From the Acting Executive Director/CEO

Dear Veterans, As we approach Independence Day 2026 and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, I cannot express enough what an honor and privilege it is to serve you. Every day, I am reminded that the freedoms we cherish were not given freely. They were earned, defended, and preserved by men and women like you who answered our nation's call to serve. Your courage, sacrifice, and commitment have protected the ideals upon which America was founded, and for that, you deserve nothing less than our very best. This year marks two extraordinary milestones. While our nation celebrates 250 years of freedom, the Veterans Health Administration proudly celebrates 80 years of caring for America's Veterans. For eight decades, VHA has remained steadfast in its mission to honor your service through exceptional health care, groundbreaking medical innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Veterans and their families. I could not be prouder to be part of an organization whose legacy is built on compassion, service, and a promise to care for those who have borne the battle. While health care will continue to evolve and innovation will shape the future, our core priorities will remain unchanged.

Last weekend, I had the privilege of participating in the Freedom 250 Celebration, alongside our partners from the Columbia VA Regional Office, the South Carolina Department of Veterans' Affairs, the Columbia Vet Center, Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Veteran Service Organizations, and community leaders. As I looked across the crowd, I was reminded that although each of our organizations has a unique mission and different responsibilities, we are all united by one common purpose—the Veteran. You are why our organization exists. You are at the center of every decision we make. You shape our culture, guide our priorities, and inspire our pursuit of excellence. Every improvement we make, every innovation we implement, and every service we provide is rooted in our commitment to honoring your service. As you celebrate Independence Day with family and friends, I hope you take pride in knowing that your service has helped preserve the freedoms our nation celebrates this year and every year. On behalf of the entire Columbia VA Health Care System, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and the trust you place in us. It is our privilege to care for you. Have a safe, happy, and meaningful Fourth of July, and know that we remain steadfast in our promise to serve you with excellence—for today, for tomorrow, and for generations to come. Jeffrey Soots Acting Executive Director/CEO Columbia VA Health Care System

News Stories from the Columbia VAHCS

Columbia VA celebrates America's 250th Anniversary at Freedom 250 Celebration

The Columbia VA Health Care System joined the Columbia VA Regional Office and community partners on June 27, 2026, to host a Freedom 250 Celebration, honoring the generations of Veterans whose service and sacrifice have preserved the freedoms Americans enjoy today.

Held at the Columbia VA Regional Office, the event was presented in partnership with the Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia VA Regional Office, South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs, Columbia Vet Center, Fort Jackson National Cemetery, numerous Veteran Service Organizations, and community partners.

Columbia VA Honors Korean War Heroes at Annual Memorial Ceremony

The Columbia VA Health Care System held its annual Korean War Memorial Ceremony on June 26, bringing together Veterans, elected officials, community leaders, and guests to honor the brave men and women who answered our nation's call during the Korean War and never returned home.

The ceremony featured the laying of a wreath at the Korean War Monument near the Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center's Avenue of Flags, serving as a solemn tribute to the fallen and their enduring legacy.

Remarks were delivered by Jeffrey Soots, Acting Executive Director of the Columbia VA Health Care System, along with Consul Myunghwan Sung of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Atlanta, The Honorable Heather Bauer, South Carolina House District 75, Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, and Sang Hak Chi, President of the Korean Society of Columbia.

Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of those who served during the Korean War, emphasizing that while it has often been called "The Forgotten War," the service and sacrifice of its Veterans must never be forgotten.

The annual observance reaffirmed Columbia VA's commitment to honoring the legacy of America's Veterans and ensuring future generations remember those who gave their lives in defense of freedom.

Columbia VA hosts 2026 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival

The Columbia VA Health Care System, in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events, hosted the 2026 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival June 9-14, 2026, marking the first time Columbia, South Carolina, has been selected as the host city for this prestigious national event.

The Columbia community witnessed remarkable performances, breathtaking artwork, inspiring stories, and unforgettable moments of camaraderie. More than 100 Veterans from across the United States traveled to Columbia to participate in the weeklong festival.

Each participant earned first-place honors in local VA creative arts competitions and advanced to the national level through their exceptional accomplishments in visual arts, creative writing, music, dance, and drama.

Throughout the week, the Veterans participated in workshops, performances, exhibits, and collaborative learning experiences that highlighted their creativity, resilience, and personal growth. The event serves as both a celebration of artistic excellence and a demonstration of how creative expression can support rehabilitation, recovery, and overall well-being.

The creative arts festival is the culmination of year-round creative arts therapy programs offered throughout the Department of Veterans Affairs. The event celebrates the healing power of the arts and showcases the remarkable artistic achievements of Veterans receiving care through VA facilities nationwide.

View National Veterans Creative Arts Festival videos:

2026 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival Recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpfcCwcvk1k

NBC 10 Veterans Creative Arts Festival comes to Columbia: https://www.wistv.com/2026/06/12/veterans-creative-arts-festival-comes-columbia/

We all have a story to tell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jizYYMaAgso

ABC Good Morning Columbia: https://www.abccolumbia.com/2026/06/10/columbia-va-hosts-national-veterans-creative-arts-festival/

NBC 10 Sunrise interview: https://www.wistv.com/video/2026/06/11/interview-2026-national-veterans-creative-arts-festival/

Artist Interaction Session, June 10, 2026: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FfSQmnw8tA

Veterans arriving in Columbia, SC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReGaIWOZ5gE

Music was my Refuge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFSiDSl_FSs

You Are the Mission: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hueY2bx8zg8

Valley Veteran gets national recognition for helping others heal through art: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Bau2101QBs

NVCAF official website: https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/national-veterans-creative-arts-festival/

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