Photo By Sgt. Ana-Grace Catoe | U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 122nd Engineer Battalion, 117th Engineer Brigade,...... read more read more
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BATESBURG-LEESVILLE, S.C. - U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 122nd Engineer Battalion, 117th Engineer Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, arrived at the Batesburg-Leesville Readiness Center in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, Jan. 23, 2026, preparing to support state and local authorities in response to Winter Storm Fern.
Soldiers across South Carolina have been mobilized to support Winter Storm Fern operations, providing logistics support, vehicle response teams, and debris clearing teams to communities affected by the storm. Staff Sgt. Michael Barefoot, a logistics noncommissioned officer with the 122nd Forward Support Company, 117th Engineer Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, volunteered for state active duty, continuing a pattern of service and dedication to helping his community throughout his time in the Guard.
“I have volunteered for just about every mission,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Barefoot. “While serving with this unit, I have participated in every hurricane, ice storm, and point of distribution mission over the past seven and a half years.”
Barefoot, a native of Eastover, South Carolina, explained that lessons learned from previous operations enable him to deliver effective responses to South Carolinians. He prepares his vehicle response team with specialized equipment for winter storm conditions, including recovery gear and tools for clearing roadways and assisting stranded motorists.
“Our job is to support anyone in need,” said Barefoot. “If someone is stranded or requires medical assistance, we can stabilize the situation and coordinate with state and local partners to ensure appropriate care is provided.”
Barefoot said volunteering for state active duty missions reflects the South Carolina National Guard’s commitment to supporting citizens during emergencies.
| Date Taken: | 01.23.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 02.02.2026 10:34 |
| Story ID: | 556949 |
| Location: | BATESBURG-LEESVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Hometown: | EASTOVER, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 165 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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