A nearly full moon lit the Afghan sky as a rocket screamed over Lt. Tony Hedrick’s hut and slammed into a building next to his base.
WASHINGTON — More American and coalition troops died in Afghanistan last month than during any other month since the American-led invasion began in 2001, the latest evidence of a strengthening Taliban insurgency that has menaced NATO forces and reclaimed control over some southern and eastern parts of the country.- 1:45 AM
When Capt. Ivan Castro joined the Army, he set goals: to jump out of planes, kick in doors and lead soldiers into combat. He achieved them all. Then the mortar round landed five feet away, blasting away his sight.- 12:01 PM
The sign will be like any other, posted on a roadway for passers-by to see. But it will bear the name of Marine Lance Cpl. Joshua L. Torrence, a 2003 White Knoll High graduate killed in 2005 while serving in Iraq. Wednesday, his parents, Vernon and Regina Torrence; politicians; state Department of Transportation representatives; and school and district officials gathered to dedicate a stretch of Platt Springs Road in front of the school, from Kyzer Road to S. Lake Drive, in his honor. Last year...- 9:57 PM
BAMIYAN, Afghanistan — Rallying international aid for Afghanistan, first lady Laura Bush on Sunday showcased projects to better the lives of war-weary Afghans. Yet at each stop, an eerie reminder of the country’s violent past was just a glance away.- 1:44 AM
More than 60 S.C. National Guard soldiers from a Black Hawk helicopter company will be deploying to Iraq this summer. The troops, from the Guard’s Company A, 2/149th Aviation Battalion, will spend two months training at Fort Sill, Okla., before deploying.- 10:19 PM
COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France — The Battle of Normandy, which started with history’s most powerful coastal invasion force here 64 years ago today, is written in the white marble headstones of the American cemetery.- 9:49 PM
With every brush stroke, Columbia artist Suzy Shealy remembers her son Army Sgt. Joseph Derrick. As Shealy paints scenes from Iraq, she places herself in her son’s combat boots in the dusty streets of Baghdad. She stands watch at dusk as a Black Hawk helicopter flies on the horizon.- 11:03 PM
Spc. David Lee Leimbach should have been home in South Carolina, resting after a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan. Instead, he volunteered to serve six more months with the New York National Guard.- 10:53 PM
A South Carolina National Guardsman has been killed by hostile forces in Afghanistan.
- 4:00 PM
If Spc. Thomas Caughman were alive today, he would not tell his family about the honor about to be bestowed upon him. It’s not that the combat engineer from Lexington would be embarrassed. He just never was a man who reveled in awards or fancy ceremonies, his parents said.- 7:39 PM
The newest building on Fort Jackson soon will be home to an Army Reserve unit that is moving to Columbia from Birmingham, Ala. The building — which will be named after Spc. Thomas Caughman, a Lexington Reservist killed in Iraq in 2004 — will house the 81st Regional Support Command. The building features offices, a computer training lab, an auditorium and displays from the unit’s 100-year history.- 7:55 PM
Thousands made their way to Fort Jackson on Saturday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Armed Forces Day and to cheer on nearly 200 recruits before they headed to basic training.- 9:25 PM
Rep. James Smith receives handshakes, hugs as he returns to the S.C. House from Afghanistan After 15 months in Afghanistan, Rep. James Smith, tanned, trim and sporting a high and tight haircut, returned to the House of Representatives on Thursday to standing ovations and hugs.- 8:03 AM
NEWBERRY — “Daddy’s home.” Sixteen-year-old Timothy Griffith announced it to waitresses as his family entered their regular hangout, The Palms Grill and Bar. 
Photo gallery | 
Video- 9:49 PM
NEWBERRY — Lucille Epps’ prayer cards worked. After a year of her writing prayers inside cards and mailing them to Afghanistan, her son, Spc. Raymond Epps, came home.- 10:20 PM
At armories across the state today, there will be seven homecoming celebrations for the 218th Brigade Combat Team. 4 p.m., West Columbia armory, 3528 Platt Springs Road- 12:38 AM
More than 200 soldiers from the S.C. National Guard’s 132nd Military Police Company returned to the Midlands on Sunday after a yearlong combat tour in Iraq.- 7:45 AM
FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Waiting to board a bus for the West Columbia National Guard armory, Sgt. Rodney Miller considered the road ahead.- 10:24 PM
FORT BRAGG, N.C. — While all the soldiers of the 218th Brigade Combat Team are being called “heroes” by their commanders, families and friends, there are a few whose heroics stand out.- 10:24 PM
An S.C. National Guard unit from West Columbia is on its way home from Iraq. About 200 soldiers from the 132nd Military Police Company are scheduled to arrive today at Camp Shelby, Miss., after spending a year in Iraq. The soldiers will spend a few days there to demobilize from active-duty to regular Guard status. Then they will return to South Carolina.- 10:49 PM
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