American Legion Larry Jeffers Post 195 of Lugoff, S.C., hosted their first Veterans' Information Fair Saturday, Nov. 7. The post saw over two dozen vendors, including the state and federal Veterans Administrations, and representatives from hospice care, elder care, the DAV, and other charities and organizations. At least 35 veterans were able to speak with VA representatives to advance their military injury and disability claims, and to find what other benefits and programs they may qualify for at state and national levels.
One veteran discovered that he has been paying property taxes for years that he doesn't have to due to a state exemption! It seems he will save money in the coming year.
Chiefly organized by Post 195's Veterans' Service Representative Janice Breland, the post also received assistance from the Kershaw County Recreation Department, which opened their Smith Road facility across the street from the post to use as a parking area. Midlands Powersports of Lugoff lent a six-seat Polaris four-wheeler and driver as a shuttle between parking and post, and the county Sheriff's Office had personnel guiding pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Other assistance with traffic and parking was provided by the Lugoff-Elgin High School Junior ROTC, advised by Legionnaire retired LTC Ray McDowell, and Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
Meals were provided to attendees and representatives by Chic-fil-A, with a portion paid for by Retireease Senior Services of Camden, S.C. Ten Thanksgiving dinner baskets were distributed through a free drawing by Oak Grove Baptist Church of Elgin, S.C. Included in the basket were frozen turkeys, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, macaroni, canned vegetables and cake mix. Oak Grove distributes hundreds of these baskets around the area to needy families every year at Thanksgiving.
Additional vendors include VA's Columbia (SC) Mobile Vet Center, the Women Veterans Program and She's the Veteran, the VA Voluntary Service that provides volunteers at the WJB Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia and other local facilities, Alpha Omega Phi military fraternity/sorority, L.A.G. Heart & Wellness Consulting, Bankers Life, VALanthropy, which builds housing for veterans, Agape Care and Wellcare, and OSKA Wellness.
Well over 150 people attended. The event was considered by Post 195 to be a success, and preliminary planning for another fair in 2027 will likely commence soon.
