Anderson, SC (SCDVA) - The SCDVA staff at the M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson recently completed an exacting, rigorous, and detailed inspection by the National Cemetery Administration’s (NCA) Compliance Review Program with great success, a first in the cemetery’s short history.

The M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans’ Cemetery, located at 140 Inway Drive in Anderson, is South Carolina’s only state Veterans cemetery. Established in 2007, M.J. "Dolly" Cooper is a National Cemetery Administration (NCA), Veterans Cemetery Grant Program-funded cemetery, under the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA).

NCA Compliance Review Program inspections occur periodically every three years for state and tribal cemeteries to the same standards held for all national cemeteries. This major accomplishment comes after years of hard work and dedication by the cemetery's staff, led by Superintendent Mr. Wade Breaud (1SG (Retired), US Army). 

"Our team has been working tirelessly to meet passing standards set by the National Cemetery Administration," said Wade Breaud, Superintendent of the M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery. "The passing of this most recent inspection is a testament to the unwavering dedication and the deep respect we all have for the Veterans and families we serve. It's an honor to lead this team and to know that we are now fully compliant with the same rigorous standards as our nation's most hallowed grounds."

"The passing of this inspection is a monumental achievement,” said Todd McCaffrey, Secretary of the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “We strive to create and maintain a final resting place for Veterans worthy of their service and sacrifice. This recognition from the National Cemetery Administration validates the hard work of so many people and ensures that the M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans' Cemetery will forever stand as a symbol of our state's gratitude and commitment to those who have served."

Secretary McCaffrey presented certificates to all SCDVA staffers at the cemetery for their achievements and contributions to the passing of the NCA Compliance Review Program inspection.

Information on burial eligibility, pre-certification, and the application for interment can be found here: https://scdva.sc.gov/cemetery