A house RESOLUTION

 

TO DECLARE THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025, AS "NATIONAL GUARD DAY" IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE MANY SACRIFICES AND VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS THE SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD MAKES TO PROTECT THE FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY, AND SECURITY OF OUR STATE AND NATION.

 

Whereas, in 1999, the United States Congress began designating May as National Military Appreciation Month to recognize the freedom and security that United States citizens enjoy today are the results of the vigilant commitment of the United States Armed Forces; and

 

Whereas, it is appropriate to promote national awareness of the sacrifices that members of the United States Armed Forces have made in the past and continue to make every day in order to support the Constitution and to preserve the freedoms and liberties that enrich the Nation; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina National Guard is a community-based military organization that primarily serves the Governor and citizens of South Carolina, but also serves abroad in support of national defense. Currently, the South Carolina Army National Guard (SCARNG) has more than nine thousand two hundred soldiers, and the South Carolina Air National Guard (SCANG) has more than one thousand three hundred airmen; and

 

Whereas, among a group of dedicated patriots, a few are distinguished each year for their exemplary character and service. The 2025 award winners for the South Carolina Air National Guard are: Airman of the Year, Senior Airman Mario Villalta; Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Technical Sergeant David Viers; Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Senior Master Sergeant Courtney Polnicky; First Sergeant of the Year, Master Sergeant Gary Ballier; Officer of the Year, Captain Daniel Weipert; and the Barbara Livingston SCANG Family of the Year honor went to Colonel Michael Dunkin and Family; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Army National Guard hosts an annual contest, the Best Warrior Competition, where individuals are evaluated based upon combat soldier skills that include land navigation, physical fitness, marksmanship, a road march, and a series of knowledge-based questions. This year's winners are Soldier of the Year, Specialist Micah Grover; Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Sergeant Noah Boggs; and Warrant Officer of the Year, Chief Warrant Officer Two Richard Miller. Army Guard awards are also granted for meritorious service, and the 2025 award winners are Captain Evan Borrelli, who was presented with the Major General Dozier Award; Staff Sergeant Nicolas Long, who was granted the Director's 54 Award; and Staff Sergeant Ronald McCoon and Family were bestowed the Barbara Livingston SCARNG Family of the Year; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House is extremely grateful for the service of the members of the South Carolina National Guard to protect the citizens and traditional values of this nation and deeply honor the memory of the eighteen soldiers in the South Carolina National Guard who have paid the ultimate price in support of combat operations since September 11, 2001. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, declare Thursday, May 8, 2025, as "National Guard Day" in South Carolina to recognize and honor the many sacrifices and valuable contributions the South Carolina National Guard makes to protect the freedom, democracy, and security of our State and nation.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to South Carolina Adjutant General Army Major General Robin Stilwell.

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