My name is Fishmond, and service has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. I spent a total of 35 years serving our country through both Active Duty Army and the Army Reserves. My career was in supply and logistics, and I retired from the U.S. Army as an E-8 Master Sergeant. During my military career, I served during the Gulf War, Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
One of the things I loved most about my military career was the opportunity to teach and mentor young soldiers. Helping them develop the skills, confidence, and discipline they needed to be successful was one of the most rewarding parts of my service. I took pride in seeing young soldiers grow and become great leaders themselves.
After retiring from the military, I continued serving my community through a 24-year career with the South Carolina Department of Corrections. I worked in security, custody, and control of inmates and ultimately retired as a Captain. My responsibility was to maintain safety and order for both staff and inmates. While the work could be challenging, I found the greatest satisfaction in seeing inmates successfully complete their sentences and leave prison with a path toward doing better and building a positive future.
My family means everything to me. I have been married to my wife, Sharon, for 16 years. Together, we have seven sons, four granddaughters, two grandsons, and one great-grandson. We lost one of our sons to gun violence in 2009, and we miss him dearly. His memory continues to be a meaningful part of our lives and has inspired much of the work I do in my community.
I am the president of the Jerrell Clyde Sanders Foundation, which was created in memory of my son. Through the foundation, we hold fundraisers to help individuals and families in need. I also participate in the Adopt-A-Highway program in his honor, helping clean and maintain our community four times a year. Giving back and helping others is something that has always been important to me.
In 2008, I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic condition. Thankfully, I am not currently on dialysis and do not have any physical limitations. I continue to live an active life and make the most of the time I have with my family and community.
Outside of my work and service, I enjoy being outdoors. I love working in my yard, planting flowers and fruit trees, and keeping my lawn looking good. I especially enjoy harvesting the fruit I grow and sharing it with family and friends. I am also a big sports fan and enjoy all kinds of sports, especially football, basketball, and NASCAR.
My life has always been centered around service, family, and helping others. From serving my country and mentoring soldiers to working in corrections and giving back to my community in memory of my son, I have always tried to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I am grateful for the life I have and hopeful for the years ahead with my wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.
We need you to help us support Fishmond. Whether through spreading the word on social media or considering becoming a donor, you can make a profound impact!
Living kidney donation has been proven to be safe. There are no long term consequences to the donor. After recovery, donors can live a normal life with one kidney.
DOVE will assist all prospective donors throughout the process and make sure they do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses related to the evaluation or surgery.
Please click on the link below if you would like to learn more OR call (551) 233-1611.