This article was published in The Edgefield Advertiser on April 2, 2025

The mood was friendly and upbeat among waiting veterans from across the state.

The Veterans Experience Action Center (VEAC) is an expo crafted to fast-track veterans’ access to their hard-earned VA services and benefits. The event unfolded over three days, March 20–22, 2025, at the South Carolina National Guard Armory in Columbia.  

For some of the 1,096 veterans attending it was more than just a mobile hub for veteran support, it was a lifeline. In one stop they received consultation on VA disability claims, on-site medical exams, employment benefits, education funding, healthcare enrollment, memorial benefits, and more. The event is hosted by The American Legion Department of South Carolina with Legionnaires from across the state volunteering as staff.

I was one of those volunteers and, from the moment of walking into the venue, I knew it was going to be a special day.  Each word that makes up VEAC: Veterans—Experience—Action—Center, came to life before my eyes.

Experience In the form of dozens of experts were on scene to answer questions and solve problems: VA administrators, counselors, and doctors collaborated with reps from The American Legion, VFW, Disabled American Veterans, and state partners like the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs, joined by insurance providers and community partners.

Action was nonstop as volunteers got veterans signed in, answered questions, and kept lines moving efficiently.  Snack and drinks were served while staff processed claims and vendors enrolled veterans in services. The Center was the armory itself which stood as a hub for national, state, and community partners united to assist veterans that came here from all over.

As a volunteer, retrieving clipboards after intake, I met veterans from nearly every era, each with a story. One encounter made me pause and reflect. I sat and listened intently as a man shared his story, his eyes appeared misty as he explained that he had served in the Air Force but only recently learned he qualified for the status of “veteran.” His pride in the label was evident. Before standing to leave, I thanked him for his service, wondering if it was the first time he had heard those words addressing him. 

Shortly after that, I helped a young vet find the education office. He emerged later beaming, stunned to learn he would receive some tuition reimbursement. At noon, the VFW held a Vietnam veteran ceremony that brought a hush over the crowd. After a few remarks VFW members canvassed those present for Vietnam veterans and awarded them with pins and certificates. I watched one Vietnam veteran overcome with emotion when a VFW member affixed a pin to his collar and told him “Welcome home.” 

Every veteran attending a VEAC should expect to be greeted upon arrival by a veteran and receive one-on-one expert assistance. In a single day you can accomplish what would normally take six months to do. The VEAC is held multiple times a year somewhere in the Upstate, Midlands, or Lowcountry. It is a vital resource delivering swift and comprehensive support to veterans. Volunteering gave me a front-row seat to this profound mission, a reminder of why these three days were so important to veterans.

For those needing VA disability claims or services support in Edgefield County, please contact the Edgefield VA office at 803-637-4012. Want to learn more about The American Legion or future VEAC events? Contact Post 30 at alpost30sc@gmail.com.