Lamont “Chris” Christian awarded South Carolina’s Highest Civilian Honor, the Order of the Palmetto

Governor Henry McMaster presented the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, to Lamont “Chris” Christian in recognition of his extraordinary lifetime of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people of South Carolina.

The prestigious award recognizes individuals whose achievements, character, and contributions have had a lasting impact on the state. Chris received the honor during a ceremony on June 26 following nominations and letters of support from Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, South Carolina Representative Brandon Cox, South Carolina Educational Lottery Chief Compliance Officer Dan Beatty, and Big Red Barn Retreat Co-Founder Sutton Shaw.

While Chris’s distinguished military career spanned more than three decades, it is his continued service after retirement that has profoundly shaped the lives of veterans, first responders, military families, and communities across South Carolina.

Chris retired from the United States Army in 2018 as the 24th Post Command Sergeant Major of Fort Jackson, the Army’s largest training installation and Center of Excellence for Initial Military Training. During his 33-year military career, he served as a combat infantryman and leader in some of the Army’s most respected units, including Fort Benning, GA, Fort Bragg, NC, Fort Campbell, KY, and Schofield Barracks, HI. His combat deployments included Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. He later served as the 27th Commandant of the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy and became widely recognized as “America’s Drill Sergeant” after his voice was featured in a nationally televised Gatorade commercial.

Rather than stepping away from service after retirement, Chris began a new mission, helping those who serve others overcome adversity and thrive.

As Chief Mission Officer of the Big Red Barn Retreat, Chris has become one of South Carolina’s leading advocates for posttraumatic growth and holistic wellness. Through his leadership, education, and mentorship, he has helped thousands of veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and family members discover renewed purpose, stronger relationships, and healthier paths forward after trauma and life’s challenges.

Chris played a pivotal role in bringing Warrior PATHH (Progressive and Alternative Training for Helping Heroes) to South Carolina, helping establish one of the nation’s most effective peer-based posttraumatic growth programs for veterans and first responders. Since 2020, more than 700 individuals have graduated from Warrior PATHH programs in South Carolina, transforming struggle into strength through evidence-based training and peer support.

Recognizing the increasing challenges faced by law enforcement officers, firefighters, healthcare professionals, and other frontline workers, Chris was also instrumental in introducing the nationally recognized Struggle Well program to South Carolina in 2022. Through countless hours of facilitation, mentorship, and personal commitment, he has directly trained and supported first responders and frontline professionals throughout the state.

His impact on law enforcement has been particularly significant. Chris has personally helped lead more than 500 deputies of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department through posttraumatic growth training, helping strengthen families, improve wellbeing, preserve careers, and support those who dedicate their lives to protecting South Carolina communities.

Inspired by the deputies he worked alongside, Chris later completed reserve deputy training and continues to serve as a Reserve Deputy with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, demonstrating that his commitment to service extends far beyond any title or profession.

In addition to his leadership at the Big Red Barn Retreat, Chris serves on the Midlands Veteran Engagement Council Board, helping connect veterans and military families with vital resources, support services, and opportunities throughout the Columbia and Midlands region. Through this work, he continues to strengthen collaboration among organizations dedicated to improving the lives of those who have served.

Those who know Chris consistently describe him as a servant leader whose humility matches his accomplishments. Whether mentoring a young Soldier, encouraging a struggling veteran, supporting a first responder, or speaking to community leaders, Chris leads with compassion, authenticity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others.

“Lamont ‘Chris’ Christian has spent a lifetime answering the call to serve,” said his nominators. “Whether leading Soldiers in combat, mentoring future Army leaders, supporting law enforcement officers, or helping veterans and first responders find renewed purpose after adversity, Chris has always placed the needs of others before his own.”

Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Chris attended North Carolina A&T State University before beginning a military career that would span more than three decades. Throughout his career he earned numerous military and civilian honors, including induction into the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Association Hall of Fame, the Fort Jackson Hall of Fame, the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medals, recognition as a two-time South Carolina Veteran of the Quarter, nomination for South Carolina Veteran of the Year, and nomination for the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Military Advocate of the Year Award.

Today, Chris’s greatest legacy is reflected not in the awards he has received, but in the thousands of lives he has touched through his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to helping others grow stronger through adversity.

About the Order of the Palmetto

The Order of the Palmetto is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Awarded by the Governor of South Carolina, it recognizes individuals whose lifetime achievements, service, and contributions have made an extraordinary and lasting impact on the State of South Carolina and its citizens.