Palmetto Guardian

In this episode of the Palmetto Guardian, we follow South Carolina National Guard Soldiers as they head to Camp Butner, North Carolina, to compete in the Region III Best Warrior Competition. Representing the state among the best of the best, these competitors are put to the test through events like the ACFT, obstacle course, land navigation, and stress shoots. We hear directly from South Carolina’...

In this episode of the Palmetto Guardian, Staff Sgt. Weaver welcomes back Nicole Davis, the Education Services Specialist for the South Carolina Army National Guard. Nicole discusses important updates regarding education benefits, specifically focusing on the recent changes to Army Regulations for Education (AR 621-5), effective March 19, 2026. Key points include the requirement for command approv...

In this episode of the Palmetto Guardian Podcast, Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver sits down with 1st Sergeant Fidel Byrd and Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Dantzler from the South Carolina National Guard Counterdrug Task Force to break down what the program is, how it supports local law enforcement, and how prevention plays a major role in reducing substance misuse across the state. From free training opportuniti...

In this episode of the Palmetto Guardian, Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver and her team head to the field to cover the Best Warrior Competition, where Soldiers from across the state compete for the title of Best Warrior. Competitors take on tough events like the ruck march, PT test, obstacle course, marksmanship, and more. Tune in to hear directly from the competitors and get a behind-the-scenes look at...

On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Karma Simmons, the acting Integrated Primary Prevention Program Manager, to discuss the Defense Organizational Climate Survey (DEOCS). Karma explains what the DEOCS survey is, its purpose, and the importance of participation from service members and DoD civilians. The survey aims to gather feedback on command climate and culture, providing insi...

On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian, we talk with Nicole Davis, the Education Services Specialist for South Carolina National Guard, to discuss important education benefits available to service members. The focus is on federal tuition assistance (FTA) and credentialing assistance (CA), emphasizing the eligibility requirements for FTA, including the necessity of having a common access card (CA...

In this episode of Chap Chat, Chaplain John Denny welcomes Maj. Dena Ogden, the deputy state training officer for the South Carolina National Guard. Together, they explore Maj. Ogden's inspiring journey into military service, fueled by her deep love for her country and the powerful influence of her father's own military career. Maj. Ogden opens up about the unimaginable pain of losing her son duri...

On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian, we talk with Spc. Jazmine Squire, the GI Bill Manager for South Carolina National Guard, to discuss the various education benefits available through the GI Bill. We explore the different types of GI Bills, including Chapter 1606, Post 9-11, and Chapter 30, highlighting the key differences in eligibility requirements and payment structures. Spc. Squire expl...

On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with retired Sgt. Maj. Paul Mead, the Education Service Officer for the South Carolina National Guard, to discuss the College Assistance Program (CAP). CAP is a state tuition program funded by lottery money that helps cover costs for in-state schools, including bachelor’s degrees and academic certifications. Paul explains the benefits of CAP, includ...

In this episode of Chap Chat, Chaplain John Denny welcomes Lt. Col. Javier Yudice, the state training officer and battalion commander of the 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment in the South Carolina National Guard. Yudice shares insights into his dual roles and the responsibilities that come with them, particularly focusing on the significance of combined arms operations, which involve heavy mi...

On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian, we continue our conversation with Maj. Gen. Robin Stilwell, the 30th Adjutant General of South Carolina. We delve into the significance of family support in the military, the value of relationships, and leadership insights. Gen. Stilwell shares personal reflections and advice for service members, emphasizing the importance of enjoying and appreciating the...

On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Maj. Gen. Robin Stilwell, the 30th adjutant general of the South Carolina. We discuss Gen. Stilwell's vision for the South Carolina National Guard and his strategic priorities for the future. Gen. Stilwell, a Greenville native, has a distinguished military career that began in 1985 and includes numerous leadership positions and deployments. His...

In this episode of Chap Chat, Chaplain Denny interviews Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Vargas, a dedicated member of the South Carolina National Guard. With a heartfelt introduction, Denny expresses admiration for Carlos’s deep care for soldiers, highlighting the genuine passion he brings to his role. Carlos shares his journey from Costa Rica to the United States, revealing that his desire to become a citi...

In this episode of the Chap Chat, Chaplain Denny welcomes Capt. Lisa Allen from the South Carolina Air National Guard, 169th Fighter Wing. She shares her unique journey from the Navy to the Air Guard, with 11 years of experience in the Navy Reserves, specifically in Public Affairs, Captain Allen discusses the challenges she faced while managing her military responsibilities alongside her family an...

In this episode of Chap Chat, Chaplain Denny welcomes Sgt. Travis Duncan, the State Resiliency Coordinator with the Service Member Family Care Directorate of the South Carolina Army National Guard. Travis shares his insights on various support programs available for service members and their families, including suicide prevention, behavioral health, and family programming. With a military career s...

In this episode of CHAP Chat, we welcome Staff Sgt. Jamie Beaman, who works in the G3, the state-level division responsible for training and mobilization. Jamie shares her military journey, her love of reading, and how literature helps her cope with stress. Jamie candidly shares her decade-long struggles with anxiety and depression, insights from her deployment to Afghanistan, and the challenges s...

Welcome to CHAPCHAT, the new segment of the Palmetto Guardian Podcast hosted by Chaplain Denny—a series dedicated to exploring the personal stories behind military service. In this inaugural episode, Chaplain Denny, the full-time staff chaplain for the South Carolina National Guard, introduces the podcast's mission to delve into the lives of soldiers beyond their uniforms. Joining him in episode 1...

On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver aka Hollywood, heads to the field to cover the Child and Youth Program 2024 Youth Camp. She talks with campers, junior/senior counselors and staff about their experience during the week long camp. They dive into their favorite activities, what they look forward to most next year and a little advice to those future first time camper...

On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Jennifer Settlemyer, South Carolina National Guard Integrated Primary Prevention Manager, about integrated primary prevention. Join us and explore the world of integrated primary prevention! In this episode, we delve into the importance of preventing harm before it occurs, focusing on proactive strategies that build safer communities. From unde...

On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Darryl Hammond, South Carolina National Guard Lead Health and Wellness Coach, 1Lt. Tirzah Hopp, South Carolina National Guard Holistic Health and Fitness Coordinator and Spc. Luke Gunter, South Carolina National Guard Holistic Health and Fitness NCOIC. Join us as we dive into the world of Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) and explore this compr...

On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Candidate Ryanne Daley, South Carolina National Guard Warrant Officer Candidate. Embark on an inspiring journey with Candidate Daley as she shares her extraordinary path from leaving the soccer field to soaring the skies as a helicopter pilot in the South Carolina National Guard. In this heartfelt podcast episode, discover the pivotal moments t...

On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Staff Sgt. Sean Delaney-Gesing, Recruiting and Retention Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). We explore the process of joining the South Carolina Army National Guard, discussing the countless opportunities and advantages that come with enlistment. Additionally, we uncover an innovative program designed to assist individuals who are on the cusp of m...

On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with Command Sgt. Maj. Norris McCall, Army National Guard State Command Sergeant Major. Join us as he warmly shares the highlights of his National Guard journey, giving us a peek into his background, challenges, and pivotal moments. CSM McCall brings an upbeat perspective to the upcoming 2024 Best Warrior Competition, explaining why it's not just a...

On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, adjutant general for South Carolina, about key priorities and the mission of the South Carolina National Guard for the year 2024. We chat about top priorities and mission, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible readiness and dedication of the Guard's personnel. Get ready to discover the latest in...

On this episode of the Palmetto Guardian we talk with CH (Maj.) John Denny, South Carolina National Guard support chaplain and Ruth Ellis, South Carolina National Guard behavioral health specialist about the transformative world of the COMPASS program! We delve into a proven process designed to assist individuals navigating grief, trauma, crisis, or acute stress resulting from significant life eve...