9-11 Caring Carolina

Governor Hodges

A Strong Leader Rises To The Occasion

    S.C. officials took no chance September 11, 2001. Hodge’s Education Walk was stopped September 11^th in Clemson. He had to leave to go back to Columbia to deal with security due to that day’s events. Hodges quickly called a meeting for the State’s Emergency Team. Hodges said on September 11^th, "As of noon today, the State Emergency Operations Center is open. I have ordered the National Guard to call in all critical personnel. The balance of the National Guard remains on standby. SLED and other law enforcement personnel are in full force."

    Lindsay Graham, South Carolina representative, planned to file legislation September 21, 2001. It would give President Bush the right to punish countries that have or will help terrorists or refuse to cooperate with the U.S.A. in the war on terrorism.

    Governor Hodges was available November 29, 2001. He did a live call-in interview on the Carolina Cable network.

    At the Governor’s Christmas Celebration, the tree was red, white, and blue this year. It had 200,000 lights on it and it was a 40-foot cedar tree. At the celebration, Hodges lit a candle in remembrance of those who died September 11 and in honor of those who protect us. Hodges says, "Things are not the same since September 11, 2001. We have all shed our share of tears, but it has shed light on giving and sacrifice. Our country is stronger because of it."

    Governor Hodges received a nuclear memo that worried him. He received it on January 31, 2002. It told him plutonium was not to be stored over 50 years. He wondered how long S.C. will keep their nuclear material. 

    The South Carolina and North Carolina governors agreed that they would help each other in the event of an emergency terrorist attack. Both states are prepared to handle man-made or natural disasters. Governor Hodges says, "September 11^th brought a whole new approach to safety, security, and health. This is part of an effort on both of our parts to make the Carolinas the model of security."

    Hodges is considering sending missiles to protect nuclear power plants from terrorist attacks. Governors from 13 states ordered National Guard to protect power plants. Hodges sent Law Enforcement Division agents to several sites.

    Governor Hodges has risen to the occasion for all of us in SC.  On September 11, his responsibility and job as our Governor probably tripled.  From being at an Education Walk to leaving to protect our state from being attacked by terrorists is a big change in one day.  Keep up the good work Governor Hodges, SC is grateful to have a leader like you.