From Staff Reports

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three notable individuals with ties to Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina were invited to the State of the Union address — and attended as guests — here on Feb. 24 in recognition of their efforts to help their communities.

The two men and one woman included the following 

• Steve Freeman — the Bat Cave, N.C., fire chief was invited by U.S. Senator Ted Budd, R-N.C., for what was billed as his critical leadership in rescuing residents and navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

• Gio Alberto — rhe Greenville, S.C., police officer was invited by U.S. Senator Tim Scott, R-S.C., following his actions and in recognition of the bravery of local law enforcement.

• Sierra A. Burns— the Greenville, S.C., native and Furman University student was invited by First Lady Melania Trump for her work and achievements as part of the Foster Youth to Independence Program. 

“These individuals were selected to highlight resilience and community service in the region following the disaster,” AI Overview noted on Feb. 26. 

The SOTU address was delivered by President Donald J. Trump to a joint session of Congress, with Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson seated behind Trump, in the House of Representatives chamber at the U.S. Capitol. 

The address, which lasted about one hour and 47 minutes, was the first official State of the Union address of Trump’s second term — and was clocked as the longest-ever SOTU address.

Regarding Freeman, the Bat Cave fire chief was invited to the event to honor his “heroic, selfless leadership during and after Hurricane Helene. He led rescue efforts, conducted welfare checks, and assisted stranded residents, despite experiencing a near-death situation himself,” AI Overview noted.

Also, AI Overview stated that Freeman was invited to the SOTU address not only to honor his service, but also “to highlight the ongoing need for recovery support in Western North Carolina.”

Following are key details regarding the Freeman’s recognition:

• Heroic actions: Freeman and his department worked around the clock, patrolling rivers and going door-to-door to urge evacuations.

• Community impact: He is credited with saving many lives and providing crucial leadership in the immediate aftermath of the storm.

• Team effort: Freeman emphasized that the honor reflects the dedication of his entire department and the tight-knit Bat Cave community.

• Ongoing Recovery: Freeman continues to work on the long-term recovery of the area, noting that while other areas have recovered, the Bat Cave area still needs significant support. 

AI Overview added, “Freeman’s recognition highlights the resilience of small-town North Carolina, with WCAB News noting his efforts in protecting the community throughout the disaster.” 

As for Alberto, the Greenville police offcer was ambushed and injured on Jan. 11, when a gunman fired “Dragon’s Breath” (incendiary) ammunition at him while he was sitting in his patrol car at the Greenville County Law Enforcement Center.

“Alberto and his wife, Michaela, (were invited) to the (SOTU) address to honor his resilience, service and recovery from the targeted attack,” AI Overview noted. “He was one of several law-enforcement-related guests during the event, which also included the parents of a National Guard member who was fatally shot in Washington, D.C.”

Alberto has served with the Greenville Police Department for more than 3 years and previously received two GPD Distinguished Lifesaving Awards for actions in 2024.

“Senator Scott described Alberto as an ‘enthusiastic’ and ‘motivating’ presence who was excited to attend the address despite the traumatic event,” AI Overview noted.

Regarding Burns, she, along with Everest Nevraumont, a 10-year-old Alpha School student in Austin, Texas, joined the First Lady in her box for the 2026 State of the Union, according to the White House.

Burns was recognized by name by President Trump during the address.

Burns is an advocate for children in foster care and is pursuing her Master’s in Advocacy and Social Policy while also working as a Referral Specialist at Prisma Health.

She has testified in support of extending foster care in South Carolina and is a Jim Casey Fellow, where she has helped develop training resources for caseworkers, the White House said.

Burns is also a previous recipient of a check from FOX Carolina Surprise Squad in 2022. “We were able to help fund her life long dream of studying abroad,” Greenville, S.C., television station FOX Carolina noted in a recent story.