Pee Dee Area Veterans Advisory Council

08/16/2026

🇺🇸 VFW POST 3034 PATRIOT’S PEN® ESSAY COMPETITION 🇺🇸

VFW Post 3034 – Ernie Carima Post is proud to invite local middle school students to participate in the 2026–2027 VFW Patriot’s Pen® Essay Competition!

📝 2026–2027 Theme:
“What a Veteran Taught Me About America”

Patriot’s Pen gives young Americans an opportunity to express their views on patriotism, our nation, and the lessons passed down by America’s veterans.

⭐ WHO CAN ENTER?
Students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades

⭐ ESSAY REQUIREMENT:
300–400 words

⭐ NATIONAL FIRST-PLACE AWARD:
$5,000

📅 SUBMISSION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 31, 2026

We encourage parents, teachers, homeschool families, youth organizations, and community leaders throughout the Sumter area to help us spread the word and encourage our young people to participate.

This is more than an essay contest. It is an opportunity for the next generation to listen to our veterans, learn from their experiences, and reflect on what America means to them.

🇺🇸 SHARE YOUR STORY. HONOR A VETERAN. INSPIRE A NATION.

For information about submitting an entry, please contact VFW Post 3034 – Ernie Carima Post, Sumter, South Carolina.

Please share this announcement with a student, parent, teacher, or school!

06/29/2026

05/25/2026

Join us on Monday to remember the men and women who have sacrificed for our Nation

04/21/2026

HER VOICE MATTERS

Join us for the: WOMEN'S LISTENING SESSION

All women veterans are welcome to come share your story and make your voice heard.

Share your experiences and provide feedback.

Learn about VA health care services and benefits for women.

Get answers to your questions in a supportive setting.

Date: Tuesday, April 28
Time: 11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
Location: Florence County Veterans Affairs Office
Address: 707 National Cemetery Road, Florence, SC 29506
VA wants to Listen • Learn • Take Action.

03/12/2026

The Columbia VA Regional Office is hosting a Veteran Experience Action Center (VEAC) 1-on-1 Claims Clinic where Veterans can receive personalized assistance with:

• VA disability and pension claims
• Health care enrollment
• Mental health resources
• Housing and employment support
• Survivor benefits
• Vet Center services
• Community and volunteer resources

📅 March 19–21, 2026
📍 South Carolina National Guard Armory
1328 Old Dairy Rd., Columbia, SC 29201

⏰ March 19–20: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
⏰ March 21: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Veterans, caregivers, and family members are encouraged to attend.

03/09/2026

Honor & Horsepower Await

02/01/2026

Today is Four Chaplains Sunday - If you do not know the story of the four Army Chaplains that no matter each other's faith stood arm in arm and went down with the Dorchester. - Take a moment pause and remember the sacrifices.

12/09/2025

HopeHealth Veteran Services invites the community to join us for a short but meaningful ceremony as we honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our nation.

Carrying on the tradition of the former Veteran Resource Center of Florence’s annual wreath placement, we plan to use this time for reflection, gratitude, and unity as we pay tribute to those who dedicated their lives to the armed services.

Ceremony:
Florence Veterans Memorial Park
842 Woody Jones Blvd. Florence, SC 29501
December 10th at 11:00am, rain or shine

During the ceremony, a commemorative wreath will be placed at the memorial, followed by a brief dedication acknowledging the courage, commitment, and legacy of our veterans. Community members, families, and supporters are encouraged to attend and stand with us in recognition of all who have served.

Your presence helps ensure that the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Graham Jordan at [email protected] or by phone at 843-432-2971.