Agreeing that "South Carolina is the very best state for the military to call home," superintendents of the Midlands' 15 school districts came together Wednesday to proclaim their support for military children.
The 15 signed a resolution calling for their districts to work with a collection of agencies to help military children, and affirms the districts' commitment to serve military‐connected families with "care, compassion and efficiency."
"When we think about the events of the past week, it makes you think" about the sacrifices of the military, said J.D. Green, superintendent of Fairfield County schools. "We rely on the brave men and women to keep us free, (and) children sacrifice as well."
Children worry that a parent won't return from deployment, or move repeatedly as the result of their parents' repostings.
"We want to reaffirm our support for those young people," Green said. "And to the military members -- you have our absolute commitment to do what we can for the military (community)."
The military leaders of Fort Jackson and S.C. National Guard jointly thanked the superintendents on behalf of the whole Army.
Fort Jackson commander Maj. Gen. Roger Cloutier and state Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Robert Livingston said the proclamation showed support for the complete Army -- active duty, Reserves and Guard.
Cloutier said he was happy to see his wingman Livingston because "we really couldn't (accomplish the mission) without all three components."
"I want to personally thank the superintendents on behalf of the Soldiers, Family members ... on Fort Jackson," he said. "I have personally (experienced the effects on children) during my 28 years in the Army."
Cloutier has three children -- two in college and one in high school.
When parents move, the first thing they think about is, "Where will my kids go to school?" Cloutier said.
Livingston said that although Reserve and Guard troops didn't "move around so much," they also didn't have the same support systems in place, such as Army Community Service.
When Reservists or Guardsmen "deploy, they don't just leave their Families, but they leave their jobs as well."
Livingston spoke about the dedication of S.C. Guard troops who helped residents dig out after recent flooding even after losing everything themselves.
Bill Dukes, South Carolina's civilian aide to the secretary of the Army, called the signing a strong indication of support for military families -- a way to reaffirm a commitment to "do everything in our power" to help military children.
The superintendents agreed the resolution was a powerful and proper signal by the educators to military families.
Samantha Ingram, superintendent of the South Carolina/Fort Stewart/Department of Defense Dependent School‐Cuba District, also signed the resolution.
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