|
This week, an impressive gathering of community members, VA leaders, and Veteran advocates came together in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to celebrate the ribbon cutting of a new Community-Based Outpatient Clinic. This new facility is an important expansion for the Columbia VA Regional Health Care System.
Although the clinic first opened its doors in July of last year, the ceremony provided an opportunity to officially mark the occasion and raise awareness about the expanded services now available to Veterans and their families. This state-of-the-art facility is already enhancing care, reducing travel time, and strengthening support across the Palmetto State.
|
|
Eligible Veterans now have expanded access to on-installation shopping benefits—offering tax-free savings, exclusive pricing, and lifelong online access.
The Department of Defense has expanded eligibility for on-installation use of the Exchange, commissary, and morale, welfare, and recreation (MWR) retail benefits.
Expanded eligibility now includes DoD civilians with a Common Access Card (CAC), Veterans with service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, primary family caregivers of eligible Veterans, and all honorably discharged Veterans through lifelong online shopping access.
|
New Bistro at Patriots Village Veterans Home
This week we celebrated the grand opening of the NEW bistro at Patriots Village in Sumter.
More than just a dining space, the bistro is a place to relax, recharge, and build community. The name was chosen to honor proud Sumter native and Veteran advocate, LTC Danny Edwards.
We’re grateful to Avalon Health Group for their partnership, to the Sumter County Veterans Affairs Office for helping select the bistro’s meaningful name, and to our incredible staff for making moments like this possible.
Most of all, thank you to the amazing residents, who inspire everything we do!
|
|
South Carolina’s public service heroes have an opportunity to make homeownership more attainable. SC State Housing is currently offering a limited-time program that includes down payment assistance and a low fixed interest rate for eligible individuals.
This program is available to active-duty military, Veterans, members of the National Guard, and other qualifying public service professionals. Funds are limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
|
|
Across the Palmetto State, Veteran entrepreneurs are finding success post-service.
Each month through our Veteran Business Owner Spotlight series, we're shining a light on Veteran business owners that are making an impact right here in South Carolina!
This month features Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert "Jethro" Kolb of Jethro & Jenny’s Southern BBQ Sauces, a PeeDee-based business founded by retired U.S. Air Force leaders who turned a passion for great barbecue into a growing brand now found on local store shelves.
Click below to read the full story!
|
|
 |
 |
|
The South Carolina Governor's Challenge Group brings together state agencies, Veterans, mental health professionals, and leaders from across the Palmetto State to raise awareness and provide actionable programs to improve Veterans mental and physical wellbeing.
Each month they highlight a different theme to help Veterans and their families stay informed and take charge of their health.
This month the Governor's Challenge group discussed prevention methods risk factors, and lifestyle changes surrounding kidney disease. Click the link below to learn more!
|
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.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Send us your nominations!
This month, we’re spotlighting Major (Ret.) Eric Shumpert, a Veteran of both the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army whose 22-year military career was defined by leadership, service, and logistical excellence.
Originally from Sumter, South Carolina, MAJ (Ret.) Shumpert served in a variety of transportation and logistics roles, including a deployment with the 101st Airborne Division, and concluded his career with U.S. Army Central at Shaw Air Force Base. His service earned him numerous commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal.
Read Major (Ret.) Shumpert’s full story below!
|
|
|
|
|
