SOUTH CAROLINA, November 7, 2022— This Veterans Day, November 11, 2022, the American Red Cross is recognizing veterans who continue their service in local communities across the country.
As disasters roil communities across the country, veterans are donning the Red Cross vest and lending a hand to those in need in their local communities. At military bases and in local neighborhoods, veterans are rolling up their sleeves to donate blood and help give the critical gift of life. Whether teaching lifesaving skills or giving back to their own by volunteering to assist fellow veterans, they are making an impact through the teamwork and dedication that served them well during military service.
According to the census, there are more than 18 million U.S. military veterans around the world. When it’s time to put the uniform away, some veterans encounter difficulty with the process. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 1/3 of all veterans report that they struggle with depression after military service. From difficulty navigating the culture of civilian life to finding a shared sense of purpose, 27% of veterans report difficulty integrating into the civilian workforce post service according to the Pew Research Center. Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans & Military Families (IVMF) reports that prior military service and civic participation are linked. IVMF concludes that military service helps overcome barriers to volunteering and provides positive outcomes for veterans.
“This Veterans Day, the American Red Cross is recognizing veterans who continue their second service in local communities across the country,” said Denise Teasdell, Regional Director of Red Cross of South Carolina Services to the Armed Forces and International Services. “These veterans have made an impact on and off the battlefield and in their communities across the country. The mission of the American Red Cross was born on the battlefield through Clara Barton’s care for Civil War soldiers. Today, we continue to serve the U.S. military — from the moment a service member takes their oath to the time they are navigating life as a veteran.”
Veterans are joining the American Red Cross and to help others. When Hurricane Ian caused devastation across Florida veterans from across the country were among the first to be among our recovery and response efforts. Veterans are critical members of our community, and we appreciate and value their service after service.
SOUTH CAROLINA VETERANS DAY ACTIVITIES
- Columbia VA 9th Adopt-A-Basket Holiday Annual
Food Drive Donation drop off will be: November 7th-11 and December 5TH- 9th in room E108A building 106. For more information 803-776-4000 ext 56780
- Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit National Tour November 6th, 12p-5pm. Beaufort County Administration Building Robert
Smalls Complex 100 Ribaut Rd, Beaufort, SC
- Veterans Day Parade Sunday November 6th Main St and South Lake Drive Downtown Lexington, SC. Parade begins at 3pm.
- VeteransDay Parade Sunday, November 6th 3pm Walterboro, SC Lineup begins at 2pm on Hampton Street.
- 2022 Veterans Day Parade Friday November 11th. Parade begins at 10am. Line up at 830am, begins at Beaufort National Cemetery
- Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony Union, SC November 11th at 1030am on Main Street in Union County, SC.
- Fort Mill Veterans Day Ceremony Friday, November 11th at 1030am. Veterans Park 106 N. White St., Fort Mill, SC.
- Veterans Day Parade Columbia, SC November 11th Sumter & Laurel St. Starting at 11am.
- Veterans Day Parade November 11th Sumter, SC Starts at 10am. Will begin at the Sumter County Courthouse.
- Sunday, November 6th 1pm. Charleston, SC Veterans Day Parade. Will start at Concord St. and
Market St.
- Veterans Day Celebration and Concert November 12th 11am. Location: Cherokee County, Veterans Appreciation Park 215 South Logan Street Gaffney, SC.
- 22nd Annual Dorn VA Hospital Vets Ride Sunday December 11, 2022 meeting location: Carolina Honda Powerhouse parking lot, 901 Bukner Rd Columbia 29203. The ride will depart from Dorn VA Hospital
at 2pm rain or shine.
THE HEART OF OUR WORKFORCE
Many Red Cross volunteers are veterans who continue to support their communities after their active-duty service ends. From the front lines of disaster recovery to service in Veterans Administration (VA) and military hospitals across the nation and around the world, their impact is integral to
the Red Cross.
Over 20,000 Red Cross volunteers are veterans — making up 14% of our workforce. Veterans hold many positions at the Red Cross from nurses to logisticians, emergency management experts, project managers and preparedness experts, as well as a number of veterans in leadership roles at local Red Cross chapters across the country.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Volunteer to help veterans or to work alongside them to make our communities stronger. To learn more about how you can give back in your community this Veterans Day, visit redcross.org/volunteer.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.