A Special 4th for Members of the 218th

By Russell Bradley

Published: July 4, 2008

This is a very special Fourth of July celebration for the men and women of the 218th South Carolina National Guard Unit.  This is their first Independence Day back home since returning from Afghanistan in early May.

Sergeant Scottie Silvers is spending the day with his friends and daughter.  “Sometimes it feels like a dream.  It’s good to be back.  I’m glad I made it back,” he said.  Chelsie Silvers understands the meaning behind the flag more than most teens her age.  “Imagine going through that and imagine having to take cover,” she said.  She remembers the fear of having her father overseas.  “ Some families their dad isn’t going to be here,” she said.  The Silvers family plans to watch the fireworks show in Union tonight.

Approximately 155,000 military children are affected by deployment.