SOME INFORMATION PROVIDED BY COUNTY OF BAMBERG PRESS TEAM

BAMBERG, SC - Bamberg County and Bamberg City officials recently unveiled the new Bamberg County Veterans Affairs Office, now located in the repurposed historic Bamberg County Community Hospital on Friday, December 8. The repurposed hospital has been transformed into complex that houses law enforcement, human services, the health department, and the Bamberg County Veterans Affairs Office

"The project was 100% funded by the Capital Project Sales Tax, which includes the penny sales tax that was approved by voters in 2018," said County Administrator Joey Preston. He estimated constructions costs to be around $1.3 million and exterior costs to be roughly $2.4 million for a combined total of $3.7 million.

"Veterans have gone far above and beyond and sacrificed so much for not only Bamberg County, but the entire nation. So, it's only right for Bamberg County to give that back to our veterans. So having a Veterans Affairs office right here in our back yard is critical," said Bamberg County Public Information Officer Alisha Moore (center in photo to left).

During the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Bamberg CVAO, Bamberg Veterans Affairs Officer Craig Walker was presented with a new county vehicle that will assist with transporting Veterans to their appointments. "What a beautiful day to celebrate a new beginning for Bamberg", said Walker. "Our Veterans will no longer have to stand in the rain to get the care they deserve. I just want to let our Veterans know that we're here, we're available, and we're accessible."

SCDVA Secretary Todd B. McCaffrey was in attendance for the ribbon cutting of the new office and was presented with a Bamberg 125th Anniversary Challenge Coin and a Bamberg Veterans Trail brick by Vice Chairman Evert Comer. Secretary McCaffrey also commended Bamberg for its continued commitment to Veterans living in rural areas. "Our Veterans bring leadership to their communities, their employers. They lead their communities, their churches. We need to invest in that talent. And this is a reflection of that investment throughout and that town will frankly have great returns for these communities," said SCDVA Secretary Todd B. McCaffrey.

This complex is set to house other state and county offices in the upcoming year.

WATCH: SCDVA News Minute - Bamberg County Veterans' Affairs Office