Laurens County Resident Lt. Col. Karla Evans Retires After 22 Years of Distinguished Military Service
April 13, 2026
After more than two decades of honorable service to state and nation, Laurens County resident Lt. Col. Karla N. Evans officially retired from the South Carolina Army National Guard during a formal retirement ceremony held April 11 at the Bluff Road Armory in Columbia.
A Laurens County resident for the past 15 years, Evans concluded a distinguished 22-year military career marked by leadership, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to service.
From Ground Zero to Military Service
She began her military journey as an ROTC simultaneous membership program cadet at Fordham University before commissioning as a Medical Service Corps officer in 2005 after graduating from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a degree in International Criminal Justice and a minor in Russian Studies.
Evans transferred to the South Carolina National Guard in 2006 and quickly built a career defined by diverse leadership roles and increasing responsibility.
A Career of Distinguished Leadership
Most recently serving as the State Public Affairs Officer for the South Carolina National Guard, Evans acted as the primary communications advisor to the Adjutant General and led strategic communications efforts for one of the state’s most visible military organizations.
Maj. Gen. Robin Stilwell, Adjutant General of South Carolina, praised Evans during the ceremony for the impact she made across the organization.
“We’re losing a great officer—someone who has served the South Carolina National Guard exceptionally well for decades,” Stilwell said. “The reason she was so effective as a public affairs officer is because she has incredible emotional intelligence, great empathy, and the ability to connect with people in a meaningful way. She made this organization family.”
Throughout her career, Evans held numerous significant assignments, including:
- Commanding the 251st Area Support Medical Company in Darlington from 2009 to 2012
- Serving as Chief of the Joint Visitors Bureau in Kosovo
- Acting as Public Affairs Officer for the 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command
- Supporting the 2-151 Aviation Regiment during deployment to the Southwest Border
- Serving as Acting Public Affairs Director for Joint Task Force-North
Service at the Pentagon
Among her most notable assignments was serving as Executive Assistant to the Director of the Close Combat Lethality Task Force in the Office of the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon.
That assignment required extended time away from her family and reflected the personal sacrifice and commitment that defined her military service.
Building a Lasting Legacy
Beyond her assignments, Evans helped modernize and strengthen public affairs operations within the South Carolina National Guard.
Her accomplishments included:
- Creating the Guard’s first internship program for high school and college students
- Helping develop a statewide public affairs conference
- Assisting in training the Senegalese Army in public affairs doctrine
- Revitalizing the Unit Public Affairs Representative (UPAR) program
- Launching the Family Guidons podcast
“It’s been said that the most valuable thing on earth is a warm smile and a kind word,” Stilwell said. “By that measure, we have all profited immeasurably from knowing Karla Evans.”
Family Behind the Uniform
In her retirement remarks, Evans credited her faith, family, and fellow service members for helping make her career possible.
“Military service is never an individual journey—it’s a family commitment,” Evans said. “My family has lived that truth every single day for 22 years.”
She thanked her husband, retired Sergeant Major Donald Evans, and their five children—Staff Sergeant Colton Evans, Bonnie, Cadet Dylan Frey, Heather, and Jason—for supporting the demands of military life through deployments, emergency activations, extended assignments, and long hours.
“They’ve shown patience through deployments, state emergencies, late nights, and early mornings,” Evans said. “That kind of support is a true blessing.”
A Legacy of Service
Reflecting on her service, Evans said the National Guard gave her more than she ever imagined.
“The Army and the National Guard are not perfect. It’s not often easy, but it is worthy of one’s best,” she said. “It’s stepping forward when your community, your state, and your country need you most.”
As she closed her remarks, Evans reflected on the journey that brought her to retirement.
“This uniform has been better than anything I could have ever imagined,” she said. “I think that little girl growing up would be pretty proud.”
Evans retires as one of South Carolina National Guard’s most decorated and respected public affairs leaders, leaving behind a legacy of service, innovation, and mentorship that will continue to impact the organization for years to come.
Publisher’s Note: Having grown up in an Army family and traveled the world from birth through my father’s military service, I carry a deep personal appreciation for the sacrifices made not only by those who wear the uniform, but by the families who stand behind them. Lt. Col. Evans’ extraordinary commitment, steadfast dedication, and decades of service to our nation represent the very best of selfless leadership and patriotism. We are honored to recognize and celebrate her remarkable career.
Enjoy the photos from the retirement ceremony in the photo gallery below.
