Beaufort County veterans affairs director and VSO honored statewide; officials cite sharp rise in claims revenue
January 14, 2026 | Beaufort County, South Carolina
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Caroline Fuhrman, director of Beaufort County Veterans Affairs, and Veterans Service Officer John Abney were recognized at the South Carolina Association of County Veterans Affairs Officers annual meeting, officials announced on Thursday.
County officials said Fuhrman was named County Veterans Affairs Director of the Year for 2025 and Abney was named Associate Member of the Year for 2025. The nomination for Fuhrman was credited to Colonel Neil Pugliese, USMC (retired), according to remarks at the meeting.
The recognition highlighted program changes and outreach that county speakers said expanded access to separating service members on military installations. An attendee at the meeting said the office gained slots at transition events that previously required a fee, allowing staff 15 to 30 minutes with service members preparing to separate or retire.
Speakers described specific program offerings implemented under Fuhrman, including end-of-life planning seminars and free "vet will" clinics, and credited the team with improving speed and efficiency in claims processing. The meeting record notes that the county runs quarterly benefits- and discharge-claims clinics at three installations to assist service members and families.
An attendee attributed a large increase in claims activity to the expanded outreach: "we have increased our claims production by 1100%, which has brought in, over $8,000,000 to the county," the attendee said. The meeting transcript does not include independent verification of the percentage or dollar figure.
Those speaking at the meeting emphasized the local workforce benefit of working with separating service members and thanked County Council member Mr. Moore and families who supported the staff. The public remarks closed with praise for the office’s work in serving veterans and their families.
The meeting did not include any formal motions or votes on policy; the item was a recognition and update on veterans services.
County officials said Fuhrman was named County Veterans Affairs Director of the Year for 2025 and Abney was named Associate Member of the Year for 2025. The nomination for Fuhrman was credited to Colonel Neil Pugliese, USMC (retired), according to remarks at the meeting.
The recognition highlighted program changes and outreach that county speakers said expanded access to separating service members on military installations. An attendee at the meeting said the office gained slots at transition events that previously required a fee, allowing staff 15 to 30 minutes with service members preparing to separate or retire.
Speakers described specific program offerings implemented under Fuhrman, including end-of-life planning seminars and free "vet will" clinics, and credited the team with improving speed and efficiency in claims processing. The meeting record notes that the county runs quarterly benefits- and discharge-claims clinics at three installations to assist service members and families.
An attendee attributed a large increase in claims activity to the expanded outreach: "we have increased our claims production by 1100%, which has brought in, over $8,000,000 to the county," the attendee said. The meeting transcript does not include independent verification of the percentage or dollar figure.
Those speaking at the meeting emphasized the local workforce benefit of working with separating service members and thanked County Council member Mr. Moore and families who supported the staff. The public remarks closed with praise for the office’s work in serving veterans and their families.
The meeting did not include any formal motions or votes on policy; the item was a recognition and update on veterans services.
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