Days before the country's Fourth of July celebration, Cherokee County Veterans Affairs Officer Todd Humphries officially started his new job representing county veterans.

Humphries was sworn in Monday by state Senator Harvey Peeler (R-Gaffney) in an outdoor ceremony near his office in the Peachtree Centre. The Iraq War veteran now takes over the role of helping veterans secure benefits and arranging transportation to Veterans Administration hospitals and clinics.

Peeler was joined at the ceremony by state Reps. Steve Moss and Dennis Moss.

"The county veterans affairs officer has arguably the most important duty in the county," Peeler said. "He is charged with taking care of the people who have taken care of us by putting their lives on the line for our country."

Humphries defeated longtime Veterans Affairs Officer Sammy Willard in an advisory election in May held by local veteran groups. After his appointment by Gov. Mark Sanford, Humphries officially starts his duties Wednesday.

Humphries served in the Iraq War with the Army from 2003 to 2005. He received an honorable discharge from the South Carolina Army National Guard in 2006 for injuries received while serving with the U.S. Army.

Humphries became interested in the Veterans Affairs officer position based on his experience applying for veteran's benefits when he returned home from Iraq. He has since helped several veterans with their efforts to receive benefits.

"I look forward to serving our county's veterans," Humphries said. "This office is here to help the county veterans. We will accept them with open arms."

Humphries said one of his priorities will be to hold information sessions a couple of times a year to provide veterans with information about the benefits they are entitled to for their military service.

"My goal is to have the best veterans affairs office in the state," Humphries said. "I plan to work hard and set a high standard for serving the needs of our county's veterans."

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