Commander bids farewell to State Guard unit and long career

He dedicated 37 years of his life to serving his country and racked up numerous awards and military accolades along the way.

But now Brig. Gen. George Kennedy is ready to step down and let someone else take command of the South Carolina State Guard's 3rd Coastal Brigade. The all-volunteer group serves the state's coast from Beaufort to Myrtle Beach and Charleston to Lake City.

Saturday, Kennedy relinquished command and was recognized for his military career at a ceremony at the Mark Clark Armory in North Charleston.

It was a huge day, he said, because after more than three decades of military service, he can hang up his uniform and rest.

So what now?

"Fish. Sail. Garden. Paint," Kennedy said, adding, "but I will stay in touch with the military department."

After the ceremony, the outgoing commander was greeted by several guardsmen and friends.

Master Sgt. Scott Sheire shook his hand and said, "I just want to say thank you, sir. It's been a privilege. I hate to see you go."

Kennedy shared the retirement celebration with Lt. Col. Frank Sanders, who at age 86 was the oldest man serving with the South Carolina State Guard.

Kennedy and Sanders were both Army soldiers during World War II and touched down only a few miles away from each other in Normandy, France, although they were in separate divisions.

Sanders, then a paratrooper, was shot in his knee and the bullet tore through his foot. He was wounded two more times in central France and Holland. Throughout his military career, he received three Purple Hearts, three Bronze Stars, one Silver Star and several campaign ribbons.

Kennedy is a recipient of two Army Commendation Medals, the Belgian Fourragere and the National Defense Service Medal, among many other distinctions.

He is succeeded by former deputy commander Col. Terry Seay, a Vietnam veteran and retired Army Reservist who lives on James Island. Seay had been training to take over the 3rd Brigade for the past 16 months.

John Shuler, deputy adjutant general for state operations, said, "I see this will be a seamless change of command. We have a good organization, good people."

Seay will be responsible for 288 guardsmen. "I'm dedicated to continue serving this state with this brigade, and I'm thrilled at this opportunity," he said.

Reach Tenisha Waldo at 937-5744 or twaldo@postandcourier.com.