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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently awarded more than $77 million in grants nationwide to support the expansion and improvement of 20 state Veterans cemeteries. These investments help ensure Veterans and their eligible family members are laid to rest with the dignity, honor, and respect they have earned through service. During 2025 alone, VA grant-funded cemeteries supported the interment of more than 43,700 Veterans and eligible family members nationwide.
Among the grant recipients is M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery, which serves more than 187,000 Veterans and eligible family members across South Carolina. The cemetery was awarded $982,859 to support expansion efforts, helping ensure it can continue meeting the needs of Veterans’ families across the state.
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Vet Centers offer confidential, no-cost counseling for Veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families who are navigating challenges connected to military service. Counseling services include, but are not limited to:
- Combat-related trauma
- Military Sexual Trauma
- Grief, marriage, and family counseling
- Transition support for life during and after service
Eligibility for Vet Center services extends to many service experiences and circumstances—and may be more accessible than you think.
Click below to explore the full list of eligibility requirements and learn how to get connected to your local Vet Center services.
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South Carolina Veterans who own a business or are considering launching one, are invited to attend SCDVA’s Veteran Entrepreneur Forum on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Patriots Point, aboard the historic USS Yorktown.
This half-day forum will bring together business leaders, community partners, and Veteran-owned businesses for a morning of learning and connection. Attendees can expect engaging panel discussions focused on business growth, financial management, contracting opportunities, and emerging tools such as artificial intelligence, all with the goal of helping Veterans leverage their military experience into long-term business success.
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The South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs recently partnered with Champion Defense Shooting Complex in Swansea to spotlight safe firearm storage and the 'Lock It' Campaign. The December event marked the range’s third year of fostering responsible ownership, strong community connections, and a culture of safety among shooters and Veterans alike.
For more information on safe-storage materials, smart practices and other suicide-prevention methods, visit our website to learn more.
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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has published the 2026 Veterans disability compensation rate tables, reflecting the latest Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) based on inflation. These updated rates are effective December 1, 2025 and determine the monthly tax-free payments that Veterans receive for service-connected disabilities.
For Veterans with a disability rating of 30% or higher, monthly compensation amounts have increased across all rating levels to help offset rising living costs. The VA bases payment amounts on your disability percentage and dependent status, and the new tables include updated figures for Veterans with spouses, children, or parents.
To see the full 2026 tables and learn exactly how this increase may affect your rating, click here
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 Are you a transitioning service member interested in the Palmetto State? From career readiness to community connection, SC Smart Start is a virtual transition assistance platform designed to get you started.
Visit SCSmartStart.SC.Gov to learn more about how SC Smart Start is shaping South Carolina as the post-service destination of choice for transitioning service members and their families.
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We regularly update our events page so Veterans, service members, and their families can find activities happening across the state and surrounding areas. Click below for more details.
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LTC (Ret.) George Walker
Join us in recognizing Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) George Walker, a three-time combat Veteran of the U.S. Army, dedicated educator and community servant. Originally from Griffin, Georgia, LTC (Ret.) Walker completed 26 years of military service, earning multiple commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal, before continuing his life of service in South Carolina.
Today, LTC (Ret.) Walker serves as a JROTC instructor at Fairfield Central High School, where he mentors students and reinforces leadership, discipline, and civic responsibility. His commitment to education and mentorship, along with his continued involvement in community and Veteran support efforts, reflects a lifelong dedication to service beyond the uniform.
Read LTC (Ret.) Walker’s full story below.
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