SCNG Service Member and Family Care Directorate

Be safe. If we can assist with resources in your area please reach out.

Good afternoon,

Huge benefit change for Veterans with disability. This has been verified with the SCDNR License Specialist.

The SCDNR Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans is a (3) three-year license. To be eligible you must have a VA Service-Connected Disability and have a rating of 10% or more to apply. That's right! Any percentage of disability, not just for 100% P&T Veterans!!!

Required documents:
Photocopy of your unexpired SC Driver's License or SCDMV issued ID Card.
Current copy (dated within the past 12 months) of your disability certification form from the US Department of Veteran Affairs.
(You can print this from eBenefits or call 800-698-2411 and ask for them to mail/email you a copy).
Completed and Signed SCDNR Application form dated revision: 03/2024.
You must be a resident of SC for at least 365 days and have been declared disabled and are receiving disability benefits from one of the following agencies you are entitled to a free disability hunting and fishing license:
Social Security Administration
US Department of Veterans Affairs
SC Retirement System
Federal Civil Service
Railroad Retirement Board
Medicaid
The license is valid for Freshwater Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, State Hunting, Big Game, Wildlife Management Areas and the Migratory Waterfowl Permit. We also offer a disability license that is valid for Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing only. A Disability License is valid for 3 years from date of issue. If you are paraplegic or quadriplegic and include a statement from your doctor you will be issued a Lifetime Disability License.
Deer Tags: 3 Year Disability License holders will automatically receive the free base set of deer tags each year. Lifetime Disability License holders must request tags one time. After the initial request they will continue to receive tags each year.
Turkey Tags: 3 Year Disability License holders must request their turkey tags each year. Lifetime Disability License holders must request tags one time. After the initial request they will continue to receive tags each year.

HAPPY HUNTING AND FISHING!!!

Servicemembers’ children and volunteers participated in recreational activities during the South Carolina National Guard child and youth camp, Camp Bob Cooper, Summerton, South Carolina, July 28 - Aug 1, 2024. The youth camp is organized by the South Carolina National Guard Servicemember and Family Care Directorate and is open to all children of South Carolina National Guard Soldiers and Airmen. The week-long camp focused on team building and outdoor activities like water sports, rock-wall climbing, paintball, and a variety of group projects. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the SCNG child and youth programs hosting the youth camp at Camp Bob Cooper. (U.S. Army National Guard Courtesy Photo) for additional photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/scguard/albums/72177720319208792

The Columbia VA Regional Office and the Columbia VAHCS is hosting a Claims Clinic Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Zion Canaan Baptist Church

Rise and shine and get your camp applications complete today!!

Camp Bob Cooper is for any SCARNG dependent ages 10-17. This includes grandchildren. This camp offers a variety of activities and is centered around resiliency, responsibility, and leadership. If you have questions please let James Harris or Matalyn Bulwinkle know.

We can’t wait to see you soon!

https://www.cognitoforms.com/SCARNGChildYouthProgram/CampBobCooper2024

https://abcnews4.com/newsletter-daily/sc-expands-property-tax-exemption-for-disabled-veterans-surviving-spouses-real-estate-apply-claim-vehicles-cars-south-carolina-revenue-tax-map-deed-address-vin

SC expands Property Tax exemption for disabled veterans Disabled veterans can now obtain a South Carolina Property Tax exemption on real estate from the year in which they became disabled.This change is effective im

Congratulations Lisa Blankenship.

South Carolina National Guard loves their volunteers and this years SFRG state volunteer award winners are being recognized at the unit level with the Soldiers they serve. Beverly Thompson of HHB 1-178FA received the Gold Award this past weekend in recognition of her long term statutory volunteering. Thank you Ms. Beverly for your consistent support and dedication. Watch for more award presentations.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/FY1rBbtZfwhyv7TU/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Gray Area Retirees are members who served in the Guard or Reserve, are qualified for retired pay, and have retired from their service (stopped drilling) but are not yet at the age where they can start receiving retired pay.

ALL Gray Area service members must apply for military retired pay to receive it.

Too many (and I mean many thousands in just the Army) are reaching the eligible age but haven’t applied for it. Some, unfortunately, are already deceased.

I would like some help spreading the word that Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) automatically creates a Gray Area Retiree "Future Retiree" pay account when each member of EVERY Service transitions from an active (drilling) pay status to the Retired Reserve.

These accounts now exist in myPay for all Services, BUT THE MEMBER HAS TO GO INTO MYPAY AND UPDATE IT WITH A CIVILIAN EMAIL AND CONFIRM THE MAILING ADDRESS. Only about 25% have done so.

Why is this important??

DFAS and your Service will stay in touch with you during your Gray Area time -- policies and programs change, and you'll want to know about those --and they will remind you when and how and where to apply for the retired pay you've earned.

And when life events happen --marriages, divorces, deaths, births, adoptions -- those impact your benefits, especially the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan that over 90% of you have (and may not even realize it).

To learn more, read this DFAS webpage: https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/plan/Gray-Area-Retirees/

Career and Resource Fair- Thursday, April 11th 1-4 pm. Over 60 employers ready to hire- Rain or shine! Below is a list of Employers hiring immediately.
SC National Guard Armory- 1225 Bluff Road, Columbia, SC!

April is Month of the Military Child! Let's salute the young heroes in our military families. Their resilience, sacrifices and boundless spirit inspire us all.

In honor of Military Spouses in May we have few events. We look forward to seeing you there. Scan to register.

Great opportunity

Applications are live!! 🥳

https://www.cognitoforms.com/SCARNGChildYouthProgram/CampHannon2024

As a reminder there are limited spots- completing the application does not guarantee a spot. We will email you a confirmation after March 29. This camp is only for SCARNG Teens ages 14-17.

The Columbia VA Health Care System will host its next Veterans Town Hall Tuesday, March 26, at 10 a.m.

This town hall will be held virtually, ONLY.

The virtual link for the Town Hall is: https://bit.ly/ColumbiaVAHCSTownHall

Please attend the Town Hall to ask any questions, or voice any comments or concerns. We can't wait to see you there!

The Teams Meeting ID is: 270 177 956 938 Passcode: L9S7kx
Or call in (audio only)
+1 872-701-0185,,79581098 #
Phone Conference ID: 795 810 98 #