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On Friday, March 08, The Pickens County Library System hosted a Young Professionals Social at the Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library (304 Biltmore Road, Easley). The social was sponsored by Fort Hill Natural Gas Authority for a great reason; it’s the connection between Captain Kimberly and their former CEO. Speaking on behalf of Fort Hill Natural Gas Authority was Keith Burgess, Chief Operating Officer. Keith stated they are proud to provide dependable natural gas services to families and businesses in the northwest portions of Upstate South Carolina since 1952. Natural gas is one of the safest residential, commercial, and industrial energy sources. Today, Fort Hill has over 51,000 customers and is growing at a steady 3% rate each year. While at the social, Keith mentioned two notable things. The first was advice to the attendees which was for young professionals to attend networking events whenever they can. Seeking networking opportunities can get you a long way. The second thing was the connection between Captain Kimberly and their former CEO Dale Hampton. Kimberly Nicole Hampton was his only child and grew up in Easley. While in college, she enrolled in the US Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps. After graduating from Furman University, she attended flight training and Aviation Basic Course. After serving tours, Captain Kimberly became the first female military pilot in US history to be shot and killed due to hostile fire. She also became the first woman from South Carolina to die in the Iraq War. She was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, and Purple Heart. In 2005, to honor her legacy, the Pickens County Library System renamed the Easley Library location in her honor with a helicopter model, a portrait, and more. To learn more, click here. Sandee Blankenship, Director of Youth Leadership Academy (which opened in 2012) had a chance to also speak to the group. Youth Leadership Academy is an accredited charter school that “operates under the “Students First” culture and promotes leadership, physical activity, and academic success. The school currently has a waiting list and is planning a home-school-based program. Lastly, Ethan Cashwell spoke to the group and mentioned all the programs and services that The Pickens County Library System offers residents. And with a monthly newsletter, you can stay updated on all the programs happening at each branch for children, teens, home-school students, adults, seniors, and so much more. For any questions, call 864-850-7077. Be sure to join us at our next social at Silver Salon on Monday, April 15 from 5:30 PM – 7 PM. RSVP here.