For a number of years, our map has been blank for the state of South Carolina. We’ve taken day trips here, spent a couple of nights at hotels, and traveled through the state with our RV, but we only put a state on the map when we spend at least one night there with our RV. Finally we’re here, we get to add the state sticker on the map. My main purpose in coming to Charleston is to visit Fort Sumter and learn all about the beginning of the Civil War, but I bet we’ll be seeing more here in this Southern city.
Our drive from Wilmington to Charleston took us through Conway, SC. Pumpkins on the trees welcomed us as we drove through the main street.
Joint Base Charleston is home to Air Force and Navy personnel. It’s part of the air mobility command and operates the C17A Globemaster III. Its mission as a strategic airlift aircraft base is to provide airlift of troops and passengers, military equipment, cargo, and aeromedical equipment and supplies worldwide. In other words, these are huge aircraft to move lots of stuff all over the world.
So what experiences did we have on base? First, we got to hear a recorded trumpet play Reveille every weekday morning at 7:00, the National Anthem and Retreat at 4:30 during the week, and Taps every weekday evening at 10:00. The Taps version we heard had an echo to it that echoed in our hearts. This was an amazing experience.
Our first night on base was the Monday after the invasion of Israel on October 7. That night we heard a heavy, heavy airplane fly close over our heads. The next morning we heard that the first delivery of military equipment landed that morning in Israel. We’re going to believe that the flight we heard the night before was that delivery.
While in town, the Starbucks in the following picture hasn’t had outside seating since Covid. A new sight for us.
Now it’s time to learn about Charleston!
