Blog

Old Dominion University ROTC cadets Liam Clement, Wesley Myers and Oshea Bego speak about the Old Dominion University shooting and their heroic instructor Lt. Col. Brandon Shah.

Old Dominion University ROTC cadets Liam Clement, Wesley Myers and Oshea Bego recount the March 12 campus shooting where their instructor, Lt. Col. Brandon Shah, was killed heroically stopping the assailant. The cadets detail their swift response, utilizing medical and defensive tactics to protect students and address the threat. They praise Shah as an exemplary leader who fostered a family-like environment.

Brigadier General (Ret.) James E. Mace, Sr., passed away peacefully at home on April 14, 2026, surrounded by his wife, two daughters, and his dogs. He was 85 years old.

Born in Hampton, South Carolina, Gen. Mace was the son of James Archibald Mace, Esq., a lawyer, former Mayor of Hampton, and later lead counsel for Santee Cooper during the building of Lakes Marion and Moultrie, and Iva Marie Mace (née Thomas), who served 42 years as the Hampton County Director of DSS, a woman so devoted to her community that a building was named in her honor. He spent his high school summers digging ditches for the South Carolina Highway Department for 33 cents an hour. He never forgot where he came from. He was a son of the Lowcountry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Thomas Archibald Mace, and his sisters Shirley and Mary.

He graduated from The Citadel in 1963 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the infantry. What followed was one of the most decorated military careers in the history of South Carolina.

Early Career and Vietnam

His early assignments included serving as an assistant Battalion Operations and Training Officer with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. He deployed twice to Vietnam – first as an advisor to a Republic of Vietnam airborne battalion in 1965-1966, and again as a rifle company commander and Brigade Operations Officer with the 1st Air Cavalry Division in 1968-1969. His third tour of combat was in the Dominican Republic coup de tat of 1965.

It was during that second Vietnam tour that he distinguished himself in ways that would define a generation.

From December 2-4, 1968, near Dong Xoai, Captain Mace led his company through a series of engagements that can only be described as extraordinary. When his point element came under heavy fire, he moved forward and directed a flanking movement that forced the enemy from their bunkers. He personally led a rescue party to save the crew of a downed helicopter under intense, direct enemy fire. He carried a wounded men to safety while exposed to vicious enemy fire, then stood up to spot enemy gunners, personally killing two and wounding three. When the enemy attempted to encircle his company, he ordered a withdrawal and stayed behind alone to direct rocket artillery to within one hundred meters of his own position. The following day, after mines and heavy machine gun fire caused several casualties, he led his men on an assault of enemy fortifications, killing multiple enemy combatants and rescuing wounded soldiers from under hostile fire. As a result of his actions, a major enemy supply complex was destroyed and he pulled out every soldier dead or alive.

For these actions, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross with V Device- the second highest military decoration for valor in the United States Army. General Orders No. 838, Headquarters U.S. Army Vietnam, March 9, 1969.

That was who Gen. Mace was. He stayed behind so others could go home.

A Distinguished Military Career

Following Vietnam, Gen. Mace served in a series of senior assignments. He commanded a basic combat training company, served as a brigade personnel officer, and returned to South Carolina in 1970 as an ROTC instructor at The Citadel. Following a below-the-zone promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, he attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College at Quantico, Virginia.

He subsequently served at the Pentagon as Chief of the Editorial Branch in the Joint Secretariat, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and as an action and executive officer for the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Department of the Army, from 1973-1976.

He returned to the 82nd Airborne Division from 1976-1979, serving as Brigade Operations and Training Officer, Battalion Executive Officer, and Division Inspector General. In January 1980, he took command of his first battalion, the 3rd Battalion, 5th Infantry, in Panama. In October 1981, he assumed command of his second battalion, the 2nd Battalion (Ranger), 75th Infantry, at Fort Lewis, Washington. He then attended the US Army War College.

He reported to Fort Benning, Georgia in 1985 as a Special Projects Officer for the Commanding General and Chief of Infantry, authoring FM 7-85 (Ranger Unit Operations and Training). He subsequently commanded the 1st Infantry Training Brigade before becoming Director of the Ranger Department of the Infantry School – leading the conversion of the Ranger Department to a TO&E unit and becoming the first Commander of the Ranger Training Brigade, his second brigade command.

In 1988, he became the Assistant Division Commander, Support, 6th Infantry Division (Light), at Fort Richardson, Alaska. He completed his active duty military career as Chief of Staff, 4th US Army, at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, retiring in 1991.

Education and Qualifications

Gen. Mace was a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, Ranger School, the Armor Advanced Course, the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the Army War College. He also completed Advanced Management Programs at Rutgers University and the University of Maryland, and holds a Master’s degree from The Citadel.

He wore the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Master Parachutist Badge with star for combat jump with over 500 jumps under his belt.

Awards and Decorations

His commendations include the Distinguished Service Cross with V Device, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device and four Oak Leaf Clusters (three for Valor), the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal and Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device and three Oak Leaf Clusters (three for Valor).

Honors and Legacy

Gen. Mace is one of the most highly decorated graduates of The Citadel for valor in combat. His portrait hangs in The Citadel Library. He was inducted into the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame, the Military Hall of Honor, and the Military Times Hall of Valor. He is one of only four members of The Citadel Class of 1963 designated as Distinguished Alumni.

Post-Military Service

Upon retirement, Gen. Mace returned to Charleston, South Carolina, where he practiced real estate, served as Director of Safety for the South Carolina Department of Corrections, and became Commandant of Cadets at The Citadel from 1997-2005 – the longest tenure of any Commandant in the institution’s history.

He served as Chairman Emeritus of the Board of South Carolina Federal Credit Union, an institution with $2.6 billion in assets, 150,000 members, and 30 branches across the state. He also served as Director Emeritus of the National Ranger Memorial Foundation.

Family

Dr. Anne J. Mace was his devoted wife for 61 years. Together they are the parents of Elizabeth Anne Mace McGrath (John), Doctoral Candidate Mary Frances Mace, U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Ruth Mace, and COL James Emory Mace, Jr., MD, FACS, U.S. Army (Elizabeth); and grandparents to 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

In his final days, he was surrounded by the people and the dogs he loved most, he found faith. He met Jesus. And then he went Home.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

Gen. Mace will be laid to rest on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Summerall Chapel, The Citadel at 5:00PM and will be interred immediately following the service at The Citadel Memorial Bell Tower Columbarium. Reception to follow at Mark Clark Hall. The public is invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to The Class of 1963 Scholarship at the Citadel Development Foundation, or to Roper Hospice.

Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.

They learned he was working to hold back a tide he could never fully stop: mounting medical bills, shrinking savings, and the constant fear that one emergency could break everything. Retirement wasn’t a chapter he’d postponed; it was a luxury that had quietly slipped out of reach. Yet he never asked for sympathy or a way out. He simply treated each day as another obligation he refused to abandon

His story spread through the workplace and beyond, not because it was unique, but because it wasn’t. People recognized their parents, neighbors, even themselves in his quiet persistence. It forced difficult questions about how easily someone’s struggle can hide behind a polite smile and a timecard. In the end, what stayed with everyone was not just his burden, but his dignity: a man carrying more than he should, because he felt there was no one else who could.

What began as a rare night of unity between President Trump and the press corps dissolved into a raw test of survival. In the Washington Hilton ballroom, more than 2,000 guests dove under linen-draped tables as shots rang out near the magnetometers. Onstage, Trump, Melania, Vice President JD Vance and senior aides were yanked away by agents who had rehearsed this moment but hoped never to live it. One agent took a close-range hit to the chest, his vest the only barrier between routine duty and a national tragedy.

Outside the ballroom, witnesses watched the alleged gunman, later identified as California teacher Cole Allen, assemble a “long” weapon in an unsecured service area before charging toward the president’s location. He was tackled and pinned to the lobby floor within seconds, yet the psychological damage was done. Shaken journalists and officials huddled in back rooms, texting families from lockdown. Trump, visibly moved, later spoke of a “totally unified” room and pleaded for an end to political violence. The dinner will be rescheduled, he vowed. The illusion of safety may not return so easily.

n an ordinary day in Brazil, a quiet moment in a bicycle parking lot turned into the beginning of an unexpected rescue story. People passed through the area as they always did, focused on their routines and responsibilities. Yet tucked between parked bicycles was a  dog named Leila, curled into a small space where she hoped to remain unnoticed.

She was not resting peacefully.

Leila was crying softly, and her body showed signs that something was very wrong.

Her abdomen appeared dramatically swollen, large enough that many people initially assumed she was pregnant. But her posture told another story. Instead of the calm stillness often seen in expectant animals, Leila shifted uncomfortably. She could not seem to settle in one place for long. Each movement suggested that something inside her body was causing serious discomfort.

Fortunately, someone nearby paid attention.

A security guard noticed her distress and decided not to ignore it.

With one simple phone call, Leila’s story began to change.

Video They Thought She Was Pregnant But Leila Was Carrying Something Far More Dangerous

The moment someone chose to act

It is easy to overlook situations that seem complicated or uncertain. Many people assume someone else will step in, or they worry they might misunderstand what they see. But compassion often begins with a single decision to pause and care.

The security guard who spotted Leila chose to take that step.

After observing her condition, he contacted local rescuers who quickly arranged to transport the dog to a veterinary clinic. The goal was simple. Understand what was happening and help her find relief.

Once Leila arrived at the clinic, veterinary professionals began a full medical examination.

What they discovered surprised everyone.

A diagnosis no one expected

Although Leila’s swollen abdomen resembled pregnancy, medical tests revealed a completely different cause. She was suffering from a condition known as ascites, which occurs when fluid builds up inside the abdominal cavity.

This buildup of fluid creates pressure within the body. As the pressure increases, organs may become compressed, and normal movement becomes difficult. The swelling can also lead to fatigue and significant discomfort.

In Leila’s case, the condition had progressed far enough to make everyday movement extremely challenging.

Veterinarians immediately began addressing her pain and stabilizing her condition. When they administered medication to relieve her discomfort, a noticeable change appeared almost instantly.

Her tense body relaxed.

Her breathing became calmer.

Some members of the medical team even described her expression as looking like a small smile. For the first time since she had been discovered in the parking lot, Leila appeared able to rest without distress.

However, medication alone could not fully resolve the problem.

Surgery was necessary to correct the condition safely.

A delicate and carefully planned procedure

Veterinary surgery requires careful preparation, especially when a patient is already weakened or uncomfortable. In Leila’s case, the medical team developed a detailed plan to address the fluid buildup and evaluate the underlying cause of her condition.

The procedure required precision and patience.

Veterinarians carefully managed the fluid in her abdomen while ensuring that her vital organs remained stable throughout the process. Every step of the operation focused on restoring balance within her body.

The surgery was successful.

When Leila woke up from the procedure, the difference was visible immediately. The unnatural swelling that once stretched her abdomen had disappeared. The tension that had made movement difficult was gone.

But surgery was only the first step toward recovery.

Learning to move again

After the operation, Leila began a period of recovery that required both medical care and patience. Her body had spent a long time adjusting to the pressure caused by fluid buildup. Now she needed time to relearn how normal movement felt.

At first, her steps were slow and uncertain.

She moved cautiously, as though testing each motion before committing to it fully. Veterinary staff encouraged her gently, allowing her to explore movement at her own pace.

Progress came gradually.

One of the earliest positive signs was her appetite. Leila quickly showed enthusiasm for food, which indicated that her energy levels were improving. Proper nutrition became an important part of her recovery plan, helping her rebuild strength and maintain  healthy body function.

As the days passed, her confidence grew.

Her tail began to wag more frequently. She approached caregivers with curiosity rather than hesitation. The quiet  dog who once hid in a parking lot began to explore her surroundings with growing interest.

Small improvements appeared every day.

And each improvement brought renewed optimism.

A transformation that surprised everyone

By the end of her recovery period, Leila looked almost like a completely different dog from the one first discovered in the bicycle parking area.

Her body now appeared balanced and healthy. The uncomfortable swelling had disappeared, replaced by natural movement and steady posture.

Her eyes, once filled with discomfort, now reflected alert curiosity.

She rested comfortably on a warm bed instead of a cold concrete surface.

She ate nutritious meals regularly.

And perhaps most importantly, she was surrounded by people who responded when she needed help.

No one walked past her anymore.

The power of timely care

Leila’s story does not involve dramatic moments or large scale rescue operations. Instead, it highlights something equally important.

Timely care.

A single individual chose to make a phone call rather than look away. Veterinary professionals responded quickly with knowledge and compassion. Together, those actions created a path toward recovery that might otherwise never have existed.

Many  health conditions develop quietly. Without attention, they can worsen over time and become increasingly difficult to treat. Early intervention often makes the difference between a long struggle and a manageable recovery.

Leila’s experience demonstrates how powerful that principle can be.

When compassion meets action

It is easy to believe that meaningful change requires grand gestures or extraordinary resources. But Leila’s story reminds us that meaningful change often begins with something simple.

Noticing.

Caring.

Acting.

The security guard who spotted Leila did not perform surgery or administer medical treatment. Yet his decision to make a call connected her with the people who could.

That moment of awareness set everything in motion.

Conclusion

Leila’s journey from a bicycle parking lot in Brazil to a safe and comfortable recovery environment shows how timely compassion can transform a difficult situation into a hopeful outcome. What initially appeared to be pregnancy turned out to be ascites, a medical condition that required immediate veterinary attention and careful surgery.

Thanks to the quick response of a concerned observer and the skill of a dedicated veterinary team, Leila received the treatment she needed. After surgery and patient recovery, she regained her strength, her appetite, and her joyful personality.

Today she rests comfortably, surrounded by people who respond when she needs care.

Her story illustrates an important truth. Sometimes the most powerful rescue begins with a simple choice to notice a life in need and take one small step toward helping it.

The chaos lasted only minutes, but for those inside the Washington Hilton, it felt like the world had tilted on its axis. One moment, the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was gliding along on canned jokes and careful applause; the next, chairs were overturned, heels abandoned, and veteran reporters sobbing under linen-draped tables as radios crackled with the words no one ever wants to hear: “Shots fired.” On stage, the President and First Lady were swept away in a blur of black suits and drawn weapons, the room’s collective gaze fixed on the doors they had just disappeared through

Outside the ballroom, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen lay in handcuffs after a brief, violent exchange that left a Secret Service agent alive only because of a ballistic vest. Within hours, Allen’s life was being dissected: Caltech graduate, computer science master’s degree, admired tutor, no criminal record, no known history with law enforcement. Neighbors in Torrance watched armored vehicles roll past manicured lawns as federal agents searched his home, hunting for a motive that still hasn’t surfaced. Inside Washington, attention shifted quickly from survival to accountability. Commentators drew a straight, chilling line from Reagan’s 1981 shooting at the same hotel to this latest brush with catastrophe, asking how a man so heavily armed got so close, again.

By the time Trump reappeared at the White House, still in black tie, the narrative was already hardening. He praised the agent who took the bullet, posted footage of the suspect’s arrest, and promised answers. Investigators collected shell casings, scoured Allen’s devices, and urged anyone with information to come forward, while the mayor insisted there was no broader threat. Yet for the people who heard those five to eight deafening cracks, the assurances rang thin. They had watched a routine night in Washington — a night built on the illusion of control — disintegrate in seconds.

For the Secret Service, the incident joins a growing list of near-misses that will intensify scrutiny over how close danger is allowed to creep toward the presidency. For the country, it is another reminder that even the most choreographed rituals of power sit on a knife-edge, one unstable stranger away from disaster.

Trump’s account of the chaos captures a surreal shift from glitz to terror. One moment, he was seated between Melania and senior officials, expecting to deliver a sharp, combative speech; the next, a sound he mistook for a dropped tray turned out to be gunfire from outside the secure perimeter. As Secret Service agents moved in, Melania was among the first to sense danger, calling it “a bad noise” before they were swept from the ballroom.

In the aftermath, Trump praised the speed and discipline of law enforcement, insisting they “hadn’t breached the area” before the suspect was taken down. Yet even as the event was canceled and guests were left shaken, he vowed not to let “sick people” dictate public life. The shelved speech may never be heard as written, but he promised the dinner will return—stripped of innocence, but not of defiance.

Every dog deserves a life filled with love, comfort, and dignity, especially in their most challenging moments. Unfortunately, not all four-legged friends are lucky enough to grow up in a loving family.

But even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope—a rainbow after the storm. This is the story of Gus, a brave and resilient dog whose journey from suffering to love has touched hearts across the world.

And today, as we celebrate his 12th birthday, we honor his incredible spirit and the kindness of those who gave him a second chance.

A Dog in Despair

For years, Gus wandered the streets of Texas, facing the harsh realities of life as a stray. Cold nights, hunger, and loneliness became his everyday existence.

But what set Gus apart from other homeless dogs was a severe medical condition—he had developed a large tumor near one of his eyes.

His body bore the scars of neglect, but his heart remained unbroken.

He longed for love, and despite his suffering, he still wagged his tail at passersby, hoping for a kind soul to stop and help.

A Lifeline from Afar

Gus’s story came to light when the SNARR Animal Rescue Northeast, a dedicated rescue organization based in New York, learned about his dire situation.

The organization specializes in helping animals with special needs—those who are often overlooked because of their medical conditions or past traumas. When SNARR heard about Gus, they knew they had to act fast.

Transporting Gus from Texas to New York was no small feat. It required meticulous planning and significant financial resources, but the team was determined.

Volunteers coordinated his journey, ensuring he received the care and comfort he desperately needed along the way.

It was a long road to safety, but Gus was finally on his way to a new beginning.

The Reality of His Condition

When Gus arrived at the rescue center, it was clear that his condition was more severe than anticipated. The tumor near his eye was growing, causing discomfort and posing a serious health risk.

In addition to this, Gus tested positive for heartworm, a life-threatening disease that required immediate treatment. He was also underweight, weak, and suffering from the effects of prolonged neglect.

Despite his ailments, Gus never lost his gentle nature. He greeted his caregivers with wagging tails and warm eyes, as if he knew he was finally in safe hands.

The medical team wasted no time in devising a treatment plan to address his multiple health concerns. The first step was surgery to remove the tumor, a risky procedure given his fragile state.

A Fight for Survival

Gus’s surgery was delicate and complex, but the veterinarians did everything in their power to give him the best possible chance. The operation was successful, and for the first time in a long while, Gus was free from the tumor that had plagued him.

However, his journey was far from over. The battle against heartworm had just begun, and his recovery required extensive post-operative care, medication, and a proper diet to help him regain his strength.

The rescue organization reached out to the public for support, and thousands of compassionate individuals responded. Donations poured in, and messages of encouragement flooded social media.

People from all corners of the world rallied behind Gus, sending their love and prayers for his recovery.

A Forever Home and Unconditional Love

As Gus continued to heal, something extraordinary happened—he found a forever home. A kind-hearted family stepped forward, ready to give him the love and care he had always deserved.

They welcomed him with open arms, showering him with affection and ensuring his every need was met.

Gus quickly became an irreplaceable member of the family.

He was no longer a stray dog fighting for survival; he was a beloved companion with a warm bed, delicious meals, and endless cuddles. His new family adored him, treating him like the special soul he was.

One of Gus’s favorite activities was watching television with his family. He would curl up on the couch, listening to the voices on the screen, feeling comforted by the presence of his loved ones.

It was a simple pleasure, but for a dog who had known only hardship, it was a gift beyond measure.

A Legacy of Love

Gus’s story spread far and wide, inspiring countless people to take action for animals in need. He became a symbol of resilience, proving that even the most broken souls could heal with love and kindness.

His journey was a testament to the power of compassion—the idea that no animal should ever be left to suffer alone.

Sadly, despite all the love and care he received, Gus’s time on this earth was limited. His medical conditions had taken a toll on his body, and his health began to decline. But unlike before, he was not alone.

He spent his final days surrounded by the people who loved him deeply, basking in the warmth of their affection.

When the time came for Gus to cross the rainbow bridge, he did so with dignity and peace. He had experienced love, he had known kindness, and he had left an indelible mark on the world.

His family mourned his passing, but they found solace in knowing that he had spent his last days in happiness, free from suffering.

Happy 12th Birthday, Gus

Today, we celebrate what would have been Gus’s 12th birthday. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who followed his journey.

His story continues to inspire rescue efforts, encouraging people to extend a helping hand to animals in need.

Happy Birthday, Gus! You were a shining example of resilience, love, and hope. You reminded the world that every life matters, and your legacy will never be forgotten.

May you run free, pain-free, across the rainbow bridge, knowing that you were—and always will be—deeply loved.

A Call to Action

Gus’s story is a powerful reminder that we all have the ability to make a difference.

There are countless animals out there who, like Gus, are waiting for their second chance. If you see an animal in distress, don’t turn away—be the person who steps in to help.

Support your local animal rescues, adopt instead of shop, and spread awareness about the importance of animal welfare. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, can change a life.

Gus may no longer be here, but his impact will continue to shine brightly. Let’s honor his memory by ensuring that no animal is ever left to suffer alone.

Rest in peace, Gus. You were loved beyond words, and you will never be forgotten.