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Newberry's American Legion Post 24 packed 16 boxes of snacks, supplies and letters for 250 SC soldiers deployed with the 117th Engineer Brigade.

NEWBERRY, S.C. — Food, supplies and messages of encouragement are being prepared to be sent to South Carolina National Guard troops currently deployed to the Middle East, thanks to a group of veterans and community members in Newberry.

Members of American Legion Post 24 recently organized a drive to collect and assemble care packages for soldiers with the 117th Engineer Brigade. The unit, which includes about 250 South Carolina soldiers based in Newberry, deployed to Kuwait in November 2025 as part of Operation Spartan Shield for a yearlong mission.

Several veterans involved in the effort attended the brigade’s casing ceremony at Newberry College before the deployment. A ceremony that marks a departure for troops.

That moment sparked the idea to send support overseas.

“I looked at the mayor and my post commander and said, ‘Hey, these guys are going to need some care packages when they get down range,’” said Tim Erskine Jr. of American Legion Post 24.

Erskine served 29 years in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said small reminders of home can have a big impact on troops serving overseas.

He recalled receiving a care package from his wife during a deployment in 2005 that included frozen treats for soldiers enduring the summer heat.

“She sent me a box of 100 Freezy Pops,” Erskine said. “We stuck them in the freezer, and they were gone in three days. Those items from home that make a huge difference.”

Community members across Newberry contributed to the effort, donating snacks, hygiene products and comfort items.

Today volunteers at the post, organized snacks, bathroom and cleaning items and assembled at least 16 boxes of supplies. Students from a local elementary school also wrote letters to include in the packages.

We've talked to churches. We've talked to civic organizations, and word spread slowly through Newberry, but once it got going like a train it just came on through and folks started dropping things off for us

Organizers said the gesture is especially meaningful as tensions remain high in parts of the Middle East.

“I'm sure when they went down there in November, they didn't expect to be where they are today. Whatever their job is, I'm sure they're very focused on it currently...A box from home might mean that much more now, to show that people from the community are thinking about them and providing those comfort items,” Erskine said.

Military families say the community’s support has been reassuring during the deployment.

“Especially in times that are a little bit more difficult for the families, it makes us feel comforted that they haven’t been forgotten. That people are thinking of them and praying for them,” said Michelle Matheny, whose husband, Bill Matheny, commands the 117th Engineer Brigade.

Matheny, who has three children with the brigade commander, also had to experience husband go on tour in Afghanistan. She has also helped guide the donation efforts and volunteers with Soldiers' Family Readiness Group to help while loved ones are on tour.

For some families, the deployment has come during major life moments. Newberry resident Whitney Taylor said her husband was deployed just months after the birth of their first child.

"It's hard not going to lie and you don't get a play book on how to handle it especially during a conflict like this," Taylor said.

She said the support from the community has helped make the experience easier.

“It means the world to me that they can receive these packages, letter, and knowing that not only are family and friends supporting them but they also have a community," Taylor added.

The care packages are expected to be shipped overseas by the end of the month.

American Legion Post 24 will also accept additional donations on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 148 Legion Road in Newberry.

NEWBERRY, S.C. (WIS) - Customers of the Clinton Newberry Natural Gas Authority are raising concerns after receiving gas bills they say nearly doubled or more without prior notice.

The concerns are prompting the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office to seek answers from the company.

The gas authority attributes the spike to additional gas purchases made to meet customer demand during severe winter weather last month. A company spokesperson said peak demand caused the price of natural gas to jump from $6 per dekatherm to $97 per dekatherm — a 16-times increase.

Customer Henry Reeder said his bill nearly doubled with no warning from the company. His son, Newberry County Councilman Travis Reeder, also reported a noticeable increase.

“When my bill came up this much, almost 300 dollars, then I was concerned,” Travis said.

Customer Elizabeth Coppock said her bill came in at just over $1,000.

“Absolutely outrageous,” Coppock said.

Coppock said the company’s offered relief options — including payment plans and energy assistance resources — are not sufficient for customers on fixed incomes.

“Like myself, you’re on a limited budget plan for the month and limited income. It’s really difficult,” Coppock said.

The Clinton Newberry Natural Gas Authority released this statement to WIS

Officials with CGNA said it services 8,000 residents in Newberry County and noted that each customer’s bill varies based on usage.

The Attorney General’s Office sent a letter to the Clinton Newberry Natural Gas Authority requesting documentation and an explanation after receiving 61 complaints. The company has until March 6 to respond.

The company’s board of directors has a scheduled meeting on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Newberry Firehouse Conference Center. The authority is encouraging customers to contact them directly with concerns.

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