 Today's celebration is all about. Let's give it up one more time for Brianna Melton. What a beautiful rendition of our national anthem. Yes, her voice was soaring. Just absolutely fantastic. Wow. Today we are honoring our nation's veterans as we mentioned and of course the grand marshal for today. We have several of the Vietnam veterans of America number 303. This group is an incredible group having spoken with them several times. I've addressed them. I've met them and these are just incredible people who have just sacrificed so much their time in Vietnam and the service and the valor and the bravery that they exhibited on the fields in Vietnam. Absolutely. National Vietnam War Veterans Day is observed annually, of course on March 29th in the United States, but they are our proud grand marshals today saluting the grandstand as they pass by and you talk about Greg service and sacrifice. Colonel Jack Van Lone, Chapter 303. Colonel, thank you. Thank you all for your service for your sacrifice. Passing out the American flag to those who have come to line the streets of the capital city and salute our veterans today to all of our Vietnam veterans. We heard so many over the years say welcome home. Welcome home and we certainly salute you today. My goodness at Memorial Park here in Columbia. There is a beautiful memorial for the Vietnam veterans and you think of the memorial in Washington D. C. The wall there with all of the names of the 56,000 American servicemen who lost their lives in that conflict in Southeast Asia. Their services never forgotten and today we are honored to give them their deal. We absolutely are. As we go through, we want you all to enjoy all the sights, all the sounds of this parade and to really remember what it's about. The service has sacrificed. You see so many of them reuniting with each other. Those embraces. Thank you so much. Thank you for your service. Thank you. Vietnam veterans of America. Just outstanding. One of the flags that you'll notice there is the flag for the POWs and M. I. A. Those who are still some in captivity. If you can believe that in Vietnam and those around the world who wear the uniform who have served our country, but yet remain in captivity. P. O. W. M. I. A. Recognizing and remembering them today and every day. Absolutely. American Legion post 90 from South Congeree rolling through the parade route. And Greg, as we talk about our grand marshal, the Vietnam veterans honoring their service and their sacrifice, we're also, of course, recognizing the 50th anniversary of the U. S. Troop withdrawal from Vietnam in March of 1973. So another reason why they were chosen as a grand marshal this year and so many people coming along the parade route, shaking the hands of our veterans, letting them know how much we appreciate all they have given in service to our country. Indeed. Five decades, 50 years since the end of that conflict. However, you know, the memory still very fresh for anyone who served and for family members. That service never forgotten. But again, 50 years to commemorate that the final withdrawal from Vietnam conflict that lasted over 10 years. Also a salute to Cairo Temple 125. Always great to see them in our Veterans Day parade. So instrumental in our community and the service that they offer. Also have special forces chapter 34 as well. And of course, as we mentioned, we are bringing you the sights and sounds of the Veterans Day parade. We will take little breaks here and there so you can just get a little bit of the flavor, the pomp and circumstance of these, these bands making their way down Sumter Street. Let's take a listen to the 282nd Army Band from Fort Jackson. You've got to hand it to that 282nd band. They sound absolutely fantastic today. They do indeed. And Greg, I haven't seen the concert schedule yet, but they usually perform especially during this time of year. It's so great to see them perform in person. Just an incredible ensemble. And I mean, if that didn't get to blow full and I don't know what will when you talk about Fort Jackson to if you've ever been on that installation, so the Army's largest training installation in the country, it is absolutely staggering to see how many trainees they have there at a certain given time. Having been on that base and having seen the formations and just the way that they conduct and carry themselves. It is it is awesome. It is fantastic. One of the events that they do every year is for the Special Olympics opening ceremonies. Yes, those trainees pack the Solomon Center and that place is rocking. It is. It is. We just saw more than 300 of the basic trainees from the installation here. So that's the next generation coming through our Vietnam veterans and so many others have paved the way. Now our Fort Jackson schools. Let's give it up for the school that they have schools on post at Fort Jackson. It really is a community within itself. And of course, we have such a strong connection with our military community. But the whole family serves when a soldier or any military member decides to give service to this country. So we thank all of our military spouses, all of the military kids for the sacrifice, the dedication, everything that they give every single day. All right, coming into the intersection right now at Washington and Sumter. It's the Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickamette. And it looks like he's driving a willy. Those are what those are called looking good. Oh, right. We actually got 10 vehicles as a part of this next part of our parade. The American Heritage Foundation. You guys look spectacular. Oh, it's perfect data of the top down to boy, the kids out here get an up close look at these military vehicles, making history come alive. Yeah, 1942 World War two half track. So it's got wheels on the front and tank tracks on the back. Part of the American Heritage Foundation looking good. Yes, we see awesome. And Greg, you mentioned earlier, POWs, MIA soldiers. And we see that flag. Yeah, both flying on our next unit coming through the insignia at the bottom saying you are not forgotten. Never forgotten. Anytime you see that flag, lift a prayer for those who are missing in action. Prisoners or honoring our do little raiders. Right. We've covered them extensively on WIS. What an incredible story. They have to share our canines out to look at good. Sitting right next to that bail. Hey there, look at good. Congressman Joe Wilson joining us. Thank you for being here today. Sir. I'm next. We have the military timeline impressions. And it looks like they're driving a Humvee. One of the vehicles they often see on the battlefield. Those hummers mean business. I tell you, they got the decent sized tires on them too. They do indeed honoring our war dogs as well. There's actually a South Carolina war dog monument. Oh, yeah, those canines that that join our military members in service. You can find out more at war dog wall.com. I would assume that some of those dogs are also therapy dogs who are able to provide support to our military members. And you know, when you talk about just the love and the compassion that an animal can bring, it is an incredible outreach group. Exactly. We've got our officers with the city of Columbia Police Department. Thank you for your service as well. Led by Chief Holford today. Thank you, Chief. Out shaking hands with the veterans. I thought I saw him out in the middle of the road. And the next thing I knew he was over in the grass, Dan shaking hands, thanking our veterans for their service. What we see him do frequently and a lot of our veterans serve with our Columbia Police Department and our Columbia Fire Department. Columbia Fire here as well. Aubrey Jenkins out on the parade route with us today. Looking great. And you know, when you talk about not only the service of our military members, but the service of first responders, yes, those who are willing to run into dangerous situations, not running away from it, but saving lives, putting their own lives on the line in service to others. We honor you today. Thank you so much for all that you do for our community, both Columbia Fire, Columbia Police Department. Thank you very much. Just an outstanding job day in, day out in this community. Good to see you, Chief Jenkins. Next, we say the Red Hawk Battalion from Westwood High School out of Blackwood, South Carolina. Boy, do they look sharp. They do. They're looking great. We have 80 walkers and perfect formation, looking great. Suits nice and starched, I will say. The Red Hawk Battalion is commanded by Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Giselle Stansbury and Cadet Command Sergeant Mayor Tia Witted, the Westwood Army High School JROTC. They are leaders in the classroom, leaders on campus, and leaders in the community. And boy, do you guys look sharp today, the next generation, you guys marching through, ready to stand up and serve our community. Well, next here, we have the American Gold Star Mothers, a float with three walkers as they honor their loved ones who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Our hearts are with you today. Is that Tia? It is. We're thinking about our sweet justice, our sweet justice and all of our other Gold Star Moms. Tia, thank you for your service and all that you were doing. It says, I always knew I was meant to be greater, more than average. And of course, no one ever wants to know what it really means to be a Gold Star Mother. But when you talk about the ultimate sacrifice and the way that those Gold Star Mothers stand in the gap. Yes. We have an obligation to support them in every way that we can. That's right. Community wrapping their arms around them and lifting them up and remembering the service and the sacrifice of those who have This is the Brooklyn Casey High School J ROTC, a highly trained Army J ROTC unit from the east side of Casey, 88 of the finest all star cadets on this side of the Mississippi. Behind them, we have the Richland County Sheriff's Department, Sheriff Leon Lott leading the group. Chef Lott got on his camo hat today. Yeah, look good service as well. May recognize some of them from live PD and whatnot. And a lot of them serve in our reserves in the National Guard. So they serve in more ways than one so many ways in our community. Now that is an impressive vehicle here. It really is. Tactical vehicle of some sort. But Wow. Just impressive as it we got some girls up there just enjoying the ride. They enjoy the vantage point from up there. Patch open. Next up, we have the Richland County Coroner's Office coroner native Rutherford. The Richland County Coroner's Office is available to serve you following, of course, the death of loved ones. You certainly don't wish that upon anyone. But when those unfortunate incidents occurred, the Coroner's Office is ready to engage in so many ways to provide so much support. Also to just raise community awareness. Prevention is such a key of this coroner's office and raising up the next generation to get them interested in fields of science and ways that they can be of service to their community. Yeah, I was seeing a report recently says that there are lots of opportunities in forensics. And so that is definitely an emerging field in the Richland County Coroner's Office on the cutting edge of that. And you know, before we move to our next Navy JOTC unit, I've also got to mention, you know, Sheriff Lott, when he came through with the Richland County Sheriff's Office is commander of our South Carolina State Guard. Okay, you know, that service. Yes, makes all the difference. We got our Navy JOTC, the mighty shamrock celebrating 50 years of honor, courage and commitment. Let's go shamrock. Yeah, I give him credit for being able to repeat that is pretty nuanced there. That is pretty good. Next up here, we have the military order of the Purple Heart chapter 402. Those who have been wounded in combat. They are definitely remembered today and we thank them for their valor. A lot of people may have seen the comet purple heart bus that travels throughout the city. And you may not know Columbia is a purple heart city. So just a very special honor, a very special designation and one of the things that makes us one of the most military friendly communities in the country in the world really. Thank you so much to our military order of the Purple Heart for being here with us today, especially our combat wounded veterans. You know, we have a special guest here. We have Fort Jackson from the Fort Jackson Drill Sergeant Academy coming down Ricky Jackson. Ricky, can you step on over? Appreciate you being here with us. Welcome. Welcome to the parade. What do you think about the sights and sounds that you've seen so far? This is amazing. The city of Columbia has always done well and to see our service from our young folks to folks in our past and present that are here to give back to our country. It's amazing. What can you tell us about the Drill Sergeant Academy out at Fort Jackson? How tough is it to make it through? Well, of course, it's pretty tough, but it prepares drill sergeants to train our America's newest soldiers. As we say, we train America's soldiers at Fort Jackson and we do a really good job. We have the best drill service in the world. And when you look at these ROTC units coming through, this is from Ridgeview High School. They have a great program. They did just this week honoring our veterans. What kind of hope does that give you about the next generation? It's great hope. We're partnered with the city of Columbia and we're in most of the GROTC school programs and I say the future is bright. The future is bright indeed. Thank you for your service. Thank you much. We appreciate you being here with us today. I mean, you know, it just gives me goosebumps, Greg. When you see the service, the dedication, the commitment and all that they invest, all that they invest on behalf of all of us in this community, but in this country, it is an incredible gift. You can tell that commandant Jackson saw some potential out there, perhaps, you know, maybe there will be some in his ranks before too long. You never know. Our 90 second Buffalo chapter. Yes, we love you guys over out of West Columbia. There you go. That's our 90 second Buffalo chapter of our disabled American veterans. Keeping the promise to American veterans since 1951. Now, through its members, they uphold, protect and defend the Constitution for the betterment of all wounded and injured and disabled veterans. And just a incredible group. When you talk about the wounds that some suffer in battle, that organization is there to help them every step of the way beyond it. So hats off to them and just for all they do. Absolutely. Well, up next here is a group that we recognize looking good out there. WIS News 10. How are you? All right. Of course, we are united for veterans, a program that we do an initiative that we are very proud to support because we stand behind our veterans in our community. But Judy, I got to say the group is looking good today. Yes, our general manager. Good to see you, Madeline Stewart, Olivia. How are you? Great to see you guys. Jessica, what's going on? Hey, how are you? Good to see you, Robbie. Awesome. What's going on? Hi, Tiffany. How goes it? Anyone heart and commitment for our business parade, veterans coverage throughout the year and a number of veterans in our station. Great to see you guys. Yeah, we got a couple of our managers there. We got Brad and Matt looking good. All right, Sierra. Charles Lynn, our marketing director is a veteran who proudly served. We thank Charles for his service. And one of our proudest projects I think as a part of the United Veterans campaign was helping to raise money for the Fisher House that is now open on the campus of the VA Medical Center. And we have to thank every single viewer who donated and supported that effort. It is because of you that house is open today. Ms. Donnell Baker is a treasure. She helped lead that initiative. Also, our CASA civilian aid to the Secretary of Army, Kevin Schweda, who also runs the Department of Motor Vehicles, but too many people to name it. They've all been instrumental in making the Fisher House here in Columbia a reality. We've got another marching band moving through. We want you guys to enjoy it as much as we do. Let's take a listen to the marching band, the mighty Falcons from AC Flora High School. All right, we see a Flora looking good. And right behind them, it's the GROTC of AC Flora. The battalion is marching commandant of the Fort Jackson Duel Surgeons Academy to step up and talk with me. So glad to see you here today. Let me start by thanking you for your service. As you look at these young men and women out here today in the purpose and the commitment, the duty, the respect that's running through your mind. Absolutely. And I think about, you know, the way the role of women has changed in our military over the years. And look at you, the deputy commandant out there. What do you say to other young women who aspire to follow and think that they can do anything and achieve anything that they put their mind to? I think we've made leaps and bounds in what we look at within our military organizations to ensure we have representation across whether it's race, whether it's gender, and the only thing that will stop them from achieving their goals will be them. What inspired you to serve? Honestly, initially it was for college tuition, but it wasn't what inspired me to stay, man. What inspired me to stay was serving alongside all of my brothers and sisters and being a part of something that was truly larger than myself. It means the world to us. And I know it means a lot to you. Thank you so much for your time and for your service. Enjoy the rest of the parade. Greg, it doesn't get better than that. No, it does not. You know, she talks about values and, you know, values need to be defended. And she's certainly doing that, you know, the values of honor and dignity and service. And as she said, serving something greater than herself has provided her such meaning and such purpose. And we thank her for her service. Awesome. Let's hear it for the Blythewood High School, J-R-O-T-C, looking sharp out here. And you know, Greg, while a lot of these young ROTC students may go on to serve, not all of them do, it really is more of a leadership program. And some of them might go on to our military academy, some of them pursue other careers. I know so many of those programs, though they instill a discipline, they instill values about leadership and respect, that they set them up for success and whatever it is that they decide they want to do. That's such a great point. Because, you know, after all, it's those things that they're going to carry with them, far beyond even their high school days, into their business lives, into their families, just some incredible skills that they're learning in J-R-O-T-C. Let's hear it for our ROTC, it's a program that has had a tremendous impact over the years, simplified all of our Marine Corps veterans who are joining us for today's parade. Thank you for all that you do for our community. We have the 108th Division Training Command veterans as well, making their way through with three vehicles today. Wow. And we have the Dutch Fork High School, AF J-R-O-T-C. And this is a group of 60 walkers, and they're looking good in their blue suits. Today is tomorrow, we have to mention, especially with the Marine Corps just following through the formal commemoration of the birthday of the Marine Corps, began on November 10th of 1921, that day was chosen. Because on that day, the Second Continental Congress resolved in 1775 to raise two battalions of Continental Marines. So until 1921, the birthday of the Corps had actually been celebrated another day. So happy birthday to our Marine Corps veterans as well. Two birthdays. Yeah. That's nice, isn't it? Yeah, and for those who have served as Marines, it is a badge of honor. So many get in to that specific branch of military service because of the, I would just say, the atmosphere and the honor that is associated with being a U.S. Marine. Absolutely. My cousin is a U.S. Marine. So if he's watching, Carl Teen Stamps Jr., thank you for your service. I love you. Airborne. All right. Looking great. Looking good. Thank you for your service. Yes. You know Judy, when I see Airborne and I see Purple Heart, I think of my grandfather, served in World War II. He was Airborne and received the Purple Heart for being a paratrooper. What about that family legacy? Injured, yeah. Injured jumping out of a plane, believe it or not. She's the veteran. Looking good, ladies. Yes. Every woman on that float is a United States veteran. And that's what they're chanting. She's the veteran. She's the veteran. Yes, indeed. Brooke Jackson is the executive director of Vernice Jordan. Also a part of that outstanding event and we have more of the Gold Star wives of America coming through. Yeah, it's quite a motorcycle and playing some green onions as well. Sounding good. Looking good out there. Stood in the gap. It says, United, we stand to win. Divide it and are forgotten, but we will never forget. Greg, we've got another special guest with us. Oh, Kelly, the commanding general affording for your service. It's great to see you as always. Thank you, Judy. I see the way that you're interacting with the veterans and the grandstand. These young ROTC cadets that are passing through. Just tell me what what you're thinking on days like this. So this celebration is really special. It is a gathering of those that have lived uncommon lives under a common banner. Love of country service. And what's really exciting for me is to see the young people here witness how we treat our veterans because they are watching. They are prospects. They are those who I will pass the baton to and this service will continue. So today to see us in celebration is unbelievably exciting for me. I know it is and I know how much you love connecting with the youth. What is it that you share with them about what inspired you to serve and the things that they should think about whether it's a military service or not about how they can be of service to our country? I think the freedom that we enjoy it's fragile and we have to work for it. We have to sustain it and it's not just us the adults that have carried the banner. We're celebrating vets from all wars those that have served. I like to talk to them about how we need them to put their shoulder to the wheel to be a part of what we're doing so that this freedom that we enjoy why America is so great that it continues. Talk to me about the mission out at Fort Jackson. We had more than 300 basic trainees who marched through this parade route today. I mean you have an incredible mission on behalf of our army. Talk to us about how you're meeting that mission right now. Fort Jackson is impactful. More than half of our army begins its journey at Fort Jackson. This past week we graduated in excess of 12,000 new soldiers correction 1200 new soldiers 45,000 come through annually and when you think about Fort Jackson this community the unbelievable support that we received I couldn't be happier with what's happening around me and grateful to be a part of it. General Kelly I was going to say I remember you out at the opening ceremonies for special Olympics and you definitely bring an enthusiasm to that role and they get fired up there on that base. I tell you you guys have a good time out there as well. No it's a good thing. I always tell folks I'm a low energy guy. Yeah right. No I do. I love what I do. I love getting up in the morning putting this uniform on and I hope that it shows and I want more to come and be a part of what we're doing because we need it. It's an amazing place to be. General Kelly thank you so much. Appreciate you. Thank you for all that you do and I tell you what when you talk about graduation ceremonies out there if people have not been to graduation ceremony at Fort Jackson you want to get pumped up you want to get hyped and know what our military community they need to go and every Thursday nine o'clock every Thursday nine o'clock. Thank you. Plenty more from the 45th Veterans Day Parade here in downtown Columbia when we come right back. Championships in drill competition. Spring Valley JLTC has been a model of excellence for years. The 120 member Corps of Cadets is comprised of members that represent a cross-section of service social academics and sports campus organizations. Outstanderization has served more than 3,500 hours across the Midlands. We're about to go back on air on WIS so when Greg and I give you guys the cue we need to have some big cheers for our veterans. Stand by everybody. Welcome back to the 45th Veterans Day Parade here in our capital city of South Carolina. One of the largest Veterans Day Parades in the southeast. Everybody out on the streets here at Washington and Sumpter. Let's hear it for our veterans. It's been a fantastic morning so far with all of these groups and just the atmosphere out here Judy is something else. It is really beyond words and when you talk about one of the groups that we didn't get to earlier it's the PTSD Veterans Village that came through here. Incredibly important a group that's working to help service men and women who are battling post-traumatic stress disorder. A very real thing among our veterans. They come alongside them and assist them in ways that really we can't even quantify and so we thank them for their service. We do indeed. We want to salute the WJ Kenan High School ROTC. Another sharp unit marking an army formation today and when you talk about the ideals Greg of these units it's all about leadership, discipline, respect, service, community service is a huge component a huge part of what those programs are all about. One thing we had we had heard just a short time ago was about some of those values that were instilled in service men and women even at a young age. You know those are the things that are foundational those are things that are built upon and it's just amazing to wonder even how they'll grow and how that will play out in their everyday lives as they grow into adults. Absolutely we also want to salute the Woodrow Wilson chapter four of disabled American veterans the chapter four commander Monika Lam unit four commander Jackie Gray. Chapter four was established on the second of November 1931 as a total of 1,055 members and it's the third oldest DAV chapter in South Carolina. The 92 year old chapter has one purpose support the veterans and their families and that is a mission that we can all get behind. Absolutely that's what it's all about. As they roll through I want to invite Greg another guest to join us Councilwoman Adity Bussells. Of course everybody knows her by serving on Columbia City Council but what they may not know is that she's also an army veteran spouse. Good to see you. I'm very happy to be here and to be able to support all the veterans that live in our community. Tell us about our little soldier. This is Little Boatie. My husband served in the U.S. Army and we actually met while he was stationed at Walter Reed and I'm just you know getting him acquainted young because if he does join the military it's going to be the army. Well listen the camo looks good on. When you talk about when we talk when we open up the parade about our capital city in this region being known as one of the most military friendly communities in the world what does that mean to us in terms of our viability, the quality of life. I mean to be known that is an honor. I think that military families are the fabric of our community. They really offer a lot whether it's in terms of diversity or economic impact or even just increase. Sacrifice but certainly it's it's something that you really appreciate over time just the sacrifice of your spouse and so talk to us a little bit about that journey for you and how long have you been married and what it's entailed as a military. Even today on Veterans Day he is working in the ER at WSC. I think the work ethic and the dedication and the sacrifice is such an inspiration and it's values that I hold close to my heart as well as I serve and represent this city. It's especially tough. Only other military spouses can truly understand but I think that you have a really great strong. They are they're outstanding and I got to say some outstanding skill from that roller skater doing the backwards moves. Man oh man that takes you back to you know the old skating parties look we got another one here. We do with parade as well because we saw high C.A. Johnson high school just moved through. They were one of three original black high schools in Columbia and C.A. Johnson out of those three is the only one that is still in operation today and that band recently actually performed at Benedict homecoming parade. Good luck by the way to our Benedict college Tigers competing for a championship. I'm undefeated let me get that right undefeated Benedict college Tigers competing this weekend. And Judy if I'm not mistaken are they trying to go back to back back to back back to back. That's right they won it last year and look at the repeat performance. They're called the American jam skaters. They're jamming. The jam skaters. They're rocking it. Yeah they performed at Fort Jackson from 04 to 07. Yes. And Army Entertainment 2009 at the Army Soldiers Show so they've been at this a while that explains some of the skills. Yes. We talked a little earlier about the Fisher House over there and how it's so nice to have that on the campus now but women's veterans that's actually right now Greg the fastest growing demographic in the veteran population. Indeed indeed here we have also the vet center that offers connection camaraderie and community as it says a part of the VA US Department of Veterans Affairs looks like a mobile unit here where they will go and offer all sorts of resources and connections for veterans you know you really can't do enough when you talk about supporting those who have served those who have you know placed their lives on the line and so the vet center doing that much more. Yeah and to give you some context about how important their mission is the Columbia VA healthcare system has more than 14,000 women veterans but they've got to care for more than 36,000 in our area. They do as you saw the unit move through they offer 3D mammography on site so they have a huge mission over there and they're working every day to meet those challenges. We've got the PwC Veterans Affinity Network they want the community to know that PwC is here and that they are veteran supporters. Yeah they're looking to engage in other veterans events in Columbia and they have a veterans affinity network throughout the organization and so you know looking to get involved and do a lot of great work on behalf of veterans the commander there looks like John Cruz says disabled American veteran. Thank you all for watching on WISTV those of you who are joining us online on WISTV.com all of our platforms and especially all of you who came out on this beautiful Carolina Day to be here in person to salute our veterans to show them how much we love and appreciate them especially our Vietnam veterans who are the grand marshal of this year's Veterans Day parade. A special group and a strong organization here in the city of Columbia they are very special with just the the camaraderie that they have that they enjoy and their service to our nation is something we definitely do not overlook the Native American group here as well. Honoring Native American History Month so much rich culture through to have you all appreciate you being a part of this special celebration today decked out in the red white and blue celebration of heritage and culture. The American Indian Center of South Carolina has sponsored the unit that just moved through for more than 25 years now Greg and it consists of Native American Indian people from across our state of South Carolina Native Americans of course serve in the armed forces at five times the national average a lot of people may not know that no impressive it is they have served with distinction in every major conflict over the past 200 years in the history of our nation their contributions recognized today they were jamming I saw you ladies I see you ladies yeah I say the fun we have served and their families Joy C. McClendon is the founder of that organization four years old and looks like they're enjoying their time today just kind of a jam in there and we have another special guest with us today it is General Harder with the 84st 81st Readiness Division General Harder great to see you thank you for being here happy veterans well happy veterans day to you and thanks for being out here in broadcasts and all these great veterans in these heroes today listen there's nothing more important than what we do then to support our veterans we have a program at WIS called United for Veterans where we've worked to do everything from help to renovate homes to help open the Fisher House in our community how do you feel when you see this kind of support in a community for the men and women who serve well it's fantastic I mean this this community so support soldiers and veterans and all service members it's awesome being stationed here I command the army reserves 81st Readiness Division right here Fort Jackson and you know we're represented by reserve soldiers and also they're members of the community one of my first sergeants one of my NCOs is in my formation just drove by in a sheriff's deputy car because he also serves as a law enforcement member here in the community so it's fantastic the way see Columbia comes out and honors its veterans yeah when you talk about a readiness division the importance of being ready especially when we see some of the conflicts going on around the world it takes on a new meaning and new importance especially in this day and age well you're not kidding I think I tell my soldiers all the time September 10th 2001 was just another day so we live every day to be ready to train and and to follow the legacy of the awesome veterans that we're honoring here today that we're ready we look at the veterans coming through this way we see the disabled American veterans we see our purple heart veterans when you talk about the commitment to service and sacrifice what message is it that you have for young people who might consider wanting to serve our country in this way one day well that it's a it's a fantastic to live a life of purpose right and you see all these veterans out here you could ask every one of them and they're so thankful that they've served I've never met a veteran regardless of what their service was how catastrophic their injury that says they weren't proud to raise your right hand so I would tell the young people of today if you want to live a life of purpose we got a spot for you in the United States Army the United States military can't say it much better than that so you got me ready to sign up I love my veteran too uh he's watching from at home he's on the injured reserve list today but I gotta give a shout out to my retired Lieutenant Colonel Duane Gatson for his service but General Harder when you know we think about what the connection our community have Columbia in the Midlands region to Fort Jackson to all of our military installations just that indestructible bond how much does that mean to the support of military families well I think you know my wife is out here with me we're supporting the way the army reserve is integrated in communities the way Columbia reaches out to families a soldier can't serve today without the support of their family member it's just too demanding the family's got to be all in the family serves as you know Duane has been in my headquarters I know I know that young man and so uh the family's got to be all in so it's awesome to see them out here they serve just as much as we do we couldn't do without the support of our family members yeah between not only the family and the community all these groups coming together to truly support veterans it's inspiring to see it is General Harder thank you so much for your service and thank your wife for us too well thank you for what you do absolutely absolutely I tell you what if you don't have an appreciation for those who serve for the commitment that they make to be ready whenever the call comes for the commitment that their families make even their kids you know we have those reunion videos at WIS oh my gosh I wish I could remember their name but there was one recently where they called him into the room he didn't realize his mom had come back in the way he hugged his mama knowing that she had been deployed and that she came back to surprise and it just oh it gives me goosebumps all over and I just we just love and appreciate you so much for all you do yeah those deployments uh take a toll on a family and so when they're able to reunite it is grab the tissues because it's always fantastic to see again the comment that was made you know talking about readiness and preparedness and training and vigilance all of those things making such a difference in a dangerous world and he brought up the point about september 10th 2001 that's the day before it so much went wrong but being ready is so important absolutely let's take a listen originally high school sounding great they're followed by their jrotc group the diamond battalion 90 walkers in this group that's one of the largest jrotc groups that we've seen so far today but these kids know what that's all about um we have another special guest for do joining us a lot of people know him as the sheriff of the richland county sheriff's department of course but he's also the commander of the south carolina state guard share flat thank you for being with us thank you great day for america and the great day from the south carolina this is the best parade ever right here it really is i saw you beaming from ear to ear when you were leading your unit down as a part of this parade you have a lot of veterans who serve with you every single day and that's just a small percentage that was out here today but yeah we have a lot of that and port jackson's been great with us one of the best for freedom places we've got when they transition from port jackson to come right to the sheriff's department it's not a far drive there yeah it's pretty close yeah to serve because it has to take something in particular that inspires you to want to wear the uniform of the united states of america what has inspired your commitment to let's start with my father my father saw the first class in army and i grew up in the military family and just watching him and having that flag flown outside of our house every day and following his footsteps so i did it not on my daughter share flat talk about some of the the dangers that are faced not only you know for veterans or those who have served but for local law enforcement and for those first responders who are on the scenes and who run into these situations where other people might be running away you know that danger exists every single day but we know that when we raise our right hand and take that oath to defend the state and our constitution in the united states that's what we do and we understand that when we put that uniform on and that shows the dedication commitment and love that each one of those that wear that uniform have for this for richland county for the state for the notion almost every time you and i talk we talk about some of the challenges that our youth are facing today what are some of the principles they don't necessarily have to serve in the military but that they can learn from our veterans about those principles that help you to be a part of solutions in your community to contribute to the best part of our community what are some of the important lessons that our youth can learn from our veterans well just look at a veteran and what they stand for and you know the commitment they made but the decision making they make making great decisions and our military put in a position where they have to defend this country and decisions they make our young people need to learn how to make good decisions you know i wish all of them would join the military well we're looking at the south carolina youth challenge academy passing before us right now you know one of the goals that they're working on good decision making you know placing the value on your future your potential and what you can contribute to your community all these young people have the potential to be anything they want to be they just have to go out and find it and that's what we need to do as a community is give them that opportunity we always heard it takes a village raise a child we're all that village and we need to take advantage every single day of helping a young person out yeah so many of these groups here offering that positive environment where these values can be taught you really can't you can't quantify what that means to these kids because they're learning at such a i would say an impressionable age but they will learn young they will learn but they need to have great role models and that's all of us those who wear the uniform and even those who don't wear the uniform be a role model young person you can save a life sheriff lot thank you so much i think the sign up there says it all thank you for your service we appreciate you and everybody is who's a part of the original kind of sheriff's department everybody who has worn a military uniform to serve our country thank you thank you great day to be american it is indeed thank you thank you no all right always good to see the sheriff out here it is we got trail life thank you guys you guys look great i love the red white and blue looks like we got some boy scouts out there too oh she just ran and jumped in his arms and that is the picture of the day oh my goodness i don't know if you guys can see on tv what we're seeing we got a whole crew out here from wis trying to capture every angle for you guys to give you the best shots of this parade but i she saw somebody she loved and she jumped right in his arms that was a beautiful beautiful sight to see just incredibly special you know some of these some of these groups it's nice seeing all the families out here today as well you know bringing the entire family and kids one of the points that was made a little earlier on judy to the idea that kids are watching this they are how service is recognized and how these values that we've talked about pretty much throughout this broadcast that those things are celebrated they're commendable and they're worthy to be honored they are indeed and you know we can talk to our kids all day long about what's important but the way they learn about what's really important is what they see us do yes that's that's what informs the decisions that they make and so the more they see us doing we can do less talking you just need to do more doing more action we've got our friends from demented energy walking in the parade today thank you all so much they have a tremendous commitment to hiring veterans which is so important because a lot of times the military members transition from active duty into retirement sometimes it's not quite clear exactly how all of those skills incredibly valuable skills but how they transition into civilian life and dominion energy has set up a whole team to make sure that they understand how that skill set lines up because when you have somebody like a veteran who knows how to solve problems who shows up every day all day you know who's ready to do the job and ready to reach mission accomplishment you can teach them all the other stuff that's right but when you have somebody who has that kind of commitment instilled in them there's not a better person that you can bring into your organization tremendous skills on the job they make great entrepreneurs as well lots more coverage from out here at the 45th annual veterans day parade here in the city of columbia we'll be right back here on wis 94.3 the dude coming through here and we have columbia's praise I see you what's going on my man you are right yes good to see you praise team yes 95 points I was on his morning show a while back we had a great time just talking talking things of faith and it was it was great columbia's praise broadcasting live from downtown columbia welcome to the 45th veterans day parade from the midlands known as the most military friendly community in the united states of america i'm gd gatson along with greg adeline and greg what a beautiful day to salute our veterans indeed we love our veterans and today that love has been on display all morning long as we work our way into the afternoon all of these groups getting the recognition the support and the love that they deserve one day ahead of veterans day as we take time to reflect and think about all of the service all of the sacrifice and all that our veterans mean to not only raise our quality of life but also just to give us a tremendous example of what service and sacrifice means and the value of it columbia mayor daniel rickamann mayor rickamann i just want to know you've been smiling from your ear since i saw you come up to help lead the parade what's running through your mind today you know it's just such a great you know we didn't get to do it last year right and we we had covid get in the way of having this great parade and it's just such a great honor we're such a patriotic city and you know i was talking to general kelly several weeks ago and he said did you know that seven out of ten people retiring at four jackson are making columbia their home that's huge so that tells me that you know that having events like this and getting everybody involved is it's just and of course the weather is perfect you know i mean you know we just dialed it up perfectly but excited to talk i mean riding the car with the folks you know talking about the due letter raiders and you know the history behind it and the attachment to columbia and how they want to do a museum here and the fact that they're excited to be here you know and going well i got this parade tomorrow and i got this through the weekend but just seeing all the people who are supporting the community is great i mean it's just unbelievable it really is yeah you mentioned the the weather you had a top down willy it looked like that you're driving and you're enjoying that ride for the most part you know what's that that really yes and the general drove it around and he brought it back to the us after it and a local attorney in town got it and had it you know restored and so it's a piece of history wow wow how special is that you know you talked about military veterans who retire and stay in this community but even when families travel from all over the country to be here for graduation you know when they graduated 250,000 family members on average come to columbia and spend four days on average with us i mean you talk about the impact that has on our city in that region it has an impact if you go to graduation one time you'll leave their feelings so great these parents not only saw their kid or a young child either son or daughter go in one way come out another they're so excited they talk about what a great community we have and how everybody is supportive you leave there and you just you feel so patriotic you just want to go hang a flag i know i know and we welcome all of those families to our city they see all of the great things that our city has to offer and a lot of them come back to make columbia home we got the drill sergeants academy over there head right here putting out the drill sergeants you know 60% of all the training happens right here in columbia south carolina and then you talk about our air national gal that is is deployed all over the country and then we got Shaw down the road i mean the midlands is the military part of our state yeah it really is you talk about the opportunities for veterans and the incentives for them to stay in our community what's the city doing to make sure that you know veterans know that they have a home here in a place where they can thrive and raise families i think two things that are really great is that you know the governor and the legislature made sure that no military retirement is taxed so that's one part second part for us is we want to create kind of a uh retirement program with the general so they have retirement ceremony at for jackson but we want to do something recognize and introduce them to the community you know if it's scout motors amorock blue she blue cross blue wis i heard y'all were hiring we are we are you know whoever you can to make sure that they they feel very welcome and part of this and i think they feel that but doing that extra mile i think will go a long way absolutely well may rick we thank you for taking a few minutes to talk with us enjoy the rest of the parade what a beautiful day for our capital city and greg to your point one of the other things that they've been working to do is make sure that those spouses when they moved to this community man these corvettes are revenue yeah i listen i'm gonna just let them live their best life because they are revenue enjoying this and they are beautiful vehicles moving through um as a salute to our veterans today but they're working to make it easier one of our former producers as a matter of fact randy wilson is over there working with the department of veterans affairs yes they've worked to not only highlight veterans in our community but also to put initiatives in place so that spouses who have certain training and certifications in other areas that it will be recognized here because when you come in you might be here for two or three years and the time it takes to ramp up to get whatever that certification is in your field of expertise if you can just automatically have that transfer even things like that makes such a huge difference and so those are the things that our community has worked to be able to really support military families yeah it makes for such a seamless transition and you know to be a military friendly community and to be named one of the best communities for the military i will say that is a badge of honor it talks a lot about the type of community that we have here in columbia that recognizes service and sacrifice and it's just tremendous the beautiful vehicles that you all see rolling through are a part of vets are forever corvette club they are always a crowd favorite as they come revving up for the veterans day parade we'll probably see them again at the christmas parade as well but certainly boy we appreciate them being here today bfw post 42 62 the auxiliary past president theodore monarchy thank you charlamagne kenneth kenzader thank you so much the grand of south trillian and moka president we catch the name just they brought andry smith right here there you go good to see you each one of those corvettes just looking awesome and again perfect day for top down loved hearing that story from the mayor about that will you that they are driving was on the beach in normandy yes if you can believe that and brought back here to the united states and incredible other special guests with us thank you all for being here today secretary tommy calvary retired u.s. army general also secretary self killing department of veterans affairs great to see you as always i i think you're enjoying the the the greatest let's just the kids are i think you take pictures shake hands i do you know this is the this whole week and that's particularly better say it's the one day of the year we celebrate the service and the sacrifice of these nations veterans and here in south carolina there's 393 000 i think a lot more out here today i think they really are we were just talking a moment ago about what our department of veterans affairs is doing to support veterans to support military families and there's so many initiatives that you all have had to really kind of close that gap and make sure they have every resource they need yeah this state is so blessed with its support for veterans and we're fortunate to be able to work with the u.s. department of veterans affairs to help veterans gain the benefits which they're entitled we work to work with nonprofits across the state to integrate the services they provide we advocate for the military presence of south carolina and we also try to inform the public of what veterans do and how veterans serve and how they continue to serve their communities every day they certainly do you know you talk about almost 300 000 veterans are upwards of that that's a tenth of the state has served in a military branch really is incredible to think that there's that much of a presence here in our state definitely though some challenges though for those who have served what is your organization able to do to make sure that they're thriving here that's a great point so you know 393 000 veterans to be a couple of their families it expands that footprint even further yeah you know the reality is there are veterans that continue to struggle and suffer in south carolina we are forced to have wonderful organizations to support them the va does a great job supporting veterans but we're also recognized the fact that the vast majority of veterans are not struggling they're actually helping veterans they're contributing they're working here in columbia across the state providing economic impact and building businesses and employees so we're privileged to work with them and frankly they raise the bar for all of us thank you for all you do and your incredible staff as well the way they have outreaches the community is making such a difference and i know just a couple days ago you all named the veteran of the year for our state yes anyone's just came out of link up on on social media first sergeant alvin king who was raised for a hope we will recognize him tomorrow at the game talk football game fantastic if the governor will recognize him next week on tuesdays we'll look forward to that we had him in wis the other night to talk about the usc 5k run that's coming up on sunday he's going to be there as well so we just want to thank alvin king for all of his service all that he does jaren evans over so over the universe in south carolina as well but just another example of the way our community comes together in so many ways to make a difference i'll tell you columbia is that wraps around it's not just the military community we're so privileged to be here thank you so much thank you all yeah wow it is it is and you know you mentioned the veteran of the year you remember what we did yes i do and you know is is so i would just say it was it was amazing to see him just kind of mention it uh parenthetically on the side oh by the way i just won this war yeah it is very typical it was not the first thing out of his mouth is just kind of like we had talked to him for at least 10 minutes or whatever talking about the 5k that they have coming up and you know he just kind of mentioned it on the side so it was absolutely absolutely we've got the sons of the metro city slingers on here with us today we talked about the best ever for vet clubs so much happening wow i'ma let y'all take it in for a minute sure you got some sling shots here yeah everything and judy these are known as the metro city slingers yeah so slingers is a play on sling shots i like it yeah these are these are neat but interview but we'll let the web that part of the way pass through first so we can hear them and share that with our audience viewing us online and on wys we want to what we have a moment i just want to thank our entire crew i can't even begin to call all of their names our chief photographer russ condon is out here and i mentioned um our marketing director trozlin who's a veteran he's even behind the camera out here working today and so many other members of our team to make this happen it takes the whole station is to come together to be able to bring you a live production like this so we hope that you're enjoying it at home we hope that you know you're seeing some of your neighbors and friends and colleagues and veterans that you know in love and can join in honoring them today of course veterans day is tomorrow and a number of ceremonies happening around the midlands to pay tribute to our veterans for their service and their sacrifice but this is just a big event that our community looks forward to every year and break i just i tell you it doesn't get old seeing everybody waving their american flag seeing the kids light up with joy seeing the hugs the handshakes the tears all of the emotion of this event and of this day it just represents the best of our community and what it's all about and how important our veterans and our military families are to everything that we do in the midlands to make this such a great place to live and to raise your families and to have a respect a respect to really honor what it means to serve our country indeed so well said and all of the hands on deck here that that make this broadcast happen so you know we're able to put this out and of course those who organize this parade you gotta give it up to susan fearson we appreciate all the effort there just to make this an event that every single year people look forward to because judy you said it it is service and sacrifice on display and the chance to honor that today we have even more corvettes by the way you know we saw some earlier y'all are looking good looking really good out there in the corvettes making their way down here welcome in another special guest 42 years total service chief warrant officer alan hinton happy veterans day to you sir and thank you thank you thank you for your service you're most welcome tell me what inspires you to serve and when you how you got your career started well i went to service additionally is a enlisted man in the army from 60 to 63 after a graduated from high school and went to college and became an officer in the marine corps and spent 12 years on active duty there got passed over for major in 1980 taught school in st louis missouri area taught history and government there from 1980 to 2008 and there was an army reserve helicopter unit and i got on with them and i flew with them for the two jobs really didn't interfere with each other wow until december 90 when the reserve unit got called up but we had to go to over to kick the iraqis out of kawaii desert storm and uh yeah i came back from that and went back to my school teaching job and flew with the reserves right up till my 60th birthday when they retired so i couldn't fly anymore wow but you were willing and ready weren't you well i'm i'm 81 years old wow wow wow yeah i moved here last two months ago my my daughter's right there uh as a doctor here and you know let's take care of her pop she said come on down here and i'll well listen we're glad to have you and this is a community that appreciates our veterans and everyone who is sorry and i'll tell you something that i for my history and time that i spent in the military i've never met a person from south carolina it wasn't a total patriot i served with a lot of guys that had both in the marine corps and in the army that you know joined up and every last one of them not one of them was a jerk you know which i think is amazing yes that is amazing wow 42 years of service i have to say you're one of the more decorated out here are you looking at all of your medals you get a lot of those if you just happen to be in the right place in the right yeah i was i was going to ask though what does it mean to you to be able to see the vietnam veterans in particular be honored today as grand marshals you began your service right during that era well i was i went in initially in 1960 i mean i didn't get to vietnam there's a marine helicopter pilot till december 69 and served until december 70 but yeah and i heard all those stories about people spitting on you and cursing and all i can truthfully say is none of that ever happened to me so i mean you know i always take a with a grain of salt when somebody's got something i'll tell you a funny story from when i was teaching school right yeah there were these three girls that sat in the back corner of the room great students nice suburban school district these three girls somehow figured out how to have the same schedule so they all went from my history class the same english class always turned their assignments in no problems they said in the back corner room you know no problems you know about halfway through the semester they just go totally crazy this one day they're jumping up and down their holler and everything and they're back in the corner of the room so i gotta go back what the heck's going on here you know well there's a little bug crawling on the floor and you know they're acting like there was a king cold release in the classroom or something and i said that's what's causing this problem hey yeah mr. head so i reached down i pick it up and i pop it my mouth and i ate it right in front of the class right now i went through the jungle survival school in the philippines back in 1970 yes trust me it was not the first bug i ever ate in my life wow wow and by the end of the day i got other teachers coming up to me after school saying hey al we heard you ate a big old two and a half inch cockroach i says you know that story gets better every time somebody tells it yeah that's right that's right hey this has been such a joy today everybody came out to enjoy this momentous occasion i think it's appropriate to wrap up we've asked all of our guests today about inspiring the next generation whether they decide to serve in the military or not but what words of wisdom can you share with our youth about what has helped to contribute to your success well i had a lot of good examples growing up all you can do is set a good example i mean i remember in high school in the late fifties just about every male teacher in the high school was a world war two veteran so it wasn't unusual at all and i remember my football coach will sanders born in tennessee was teaching there at sold and high school in st louis was a head football coach i just asked him one time