SC Lawmakers Visit South-West Border, Meet with SC National Guard Soldiers including Laurens-Based National Guard Unit
February 17, 2025
South Carolina Representatives Doug Gilliam, Richie Yow, Bill Taylor, and Cody Mitchell, along with South Carolina Adjutant General Major General Van McCarty, SC National Guard Director of the Joint Staff Brigadier General Rob Stilwell, and SCARNG Captain Jason Cox, traveled to the South-West Border in Laredo, Texas, on Friday, January 31, 2025. The delegation visited South Carolina Army National Guard (SCARNG) Soldiers stationed at the Rio Grande River, recognizing their service in securing the U.S.-Mexico border.
This visit marked the second time Representatives Gilliam, Yow, and Taylor have toured the Southern Border. Their previous trip in June 2023 took them to Eagle Pass, Texas, at the height of illegal crossings into the United States. This time, lawmakers noted a stark contrast.
“The border crossings were nearly cut off compared to the visit in 2023,” said Rep. Gilliam. “We believe we saw three immigrants attempting to cross into America. The SC Soldiers quickly notified Customs and Border Patrol, and we believe they were apprehended.”
During the visit, the lawmakers met with South Carolina National Guard troops currently deployed to support federal border security efforts. SCARNG has two companies serving at the border: the 132nd Military Police Company from the Columbia area and the 1055th Transportation Company from Laurens. Each company received a South Carolina state flag that had flown over the State House as a token of appreciation.
The delegation also recognized four individual soldiers for their exceptional service, presenting them with Certificates of Appreciation from the SC House of Representatives.
“It was a very good trip! Getting to visit and talk with our outstanding SC Army National Guard Soldiers and letting them know that South Carolina is proud of them was the highlight,” said Rep. Gilliam.
For Gilliam, a retired Army veteran, the experience was particularly meaningful. “Any day I get to spend with great soldiers and leaders is a great day for me,” he said.
