialist, Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist, and Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. He is married to Personnel Specialist First Class (Ret) Deandra Legare and has four children, Marquis, Aiyanna, Jason Jr. and Ja’Kobi. He also has one granddaughter, Marianna.
After retirement, he worked as a case manager and health care navigator for a non-profit serving homeless Veterans. He volunteered as a SC Ninth Judicial Circuit Veteran Treatment Court (VTC) Mentor for three years before becoming the VTC Liaison in September 2023. He is a Certified Peer Support Specialist and is currently enrolled in college finishing his degree.
February 20, 2024
Chief Master Sergeant Reginald Davis is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Chief Master Sergeant Reginald Davis is from Brooklyn, New York. He enlisted in the United States Airforce in 1978 and served four and a half years on active duty. Davis was stationed at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB TX where he worked as an Emergency Room Technician and paramedic before transferring to the Air Force Reserves in 1983.
CMSgt Davis flew Aeromedical Evacuation missions in the 31st/315th Reserve Squadron from 1983-2000, and was activated during Operation Desort Storm, in 1991. In 2000 Davis transferred to 37th Airlift Wing, Medical Group, as an Individualized Mobilization Augmentee (IMA), were he helped support warriors dealing with behavioral health problems, before retiring in 2008. His military decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and AFR Reserve Person of the Year.
In 1983 Davis began a 33-year civilian paramedic career with Charleston County EMS, retiring as a Shift Commander in 2016. Davis has worked as a certified South Carolina DUI instructor since 2011, and emergency cardiac care trainer for the Medical University of SC (MUSC) since 2016. CMSgt Davis currently volunteers to help support “Justice Involved Veterans” as The Ninth Judicial Circuit Veterans Treatment Court’s Mentor Coordinator, and facilitates a support group for inmates in the Charleston Consolidated Navy Brig.
Davis and his wife Lillie of 43 years have two children and one grandson, they are members of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, the 315th Airlift Wing Alumni Association, enjoy spending time with family, friends and helping others.
February 26, 2024
Major Alvin Harvey is our newest Veteran of the Week!
MAJ Alvin Jerome Harvey was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on July 16, 1970. He attended school in Beaufort, South Carolina (SC) and graduated from Beaufort High School with honors. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from the University of South Carolina, Columbia. He later earned a Master of Science degree in Education from Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts. While attending the University of South Carolina, MAJ Harvey was enrolled in the Army ROTC program and ran Varsity Track for the Gamecocks. Upon graduation, MAJ Harvey was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in May of 1993 and joined the South Carolina Army National Guard.
Initially assigned to Branched Transportation, MAJ Harvey quickly transitioned to Field Artillery shortly after being commissioned and has held that distinction his entire career. He was initially assigned as a Forward Observer with A-3/178FA in Jefferson, SC and upon completing FA Officer Basic Course (FT Sill, OK) in 1994, he was assigned as the Fire Direction Officer with B-3/178FA in Bennettsville, SC. He was later promoted to First Lieutenant in 1996 and was assigned as B-Battery's Operation Officer/XO. After later serving as an Ammo Platoon Leader with C-3/178FA, he was assigned as the BN S2 of the 3-178FA in 1999 and promoted to Captain in 2000. After serving as S2, he was transferred to the 1/178FA BN and was assigned to serve with the 1-118th IN BN in Mt Pleasant, SC as their BN Fire Support and later to the 263rd Armor BN in Mullins after the 911-Terrosist Attack on the U.S in 2001.
In 2002, MAJ Harvey returned to the 3/178FA BN and took over Command of C-Battery 3/178FA BN in Hartsville, SC, as their first African-American Battery Commander. As Battery Commander, MAJ Harvey led C-Battery to Iraq on a Combat Tour, after being activated and mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF II). While in Iraq, he was Awarded an ARCOM for his duties as a Combat Battery Commander, and then he was assigned as a Combat Battle Captain for the 3/178FA BN for the remainder of his tour. During his Combat Tour, the 3/178th FA BN served under the Command of the 197th FA BDE out of New Hampshire. C-Battery earned the distinction of being named the Top FA Battery during their service in Iraq, being awarded the Alexander Hamilton Award upon returning to their home station in Hartsville.
After returning from Iraq and serving a short assignment as the BN S4, MAJ Harvey was reassigned as C-Battery's 3/178th Commander after the sudden death of his battle buddy and close friend, Captain Sandor Gordon, who had just taken command. MAJ Harvey was the Commander of C-Battery when the last rockets of 3/178th BN were fired, after which, the 3rd BN transitioned from MLRS to Combat Engineers and Aviation Support. After the transitioning of the 3/178th FA BN, MAJ Harvey was assigned to the SC Joint Operation Center (JOC) as a Battle Captain and promoted to the rank of Major in 2007. As a Battle Captain, MAJ Harvey served in various positions while supporting several major training exercises and real-world major events. MAJ Harvey was awarded an ARCOM as a senior Battle Captain during Vigilant Guard 2008, which at the time, was the largest multi-state national training exercise in the history of South Carolina.
MAJ Harvey served a brief assignment with the CFMO section and was DA Selected to the rank of LTC in 2015, before being reassigned back to the JOC. He served as the senior Joint Current Operations Center Team Chief until his retirement in January 2020. MAJ Harvey's military education includes Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, Pre-Command School, Field Artillery Officer Advanced Course, Combine Arms Exercise (CAX), JOC 101 and JOC advance class, and Command and General Staff Course (ILE). Among MAJ Harvey's awards and decorations are 2 Army Commendation Medals, 4 Army Achievement Medals w/2 OCL, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal w/6 OCL, National Defense Service Medal 2 awards, Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/M device and gold hourglass, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Air Assault Badge, SC Governor’s Unit Citation 3 awards, SC Army National Guard Achievement Ribbon, SC Army National Guard Active Service Ribbon 4 awards, and the SC Army National Guard Palmetto Service Ribbon.
MAJ Harvey is a retired Police Officer from the Beaufort Police Department. MAJ Harvey has served as the Head Boys’ Varsity Track and Field Coach for Beaufort High School and was named the 4A Region 8 Coach of the Year 4 times and the South Carolina State 4A Track and Field Coach of the Year in 2018 and 2019 after his team won the State Championships by wide margins. He is also a member of American Legion Post #207. MAJ Harvey currently resides in Beaufort, South Carolina, where he is a community activist and a proud and active member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
March
March 4, 2024
Lieutenant Colonel Rick Mantei is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Lt. Col. Rick Mantei earned his degree in civil engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1976, where he learned the humbling and eternal lessons that freedom is not free, and a sacrificial give-and-take is required to sustain the liberties in our country. Lt. Col. Mantei continued his education at Central Michigan University, where he obtained his Master's degree in Personnel Management. In the following years, he also worked towards his Ph.D. at the International University. After his worldwide deployment as an F-4 Phantom fighter pilot instructor, Mantei moved to Columbia and began his finance career as a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch. In his 13 years with the firm, Lt. Col. Mantei established himself as one of the top 10 Brokers nationwide and managed over $200 million in client assets.
It was at this time that he joined the South Carolina Air National Guard as an F-16 fighter pilot. In 1990, he was reactivated and deployed to Saudi Arabia where he completed a tour in Desert Storm, earning him the Distinguished Flying Cross and multiple Air Medals. Mantei retired from the South Carolina Air National Guard in 1997 as Lieutenant Colonel.
Lt. Col. Mantei is a member of the following Veteran organizations: American Legion, The VA, The Red Barn, Horsepower Healing, Silver Foxes, Warbirds of America (since 2004), American Legion (since 2023), AOPA (since 1994), Vintage Aircraft Member (Since 1994), Association of Airforce Grads, (AOG), Troop Appreciation, Gary Sinise Foundation, and the National WASP Museum.
March 11, 2024
Aviation Structural Mechanic Second Class Kevin Tate is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Aviation Structural Mechanic Second Class Kevin Tate enlisted into the United States Navy three days after graduating high school in June 1982. Petty Officer Tate received a commendation for attaining the highest scholastic average in his graduating Aviation Structural Mechanic “A” School in November 1982. After school, he traveled to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. There he was assigned to Tactical Electronic Attack Squadron - 136 (VAQ-136). His duties included maintaining and repairing ejection safety seats, electronic cooling systems and liquid oxygen breathing systems for the EA-6B Prowler aircraft. Tate was a top troubleshooter while working on the flightdeck of the USS Midway (CV 41) during several Carrier Air Wing 5 deployments. He was awarded Gauntlet of the Quarter, 1st Quarter, 1986 for superior troubleshooting skills for the squadron maintaining the highest possible sortie completion rate.
After the military, AME2 Tate decided to complete his education while entering the workforce. He holds an MBA- Global Management, BS- Organizational Leadership & Communication, and AAS- Business Management. He used his leadership skills from the military and worked as an operations and plant manager for several manufacturing companies. He currently works as a Warehouse Manager for a successful maritime company in North Charleston, SC. He is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP), CompTIA Security and Peer Support Specialist.
Tate enjoys the beach and traveling with his wife, Mary. He is a recovery advocate and enjoys speaking to fellow Veterans about substance abuse and sobriety. He volunteers as a mentor for Charleston County Veterans Treatment Court and participates with Project Street Outreach (PSO). He’s also a Palmetto Pathfinder for the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs, Community Ambassador/alumni for Warrior Surf Foundation, a member of Coastal Warriors Veterans Kayaking Program through Coastal Expeditions and has been a coach for Charleston County Chargers Special Olympics Kayaking Team.
March 18, 2024
Command Sergeant Major Robert Clark is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Robert L. Clark is a native of South Carolina. He entered the Army and graduated from One Station Unit Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma March 1986 as an Artillery Crewman and retired in April 2018 with over 32 years of active-duty service in the US Army. His previous assignments while on active duty include 1st Battalion 10th Field Artillery and 5th Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, 3rd Infantry Division Schweinfurt, Germany; 3rd Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, 24th Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia; 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment and Reception Battalion at Fort Jackson, South Carolina; 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery, 2nd Infantry Division (SBCT) at Fort Lewis, Washington; 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team in Baumholder, Germany; Fires Test Directorate at Fort Sill, Oklahoma; 2nd Battalion, 307th Field Artillery Regiment (Training Support) at Camp Atterbury, Indiana; 4th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery, 1AD DIVARTY, Fort Bliss, Texas and 4th Battlefield Coordination Detachment, ARCENT at Shaw AFB, SC.
CSM Clark is a graduate of the Defense Support of Civil Authority Course (DCSA), Command Sergeant Major Development Course, and all the Non-Commission Officers Education System courses, to include the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, First Sergeant Course, Pre-Command Course, Drill Sergeant School, Combat Lifesaver Course, Unit Movement Officer Course, Field Sanitation Course, and Small Arms Maintenance Course along with many more. CSM Clark holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Columbia Junior College, an Associate Degree in Administration Management from Excelsior College, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership from Columbia Southern University.
CSM Clark’s military awards and decorations include the Drill Sergeant Badge, Combat Action Badge, Driver Badge Track, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf cluster and two bronze oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with sliver oak leaf cluster and two bronze oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal ten award, and various deployment and campaign ribbons. CSM Clark is also a member of the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, recipient of the Ancient Order and the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, Noble Patron of Armor, and the Order of Saint Maurice. For over 32 years, in combat and peacetime, CSM Clark excelled as a leader and demonstrated unwavering commitment to Soldiers, Family members and mission accomplishment.
CSM (R) Robert L. Clark has been married to the former Veronica Edwards of Charleston, South Carolina for over 36 years. They have two children, Robert Jr. (Sonny) and Veronne (Babygirl). Clark has achieved remarkable accomplishments during his tenure as Commander, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the values and mission of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). CSM Clark's dedication to serving Veterans extended beyond his role as Chapter 20 Commander, as evidenced by his various additional volunteer and appointed positions he held within the South Carolina Department of Disabled Americans Veterans organization:
- DAV Department assistant State Convention Chairman (2022-2024)
- DAV Dorn VA Hospital Patient Transportation Specialist (2019-2024)
- DAV Department Chief of Staff (2021-2023)
- National Deputy Chief of Staff (2021-2023)
- DAV Department State Convention Chairman (2020-2022)
- DAV District II Aide to Committeemen (2019-2020)
His commitment to Veterans' causes is exemplified by the positions he held and the roles he undertook in other organizations:
- Columbia Branch NAACP Armed Forces & Veteran Affairs Committee Chairman
- Palmetto Pathfinder for the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs
- South Carolina Democratic Party Veterans Council
- Dorn VA Hospital Certified Volunteer
- Lifetime member of the VFW.
His leadership has not only strengthened the 92nd Buffalo Chapter 20 but also enriched the lives of its members and the community. CSM Clark’s desire and passion to empower Veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity motivated and inspired the 92nd Buffalo Chapter 20 to enhance the lives of countless Veterans and their families, in consistent with the mission of the South Carolina Department of Disabled American Veterans, “Keeping Our Promise to American’s Veterans”.
April
April 1, 2024
Petty Officer Third Class Bradley Trogdon is our newest Veteran of the Week!
While working as a machine operator (40-60hrs/week), PO3 Bradley Trogdon, graduated from Rasmussen College online with a BS in Business Management. Under the same circumstances he graduated from Grand Canyon University with an MBA and MSL, then Villanova University for Project Management certificate and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. He has also completed FDA online training to earn certificates for nearly a dozen continuing education totaling over 27 hours.
Bradley started as a Blow Fill Seal machine operator 3 years after honorably serving the Navy (EAOS 08/15) for a reputable pharmaceutical manufacturing company. After earning his dual masters and LSSBB he was promoted to Validation Engineer. His most notable project for Validation was the expedited and precise qualification/validation of the new 150,000sqft packaging warehouse to include: HVAC, safety & security, electrical, lighting, and the relocation of all packaging lines which also included leading and assisting the re-qualification of all six packaging lines. Bradley led the replacement of four HVAC units beginning with writing the protocols for validation and ensuring the units were qualified after installation no matter time of day or day of the week. When Ritedose expanded and opened their 503B department, Bradley was transferred to Process Control to help the new department as their engineer in charge of writing all investigations for failures due to HVAC, procedures, or human error. From his time in Validation and Process Control; writing protocols for qualifications, summary reports, failures, IOQ/PQ/OQ/IQ, studies, supplier quality alerts, deviations, and investigations he authored 327 documents. It is unknown how many documents Bradley collaborated on in the past four years to help streamline processes or validation work. Bradley also authored over 200 Raise the Bar changes to better processes, procedures, or the facility.
Bradley was recognized multiple times as the monthly Raise the Bar winner and twice as the annual Raise the Bar winner. He was also recognized as a 2017 and 2018 Pro Staff member for K2 Coolers while competing in Professional Long Drive Golf. Bradley has been volunteering and assisting coaching at Palmetto Baseball League where his two sons play baseball. He has been involved with all practices and games for both boys and ensuring everyone on the team is not only learning solid fundamentals of baseball but the importance of teamwork and having fun. While his involvement in the community is not through organizations, Bradley gets out in his surrounding neighborhoods with his chainsaw to help clean up after storms. His work through pharmaceutical manufacturing has helped so many people that use eye or ear drops, inhalation solutions, and many more medications needed for survival.
April 8, 2024
MSgt Lawrence Wood is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Lawrence (Larry) Wood is United States Air Force retiree (1989-2018), serving in the Gulf War, Dessert Shield, Desert Storm and the Global War on Terrorism. After he retired from the service honorably and faithfully with numerous medals and awards, Larry took on a Probation job, where he works for Veterans Treatment Court and quickly rose up to a supervisor where he was relied upon as the departments Veteran subject matter expert for dealing with Veterans and the resources to provide. After five years, Larry transitioned to the Department of Homeland Security as a Law Enforcement Training Technician where he became part of the DHS Veterans Resource Employment Assistance (VREA) team. Larry became certified as a Peer Support Team Member and a Peer Support Team Leader. He was also trained as a mentor and staff member for Veterans Treatment Court, Drug Court, and other specialty courts where he assisted Veterans with aid in homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, as well as other mental health issues and disorders with their military service and post service. With his past experience when he was active duty Human Resources, his experience with benefits, HUD VASH, education, and DEERS has assisted tremendously.
Larry was the Drug Demand Officer with the Young Marines teaching the kids on a monthly basis for drugs and health and wellness, also mentoring them to present topics as well to the community. He assisted with Elks Lodge Veterans committee supporting veterans facing homelessness with basic necessities, housing and offering a hot meal at the lodge monthly. Larry also participates in the Honor Guard to help honor Veterans for their past service. Larry is heavily involved with many Veteran organizations such as American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Wounded Warrior Project, (WWP), Charleston Warriors, Palmetto Military Support Group, Elks Lodge Veteran Committee, Young Marines, Civil Air Patrol, and other Veterans Council as well as others.
In 2022, Larry became part of the South Carolina Warriors (Charleston) Disabled Veterans Sled Hockey Program. Larry is not only a participant, but promoted that they offer those with mobility issues to be part of a team. With his fundraising efforts, Larry was able to raise $6,000 for the program and quickly became the fundraising officer for the program.
South Carolina Warriors is the only program like this in the state. This program is actively looking to start other efforts in different regions of the state. It is important to be involved with programs like this because sports and recreation programs can help Veterans and adults establish lifelong, healthy physical activity patterns. Physical activity has been known to improve mobility, build strength, increase confidence, and enhance the quality of life. This helps with suicide prevention as well as the use of adaptive sports is a form of medicine for the participants. Larry always volunteers to help, especially with Veterans. He loves to help and share his knowledge with other Veterans in need. Larry has gone to the local school and talked to students about his military career. Larry served for 29 years and had an extraordinary career. Some of his positions held were firefighter, chemical warfare, rescue swimmer, security/ law enforcement, information management, personnel, administration, and recruiting.
Assignments:
- 1989-1992 USS Sides FFG-14. Firefighter/ Chemical Warfare/ Rescue Swimmer
- 1992-1994 USS Elliot DD-967 Firefighter/ Chemical Warfare
- 1994-1995 Naval Station San Diego Firefighting Instructor
- 1995-1998 NAS North Island, CA, Small Craft Engineer and Coxswain, Maritime Security, Oil Spill Recovery
- 1998-2001 HQ STARC, Camp Guernsey, WY. Firefighter, training NCO 2001 158th Security Forces, VT. Security
- 2001-2005 NRC Glens Falls, NY. Seabees, firefighter, small craft
- 2005-2006 158th Civil Engineering, VT. Firefighter
- 2006-2007 158th Mission Support Flight, VT. Information Systems Management
- 2007-2011 158th Force Support Flight, VT. Enlisted and Officer Recruiting
- 2011 158th Force Support Flight, VT. Cyber Support, Administration 2011 158th Force Support Flight, VT. Installation Personnel Readiness
- 2012-2014 158th Force Support Flight, VT. Human Resources/ PME Instructor
- 2014-2018 HQ Recruiting, JBSA Randolph, TX. Recruiting/ Operations Analyst
His final duty was as Headquarters, JBSA Randolph, TX. He retired with a substantial number of awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal (2). He also had the Headquarters Air Force Badge, Honor Guard Badge, Air Force Professional Military Education Badge, Recruiting Badge, Expert pistol and rifle badges, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, and Enlisted Petty Officer in Charge Small Craft. Larry’s family includes his wife Lanelle and his dog Bella.
April 15, 2024
Tony Bush is our newest Veteran of the Week!
Tony Bush currently serves as the Director of Veterans Affairs for the Richland County Veterans Affairs Office located in Columbia South Carolina. He is a Veteran Service Officer dedicated to providing counseling and assistance to veterans and their dependents in applying for any federal, state and county benefits they may be eligible for.
He has served in many capacities throughout his career, notably as the Supervisor of Registration for the State of South Carolina’s Vital Record System, and with the State Department of Education as the Military Initiatives Program Coordinator and Alternative Certification Specialist, with a focus on recruiting veterans for the Federal Troops to Teachers Program.
He is President and CEO of BUBE Records, a 501c(3) Non-Profit Organization whose mission is to use music as a tool for evangelism through live performance, recordings and workshops. He is Board Chair for Kindred Hearts SC, a 501c(3) Non-Profit Organization whose focus is to serve persons who are taking care of their kin. He is a Notary Public, Fitness Instructor, and volunteers with local schools for the Read Across America Program, and Lunch Buddy mentorship programs.
Born and raised in Miami Florida, Tony is a 26 year Army Veteran now living in Columbia South Carolina. He holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Master’s in Human resources.