Disabled American Veterans Department of South Carolina

06/17/2026

Please read!!

SCAM ALERT: A promotional flyer circulating online claiming VA is offering free athletic shoes from major brands has been identified as a scam by the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as our Whole Health program.

Athletic shoes through VA are not available through online offers, brand-selection links, promotional emails, or third-party sign-ups.

Please do not share any personal or financial information, and ignore or delete this message if you receive it.

If you’re unsure whether something is real, contact VA directly using trusted phone numbers or the official VA website.

If you have shared any personal information outside of VA in response to this fake promo, please contact VSAFE at vsafe.gov or by calling 833-38V-SAFE for help and to report it.

Questions? Please contact your VA care team directly through official VA channels.

https://vsafe.gov/ https://news.va.gov/147334/veterans-savings-program-postcard-scam/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

06/16/2026

Honoring generations of service.

The Big Red Barn Retreat is rolling out the red carpet for an appreSHEation event celebrating women active-duty service members, National Guard members, Reservists, and veterans.

Saturday, June 27
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

The Big Red Barn Retreat
It’s going to be a fantastic day of connection, local resource sharing, light refreshments, and military pride.

Click the link below to RSVP:
https://forms.gle/d28NC1ofencnGox98

06/16/2026

Planning for the future is one of the most meaningful gifts a person can leave for their loved ones. The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care Center is hosting an informational session dedicated to helping individuals navigate legacy planning with confidence and peace of mind.

This session will provide valuable guidance on organizing important affairs, ensuring wishes are honored, and creating a clear roadmap for the future.

When: Tuesday, July 14th
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (1300–1400)
In-Person Location: Ralph H. Johnson Health Care Center, Main Auditorium

Can't make it in person? A virtual option is available!
Those who prefer to attend online via Microsoft TEAMS can request an invitation by emailing [email protected] to be added to the digital invite list.

Please share this event with local Veterans, families, and community members who may benefit from this important discussion.

06/16/2026

What better way to mark our nation's 250th Birthday than to support Veterans!

Join The Warriors Alliance, VA Augusta Health Care System, the Georgia Department of Veterans Services, and Augusta Technical College for the Freedom 250 Veteran Benefits & Resource Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, June 26, in Building 1300 on the Augusta Tech campus (3200 Augusta Tech Drive). Get one-on-one help with your benefits claims, speak with VA Augusta healthcare and social services professionals, interact with other community and Veteran advocacy agencies, and grab some free food!

VA Augusta: Your service, our commitment

06/15/2026

Hurricane season in South Carolina officially began on June 1. South Carolina Emergency Management Division is reminding residents that now is the perfect time to ensure they are fully prepared.

The state has released the official 2026 South Carolina Hurricane Guide, offering essential safety information to help everyone stay ready.
A copy of the guide can be downloaded here:

https://www.scemd.org/media/2185/2026-hurrican-guide-single-page.pdf

For additional resources, South Carolina’s online hurricane preparedness hub is available at hurricane.sc. Residents can visit the site to look up their specific hurricane evacuation zones and begin building their family safety plans today.

06/15/2026

Think you need decades of corporate experience to own a successful business? Think again. No experience is needed, just your drive, leadership, and determination.

Join VMSTEP for the Vetrepreneur Franchise Coaching Information Session and discover how franchising can fast-track your path to entrepreneurship.

When: Friday, June 19, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (ET)
Where: Virtual (Join from anywhere!)

What You’ll Learn in This One-Hour Session:

The Blueprint: How VMSTEP proven process matches your unique skill set with the right franchise opportunity.

The Roadmap: A clear, step-by-step guide to confidently navigating the path to business ownership.

The Community: How VMSTEP supports veterans and military spouses in building long-term wealth and independence.

Spaces are limited for this virtual event! Click the link to secure your spot today.



https://vetrepreneur.com/franchise-coaching-info-session/ =vet&utm_campaign=vetrepreneur%20franchise%20coaching%20info%20session%20june%2019&utm_content=vmstp%20newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

06/13/2026

June 13th is National Posttraumatic Growth Day. It’s part of National PTSD Awareness Month and was initiated by the Boulder Crest Foundation to recognize that veterans and others impacted by trauma can experience profound growth and transformation. Together, let’s shift the focus beyond the struggle that trauma causes to acknowledge the strength and resilience that can be found in the journey of healing.

06/13/2026

Scammers are evolving daily, but education is still the strongest shield.

On June 26 at 11 AM, the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center will host a free Elder Fraud Presentation.

Organized by the FBI Columbia Citizens Academy Alumni Association, the event features experts from the FBI Columbia Field Office who will discuss how to identify, prevent, and report scams aimed at older adults.

The presentation will cover:
•Romance and confidence scams
• Email compromise
• Tech support fraud, and more.

This event is FREE and open to the public.

Inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
(FBI Columbia CAAA is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI)

06/13/2026

06/12/2026

Today marks the 78th anniversary of the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act into law by President Truman. It enabled women to serve as permanent, regular members of the military. Although Congress had given the Women’s Army Corps full Army status during wartime in 1943, the WAC law was set to expire on June 30, 1948.

DAV strives to ensure women veterans receive the healthcare they’ve earned through their service, including gender specific care that is unique to women veterans. Learn more at womenveterans.org.