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TO RECOGNIZE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020 AS "SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY DEPARTMENT DAY" IN THIS STATE AND TO HONOR THE MANY SACRIFICES AND VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY TO PROTECTING THE FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY, AND SECURITY OF OUR STATE AND NATION.
Whereas, the South Carolina Military Department is a community-based organization with a total direct economic impact of over $591 million that serves abroad in support of national defense and serves the Governor and citizens of South Carolina in response to natural disasters, civil unrest, and contingency operations. Currently, the South Carolina Military Department has more than 12,000 service members and civilian employees, including 9,200 soldiers, 1,350 airmen, 900 state guard and joint service detachment members, and 500 state employees; and
Whereas, the South Carolina Military Department consists of the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard, South Carolina Emergency Management Division, South Carolina State Guard, Joint Services Detachment, South Carolina Military Museum, STARBASE Swamp Fox, South Carolina Youth/Job Challenge, and State Operations; and
Whereas, the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard has deployed more than 25,000 soldiers and airmen since September 11, 2001 in support of overseas contingency operations, with more than five hundred guard members currently deployed. The South Carolina National Guard also provides critical support to the State and its citizens during times of emergencies and disasters; and
Whereas, the South Carolina State Guard operates in support of the National Guard and the State during emergency operations; and
Whereas, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division serves as the state coordinating agency for disaster response and recovery; and
Whereas, the STARBASE Swamp Fox Program is an educational program that enhances education in science, math, technology, and engineering. The Youth & Job Challenge Programs are a part of a nationwide, National Guard Bureau-funded program that is especially committed to serving at-risk youth; and
Whereas, the State Military Museum covers South Carolina's complete military history from 1670 to the present day; and
Whereas, the South Carolina Military Department has more than sixty facilities throughout the State in 41 of 46 counties. The agency provides services and programs that support comprehensive fitness dimensions and employment for soldiers and their families; and
Whereas, the General Assembly is extremely grateful for the service of the South Carolina Military Department's members in protecting the citizens and values of this nation, and the General Assembly deeply honors the memory of the sixteen South Carolina Military Department soldiers who have paid the ultimate price in support of combat operations since September 11, 2001. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize Tuesday, February 25, 2020 as "South Carolina Military Department Day" in this State and honor the many sacrifices and valuable contributions of the South Carolina Military Department to protecting the freedom, democracy, and security of our State and nation.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to U.S. Army Major General R. Van McCarty, South Carolina's Adjutant General.
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