Thank you for nominating a Veteran who honorably served to be considered as a South Carolina Department of Veteran's Affairs (SCDVA) Veteran of the Month. You can find every South Carolina Veteran ever honored by SCDVA for Veteran of the Month in our archives below.
Joe Lysaght is our newest Veteran of the Month!
Joe Lysaght is a decorated United States Air Force, Vietnam Veteran (1964-1965) and retired from the South Carolina State Guard as a Lt. Colonel. He served eight years as the Deputy Director of Veterans Affairs for Charleston County. The third largest claim processing center in the state. He was the founder and CEO of Lysaght and Associates (Financial Planning & Tax Services). He holds an Associate Degree in Business with a minor in Computer Science from Palmer College. He is a recipient of the State of South Carolina highest civilian award, The Order of the Silver Crescent, in recognition of his dedication, commitment and leadership for the benefit of South Carolina and its citizens. He is married to the love of his life, Letha Anne, they have six children, eleven grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
Lysaght is a 26-year member of The American Legion. He is a PUPL (Paid up for Life) member of Post 147 James Island, South Carolina. During his 26-year tenure he served at many levels within his Post, Department, and at National Level. From Post Judge Advocate, (10 years), Chairman Post Constitution Committee, (4 years), Chairman Post Finance Committee, (6 years), Post Membership Committee, (7 years), District Commander, (2 years), Department Commander, (2014- 2015), Alternate National Executive Committeeman, (4 years), National Executive Committeeman, (4 years), Security Commission, (2 years), Legislative Commission (2 years), and currently as the National Vice Commander, Southeastern Region (2024-2025).
His additional achievements and community service includes:
AMERICAN LEGION/ STATE/ COMMUNITY SERVICE RECORD as of Feb 2025
1. AL POST 147, 1998- PRESENT (27 yrs.}
2. S.C. State Guard 3rd Brigade, General Staff, Ret Ltc. Col. -2000 -2013
3. ALDSC State Convention, Post 147 Delegate 2001-2012 / 2013 - 2025
4. ALDSC State Convention, Post 147 Delegation Co-Chair -2013 -2021 / 2023 -2024
5. ALDSC Dist. Two (2) Cmdr. - 2013-2015
6. ALDSC Executive Committee - 2013- present
7. 97th AL National Convention, Credential & Rules Committee -2014
8. ALDSC Silver Star Recruiting Certificate -2014
9. ALDSC State Convention, Post 147 Delegation Co-Chair - 2014
10. ALDSC 4th Runner-up in the Nation for recruiting- 2014
11. ALDSC Constitution & Bylaws Committee-2014-2017/ 2018-2021
12. ALDSC Finance Committee -2014 -2017
13. ALDSC appointed Chairmen to Veterans Education, Benefits & Homeless Sub- committee - 2014 - 2017
14. Commanders Honors Foundation - Vice Chairman -2014 - 2018
15. ALDSC State Convention, Post 147 Delegation Co-Chair-2015
16. 97th AL National Convention Appointed to Credentials & Rules Committee - 2015
17. American Legion National Legislation Council, ALDSC Delegate - 2015
18. American Legion Gold Brigade - 2015 & 2016 - Recruited SO new members per year
19. American Legion 52nd National Membership Workshop, Indianapolis, In - 2015
20. ALDSC State Commander -2015 - 2016
21. ALDSC Delegate - Washington Conference, Wash. DC-2015
22. ALDSC Speaker at Veterans Upward Bound Seminar at Trident Tech College - 2015
23. Elected to ANAVICUS Society-Life Membership-2015
24. ALDSC Fall Conference - 2015
25. Life Membership in ANAVICUS Association - 2016
26. ALDSC State Convention, Delegate/PDC - 2016
27. 99th American Legion National Convention - 2016
28. 99th American Legion National Conv. Legislative Committee -2016
29. American Legion Washington Conf, Delegate -2016
30. ALDSC Past Dept Commanders Council - 2016 -present
31. ALDSC Speaker Regional Veterans Day Ceremony - 2016
32. ALDSC US Global Leadership Coalition -Delegate/PDC - 2016
33. 101st American Legion National Convention - 2017
34. AL Post 147 Judge Advocate -2017 -2023
35. ALDSC Liaison to Rep Mark Sanford -2018 -2019
36. Appointed to the Dept. of SC Constitution & Bylaws Committee -2018, 2019
37. Al Post 147 Finance Committee-2018-2022
38. American Legion National Legislative Council -2018 - 2019 / 2020 - 2022
39. American Legion National Security Council -2018 -2019
40. AL Post 147 Veterans Service Officer-2018 - 2023
41. Appointed to The Dept. of SC Standing Convention Committee - 2019
42. Appointed Honorary Member of the Board at the Ralph H Johnson Charleston Fisher House - 2019
43. Appointed to The American Legion National Security Commission - 2019
44. ALDSC Liaison to Rep Joe Cunningham - 2019 - 2020
45. ALDSC State Convention Constitution & Bylaws Committee - 2019
46. ALDSC Distinguish Public Service Award Committee -2019 -2021
47. AL Post 147 Baseball Committee -Advisor -2018 -lndef.
48. The American Legion National Security Commission -2019 -2020, 2020 - 2022
49. ALDSC Liaison to Rep Nancy Mace - 2020 -2021
50. AL Post Constitution & Bylaws Committee -2020 - 2022
51. AlDSC Alt. National Executive Committee -2021-2022
52. AL National VA&VS Representative for RHJ VA Med. Ctr and Coast of SC- lndef.
53. The American legion National Security Commission -2022 - 2023
54. Life Member of The Disabled Veterans of America -2022
55. ALDSC State Convention -Delegation Chairman - 2022
56. The American Legion National Executive Committee - 2022 - 2024
57. Life Member of The Veterans of Foreign Wars - 2022
58. Ntl. Exe. Committee Liaison to the Americanism Commission 2022 -2024
59. Consultant to the American Baseball Committee 2023 -2024
60. American Legion National Vice Commander Southern Region 2024 -2025
61. Escorted Wreaths Across America Convoy from Bangor Maine to Arlington National Cemetery on behalf of The American Legion. 2024
62. Over saw the delivery and placement of 5000 wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery - 2024
63. Attended and spoke at The Dept. of Texas Annual Convention -2025
64. Attended and spoke at 22 post in 5 day at The Dept. of Florida -2025
65. Attended the Washington Conference on behalf of The American Legion -2025
COMMUNITY SERVICE RECORD AND AWARDS
1. The Sumter Guards of Charleston, Executive Board (6 yrs.) 1985 -present
2. SC Adopt A Guardsman Foundation, Executive Board -1995 - 2008
3. City of N. Charleston Regional Veterans Day Committee - Exe. Board -1995 -2005
4. Salvation Army Tri-Cnty. Advisory Bd., Chairman 6 years -2000 -2015
5. Jefferson Award Nomination - Outstanding community service in South Carolina
6. Softball Players National Umpire of the Year – 2007
7. Chas. Cnty. Veterans Affairs Advisory Council- 2007- 2014
8. Softball Players Association (SPA) Hall of Fame - 2007
9. National Senior Softball Hall of Fame - 2009
10. Softball Players Association Executive Board - 2010 -2015
11. USN SC Palmetto Sea Cadet Program, Advisor- 2010- 2012
12. Commander Honor's, Vice Chairperson - 2010 - 2021
13. Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Ctr. Research Institute Board - 2011 - 2015
14. State of SC Order of the Silver Crescent, Exemplary service to the State - 2012
15. Completion of The American Legion Extension Institute - 2013
16. Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition - 2014
17. AL Post 147 Legionnaire of the Year- 2016
18. Chas. Police Advisory Council - Chairman/Traffic Stop Committee - 2018- 2021
19. Live Oak Cemetery Wreaths Across America Ceremony - 2018 - present
20. Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc member - 2021- present
21. Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (Founders of the Wal) - 2022 - present
22. Vietnam Veterans Museum Founding Member - 2022 - present
23. Each year my wife and I purchase and distribute 250 US Flag on Veterans Day - 2022 - Present
Master Sergeant Treacy Dobbins is a published author with dual Masters in Social Services including more than 18 years of real-world application of sociology, Veteran services, behavioral analysis, and counseling. Ten years of proven success/vision bringing innovation and creativity to social services and data research. Dedicated and ethical leader maintaining Top Secret clearance for 21 years. Driven by innovation and creativity, and as an ethical leader maintaining Top Secret clearance.
Treacy was born and raised in Virginia and joined the military at an early age. He completed assignments in South Korea, Ecuador, and Panama. Treacy also deployed in the middle east, in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Treacy has been bestowed the Meritorious Service Medal, U.S. Pacific Exceptional Performer Medal, Inspector of the Year, Commendation Medals, an Intelligence Award among other Achievement Medals.
Duty Stations:
- 90th Strategic Missile Wing, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Cheyenne WY 1992-1996
- 24th Wing, Air Combat Command, Howard Air Force Base, Rep. of Panama 1996-1999
- 17th Training Wing, Goodfellow Air Force Base, San Angelo, TX 1999-2001
- 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, South Korea 2001-2002
- 325th Fighter Wing, Tyndall Air Force Base, Panama City, FL 2002-2005
- 378th Forward Operating Location, Manta Ecuador 2005-2006
- 9th Air Force, A2 Intelligence Directorate, Shaw Air Force Base, Sumter, SC 2006-2008
- 324th Intelligence Group, Joint Base Pearl-Harbor Hickam, HI 2008-2010
- Pacific Air Forces, Inspector General Division, Joint Base Pearl-Harbor Hickam, HI 2010-2013
Toward the end of his military career in 2010, Treacy felt like something was always missing in his life. After Treacy was quickly recruited to Boeing as an Operations Inspector and then Leidos as a Data & Quality Specialist, he decided to follow his calling for social good. While working at recovery centers and shelters, as well as the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, as a Trainer, Outreach Team Coordinator & Lead, Administrator, and Program Manager, Treacy formed social services partnership networks and created transparent and sustainable ways to connect thousands to rapid resolutions such as rehousing, substance treatment, medical care, and employment. Treacy launched Inspire Real Change in 2020, a performance-based model that conducts research and community projects to reduce homeless in South Carolina. As a community influencer who has been selected as Keynote Speaker for various conferences, Treacy continues to lead Inspire Real Change in serving people and reducing homelessness in South Carolina. As the Founder & CEO of Inspire Real Change, Tracey is very involved in the Lexington and Richland Counties coordinating services for clients who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
Barb Kucharczyk, a retired Lt. Colonel from the USAF, was raised in a military household, influenced by her father's service in the US Air Force. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, followed by a Master of Arts in Human Sexuality from New York University. Barb began her professional journey as a teacher in Newport News, VA, and New Jersey. However, she soon recognized that a long-term career in education was not her true passion. After thoughtful reflection, she decided to pursue a military path, inspired by her father's legacy. In 1977, Barb enlisted in Officer Candidate School, specializing in Aviation Maintenance, and was commissioned into the US Air Force.
Barb dedicated 21.5 years to her role as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer in the United States Air Force. Her service took her across the globe, including assignments in the Far East (Okinawa and South Korea), Europe (England, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Turkey), and various locations within the Continental US (Ohio, Alabama, Texas, Maryland, Florida, and South Carolina). Throughout her career, she held a variety of responsibilities, from overseeing 250 aircraft mechanics on the flight line to leading squadrons with over 1,000 personnel. She conducted inspections at all US Air Force bases in Europe and educated both US and international military officer students at the Air Force Air Command and Staff College. A significant moment in her career was her testimony before Congress in March 1990, prior to the Persian Gulf War, advocating for women's roles in combat-coded positions. Barb concluded her service with retirement in 1998.
Barb resides in Sumter, South Carolina, and proudly serves as one of the four Ambassadors for the Military Women's Memorial. This memorial is situated at the ceremonial entrance of Arlington National Cemetery and stands as the only historical repository in the nation that chronicles the service of military women since the Revolutionary War. It preserves the narratives of women who have served our country, both in the past and present. The Memorial pays tribute to the dedication, contributions, and experiences of every woman who has worn a military uniform. As a charter member of the Military Women's Memorial, Barb actively engages with military personnel and the public, educating them about the memorial's significance and encouraging women to register, share their stories, and claim their rightful place in history.
Barb reaches out to women veterans to emphasize the importance of registering with the memorial, which serves to honor their contributions. Too often, women who have bravely served in the military return from conflicts without receiving a simple acknowledgment of their service, courage, or sacrifices. During World War II, many women were discouraged from sharing their experiences, told their service was no longer needed, and received neither compensation nor recognition for their efforts. Tragically, some even made the ultimate sacrifice without being honored. As an Ambassador, Barb is dedicated to inspiring and supporting all women, regardless of their rank, branch of service, or years of military experience, to register their service. She firmly believes that any contribution they made was crucial to the security of our nation and deserve recognition.
Last year, the President of the Military Women's Memorial issued a challenge to each state to register 500 women, and the South Carolina Ambassadors rose to the occasion. Barb played a crucial role in leading the South Carolina Ambassador team to achieve the highest registration of military women in the nation. They successfully registered over 1,300 women who have served our country. This remarkable achievement led to the creation of a new recognition category: Platinum. Barb actively participated in numerous military events and set up display tables throughout the state. Notably, she personally registered the third highest number of women veterans among Ambassadors from other states. Barb consistently engages with both women and men, inquiring if they have military women in their families who have served. She discovered that for many women, the existence of a memorial honoring their service holds significant value. Barb emphasizes the importance of their military contributions, even when they may not recognize their own actions as worthy of acknowledgment.
In May 2024, Barb hosted a Living Legend Proclamation Ceremony to honor Nurse Cadet Janet Collier Durgan, a remarkable 102-year-old who served during World War II. The Military Women's Memorial pays tribute to women in the military who have reached the age of 100. Barb, along with several local dignitaries, gathered to celebrate Janet's extraordinary contributions. This recognition held profound significance for both Janet and her family, evoking deep emotions as they reflected on her service. Thanks was given to Nurse Cadet Janet Collier Durgan from the South Carolina Ambassadors and the Women's Military Memorial for blazing the trail for future generations of women in the military.
Barb remains dedicated to her country, state, and community. She actively contributes as a Docent at the Sumter Museum and the Temple Sinai/Jewish History Center in Sumter, South Carolina. Each year, she imparts her extensive knowledge of Sumter to hundreds of visitors, guiding them through the exhibits, addressing their inquiries, and offering valuable historical insights.
Barb Kucharczyk has an extensive list of achievements spanning the length of her military career including the following:
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
1970 - UNC-Greensboro, BS Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
1976 - New York University, Human Sexuality
1977 - Commissioned via Officer Training School, Medina Annex, Lackland AFB, TX
1977 - 1978 Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course, Chanute AFB, IL
1980 - Air University: Student, Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL
1990 - 1991 Air University: Student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL
1993 - 1994 Air University: Student, Air War College, Maxell AFB, AL
1996 - 1998 Technical Training, Sheppard AFB, TX, Student ASSIGNMENTS:
1978 - 1981 Flightline Aircraft Maintenance Officer, Job Control OIC (managed all maintenance on 72 aircraft, and flight schedule); Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan
1981 - 1984 Flightline Aircraft Maintenance Officer (25 F-4E, 260 mechanics); USAFE IG Aircraft Maintenance Inspector (Operational and Managerial; Evaluations of Aircraft Maintenance capability at all Air Forces bases in Europe; 240 days per year traveling to bases and their forward operating locations); Ramstein Air Base, Germany
1984 - 1985 Education with Industry, General Dynamics Air Force Plant 4, Fort Worth, TX
1985 - 1986 Aircraft Generation Squadron Maintenance Supervisor, Kunsan AB, South Korea
1986 - 1990 Equipment Maintenance Squadron Maintenance Supervisor; Aircraft Generation Squadron Maintenance Supervisor; Equipment Maintenance Squadron Commander, Shaw, AFB, South Carolina
1990 - One of two Air Force women officers selected to testify before the US House Armed Services Committee’s Military Personnel Subcommittee
1990 - 1996 Command and Leadership Instructor, ACSC; Air Force Quality Institute, Director of Education and Training, Maxwell AFB, AL
1996 - 1998 Technical Training Squadron Commander; Technical Training Group, Deputy Commander, Sheppard AFB, TX
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS:
Meritorious Service Medal w/4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Force Commendation Medal w/1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Achievement Medal w/2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/5 Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Force Organizational Excellence Award
American Defense Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Overseas Short Tour Ribbon
Overseas Long Tour Ribbon w/1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Longevity Service Award w/4 Oak Leaf Clusters
Small Arms Expert Marksman Ribbon w/1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Air Force Training Ribbon COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENTS:
Military Women's Memorial, Washington, DC:
Educational Impact Award x 2 : Highest number of events representing the MWM in the Ambassador Corps (130 individuals)
Second highest total of people reached at events, (11,751), February 2025
Ambassador Honor Roll x 3: Team South Carolina with highest total of new registrations (1,309)
Team South Carolina with the highest percentage of registrations out of total eligible (2.9%)
Fourth highest registrations submitted by an ambassador (144), February 2025
Docent Volunteer at the Sumter Museum and the Temple Sinai/Jewish History Center
McKenzie Award as Volunteer of the Year 2023
Silver Level Presidential Volunteer Service Award February 2025
One of 35 veterans honored by Sumter, South Carolina, Mayor, Sumter County Council and Sumter County Director of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Day, November 2024
Certificate of Appreciation from US Army Central Command Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, November 2024
Certificate of Appreciation from Rolling Thunder, Inc., SC Chapter 3, October 2024
South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution, Patriot of the Quarter, March - June 2024
Featured in Veterans of Foreign War #StillServing Campaign, VFW Magazine, March 2024
American Legion Post #15, Sumter, SC, member
American Legion Post #175, Sumter, SC, member
VFW Post #3034, Sumter, SC, member
Quilt of Valor Recipient
High School Special Education Aide
Lifetime Member of Military Officers Association of America
South Carolina Military Women's Memorial Ambassador submission to the South Carolina Legislative Body for a CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing and honoring the 6888TH CENTRAL POSTAL DIRECTORY BATTALION, approved February 27, 2025