COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Nikki Haley today signed an executive order creating the Veterans Policy Advisory Committee.

 

Following active service, mobilization or retirement, members of the military face unique challenges - from finding jobs to coping with physical and mental health stresses - as they transition to civilian life. 

 

The Veterans Policy Advisory Committee will analyze the contributions and needs of South Carolina's more than 400,000 veterans. It will then make recommendations for policy changes to the South Carolina Military Base Task Force and to the governor about how state government can best serve veterans' needs.

 

“There is no better way to thank our brave men and women in uniform than by taking care of them when their time of service ends,” said Gov. Haley. “Veterans can always feel at home in South Carolina.” 

 

South Carolina is a proud military state. There are more than 50,000 active duty and reserve members of the military who call South Carolina home. Since Governor Haley took office, soldiers in the South Carolina National Guard have made more than 9,000 deployments.

 

"It's critically important that we maintain our focus on meeting the needs of veterans and their families,” said State Rep. James Smith, a combat veteran. “I thank Governor Haley for her leadership, and I look forward to working with leaders from across the state to take care of the men and women who sacrifice so much to keep us safe."

 

South Carolina Adjutant General Bob Livingston said, “I look forward to continuing to work with our governor on facilitating our veterans’ transition to civilian life. Our military service members and their families sacrifice so much to keep us safe. When they leave the service, these great Americans and South Carolinians have so much more to offer. While, they have already earned our support and gratitude, we must provide them with avenues to contribute to our communities and state. Where there are obstacles, we need to remove those obstacles and where there are opportunities, we need to build on those opportunities.”

 

Membership of the committee includes military veterans, members of the General Assembly, and representatives from the following state agencies: the Adjutant General’s Office, Department of Employment and Workforce, Department of Drug, Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, Department of Mental Health, and Department of Disabilities and Special Needs.

 

A copy of the governor’s executive order establishing the committee is available here.