Retired Army First Sergeant, Alvin King has been selected as the inaugural South Carolina Veteran of the Year for the 2023-2024 nomination cycle. King, a 20-year Veteran of the United States Army, has been selected by an Internal Selection Committee among a total of four candidates that were honored as Veteran of the Quarter. King is the founder of the nonprofit Range Fore Hope Foundation, which focuses on facilitating outdoor activities as a positive outlet for active-duty service members, combat and disabled Veterans, and their dependents. The foundation’s goal is to assist with overcoming the challenges associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other difficulties faced by Veterans and their families.
The selection of Veteran of the Year was first made known to King on Wednesday, November 8th in a surprise announcement at Cobblestone Golf Course in Blythewood, where King was greeted by SCDVA and Range Fore Hope Foundation staff to deliver the news of the honor. "I feel humbled. This is an honor to be selected. Over the course of a year there have been many great Veterans serving their community and I was one of them, said King. "To be the first inaugural Veteran of the Year is kind of a big deal, not necessarily for myself individually, but for the Foundation. This is bigger than me, we serve together. As an Army guy I always have an acronym, T.E.A.M: 'It Takes Everyone to Achieve a Mission'."
Denise Powell, an event coordinator for Range Fore Hope Foundation, has worked with Alvin for less than a year. During her time volunteering with Range Fore Hope, she has found that experiencing Alvin's leadership and his willingness to serve the Veteran community to be an awarding aspect of her job.
"First and foremost, Alvin is very service oriented and has a personality that embraces others into the organization. Alvin is a giver. He gives of his time, his service, and his knowledge," said Powell. "It has been extremely fulfilling to see his passion and his love for Veterans and also family members of Veterans."
1SG King's dedication and commitment to Veterans, active-duty military, and their families encourages his team to invoke change in their communities and take pride in the impact they have made on Veterans.
"I'm very proud. There could be no one more deserving than him to win this award," said Range Fore Hope Head Instructor Rebekah Gawinsk. "I don't think any of us, knew the impact that we would have giving back to our community, to our military, and their families. It's very humbling and rewarding to see that impact and Alvin has been at the forefront of that."
Following the surprise announcement, King was later recognized during halftime alongside other Veterans, including a Vietnam War Veteran and a 101-year-old World War II Veteran, at the annual University of South Carolina Athletics football 'Salute to Troops' game against Vanderbilt University on Veterans Day. Throughout the game, several military-connected families and Veterans were honored and recognized as a part of the university's tribute to those who have served. The last leg of 1SG King's series of honors culminated into a formal ceremony at the South Carolina State House on November 14th with Governor Henry McMaster and SCDVA Secretary Todd B. McCaffrey.
"South Carolina is home to remarkable citizens from all walks of life. We are especially blessed to have Veterans like Alvin King commit themselves to assisting others and thereby raise the quality of life for all through his efforts, said SCDVA Secretary Todd B. McCaffrey.
During the ceremony Governor Henry McMaster stated how important Veterans were to our country and to the State of South Carolina, touting their value to society.
"If we did not have Veterans that means we wouldn't have anybody in uniform. So, we do honor our Veterans and we appreciate them very much," said Governor McMaster. "Men and women come out of the battle of service they are loaded with skills. Their talent has been discovered and built upon. They offer great stability to our society."
1SG King was joined by his family, who expressed their joy in him being selected as the inaugural South Carolina Veteran of the Year, noting that his attitude towards service was key to him making history and being selected for this honor. His family also mentioned that his work with Range Fore Hope has inspired them to increase their own efforts in giving back to the community.
"As a family we are very proud of everything that Alvin's done with his foundation and with his service to his country. This honor his very deserving for him," said 1SG King's sister-in-law Eva Knight. "He's always been one to go above and beyond what he needs to do for his fellow soldier and his family."
"I'm very proud of all the work that he's done in the community. He is the type of person who will give you anything and everything that he can without thinking twice," said Alvin's wife Dina King. "He has inspired me to be more involved in the community to the point that I am looking towards organizations where I can volunteer to help with military spouses and family members."
COLUMBIA, S.C. - The South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA) is proud to announce Retired Army Command Sergeant Major, Robert L. Clark as the newest South Carolina Veteran of the Year for the 2024-2025 nomination cycle. The Veteran of the Year award serves as recognition to honor the remarkable contributions of Veterans in our community.
This is the second year that the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs have honored a Veteran of the Year for the remarkable work that they have done within their communities that have benefited the Veterans of the Palmetto State.
CSM Clark entered the Army and graduated from One Station Unit Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in March of 1986 as an Artillery Crewman. He retired from the military in April 2018 after more than 32 years of active-duty service to the U.S. Army, and numerous awards, decorations and recognitions.
Clark has continued to achieve remarkable accomplishments as a military Veteran and community leader, serving fellow Veterans as Commander of the South Carolina Department of Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Clark is also committed to service within organizations that include: the Columbia Branch NAACP Armed Forces & Veteran Affairs Committee, SC Department of Veterans’ Affairs Palmetto Pathfinder Program, SC Democratic Party Veterans Council, Dorn VA Medical Center, and he is a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
CSM Clark was honored during a ceremony on Wednesday, November 13, with SCDVA Secretary Todd B. McCaffrey and Dorn VA Medical Center Interim Director, Oscar Rodriguez delivering remarks as well as a formal presentation of the South Carolina Veteran of the Year award.
"Command Sergeant Major Robert Clark's list of accomplishments and support for Veterans is far too long to fully represent here. We want to thank him for what he's done for the Veterans of South Carolina," said SCDVA Secretary Todd B. McCaffrey.
Clark's volunteer work with Dorn Medical Center had a large impact on the Veteran community, providing Veterans with a sense of connection as well as making their access to healthcare easier.
"We thank you CSM Robert Clark for his service. And we know that he will continue to do some incredible things. I can tell you that in addition to serving our organization, he's been a resource in the community," said Dorn VA Medical Center Interim Director Oscar Rodriguez. "His commitment to his fellow Veterans goes beyond just words. It is reflected in every action he does. Through his volunteer work, he has ensured that countless Veterans are able to make it to their appointments. He just takes time away from his own family to make sure that our Veterans are transported to where they need to go."
As the second Veteran of the Year to be honored from Blythewood, the Mayor of Blythewood expressed his gratitude and excitement to have another constituent that displayed great dedication and service to the Veteran community.
"It's an honor to know that we will have you there as a beacon of light for our young folks moving forward. So, I'm encouraged. And on behalf of the town of Blackwood and my Blackwood Town Council, we want to say thank you. Thank you for your service and dedication to not only our community, but not only to the state, but to this country," said Blythewood Mayor Sloan J. Griffin III. "Thank you for fighting for these freedoms that we have today that some may not think of today."
In his remarks to those gathered to celebrate his honor, Clark thanked his family for their unwavering support of him and shared his recognition with all the men and women who served and continue to serve within their communities in South Carolina.
"I am committed to continue to serve South Carolina in any way that I can. Let my work speak for itself by keeping the main thing, the main thing. We may leave the battlefield, but the dedication to service never leaves us. South Carolina is a state with deep respect for its Veterans. It's a place where values of honor, courage, and loyalty are weaving into the fabric of every community," said CSM Robert Clark.
Clark will later be honored by Governor Henry McMaster during a private photo event at the South Carolina State House in early December.
The Veteran of the Year is selected by an Internal Selection Committee from among the four Veteran of the Quarter recipients. Veteran of the Quarter honorees are selected from the pool of Veteran of the Week nominations throughout the year. For more information on the Veteran of the Year nomination process or to nominate a Veteran of the Year click here.
