Sumter, SC Combat Veterans Group's mission is to serve others; Public charity formed in 2011

If someone is retired military and wants to help other veterans and give back to his or her community, then the Sumter, SC Combat Veterans Group might be a good fit.

The commander of the veterans' group, executive commander and a founding member spoke recently on various service opportunities offered through the organization and how a retired military member can get involved.

Close to 15 years ago, Leroy Peoples and other founding members saw a need to help other veterans and provide community service and organized the Sumter, SC Combat Veterans Group in 2011. Currently, there are 73 members, he said, and the only qualification for membership is one needs to be honorably discharged from any military branch of service.

According to Commander Mary Glass and Peoples, even though "combat" is in the nonprofit group's name, it is not required that one serve in a war or a battlefield to become a member.

"As long as you are a veteran in good standing, you are accepted," Peoples said. "In 2011, when we were formed, the majority of our members were combat veterans, so that is where that name came from."

Peoples and Executive Commander "Sol" Golden served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, while Glass served in the Army in Iraq.

The group draws its membership from five counties to include Sumter, Clarendon, Lee, Kershaw and Darlington and is organized as a 501c3 public charity.

"That's why when we do things, we are not out there to profit," Peoples said. "We don't want to lose anything. But all our efforts are geared towards us helping veterans and the communities that we serve."

Group activities include helping veterans and their families in need and service to the community to include assisting Sumter United Ministries and providing mentoring and donations to children in public schools in the five counties they serve.

"It makes you feel good to help others," Peoples said. "Otherwise, I would no longer be doing this. All of this is volunteer. It's about camaraderie and service to your fellow man."

The group meets on the third Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at its headquarters, 529 N. Wise Drive.

Anyone interested in membership should contact Golden at (803) 236-7817.