Beaufort Honors Anne McGowan as Associate Member of the Year for Outstanding Veterans Service

Beaufort Celebrates Local Hero: Veteran Service Officer Named Associate Member of the Year!

Hey Beaufort! Have you heard the latest buzz around town? Caroline Fermin, our very own Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Director, announced some fantastic news that has everyone smiling from ear to ear. Drumroll, please! Veteran Service Officer Anne McGowan has been recognized as the Associate Member of the Year by the South Carolina Association County Veterans Affairs Officers. How amazing is that?

A Rising Star in Veterans Affairs

Anne McGowan isn’t just a name on an office door. She’s made a significant impact in her three years with the Beaufort County Veterans Affairs team. When she first came on board, she started as the Senior Administrative Assistant. Through sheer hard work and dedication, she was soon promoted to Veteran Service Officer. That says a lot about her passion and commitment!

According to Director Fermin, Anne’s professional demeanor and keen eye for detail have helped to successfully complete hundreds of claims filed by our local veterans and their families. In a recent press release, Fermin added, “Under the leadership of a new department director, Anne has adapted quickly to the changes while continuing to support our mission.” Talk about being a team player!

Recognized at County Council Meeting

Anne was recognized for her incredible achievements during a recent County Council meeting, where County Administrator Michael Moore took a moment to give her a well-deserved shout-out. For anyone who wants to see this awesome moment, you can catch it [here](https://bit.ly/4f07koL). It’s a real treat!

Helping Our Heroes

So what exactly does the Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Office do? It’s all about helping our veterans, their spouses, and other dependents cut through the red tape to access the government programs they’re eligible for. How cool is that? If you need assistance, the Veterans Affairs Counselors are available by appointment only. Just give them a call at 843-255-6880 to set up a time to meet.

For more information on the various benefits available, don’t forget to check out helpful resources like the Federal Benefits Handbook for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors. You can find it [here](https://bit.ly/3CgzP1z) or by visiting the [official VA website](www.va.gov). It’s a treasure trove of information!

What’s Next for Our Veterans?

East Coast’s first to feature the awesome F-35C Lightning II! Wow, talk about stepping up for the country!

Meanwhile, eager and young veterans like Vicente Perez, who is just 24 years old, are also making waves by joining the ranks of the U.S. military. It seems that there’s no shortage of dedication in our Beaufort community!

Beaufort’s Veterans Matter