Gov. McMaster nominates candidate for Secretary of S.C. Department of Veteran Affairs

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced his nomination for the next Secretary of the S.C. Department of Veterans’ Affair Tuesday morning.

“South Carolina is home to more military retirees than almost any other state in the country, making it vital that we invest, care for, and assist our veterans and their families in every way possible,” said Gov. McMaster, “With over 34 years of military service Maj. Gen. McCaffrey is a proven leader and he is the right person to add to the already great work being done at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.”

According to a press release, McMaster nominated retired Major General Todd B. McCaffrey, a U.S. Army veteran who served as the Chief of Staff for the U.S. Africa Command during his 34-year military service.

McCaffrey joined the University of South Carolina as the Senior Director of Strategic Partnership for Government and Military Programs, where he assisted the university to integrate and expand its portfolio of defense and other national security-related efforts.

McCaffrey is a graduate of the United States Military Academy and holds two Master’s degrees in economics from the Colorado School of Mines and in national security studies from the U.S. Army War College, said the press release.

“I both welcome and appreciate the opportunity to serve South Carolina veterans in this important role,” said Maj. Gen. McCaffrey, “I look forward to continuing Secretary Grimsley’s legacy of assisting veterans, integrating services of those who support veterans, and advocating for our military installations, service members, and family members across the state.”

The governor’s appointment is subject to Senate approval and if accepted, McCaffrey will be Secretary William Grimsley’s successor.

“It has been a distinct honor and pleasure to serve as our state’s first Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs, and I am immensely proud of the work done on behalf of our Veterans by both the department and our many partners across the state,” said Secretary Grimsley, “After three years, I believe the department has established itself as an effective advocate for Veterans, active duty service members, and their families in South Carolina, and I believe that reputation will only grow stronger in the months ahead. I leave this position with complete confidence in Major General (retired) Todd McCaffrey, whom the Governor has nominated as my replacement. I know of no better candidate to serve the Veteran community.”

During Grimsley’s time in office, the S.C. Department of Veteran Affairs obtained federal funds to expand the state’s Veteran Treatment courts, establish an annual Governor’s Summit on Veterans’ Affairs to provide transparency and accountability for the department’s operations, started the process for the creation of two additional state Veteran cemeteries and established a grant program to distribute funds provided for the Military Enhancement Fund.

“Secretary Grimsley’s vision and leadership has built the Department of Veterans’ Affairs from the ground up and has turned the agency into a tremendous resource for our veterans and their families,” said Governor McMaster, “I thank Secretary Grimsley for his service to South Carolina and for improving the lives of our veterans statewide.”

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