IN SPORTS: Dustin Johnson still in control of British Open at St. Andrews B1
Job reductions announced at Shaw AFB A2 SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2015
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Sumter Civil Air Patrol squadron seeks more cadets BY ADRIENNE SARVIS adrienne@theitem.com If you are a young person who is interested in flying, a pilot or former pilot or just someone who is interested in making a difference, you may want to consider joining the Sumter Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol. CAP is a nonprofit organization made up of civilians, ages 12 and
older, who are all willing to provide their time and services to assist the U.S. Air Force and government agencies during times of need. As an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP members assist the military by performing homeland security and disaster relief through aviation and ground search teams. According to information provided by the Sumter Composite Squadron, CAP performs
95 percent of inland search and rescue missions in the country. CAP is not under obligation to the military, and cadets are not obligated to join the military. Deputy Cadet Commander Jared Buniel said there are three primary aspects of the cadet program: developing leadership skills, aerospace education and training cadets for emergency services.
Through their training, cadets develop an understanding and appreciation for aviation, the U.S. Air Force and those who serve the country, Buniel said. During their twice a month, twohour meetings, cadets learn about aircraft, the dynamics of flight and survival practices. Cadets are also given
SEE PATROL, PAGE A7
Just ‘another mission’ Lynchburg lieutenant carried away rebel flag BY DEANNA PANN The Post and Courier Special to The Sumter Item COLUMBIA — There was no denying it was a powerful sight. Lt. Derrick Gamble, a black man, carrying away the Confederate battle flag forever from the place where it flew for more than 50 years. A symbol of division, a reminder of a painful past, rolled tightly with a ribbon in the palms of his gloved hands. Humbled and poised in his crisp gray uniform, Gamble said his role in the July 10 Honor Guard ceremony permanently furling the rebel banner was just “another mission.” “To me, maybe it hasn’t sunk in,” he said, “but it’s just part of what we do.” Born and raised in Lynchburg, the 14-year South Carolina Highway Patrol veteran joined the Honor Guard because he wanted to be a part of something special. He remembers seeing a unit in action for the first time. That sense of pride. The public’s esteem. He felt it on June 24, when he and this same unit shouldered the casket of slain state Sen. Clementa Pinckney into the Statehouse for public viewing while the senator’s widow and young daughters looked on. “I think the biggest thing for me is seeing how the people of South Carolina have pulled together in this tragedy,” he said.
SEE GAMBLE, PAGE A7
PAUL ZOELLER / THE POST AND COURIER
Lt. Derrick Gamble, with the South Carolina Highway Patrol Honor Guard, carries the folded Confederate battle flag from the monument in front of the Statehouse on Friday July 10. The flag will now be housed in the state Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum.
Manning firm helps win case for former executive BY COLLYN TAYLOR intern@theitem.com SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — A Manning attorney’s office was part of a court ruling in Missouri involving O’Reilly Auto Parts and Meridian Creative Alliance. Representing one of the defendants, the law office of William H. Johnson was on the winning side of the room as the jury awarded more than $12 million in favor of the defense. “We are very pleased,” attorney William Johnson said. “It’s good to see the justice system can work for the average guy in the face of unlimited money and power.”
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Johnson represented Ron Byerly, O’Reilly’s former vice president of advertising and marketing, after he was named as a defendant in the case. The case stems from a breach of contract claim brought by Meridian, who alleged O’Reilly ended the contract between the two businesses prematurely. According to a release from the attorney’s office, Meridian brought action in 2008 when the auto part conglomerate ended the contract drafted in 2005. The contract put Meridian in charge of the “development and placement of (O’Reilly’s) print and radio advertising.” Meridian began handling O’Reilly’s
advertising in 2002 and renewed a contract in 2005. Once the action was brought, the Springfield, Missouri-based company counterclaimed against Meridian where it named Byerly as the other defendant. Byerly was named because O’Reilly claimed he misled the company into the contract and wanted damages for it. Byerly signed the contract in 2005 and retired to Clarendon County afterward. Johnson said he represented Byerly in other cases before representing him in the most recent one. Because Byerly was listed as a de-
DEATHS, A7 Earl Arthur Carter Robert John Kolb Jr. Linda Ragin Sallie Bracey
Joanne W. Charles Leroy Dixon Ransom Gooden Rosa M. Chestnut
fendant, he and the law office receive none of the $12.5 million judgment. O’Reilly wanted to void all payment due to Meridian and Byerly from 2005 to termination in 2008, which is estimated at $3.3 million, according to the release. The jury sided with the defense and awarded Byerly, who was represented by Johnson’s law firm, and Meridian a combined $12.5 million. The trial lasted four weeks and was held near the O’Reilly headquarters in Springfield. Johnson, who was there for the entire monthlong process, said he’s glad the jury listened to testimony and made the right call.
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