Recently, Citadel Alumnus, Brigadier General James E. Lockemy was promoted to the rank of Major General and assumed command of the Joint Services Detachment (JSD) of the South Carolina Military Department. During the Change of Command ceremony at the Olympia Armory in Columbia, Major General John Berkley Grimball, also a Citadel graduate, officially retired from the South Carolina Military Department Joint Services Detachment after relinquishing command to MG Lockemy.
During the Change of Command ceremony, Major General Robert E. Livingston Jr., The Adjutant General, of South Carolina addressed attendees on the role of the Joint Services Detachment. Distinguished guests included BG Richard Eckstrom, Commander of the State Guard and Comptroller of the State of South Carolina, members of the South Carolina General Assembly and National Guard, along with members of the South Carolina Court of Appeals, on which MG Lockemy of Dillon sits as a judge.
“I am proud to accept the torch of Command from MG Grimball,” said MG Lockemy. “MG Grimball has built a firm foundation for us to continue to build upon. Although he left big shoes to fill, I’m confident that JSD will rise to the challenge and continue the very important mission that he so faithfully conducted.”
During his address, MG Livingston noted that the SCMD Joint Services Detachment “serve without pay, provide expertise to support the Youth ChalleNGe Academy, the South Carolina Military Museum and assist in supporting our National Guard troops in preparation for deployment, during deployment and after they return from active duty deployment from locales across the globe. Additionally, JSD has worked tirelessly to promote tax relief for those members of the South Carolina State Guard who also serve without pay.”    
During the retirement and change of command ceremonies, Major General John B. Grimball was also awarded a state medal for “Extraordinary Achievement“ commemorating his many years of service to our nation and the State of South Carolina.
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About the Joint Services Detachment
The South Carolina Military Department’s Joint Services Detachment is composed of legal, medical, governmental, business and law enforcement executives who assist the Adjutant General in developing and reviewing policy.
The Joint Services Detachment is an organization unique to the South Carolina Military Department.