South Carolina Guard Soldiers return from D.C., officials confirm

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Around 200 Soldiers in the South Carolina Army National Guard returned home Saturday after being deployed for more than a month in Washington, D.C, at the request of President Donald Trump.

The South Carolina National Guard was one of several states that deployed a total of 2,300 National Guard members.

The deployment was met with criticism from state Democrats, who called the move “dangerous and irresponsible.”

Throughout their deployment, South Carolina soldiers of the 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment provided security at Metro stations, patrolled the National Mall, maintained a visible presence around the White House, and provided support during sporting events.

Officials said troops also provided life-saving aid and assisted in the arrest of a robbery suspect, and offered support to D.C. Metropolitan Police Department officers.

National Guard officials said troops were activated for this mission immediately after an annual training exercise at Fort Stewart, Georgia.

According to officials, soldiers were given just 24 hours to return home, repack, and redeploy.

“It was a difficult ask of these Soldiers, to assume the mission coming out of a demanding annual training at Fort Stewart,” said Lt. Col. Javier Yudice, commander, 4th Battalion, 118th Infantry Regiment, South Carolina Army National Guard “their dedication and commitment and that of their families is a testament to the strength that builds the South Carolina National Guard.”

The Georgia National Guard will replace South Carolina troops in D.C.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.