A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE 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, Congress began designating May as National Military Appreciation Month in order to recognize the fact that the freedom and security that United States citizens enjoy today are results of the vigilant commitment of the United States Armed Forces to preserving freedom and security; 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. It 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, a few dedicated patriots 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 Barbara Livingston SCANG Family of the Year, Colonel Michael Dunkin & Family; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Army National Guard hosts an annual contest, the Best Warrior Competition, where individuals are evaluated based upon their combat soldier skills, including land navigation, physical fitness, and marksmanship, and challenges, including 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; and

 

Whereas, 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, who were bestowed the Barbara Livingston SCARNG Family of the Year; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly 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 Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize May 8, 2025, as "National Guard Day" in South Carolina and recognize and honor the many sacrifices and valuable contributions that 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 Adjutant General for South Carolina, U.S. Army Major General Robin Stilwell.

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