By Mike CoxMWC423@bellsouth.net

(L)Paige Jones, Richland County CASA, and Stephany Snowden, Director of Public Information for Richland County prepare for the 10-minute live presentation. Photo contributed by Richland County

Stephany Snowden, Joe Cronin, and Milton Pope had a brief celebration when they learned the county was a finalist in the All American City award. The application had been difficult to complete, requiring much effort and research. The National Civic League (NCL) is a thorough organization.

After calming a bit, Cronin said," The hardest part is still to come." The task force learned from Orangeburg County the NCL wasn't interested in rhetoric or fluff. The judges for the event wouldn't be easily impressed. The ten minute live presentation would need to be extraordinary to win the award.

Cronin came up with the idea of using a drill sergeant. It would salute all soldiers serving in perilous places and focus on Fort Jackson.

The 30 or so delegates, dressed in sky blue golf shirts and fatigues, marched into the auditorium in time to an original cadence. They were led by Sergeant David Dowden, a drill sergeant at Fort Jackson, and husband of Richland public information officer Jennifer Dowden.

"Up in the morning with the Carolina sun Richland County's getting it done. Columbia, Irmo, Blythewood, too Richland County has a mighty fine crew. Richland County is the place to be An All American community."

When the judge asked the delegation if they were ready, Sergeant Dowden asked his platoon the same question, in his drill sergeant voice.

The reply was a rousing, "Sir, yes, Sir."

Sergeant Dowden ordered his troops at ease, and Milton Pope began the presentation explaining how Richland County's corporate and non- profit groups had stepped up to assist Gulf Coast residents after Hurricane Katrina.

A family that benefited from Palmetto Health's Richland Care program gave first hand testimony on the benefits of that program. Dr. Sorensen and Cocky told how InnoVista came to be.

Steve Camp, from the Convention and Sports Bureau, discussed the area's award winning library, museums, and Riverbanks Zoo. Dr. Sonny White of Midlands Tech explained Fort Jackson's importance to the Midlands, and Preston Winkler from the Greater Columbia Community Relations Council told the story of the Bantu relocation.

The star of the presentation was Shelena Tate. The 22 -year-old, a recent graduate of Midlands Tech, told her story. Through Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), she was able to keep her hope alive as she moved through foster homes after being removed from her abusive parents at five. Tate plans to continue her education.

People from different age groups, races, socio backgrounds, and belief systems, came together to complete the presentation. The National Civic League was impressed enough to proclaim Richland County an All American Community.

For most of the participants, this wasn't the culmination of their efforts, but the beginning. Using the momentum from Anaheim, the delegates want to solve local problems with the same teamwork and effort.

Stephany Snowden said she felt God's hand at work during the contest. "It was more than people working together. There was something spiritual at work out there."