Regional VA benefits director urges Beaufort County veterans to claim earned benefits
January 30, 2026 | Beaufort County, South Carolina
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Sheila Jackson, regional benefits director for the Department of Veterans Affairs, told a Beaufort County audience that veterans and their families have benefits they earned through service and should contact local, state or federal offices to find out what’s available.
Jackson said she brings regional resources to support local efforts to serve veterans and their families. "I am the regional benefits director for the Department of Veterans Affairs," she said, adding that she is "a 20 year Army veteran." The remarks were part of a community interview in Beaufort County.
Jackson emphasized that benefits are due to service, not charity. "It's not something that someone has given them a handout, but a grateful nation says if you defend us, we'll take care of you," she said, urging veterans and surviving family members to seek survivor and service-connected benefits when applicable. She advised residents to begin by contacting their local county veteran service office to get specific information about eligibility and applications.
The interviewer noted Beaufort's military presence and its role in local culture, and asked Jackson how families and spouses can access benefits. Jackson outlined that benefits exist for veterans, spouses and survivors and encouraged using county-level veteran service offices as a first step to navigate available federal and state resources.
Jackson also spoke about leadership and public service. Drawing on her military service, she said aspiring leaders should be authentic and service-oriented. "First, you have to introspect it," she said. She described leadership as offering one’s best self to benefit others and urged young people to develop a sense of service and commitment.
The session closed with thanks and an invitation for continued engagement. Jackson encouraged veterans and families in Beaufort County to reach out to their county veteran service office, state veteran resources, or the Department of Veterans Affairs for assistance and next steps.
Jackson said she brings regional resources to support local efforts to serve veterans and their families. "I am the regional benefits director for the Department of Veterans Affairs," she said, adding that she is "a 20 year Army veteran." The remarks were part of a community interview in Beaufort County.
Jackson emphasized that benefits are due to service, not charity. "It's not something that someone has given them a handout, but a grateful nation says if you defend us, we'll take care of you," she said, urging veterans and surviving family members to seek survivor and service-connected benefits when applicable. She advised residents to begin by contacting their local county veteran service office to get specific information about eligibility and applications.
The interviewer noted Beaufort's military presence and its role in local culture, and asked Jackson how families and spouses can access benefits. Jackson outlined that benefits exist for veterans, spouses and survivors and encouraged using county-level veteran service offices as a first step to navigate available federal and state resources.
Jackson also spoke about leadership and public service. Drawing on her military service, she said aspiring leaders should be authentic and service-oriented. "First, you have to introspect it," she said. She described leadership as offering one’s best self to benefit others and urged young people to develop a sense of service and commitment.
The session closed with thanks and an invitation for continued engagement. Jackson encouraged veterans and families in Beaufort County to reach out to their county veteran service office, state veteran resources, or the Department of Veterans Affairs for assistance and next steps.
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