Soldiers saluted at Hartsville National Guard Armory
The physical fitness awards were given to Specialists Devon Gibbs, Ashley Thomas, Tyrese Tucker; Sgt. Tiquan Scott and 2nd Lt. Rylee Kibbey. Pictured: Thomas, Tucker and Kibbey. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Outstanding Performance and Dedication awards were given to Specialists Antoine White and Shaquania Lipscomb, and Sgts. Donald Stubbs and Travis Mann. Here, John Benjamin presents Thank You coins to Lipscomb, Mann and White. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Benjamin with Specialist Cody Daney, receving his Thank You coin. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Best Warrior awards were given to Specialist Jessica Moreno and Sgt. Kendall Skinner. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Benjamin presents Thank You coin to Staff Sgt. Charles Shorter. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
On Dec. 6, the Hartsville National Guard Armory held a recognition ceremony and Christmas party for the soldiers. The Hartsville American Legion Post 53 assisted in the recognition by presenting American Legion “Thank You for Your Service” coins during the event. Soldiers were recognized for exemplary service, best warrior, enlisted soldier and noncommissioned officer (NCO) of the year, physical fitness performance, outstanding performance and dedication to the Unit, re-enlistment, a retiree, and two promotions. The Post 53 American Legion Auxiliary Unit also assisted in the festivities by providing desserts for the soldiers’ Christmas meal. The Hartsville armory is home to Company ‘A’ of the 351st Aviation Support Battalion. Sgt. First Class Everett Mumford and Capt. Octavia Brooks were recognized for their recent promotions and their significant assistance to American Legion Post 53 over several years. Staff Sgt. Charles R. Shorter has retired from the National Guard and was presented a “Thank You” coin in appreciation of his over 20 years of military service. Exemplary Service awards were given to soldiers Timothy Mitchell, Shyqueisha Green, Samanthea Leonard, Cody Daney and Tacorey Lasane, as well as sergeants Shenale Ellis and Charles Shorter. The Best Warrior awards were given to Specialist Jessica Moreno and Sgt. Kendall Skinner. The enlisted soldier and NCO of the Year awards were given to Sgt. Shenale Ellis and Specialist Ashley Thomas. The physical fitness awards were given to Specialists Devon Gibbs, Ashley Thomas, Tyrese Tucker; Sgt. Tiquan Scott and 2nd Lt. Rylee Kibbey. The Outstanding Performance and Dedication awards were given to Specialists Antoine White and Shaquania Lipscomb, and Sgts. Donald Stubbs and Travis Mann. The soldiers who re-enlisted were Specialists Sequoia Grier and Kayla McDonald. The American Legion was founded in 1919 shortly after WWI to support veterans, children and youth, promote Americanism and a strong national defense. Active duty, reserve, honorably discharged and retired veterans are eligible to join the “Legion.”
