Three soldiers inducted into SCNG Warrant Officer Hall of Fame

108th Public Affairs Detachment
Story by Sgt. Brad Mincey

Date: 03.03.2013
Posted: 03.05.2013 15:57
News ID: 102950
Three Warrant Officers inducted into WO Hall of Fame

EASTOVER, S.C. – A culmination of decades of service was recognized as three South Carolina National Guard warrant officers were inducted into the Warrant Officer Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the McCrady Training Center, March 3.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 (retired) Tony McAlister, Chief Warrant Officer 5 (retired) Lane Poore and Chief Warrant Officer 5 (retired) Poyas Haynes were inducted due to their outstanding achievement and sacrifices to the South Carolina National Guard.

After almost 20 years as an enlisted soldier with the South Carolina National Guard, McAlister was commissioned as a warrant officer in June 1984. Through his passion for soldiers and his significant abilities, he earned the rank of CW5 in June 2001.

McAlister, originally from Williamston, S.C., was also the first warrant officer to hold the position of Combined Service and Maintenance Support Superintendent in South Carolina. His 13 awards and decorations include the United States Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Gold Hourglass and South Carolina Active State Service Ribbon (35 Years).

Poore, who was born in Seneca, S.C., was drafted into the U.S. Army in March 1969 and was sent to Vietnam after Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training. After returning home, he served five months in the Army Reserves before joining the National Guard in June 1971 and earning his warrant officer commission in June 1990. His long list of awards and decorations include, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Army Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm and Combat Infantryman Badge.

Like his fellow inductees, Haynes has spent many years serving his country and fellow soldiers. He enlisted in the Army in 1969 and completed the Warrant Officer Flight Training in 1971. Haynes deployed to Kuwait in 1999 and flew numerous helicopters during his time in the National Guard. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with “V” Device, National Defense Service Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

“I know that, as we celebrate their accomplishments, we realize that this is tough business that we deal with,” said Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston, Jr., the adjutant general of South Carolina. “I congratulate our inductees, because it is they and soldiers like them who keep us safe, so we may sleep at night.”

These three warrant officer’s photos will now join the 16 previous inductees to the Warrant Officer Hall of Fame and will be examples to be looked up to by all soldiers.