U.S. Army All-American Bowl to Kick-Off in Charlotte

The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is set to have its first kickoff selection event Oct. 4, 2011 in Charlotte, N.C.  The game will be played on January 7, 2012 in San Antonio, TX and will air live on NBC.

The process began with nominations being given to the top 400 high school senior football players in the nation.  The group was then narrowed-down to the top 90 high school football players that meet in a classic East vs. West showdown.

This year, among the 90 players nominated, is a D.J. Humphries. He is a senior Offensive Tackle from Mallard Creek High School.

Offensive tackle

Charlotte, North Carolina

Mallard Creek

Ht:6'5"

Wt:265 lbs

40:4.92 secs

Class:2012 (HS - December Grad)

Learning Leadership

Capt. Karen Roxberry, Commander of the Columbia Recruiting Company was among several local female leaders/role models who shared their stories with female high school seniors from Midlands Middle College (MMC) at Midlands Technical College. The MMC students came from different high schools in Lexington, Richland and Fairfield Counties. The September 15 event, held at Benedict College, was created to help the students develop their goals and leadership skills.

Roxberry asked the students, “Are leaders born or are they made, can you learn to be leader?” The young ladies gave answers both ways. “I agree; I believe it can be both,” said Roxberry. “To be a strong leader you have to build trust, if others don’t trust you they will not follow you.”

Other speakers included Deputy Superintendent of Policy and Research, S.C. Department of Education, Charmeka Bosket; Christine Wells, Owner of VacaBliss, Destination Weddings; Karla McLawhorn Hawkins, Deputy General Counsel with S.C. Department of Education; Darci Strickland, local WLTX News 19 anchorwoman; and Monica Edwards, Counselor with Midlands Technical College. 

Also, Benedict College staff and students shared information about the college experience and dispelled myths about the school. “Benedict College is a wonderful place and we’ll help you go to school” said Vereva Harris, Benedict College Associate Director of Financial Aide. “Don’t let money hold you back from a college education.”

“A goal without steps to get there is just a dream,” said Kay Barlow, event organizer and Community Director with the Midlands Education and Business Alliance.

The young ladies meet several times during the year at the Midlands Technical College Airport campus to hear different speakers on various topics that will encourage them to overcome obstacles, in some cases, lack of parental support. At MMC the students complete their high school diploma and begin taking courses at Midlands Technical College. “This program gives them a I can handle college mentality,” said Kaye Shaw, Executive Director of the Midlands Regional Education Center.

Strickland, said, “Open yourself up, you can always learn from others.”

Midlands Middle College Director, Carole Fearrington said, “It was wonderful experience.” She questioned the girls on the return trip home and they loved the activity, could not stop talking about the presenters and all of the motivational things that were said. The day was a great success!

Standing: Kay Barlow, Monica Edwards, Charmeka Bosket, Christine Wells, and Kaye Shaw; Seated: Capt. Karen Roxberry, Karla McLawhorn Hawkins and Darci Strickland 

Youth and Education Services Program

Many students and educators visit the National Hot Rod Association career day camp, Y.E.S. The program started with high school students participating in exercises which challenged them mentally, physically, and their leadership ability. They then sit in on a panal discussion of professionals, before taking a tour of the Dragstrip and catching a race.

An Engineer, Antoine Brown, Drag Racer and Drill Sgt Amber Jones sit on the panel answering questions and telling how the strength required in their jobs compare with the strength the Army portrays.

Students follow directions from Drill Sgt Jones, getting an idea of what the first 5 minutes of BASIC Training is like.

These guys are in disbelief...

Drill Sgt Jones addressing the students and explaining what makes her Army Strong.

Tony Schumacher speaks to the students about the importance of physical and mental strength.

Soldier Hero Sgt Lindburg tells his Army Story and explains how his mental and physical strength in addition to his military training helped him survive during an accident in IRAQ.

In the end Sgt. Lindburg, Ltc Forsythe, BG Irizarry and CSM Bowens all settle in for a photo op.

South Carolina Remembers and Honors



The Honor Guard



Story and Photos

by Vernetta E. Garcia

Public Affairs Specialist

U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Columbia

Despite the South Carolina heat, hundreds gathered at the downtown Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center to commemorate the 10^th Anniversary of 9/11. The ceremony honored 47 South Carolina first responders, who gave their lives in the line of duty since the September 11, 2001 tragedy. A memorial dedicated to their memory was unveiled. The memorial includes two beams recovered from the World Trade Center placed between two 25 foot granite towers with the names of the first responders engraved in them.

Keynote speakers, Columbia Mayor Steven Benjamin and S.C. Governor Nikki Haley, paid tribute to first responders including law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical services, and the military and their families. “I want to thank so much the first responders, their families that sacrificed and showed such bravery,” said Governor Haley.

“It’s so heartwarming to know other people won’t forget,” said Annie Cannon, whose son Keith Cannon a Richland County sheriff’s deputy, died in the line of duty in 2005.

The ceremony also included an F-16 aircraft and helicopter flyover that left the crowd awe struck. White Knoll High School in Lexington, S.C.  was recognized for funds raised for a new fire truck for the New York City Fire Department Ladder 101. The tribute concluded with an honor guard giving a roll call of the fallen heroes, a 21-gun salute, taps, and “God Bless America” by a local pipes and drum corps.

Former Command Sgt. Major of Army Recruiting, Command Sgt Major (retired) Marty Wells led a 44 member honor guard.  They were comprised of police, firefighters, and servicemembers from around the state.  The honor guard gave the roll call of each the first responders.  Master Sgt. Kenneth Diaz, Columbia Recruiting Battalion Army Reserve Senior Guidance Counselor, was a lead member of the honor guard and ensured all names were called and completed the roll call. “Being born and raised in New York City, I have never felt more humbled and honored to have participated in such a historic event.”

Wells, currently the Strategic Outreach Coordinator 81st Regional Support Command said, “I was honored to take part in this event honoring American Heroes.  I trust we touched some hearts today; their service and sacrifice definitely touched mine.”

Command Sgt Major (retired) Marty Wells and Master Sgt. Kenneth Diaz in front of the memorial

Pictures From the Salute the Troops Concert at Hilton Field

#ColaBNLC Lunch Tweet Chat with the Columbia Recruiting Battalion Public Affairs Team

On Sep. 23 between 11a.m. and 1p.m. the public affairs team of the Columbia Recruiting Battalion will take to twitter to chat with their followers and the public in general. Everyone is invited so we hope you will pass this message on.

            The mission behind the Chat is to answer any questions about the recruiting battalion and how it functions. We want to focus on topics about Army recruiting not just general Army questions. We hope to answer all queries but if some questions require more than a simple response, we will provide what we can and then provide follow up details in our blog.  We would also like to hear your suggestions on future blog topics.

Here is the history of our battalion to get your thoughts flowing and so you understand the area we cover in three states:

The battalion was officially activated July 1, 1972, as the U.S. Army Columbia Recruiting Main Station.  It was redesignated as the U.S. Army Columbia District Recruiting Command July 1, 1974.  It assumed its present identification as the U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Columbia on October 1, 1983.

The battalion was designated the “Swamp Fox Battalion” in the early 1980’s, in honor of the Revolutionary War General Francis Marion.  A crafty and clever leader, Marion accomplished many seemingly impossible tasks and was referred to as “The Swamp Fox” by the British soldiers.

The battalion has responsibility for recruiting activities within South Carolina except for the counties of Colleton, Dorchester, Berkeley, Charleston, Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper.  Its area also includes Western half of North Carolina and six counties in Northeast Georgia.

Columbia Battalion consists of six companies with headquarters located in Augusta, Georgia; Columbia, Greenville, and Florence, South Carolina; and Asheville and Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Salute the Troops to be Held on Fort Jackson

            Service members, Department of Defense (DOD) civilians, family members, retirees and their guests are invited to attend this free concert Sep. 10 at Hilton field.  Country Artists Kellie Picker and Barry Michael will perform. Gates open at 5 p.m.--music starts at 7 p.m. non-DOD ID cardholders can call 803-608-2242 or 803-960-2501 for information on how to obtain tickets.

Let us know if you will be attending so we can get your thoughts on the show.

Check back for photos and interviews. Hope to see everyone there!