Senate panel advances Brig. Gen. Rob Stillwell to full Senate for adjutant general nomination

The South Carolina Senate Family and Veterans' Services Committee voted unanimously to advance Brigadier General Rob Stillwell’s nomination to the full Senate after a screening hearing during the committee’s morning session. The committee heard Stillwell’s statement, asked standard background questions, and received public and legislative praise for his record.

Stillwell told the committee he has served in the South Carolina National Guard for more than three decades, including combat deployments to Afghanistan, Kosovo and Kuwait, and said the Guard must remain “ready, relevant” for federal and state missions. “If you take care of your people, they will take care of you,” Stillwell said, summing up his personnel-focused approach.

The committee screening is the required step before a full-Senate confirmation vote. Committee staff confirmed receipt of Stillwell’s personal data questionnaire, statement of economic interest, a SLED background check, credit report and driving record. During the screening questions, Stillwell acknowledged a teenage driving-under-the-influence charge that was reduced to reckless driving, said he had been the subject of a federal, state or local investigation at some point, confirmed a tax lien or collection action had been instituted against him, answered that he had filed for bankruptcy, and acknowledged prior discipline or citation for ethics or unprofessional conduct. He answered “no” when asked whether he or family members currently own businesses that contract with the state or federal government tied to the office he would hold.

Committee members asked about operational priorities and readiness. Stillwell described the Guard’s dual federal and state missions — to “close with and engage the enemies of the United States” on federal orders and to respond to disasters and crises under the governor’s direction at the state level — and said recruiting and retention are the Guard’s “number one” challenge. He told senators he plans to conduct a deliberate, organization-wide inspection before making specific funding or program requests to the legislature.

Multiple committee members and guests praised Stillwell’s leadership and past responses to emergencies. A senator representing Spartanburg credited Stillwell’s presence and rapid response after an inland hurricane, while others noted letters of recommendation that described his integrity, compassion and leadership. Stillwell introduced family and supporters in the room, including his wife, and thanked legislators for their service.

After discussion, Senator Kershaw moved to advance the nomination and the motion was seconded. The committee approved the motion by voice vote with no opposition recorded; proxies from Senators Fernandez, Clymer and Tedder were recorded in the affirmative. The committee chair announced the nomination will be scheduled for a full Senate vote at an appropriate future time.

Stillwell closed the hearing by reiterating his focus on soldiers, airmen, state guardsmen and civilian employees and saying he “looks forward to answering your questions, and I look forward to earning your support.”