Columbia, S.C. (SCDVA) — The South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA) hosted its second annual Military Day at the State House, a unique opportunity for communication and appreciation between our state’s legislators and military leaders.

Military leaders from South Carolina’s eight active-duty installations, along with Fort Gordon in Georgia, briefed legislators on installation priorities and matters affecting their military communities. These legislators included Senate President Thomas Alexander, Speaker of the House Murrell Smith, Senate Family and Veterans’ Services Chair Tom Young, House 3M Chair Sylleste Davis, and many others. The dialogue between these two powerful groups provides a better understanding of ways they can communicate, collaborate, and cooperate to enhance South Carolina’s active-duty military.    

According to the 2022 Economic Impact of South Carolina’s Military Community report, South Carolina’s military community, which includes Fort Gordon Georgia, contributes $34.3 billion to our state. Beyond this economic impact, service members and Veterans remain deeply woven into the fabric of South Carolina’s workforce, schools, and neighborhoods. Through events like Military Day at the State House, SCDVA continues its mission to advocate for those who serve and have served, ensuring strong partnerships that support readiness, resilience, and improved quality of life.

One of many ways South Carolina supports its military is through the Military Enhancement Fund. Counties and municipalities with a federal military installation are eligible to apply for grants that will enhance military value, installation resilience, or military family quality of life. Since its beginning in 2022, the Military Enhancement Fund has awarded over $33 billion to South Carolina military communities. 

SCDVA is excited to continue fostering these conversations to empower the military community in South Carolina.

Click HERE to see more photos from the event.