South carolina field staff
Benjamin Black
State director
Benjamin was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. The love of the outdoors is almost naturally engrained into anyone growing up in a coastal town. Benjamin joined the South Carolina Army National Guard when he was 17; having had multiple tours in the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Along with combat tours, Benjamin has had overseas training missions in Germany and Romania. Benjamin has led multiple State Active Duty missions for the State of South Carolina during hurricanes and floods. In 2010, the SCARNG successfully stood up its first Multi-Role Bridge Company where he has been serving as the Platoon SGT for the last 3 years. Now entering his 19th year of service, Benjamin has transferred to Brigade Level to be the 117th Engineer Brigade Combat Bridge Liaison. Benjamin teamed up with the South Carolina HHO Chapter in December of 2019. The HHO has provided an opportunity to continue to serve in another platform for him. Benjamin believes in the motto of “to reach one is to teach one” and wishes to keep that alive in current and new members of HHO. The HHO has also provided a much needed outlet with fellow Veterans for him. Benjamin is excited for the future of the South Carolina HHO Chapter and the legacy it will leave with not just his wife Emily and their children, but within the HHO community as well.
Brian Guzman
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Brian was born in Charlotte, North Carolina; however was raised in the upstate of South Carolina. He grew up fishing Lake Greenwood for Crappie, Catfish, and Striper. When he wasn’t on the lake, he was up in the mountains on the Chattooga River, fishing for trout with his family.
He joined the military at a later age than most, enlisting in the South Carolina Army National Guard
when he was 28 years old. During his first year, he volunteered to go with the 124th Engineer company
to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. After returning from deployment, he
returned to his home company of A co 151 Signal ESB, as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. Completing the
Hotel 8 Recovery School class at Fort Bragg he became the unit’s wrecker operator. Since then he has
responded to many State Emergences for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Icy Weather. Since discovering
HHO, he was able to experience some trips that included Striper fishing and even quality Quail hunting.
After seeing how much he benefited from the work of HHO, he decided to join as a Field Staff Member
in August 2020. He is very excited to join the HHO team, and looks forward to getting Active
Duty/Veterans/LEO’s out and able to enjoy the great outdoors of South Carolina!
Lee Turbeville
Lee was born and raised in Georgetown, South Carolina. The love of the outdoors has been one of his
top priorities his entire life growing up on the coast. Lee joined the South Carolina Army National Guard
when he was 17; completed a tour in Iraq and multiple state emergencies during his time of service.
Now Lee is an avid tournament fisherman and also enjoys spending his time deer an duck hunting as
well. Lee is a firm believer that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors just as he
does, HHO has provided him the ability to make sure veterans an LEOs alike get those same
opportunities.
MIchael Vork
As active duty drill Sergeant at Fort Jackson, Michael enjoys waterfowl hunting and fishing. He was born and raised in Florida, so fishing is his favorite passion to follow when not at work. Michael is currently active in the army for 8 years and has plans on developing his career. Michael has been to Fort Polk, Fort Leonardwood, Camp Humphries, Romania, and Afghanistan.
Michael looks forward to hosting trips and connecting with members to envoke tightlines and a lifetime of memories.
JC Crowder
JC is currently serving member of the SC Air National Guard and has been in for over 13 years. He owns an electronics company in Greenwood, SC where they specialize in installing avionics other electronics on planes, boats and more. When not working he is chasing Striped Bass, Catfish, and sometimes Crappie. JC has also worked in the past with "Serving those who Serve" and looks forward to connecting with members of the Hometown Hero Outdoors community.