Upstate Warrior Solution

06/06/2026

As we continue our D-Day remembrance, we are honored to share the story of Radio Man First Class Johnny Price, a 100-year-old World War II veteran from Anderson County, South Carolina.

In this episode of WWII: In Their Own Words, Mr. Price reflects on his service aboard the USS Knepp with quiet strength, humility, and heartfelt clarity alongside his advocate, Josh Colburn.

His words offer a powerful glimpse into the mindset of a generation that answered the call to serve without hesitation. For Mr. Price, duty was not extraordinary. It was simply what needed to be done.

This interview is part of our ongoing effort to preserve and share the stories of local World War II veterans so their legacy, sacrifice, and service are never forgotten.

As we mark the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, we remain committed to ensuring the stories of those who served continue to live on for future generations.

06/06/2026

Eighty-two years ago, thousands of young Americans crossed the English Channel into uncertainty, knowing many would never return home.

On D-Day, ordinary men carried extraordinary courage onto the beaches of Normandy. They came from different backgrounds, different towns, and different walks of life, united by duty, sacrifice, and a shared belief that freedom was worth defending.

Many never made it home. Many carried the weight of that day for the rest of their lives.

Today, we pause in gratitude for the Greatest Generation and for the sacrifices made on June 6, 1944. Their courage shaped the course of history and secured freedoms generations have benefited from since.

We remember their sacrifice.
We honor their unity.
We remain grateful for their service.

06/02/2026

Three weeks out. Seats are filling fast.

If you’ve been thinking about attending the Career Services Workshop with Rex Saoit, now is the time to commit.

This is not a lecture. It is a hands-on opportunity to sharpen your approach, strengthen your resume, and learn how to translate your experience into real career opportunities.

June 22–23
Rupert Huse Veteran Center

Led by a senior HR professional with more than 30 years of experience, this workshop is built to give you practical tools you can use immediately.

Don’t wait and miss your spot.

Register now: https://bit.ly/CareerServicesfeatRex

06/01/2026

We remember Deputy Devin Pressley Hodges.
Anderson County Sheriff’s Office
End of Watch: June 1, 2017

A 2024 Palmetto Heroes Hike Honoree, Deputy Hodges was killed in a boating accident while participating in a joint marine patrol training exercise with the Army Corps of Engineers on Lake Hartwell.

Deputy Hodges had served with the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office for six months and previously served for eight years in law enforcement. He had also served with the Lander University Department of Public Safety, Abbeville County Sheriff’s Office, Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, and the Calhoun Falls Police Department.

He was known for his dedication to serving others and his commitment to the profession.

He is survived by his wife and children.

His loss is a reminder that service and sacrifice extend beyond calls for service and into the training and preparation first responders undertake every day to protect others.

We speak his name.
We honor his service.
We carry his legacy forward.

05/28/2026

Some people lead with authority.
Some lead with experience.
And some lead with a servant’s heart that quietly changes lives behind the scenes every single day.

Theresa Thompson is all three.

Before helping lead Upstate Warrior Solution as COO, Theresa served in law enforcement herself. That experience gave her a deep understanding of the weight carried by those who wear the badge and the families who stand beside them. But more importantly, it shaped the compassion, steadiness, and purpose she brings to this work every day.

The Stay With Me initiative exists because people were willing to step forward and say the mental health and wellness of our first responders matters. Theresa has been one of those people from the very beginning.

Her leadership has helped create spaces where officers feel seen, supported, and reminded they are not carrying the burden alone.

We are incredibly proud to see Theresa recognized by LEAD Upstate and grateful for the partnership, care, and vision she continues to bring to this community.

Thank you, Theresa, for continuing to serve others long after the uniform came off. 💙

05/27/2026

Introducing the official Upstate Warrior Solution bourbon whiskey from Alvin Langston, Blood Sweat and Bourbon.

In the Blood, Sweat and Bourbon line, our first release is Warrior Batch, a limited-release, 10-year-aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey crafted in tribute to the veterans and first responders who continue to serve with grit, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve.

127 proof.
10 years aged.
Limited batch release.

More than a bottle, the Warrior Batch represents the spirit of service, resilience, and the unbreakable bond shared by those willing to answer the call for others.

The limited-edition Warrior Batch of Blood, Sweat, & Bourbon can be purchased at the Greenville and Simpsonville Bourbon Barn locations.

Stop by Wine&BourbonBarn Greenville on Saturday, May 30, from 3:30 to 6:30 PM for a free tasting.

Raise a glass to those who continue to stand the watch and serve their communities.

05/26/2026

A chance to win a new ride while supporting organizations making a difference across our community? We’re in.

Big thanks to the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX for continuing to invest in local nonprofits and the people they serve.

Grab your raffle ticket and support the mission while you’re at it.

Cruise into summer while supporting our featured charities ☀️⛳️

One lucky winner is taking home this brand new Bintelli Golf Cart… and every ticket purchased helps make an impact in our community.

Whether it’s for golf days, neighborhood rides, or summer evenings with friends and family, this could be your new favorite ride. 👀

🎟️ Raffle Tickets: $20
Purchase now ➡ https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/bmw-charity-pro-am-bintelli-golf-cart-raffle

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember those who never made it home.

This past weekend at the Palmetto Heroes Hike, our community recommitted itself to a promise: we will never forget. Through every mile walked, every flag carried, and every name spoken, we honored the heroes who gave everything in service to others.

As families gather today in celebration and remembrance, the POW/MIA and Fallen Comrade Table stands as a solemn reminder of those who cannot be with us. The empty chair. The inverted glass. The silence left behind by sacrifice.

Freedom has never been free.

Today, we remember the fallen, stand beside their families, and carry their legacies forward with gratitude and purpose.

We will never forget.

05/23/2026

The hike is underway. 🇺🇸

Due to this morning’s storms, the 2026 Palmetto Heroes Hike moved indoors, but the mission never slowed down. Our 12-milers are still putting in the work, rucking, running, and hiking the concourse in full gear and with full purpose.

This is what commitment looks like.
This is what remembrance looks like.
This is what community looks like.

America runs on patriotism.



Irmo Fire District

05/22/2026

The Palmetto Heroes Hike has now moved indoors! Join us at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Saturday, May 23rd. Please see the post below for detailed information.

IMPORTANT PALMETTO HEROES HIKE 2026 UPDATE

Due to severe weather and storms expected in the area, this year’s Palmetto Heroes Hike will move indoors to ensure the safety of all participants, volunteers, honoree families, and staff.

The entire event will now take place inside Bon Secours Wellness Arena !

This year’s hike route will take place throughout the arena concourse, with opening and closing ceremonies held inside the arena as families of our honorees share the stories and legacies of their loved ones from the stage.

To help replace the longer outdoor route, hikers are encouraged to ruck and utilize the arena stairs throughout the event.

Event Schedule:
• 12-Mile Hiker Check-In: 7:00 AM
• 6-Mile Hiker Check-In: 9:00 AM
• Opening Ceremony: 10:00 AM
• Closing Ceremony: 12:20 PM
• After Party on the Arena Floor: 12:40 PM – 2:30 PM

Please enter through the Furman Entrance for registration.

Parking is available in the VIP Lot off Church Street and in the parking garage nearest the arena.

What to Bring:
• Signed waiver
• Water bottles and snacks
• American flags

Reminder:
This event is a memorial hike, not a race.

For the safety of the group, bikes, scooters, and similar items are not permitted. Strollers are welcome. Please leave pets at home unless they are service dogs.

While the format may look different this year, the mission remains the same:
to honor the fallen, support their families, and stand together as one community committed to ensuring these heroes are never forgotten.

We look forward to welcoming nearly 300 registered participants for this unique Palmetto Heroes Hike experience inside BSWA.

Online registration is now closed. Walk-ups are welcome!