SC National Guard, Commander 251st EVAC Hospital and State surgeon

• Historic Roots: The South Carolina National Guard traces its lineage back to the colonial militia of the 1670s, making it one of the oldest military organizations in the United States. • Dual Role: The SC National Guard serves both federal and state governments, assisting with national defense and responding to emergencies within South Carolina such as hurricanes and floods. • 251st EVAC Hospital: The 251st Evacuation Hospital is a historic medical unit that provided vital battlefield care, notably serving in World War II and subsequent conflicts. • Commander’s Responsibility: The Commander of the 251st EVAC Hospital is responsible for the readiness, training, and welfare of all personnel, ensuring the unit can rapidly deploy and provide medical care in combat or disaster scenarios. • State Surgeon: The State Surgeon acts as the senior medical advisor to the Adjutant General of South Carolina, overseeing medical readiness and health programs for the entire state National Guard. • Gulf War Service: The 251st EVAC Hospital was activated for Operation Desert Storm in 1990-91, deploying to Saudi Arabia and treating both coalition and enemy wounded. • Hurricane Hugo Response: The SC National Guard, including medical units under the State Surgeon, played a critical role in disaster relief after Hurricane Hugo devastated the state in 1989. • Women in Command: The 251st EVAC Hospital and medical units have often been at the forefront of integrating women into command and critical care roles within the Guard. • Innovations in Care: The 251st has pioneered mobile and modular hospital concepts, which allow rapid setup of medical facilities close to combat zones or disaster sites. • Community Support: Beyond combat, the SC National Guard medical teams, guided by the State Surgeon, frequently provide free health screenings and immunizations to underserved communities across South Carolina.