It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic French quarter Charleston sc gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in North Charleston, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Best Senior Service Care in Charleston to work for. Christine and Rick are very positive”
“Very Professional and excellent staff.”
“Our family has been using the services of Always Best Care for the past six”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Always Best Care Charleston! I am truly blessed”
“Always Best Care caregivers have been taking care of Dad for over a year. We”
“Like most I was not prepared for the transition to being the responsible one for”
“We have had several senior services for my Mother that we were really not happy”
“Good Afternoon! I hope you're doing well! I wanted you to know that my dad”
“The absolute best caregiving company to work for hands down! Rick and Christine are genuine,”
“This is a great company to work for. All their caregivers are dedicated and caring.”
“These people are lifesavers! We searched for months to find an in-home care agency for”
“Always Best Care has constantly provided quality care services for my wife over many months”
“Couldn’t imagine a better team of people to take care of my loved ones. Rick”
“Rick and Christine, of Always Best Care Charleston, are the exact people I would trust”
“I've known Christine and Ricky Johnson for more than 30 years and would highly recommend”
“I joined Always Best Care as the Director of Operations about 3 months ago. I”
“I have known Christine and Rick for years. Their actions and words repeatedly demonstrate their”
“I couldn't be happier that Ricky and Christine Johnson have joined Always Best Care Senior”
“How fortunate the Charleston community is to have Always Best Care to serve the needs”
“I have known Christine and Rick Johnson both professionally and personally for over 20 years”
“Best Senior Service Care in Charleston to work for. Christine and Rick are very positive and supportive and for that I love my Job.”
“Very Professional and excellent staff.”
“Our family has been using the services of Always Best Care for the past six months and are grateful for the assistance provided to my elderly parents. Initially Rick, one of the owners, met with us along with my parents to closely assess their needs. His warm, friendly manner was helpful in persuading my father to give the assistance a try for two days per week. Rick listened carefully to choose the best match in caregivers, and we could not be more satisfied than we are with our parents' caregiver. She has quickly become essential in their lives and makes a huge difference in whether or not they can remain in their home. Her manner with my parents is professional, but loving, always--- always--- going the extra mile to meet their needs. She is knowledgeable, hard-working, caring, and trusted to do what is in their best interest. We are thankful that someone told us about Always Best Care and ever grateful for our caregiver.”
“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Always Best Care Charleston! I am truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful team! Christine and Rick are very dedicated to the work that they are doing, and it shows in everything they do. I have never had the pleasure of working for a company with more passionate and involved owners. They show up for their clients and caregivers in every way possible. They go above and beyond to treat everyone like family and enrich the lives of those around them. I am so grateful to be able to be a part of this journey and cannot wait to see all the great things they will accomplish!”
“Always Best Care caregivers have been taking care of Dad for over a year. We appreciate Christine and Rick very much. Quentin, Ann, Alexus , you and others have been a joy to have in our home and doing whatever needs to be done. You show your care and concern for Dad’s physical and emotional well being and you have become part of our family. I really rely on you when we can’t be home and know Dad is in good hands!!! Keep up the good work!!! Love you all.”
“Like most I was not prepared for the transition to being the responsible one for my Mom. Looking back there were signs of memory decline but after emergency surgery and move to rehab the combative paranoid person my sweet, witty, well read , soft spoken Mom became was shocking. Medication and skilled care were prescribed. Several missteps were made with both. Mom’s dark side resulted in first skilled care company dropping us which I totally understood. I was very straight with Christine and Rick regarding Mom’s recent ‘trips out on the ledge’. Rather than politely taking a pass on us...they spent 2 hours in person with us, 3 cumulative hours on the phone asking me questions and strategizing how to avoid the triggers that put Mom ‘on the ledge’, and 2 twelve hour days observing, testing and tweaking strategies. We are approaching 2 months with no major or reportable incidents. I don’t know how long this again found quality of life will last. I am thankful that one of the nurses referred me to ABC. I am tremendously thankful to be their client for the remainder of this journey.”
“We have had several senior services for my Mother that we were really not happy with, then we found Rick and his staff with Always Best Care. There name says it all ... always the best care. Their staff are warm, caring and assist my Mother seven days a week, and she loves seeing Rick. I couldn't ask for better care & highly recommend them to anyone who needs this type of service.”
“Good Afternoon! I hope you're doing well! I wanted you to know that my dad LOVES Rick and so does Amya!! I can't thank you guys enough for all that you guys are doing, not only for my father but me! Rick went out of his way today and that truly meant a lot :) My dad is so happy and that makes me happy! you guys rock!! thank you!!!”
“The absolute best caregiving company to work for hands down! Rick and Christine are genuine, loving individuals which make them amazing business owners/ bosses. They do not hesitate to make their employees and clients happy. I’m so thankful to have met these amazing people and be apart of their outstanding company.”
“This is a great company to work for. All their caregivers are dedicated and caring.”
“These people are lifesavers! We searched for months to find an in-home care agency for my aging mother. Previous agencies we used had high turnover and repeated no-shows, leaving us scrambling to adjust and worried sick about Covid exposure from a revolving door of caregivers. Christine and her staff came to our rescue and changed all that. Their caregivers were patient, loving, dedicated and RELIABLE. They provide service at the highest level and we would wholeheartedly recommend them to others. My mother deserves the best care and I wouldn't use anyone else.”
“Always Best Care has constantly provided quality care services for my wife over many months of required assistance. The caregivers provide professional services with a loving touch. They have always addressed any questions or concerns immediately with kindness. The administration checks with me, periodically, for a review and any input for improvement. I highly recommend this company.”
“Couldn’t imagine a better team of people to take care of my loved ones. Rick and Christine are the kindest and most genuine people. Their years of work in the customer service industry truly show through the care they provide to others. Aside from the physical and emotional care they provide, which is most important, they are reliable, punctual, trustworthy, and their connections with others last a lifetime. Everyone is family with Rick and Christine.”
“Rick and Christine, of Always Best Care Charleston, are the exact people I would trust and choose to care for my aging loved ones. They are loving, patient, knowledgeable and extremely detail oriented. They have decades of experience in the customer service industry and truly value the relationships with each of their clients.”
“I've known Christine and Ricky Johnson for more than 30 years and would highly recommend their services! They've built businesses from the ground up and this one is / will be a perfect fit for them and their clients. They come from, and have created, a large family where assisting others is part of their everyday lives. Their caring nature, solid work ethic and integrity will be highlighted through Always Best Care Senior Services Charleston and will be to the benefit of clients' loved ones.”
“I joined Always Best Care as the Director of Operations about 3 months ago. I bring 15 years experience in senior living to this brand new non medical home care company. We have put together an excellent team of personal assistant’s and are ready to accept new clients.”
“I have known Christine and Rick for years. Their actions and words repeatedly demonstrate their high expectation of what it takes to nurture a loving family and to be active members of a positive, supportive community. Both clients and employees will benefit from their consistent standard of compassionate honesty & integrity as well as the positive energy they bring to every encounter. I recommend them without reservation.”
“I couldn't be happier that Ricky and Christine Johnson have joined Always Best Care Senior Services. From years of experience in dedicated customer service to the love and care of their own (and extended) family, this is a wonderful fit! The Johnson's tireless work ethic, attention to detail and heart for people should give family members of clients absolute confidence and trust in their care. Bravo!”
“How fortunate the Charleston community is to have Always Best Care to serve the needs of seniors. Rick and Christine Johnson, known for their dedication to helping others, have prayerfully commited to finding and nurturing the best team possible to assist them on this mission. Thank you, Rick and Christine, for offering families peace of mind for the care of loved ones.”
“I have known Christine and Rick Johnson both professionally and personally for over 20 years now. I know them to be caring and loving. I with no reservations would have them care for my 93 year old father, If I still lived in the Charleston area. I can not state a higher praise to their character and integrity than that. Allen Sandridge”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Quarterman Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse or visit Historic Cemetery, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in North Charleston, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in North Charleston, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in North Charleston, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Marine investigators say an F-35B stealth fighter pilot grew disoriented amid multiple system failures while flying in stormy weather over North Charleston in 2023, prompting the pilot to eject even though the jet was still capable of flying.Investigators identified an "electrical event" during the flight that triggered multiple malfunctions, including the aircraft's radios, transponder and air navigation system.Glitches also caused the plane's $400,000 helmet-mounted display to flicker at least three times.But...
Marine investigators say an F-35B stealth fighter pilot grew disoriented amid multiple system failures while flying in stormy weather over North Charleston in 2023, prompting the pilot to eject even though the jet was still capable of flying.
Investigators identified an "electrical event" during the flight that triggered multiple malfunctions, including the aircraft's radios, transponder and air navigation system.
Glitches also caused the plane's $400,000 helmet-mounted display to flicker at least three times.
But the investigation concluded that the pilot's decision to bail out of the jet was "ultimately inappropriate" because other instrumentation was "partially operational." As proof, the report said: "Furthermore, the aircraft continued to fly for an extended period after ejection."
The Marine Corps report redacted the pilot's name, but a Defense News story Oct. 31 identified him as Col. Charles "Tre" Del Pizzo, 49.
The Marine investigative report said no punitive actions were taken against the pilot. However, Defense News quoted Del Pizzo as saying he recently lost command of a squadron in Arizona because of the mishap.
The report comes more than a year after two Beaufort-based F-35Bs were flying near thunderstorms over Charleston International Airport. Under these dark clouds, one pilot ejected. But his F-35B kept flying.
Search parties deployed across the region, hunting for a crash site. The situation grew more bizarre as time passed without any evidence of a crash. Social media memes spread, including one with an F-35 on a milk carton and the word “Missing” splashed across it.
About 27 hours later, search crews finally found the wreckage. Debris was strewn across a field and swamp in the Indiantown community in rural Williamsburg County, about 64 miles from North Charleston. The crash had burned patches of pines brown and scattered fragments across a cotton field.
Military cleanup units arrived, erected signs declaring the area a national defense zone and excavated a crater big enough to hold a couple of trucks.
Then, more than a year passed without any word about what caused the ejection, a delay that raised eyebrows. The Marine Corps normally issues a preliminary report within a few months, Dan Grazier, a defense expert with the Stimson Center think tank, told The Post and Courier earlier this year.
“The longer (the investigation) drags out and we don’t hear about the findings, the more suspicious it gets that there’s some systemic problem with the aircraft,” he said.
The Marine investigation ultimately found a combination of system and pilot errors led to the ejection and crash.
In its investigation, the Marine Corps said the Beaufort-based pilots knew the weather might be bad over Charleston the afternoon of Sept. 17, 2023, but forecasters predicted at least four miles of visibility, so the mission went forward.
But the weather soon grew worse, with lightning detected within 10 miles of Joint Base Charleston. The two pilots completed their training mission and planned to land at the Charleston base. One landed, but the second ran into trouble.
The F-35B is capable of hovering, and as the pilot neared the base, he pressed a button that converts the aircraft from conventional flight to hover mode.
A minute later, displays began to malfunction, the Marine report found. The pilot (identified by Defense News as Col. Del Pizzo) raised his landing gear and put the plane back into its non-hover mode.
In an interview with investigators, the pilot said his helmet-mounted display flickered. The display allows pilots to see through the jet's gray skin, thanks to six external infrared cameras on the plane. It also is the pilot's critical link to flight and tactical sensors.
The pilot said he saw multiple malfunctions on his helmet display, and that he thought the jet might have an engine problem. He lost contact with air traffic controllers. He saw more failures.
"Unsure of which instruments he could trust, (the pilot) perceived he had entered out-of-control flight."
The pilot then "ejected from a flyable aircraft, albeit during a heavy rainstorm compounded with aircraft electrical and display malfunctions," investigators later concluded.
The Marines offered somewhat conflicting details about his experience.
One section of the report described him as a "highly experienced fighter/attack pilot" and an instructor VMFAT-501 in Beaufort. Yet, he also was "relative novice in the F-35B." Another section noted that the pilot had more than 1,200 flight hours on the F-35 before the mishap.
Del Pizzo's official Marine Corps biography said he is from Atlanta and completed his Marine Corps Parris Island training in 1993. He was deployed six times, including roles in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, the Second Gulf War and Operation Inherent Resolve, the international war against the Islamic State. He had more than 3,000 hours in multiple military and civilian aircraft.
Ejecting from a fighter jet is a lesson in violence. A line of explosives blows off the canopy. Straps pin a pilot's arms and legs to the seat. Air bags inflate around the pilot's neck and head. A rocket fires, launching the pilot into the air, a process that generates as much as 18 Gs.
During Del Pizzo's ejection, the force ripped off his helmet and mask. The pilot saw he was floating into a residential neighborhood and used his steering toggles to avoid power lines and land in a backyard. A resident helped him into the kitchen and called 911.
The Post and Courier obtained a recording of that call.
“… I guess we got a pilot in our house, and he says he got ejected, or he ejected from the plane,” the resident told the dispatcher. “So can we just see if we can get an ambulance please?”
“I’m sorry, what happened?” the dispatcher said.
Del Pizzo took the phone.
“I’m the pilot. We need to get rescue rolling. I’m not sure where the airplane is. It would have crash-landed somewhere. I ejected.”
Del Pizzo said he was OK but that his back hurt. The dispatcher asked, "OK, and what caused the fall?"
“An aircraft failure,” Del Pizzo answered.
After paramedics arrived, Del Pizzo walked to the ambulance and was taken to the Medical University of South Carolina.
Above, his plane traced an unusual route.
It flew "in a nominally trimmed condition" for 11 minutes and 21 seconds, climbing at a 10-degree angle to about 9,300 feet, then descending in a right turn.
The jet then began "clipping the top of a densely forested area," the report found.
The investigation concludes the jet was able to continue flying due to its "advanced automatic flight-control systems."
The report said Air Force personnel in Charleston lost contact with the plane near Bonneau, about 25 miles north of the base.
Marine investigators offered several reasons for the 27-hour delay in finding the wreckage: the loss of radar contact; its flight below air traffic control's radar horizon; and its stealth technology.
Investigators cleared the pilot of dereliction of duty. Del Pizzo assumed command of a squadron in Yuma, Arizona, in June, months after investigators had done much of its investigation.
But on Oct. 2, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Bradford Gering relieved Del Pizzo of his command in Yuma, Defense News reported. Gering reportedly cited a "loss of trust and confidence in his ability to execute the responsibilities of his command.”
The Post and Courier could not immediately reach Del Pizzo for comment.
The report comes against a background of air space successes and questions about the jet's reliability.
Together, the three F-35 variants make up the nation’s most expensive weapons program and among the most important. It's known as a fifth generation fighter, meaning it was designed to replace stalwarts such as the F-16 and F-18 fighters.
The Marines said the plane's loss amounted to $100 million, but other cost data suggest a higher price tag of about $150 million apiece, including all necessary and supplies.
The ejection and crash in South Carolina follow at least 10 other F-35 crashes since 2018 and come amid longstanding questions about mounting costs, which may pass the $2 trillion mark for the whole program, according to one recent federal report.
For nearly four years, the Air Force limited certain F-35s from flying near thunderstorms over fears that lightning could cause the fuel system to explode.
Inadequate training and the lack of spare parts also have been chronic problems. The U.S. fleet of F-35s has failed its readiness goals for the past six years, the Government Accountability Office said in an Oct. 21, 2024, analysis.
At the same time, F-35s are being used increasingly in combat operations, including Israel's recent attack against Iran.
Published: Oct. 29, 2024 at 1:45 PM PDT|NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments hosted a celebration of progress for South Carolina’s first-ever mass transit system.Leaders gathered on Tuesday at the future site of the Shipwatch Square Transit Center, located at 3621 Rivers Ave. in North Charleston.“This is the center of the Lowcountry Rapid Transit corridor. This becomes a hub of transit, multi-modal access and workforce development. A one-stop shop for all y...
Published: Oct. 29, 2024 at 1:45 PM PDT|
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments hosted a celebration of progress for South Carolina’s first-ever mass transit system.
Leaders gathered on Tuesday at the future site of the Shipwatch Square Transit Center, located at 3621 Rivers Ave. in North Charleston.
“This is the center of the Lowcountry Rapid Transit corridor. This becomes a hub of transit, multi-modal access and workforce development. A one-stop shop for all your needs,” Principal Transit Planner Sharon Hollis said.
The event functioned as a progress report for the work done so far with the public getting a chance to hear from those who have worked most closely on this system. The project has hit its halfway mark since planning began in 2019 and leaders are looking at around 60% of the final design.
The project is estimated to open to the public in 2029.
The Lowcountry Rapid Transit System is set to be a 21.3-mile modern bus rapid transit system to provide reliable forms of transportation between various places in the region.
The recommended route for the LCRT, though subject to change as they work through the design plan, would run from Ladson to downtown Charleston across 20 stations. Transit users would have access to 7,600 daily trips with a 21-hour weekday service.
The line would run in dedicated lanes along the sides and center median of busy roads, like Rivers Avenue. Each station would have real-time signage, Wi-Fi, lighting and off-board fare payment.
It would also add road safety improvements for heavily traveled roads and added facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. This includes sidewalks, crosswalks and pathways.
According to the transit group, Rivers Avenue has a 200% higher crash rate than the state’s average. The project would add 34 pedestrian crosswalks there.
“When they provide better for their families, their mindsets are higher and they can invest,” Mayor Reggie Burgess said. “This system builds generational wealth.”
Leaders said it was challenging to create an extensive plan that did not interrupt the function of existing communities but adds to them.
“What we’ve done is design a transit system that goes through communities that are alive, vibrant and active, and it adds to that. It does not displace anyone, “Chairman Mike Seekings said. “It allows communities to add things they don’t have, like housing.”
The corridor alone is expected to see a job growth of 30% and a household increase of 50% over the next 20 years.
The project requires funding from both the 2016 and 2024 transportation sales tax referendums, $250 million from 2016 and a portion of the total $648 million from 2024. There will also be $5 million from the federal government to cover construction.
The system would provide connectivity to more than 60 healthcare and hospital systems, five colleges and universities and several neighborhoods, community centers, jobs, entertainment, grocery stores and more.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
Can't start the morning/afternoon/life without a large cup of caffeine? Try one of these local coffee purveyors for a fix. Whether it's free wifi or a cozy atmosphere, there's a place for each need. Read MoreEater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.A s...
Can't start the morning/afternoon/life without a large cup of caffeine? Try one of these local coffee purveyors for a fix. Whether it's free wifi or a cozy atmosphere, there's a place for each need.
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.
A savior for the citizens of Park Circle, The Orange Spot Coffeehouse supplies caffeine to North Charleston. The setting recently expanded with a new address but maintains the same cozy atmosphere. Try the cha yen, a traditional Thai iced tea.
Not only does Owlbear make an excellent cold brew or a iced caramel macchiato (if you’re into that), but this cafe puts out filling bagel sandwiches, waffles, and fancy grilled cheeses.
The Harbinger is a whimsical space full of plants, Instagram-worthy shelves full of treasures, and cozy seating. The coffee drinks are creative, like the maple latte or the Jack Rudy espresso tonic, but do not miss the baked goods — customers are instantly hooked on creations like a take on Rice Krispy Treats with puffed brown rice, tahini, and chocolate. Check out the sister cafe Harken when visiting the heart of downtown.
The couple behind Sightsee Coffee, Allyson Sutton and Joel Sadler, moved their shop to a larger space just steps away from Hampton Park and their home. The space is bright and airy, with room to linger over a coffee drink and pastries from Little Peanut Bakeshop. The customers can take their espressos to go for a stroll in the park.
In addition to expertly prepared espresso drinks, Mercantile offers free wifi, plentiful seating, and a full breakfast and lunch menu — what’s not to love. Oh, and parking. Sold.
The Daily is the place to go for a morning coffee, breakfast sandwich, or an afternoon lunch. Try the golden latte with turmeric-agave syrup and a breakfast pita with hummus and schug.
Stop in either Babas location for a $1 espresso or its unique peanut mocha. There’s also plenty of pastries, breakfast tacos, and space to sit and enjoy. As the day goes on, customers can also order wine and snacks, like a pickled shrimp salad of fancy grilled cheese.
Vintage Coffee Cafe offers caffeine, eats, and wifi to the Mount Pleasant set. The kitchen puts out sophisticated breakfast items, like seasonal quiches, oven-roasted tomato tarts, acai bowls, and lox plates, among others.
The pick-up window at Brown Fox Coffee makes it a quick and easy stop to grab a morning latte or a cold brew on the way to the beach on Sullivan’s Island.
Kudu not only has a handsome outdoor patio, but an extensive coffee and craft beer program as well. It doesn't offer wifi, so this shop is for relaxation, not work.
Highfalutin Coffee Roasters really cares about its beans. Roasted in-house, the coffee at this Avondale shop is routinely touted as some of the best by local aficionados — don’t ask for a pumpkin spice latte here.
Petite shop the Rise attracts those in search of a perfect cortado or a honey lavender latte. The space is small, so most customers get their coffee to-go.
Since its located on the Market in the Emeline hotel, Clerks Coffee Company is always buzzing with visitors, but this shouldn’t deter locals. The seating area at Clerks makes for a handsome background to sip a latte and get some work done. After the laptops close, the coffee bar offers beer and wine in addition to slices of Detroit-style pizza and salads.
Sunlight-filled caffeine emporium Second State Coffee (formerly Black Tap Coffee) is the spot to get creative lattes (try the brown sugar or lavender) and kick-ass pour-over brew. It is also the meeting spot for creatives and neighborhood friends to chat about the day or upcoming projects. Check out the Second State in Mount Pleasant for a full menu of hearty breakfast and lunch options.
Entrepreneur Amy Wright has four children, and two, Bitty & Beau, were born with Down syndrome. Wright saw an opportunity to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable in finding steady jobs. Her coffee shops Betty & Beau are staffed with a very enthusiastic crew that live with issues like autism and cerebral palsy. Stop in for a cup of joy in the morning.
Muddy Waters is an old-school coffee shop on James Island. Around since 2001, it’s a reliable spot for a latte, a macaron, and a quiet place to sit and read a book.
A savior for the citizens of Park Circle, The Orange Spot Coffeehouse supplies caffeine to North Charleston. The setting recently expanded with a new address but maintains the same cozy atmosphere. Try the cha yen, a traditional Thai iced tea.
Not only does Owlbear make an excellent cold brew or a iced caramel macchiato (if you’re into that), but this cafe puts out filling bagel sandwiches, waffles, and fancy grilled cheeses.
The Harbinger is a whimsical space full of plants, Instagram-worthy shelves full of treasures, and cozy seating. The coffee drinks are creative, like the maple latte or the Jack Rudy espresso tonic, but do not miss the baked goods — customers are instantly hooked on creations like a take on Rice Krispy Treats with puffed brown rice, tahini, and chocolate. Check out the sister cafe Harken when visiting the heart of downtown.
The couple behind Sightsee Coffee, Allyson Sutton and Joel Sadler, moved their shop to a larger space just steps away from Hampton Park and their home. The space is bright and airy, with room to linger over a coffee drink and pastries from Little Peanut Bakeshop. The customers can take their espressos to go for a stroll in the park.
In addition to expertly prepared espresso drinks, Mercantile offers free wifi, plentiful seating, and a full breakfast and lunch menu — what’s not to love. Oh, and parking. Sold.
The Daily is the place to go for a morning coffee, breakfast sandwich, or an afternoon lunch. Try the golden latte with turmeric-agave syrup and a breakfast pita with hummus and schug.
Stop in either Babas location for a $1 espresso or its unique peanut mocha. There’s also plenty of pastries, breakfast tacos, and space to sit and enjoy. As the day goes on, customers can also order wine and snacks, like a pickled shrimp salad of fancy grilled cheese.
Vintage Coffee Cafe offers caffeine, eats, and wifi to the Mount Pleasant set. The kitchen puts out sophisticated breakfast items, like seasonal quiches, oven-roasted tomato tarts, acai bowls, and lox plates, among others.
The pick-up window at Brown Fox Coffee makes it a quick and easy stop to grab a morning latte or a cold brew on the way to the beach on Sullivan’s Island.
Kudu not only has a handsome outdoor patio, but an extensive coffee and craft beer program as well. It doesn't offer wifi, so this shop is for relaxation, not work.
Highfalutin Coffee Roasters really cares about its beans. Roasted in-house, the coffee at this Avondale shop is routinely touted as some of the best by local aficionados — don’t ask for a pumpkin spice latte here.
Petite shop the Rise attracts those in search of a perfect cortado or a honey lavender latte. The space is small, so most customers get their coffee to-go.
Since its located on the Market in the Emeline hotel, Clerks Coffee Company is always buzzing with visitors, but this shouldn’t deter locals. The seating area at Clerks makes for a handsome background to sip a latte and get some work done. After the laptops close, the coffee bar offers beer and wine in addition to slices of Detroit-style pizza and salads.
Sunlight-filled caffeine emporium Second State Coffee (formerly Black Tap Coffee) is the spot to get creative lattes (try the brown sugar or lavender) and kick-ass pour-over brew. It is also the meeting spot for creatives and neighborhood friends to chat about the day or upcoming projects. Check out the Second State in Mount Pleasant for a full menu of hearty breakfast and lunch options.
Entrepreneur Amy Wright has four children, and two, Bitty & Beau, were born with Down syndrome. Wright saw an opportunity to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable in finding steady jobs. Her coffee shops Betty & Beau are staffed with a very enthusiastic crew that live with issues like autism and cerebral palsy. Stop in for a cup of joy in the morning.
Muddy Waters is an old-school coffee shop on James Island. Around since 2001, it’s a reliable spot for a latte, a macaron, and a quiet place to sit and read a book.
Published: Oct. 14, 2024 at 3:08 PM PDT|CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - It’s been more than two years since the city of North Charleston donated land to a nonprofit with the promise they would build affordable housing units but they remain empty as funding continues to be a barrier.The four lots, located on Luella Avenue and Varner Lane in the Liberty Hill neighborhood, are now owned by The Charity Foundation. The nonprofit is associated with the Missionary Baptist Church and chaired by its pastor, the Rev. Nelson B. Rivers III...
Published: Oct. 14, 2024 at 3:08 PM PDT|
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - It’s been more than two years since the city of North Charleston donated land to a nonprofit with the promise they would build affordable housing units but they remain empty as funding continues to be a barrier.
The four lots, located on Luella Avenue and Varner Lane in the Liberty Hill neighborhood, are now owned by The Charity Foundation. The nonprofit is associated with the Missionary Baptist Church and chaired by its pastor, the Rev. Nelson B. Rivers III.
“The city was not willing to donate this when we started. It took a while, but we were persistent. I mean, if nothing else, I am that,” Rivers said.
The foundation focuses on four strategies: Relevance (STEM education), Readiness, Real Estate and Resources. The third strategy is to “develop safe, desirable and affordable housing to accommodate the growing workforce,” according to the executive summary provided to council in its proposal.
“I’m going through anxiety sometimes just thinking about how are you going to pay this? How this going to get paid?” North Charleston resident Tremella Smalls said.
Smalls spends an entire paycheck on rent in a place she’s unhappy with. Her experience is emblematic of Lowcountry locals displaced by a booming population and growing market demand for housing, one the nonprofit hopes to address.
Three years ago, her downtown apartment rent jumped nearly $600.
“Right now, I have to be here, ‘cause this is what I can afford,” she said.
For her, the promise of more affordable housing is huge.
“That would mean everything to me at this point,” she said. “You want to feel comfortable in your own home and at this point, sometimes I don’t.”
The Charity Foundation has already successfully completed two houses on city-donated property. One, on Mint Street, sold for less than what it cost to build. Another, on Lecque Street is rented to a person with “unique needs” for several hundred dollars less than the market rate.
“We’ve got this far and we plan to go to the rest of the way and it won’t take as long to go where we’re going as it took us to get where we are,” Rivers said.
Photo caption: The Community Foundation recently finished a single-family home on Leque Street that they rent to a person with “unique needs” at a lower rate than market value. It’s one of two affordable housing projects the group has completed (source: Live 5)
On September 16, 2021 the finance committee unanimously approved the donation of the land on Luella and Varner following the success on Mint street.
The city bought these for about $20,000 in the late 1990s.
In October 2021, city council voted 9-1 in favor of the decision to approve the land transfer.
The deeds were handed over in June and September 2022, respectively, with the foundation paying $10 for two plots and $0 for the other two.
According to the non-profit’s own pitch to the city, the timeline for construction was “[n]ot to exceed two years from the time the property is deeded.”
There was an initial reverter clause, according to city spokesperson Tony Tassarotti, but it was later changed after the non-profit reported to council it could not get bank financing with the clause in place.
“You’re going to make us overcome a bigger hurdle,” Rivers said.
The properties had once returned to the city’s possession after adonation to another non-profit that had a “similar initiative”, the Liberty Hill Improvement Council, but was unsuccessful.
“The deed has no clause. In fact, it says that the property is ours forever and forever is a long time. So, we have the same amount of time as anybody else that was developing property to develop,” Rivers said. “Our issue is always the same. The dollars, the money,” he added.
“In the past, whenever we had any lots that the city owned, the mayor deeded lots to whomever he wanted to, without a process. He gave it to folks who could actually create generational wealth by building homes in neighborhoods,” North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess explained at last Thursday’s council meeting.
“That’s exactly why we need a policy and procedures in place,” District 9 Councilman Kenny Skipper said.
The lack of guardrails is a concern for Skipper,who supported The Charity Foundation’s plans initially and ultimately voted in favor of the donation but expressed hesitation to grant a similar request in the 10-mile community by Fr33 Lunch Inc. this past Summer.
North Charleston has recently come under scrutiny for its partnerships with charities, even catching the FBI’s attention through its anti-gun-violence initiativewhere more than $1 million in taxpayer funds were donated to several non-profits, with little to no strings attached.
Skipper says he vaguely remembers the two year timeline regarding the Luella and Varner properties.
“It wasn’t defined and until we come up with a policy and a procedure, I wouldn’t support giving anybody any additional properties,” Skipper said.
The city’s executive office is now drafting a policy to specifically address property transfers, though the policy itself has not been discussed publicly.
“I would say that the city is moving in the right direction,” Skipper said. “I’m sure that we will tweak it and get the policy right and that way we’ll have the ability to move forward.”
City council formally denied Fr33 Lunch, Inc’s request at its last public meeting, citing community concerns and the ongoing work to produce the policy that Burgess explained would be completed “very soon.”
Though Burgess expressed his support for the policy, he stated the group had done its due diligence and shouldn’t be held to a standard that only began development in July, when the non-profit had approached him back in February.
He also explained there was a reverter clause in place and the group would be asked to sell, not rent, in the interest of creating generational wealth.
“If they do what we asked them to do and we’re checking the boxes, then we as a body should give them an opportunity, " he said.
Meanwhile, Rivers insists the empty lots of land are not an empty promise, but rather one that is taking longer to realize.
He says they are in talks with various groups, including financial institutions, to come up with the $1.2 million estimated to build 6 total units.
“I would hope by the end of ’24 we will know when we can start something in ’25, but all depends on these many conversations bearing fruit,” Rivers said.
The Charity Foundation says it is eyeing more property but of the more than 200 properties the city currently owns Tasserotti says none are available for donation at the moment.
On the contrary, Burgess stated they estimated they had 12 to 15 lots in residential homes.
“It doesn’t make any sense for us to talk about affordable, attainable, workforce, and senior homes when we have lots that are wide open and we don’t have anyone to develop them. We’ve got to develop them if we want people to live in them,” Burgess said.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs is set to hold webinars and shred events to encourage cybersecurity, and one will be in North Charleston.October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and SCDCA will hold three free webinars to help improve cyber safety and online scams.There are three free events for all consumers to shred sensitive documents.The shred event is set up as a drive-through if consumers want to shred documents quickly.They will also hold two webinars to help...
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs is set to hold webinars and shred events to encourage cybersecurity, and one will be in North Charleston.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and SCDCA will hold three free webinars to help improve cyber safety and online scams.
There are three free events for all consumers to shred sensitive documents.
The shred event is set up as a drive-through if consumers want to shred documents quickly.
They will also hold two webinars to help educate businesses to protect private and confidential information.
Several topics will covered during the months including multi-factor authentication, strong passwords and [asswors managers, updating software and phishing.
Click the title links below to register for a webinar:
SCDCA is partnering with Shred360 to offer the following free events:
People who are attending are encouraged to stay in their vehicles and will be limited to (3) three boxes or (3) three kitchen/trash bags per vehicle.
SCDCA says all webinars and shred events are free to attend. Attendees are encouraged to download the SCDCA’s “Cybersecurity Basics” flyer or request physical copies by filling out the Brochure Order Form.
Follow SCDCA’s Facebook and X accounts for cybersecurity tips throughout October.
Sign up with the link in the Big Red Box for the first cybersecurity webinar Wednesday, Oct. 16 at 10:30 a.m. or click here.
Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.
843.535.8387
