The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans (CWV) has named Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Director Dr. Caroline Fermin one of 28 extraordinary women veterans to receive the 2025 Women Veteran Trailblazers Initiative Award, themed “Women Forging a Path.”

The CWV’s Trailblazer award celebrates women veterans who inspire and uplift, making a lasting impact on their communities: shining a spotlight on women who have served with valor and continue to blaze trails for veterans, their families, and caregivers. 

Named in April as noted in this previous release, the presentation ceremony was held in late September.

Dr. Fermin, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel with an illustrious 25-year career, has worked with her department staff, to expand and strengthen resources and services for County veterans since taking the helm as Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Director in June 2023. Beaufort County has a vibrant and growing veteran community and the County Veterans Affairs Department is positioned to meet those program needs.

From championing landmark legislation like the PACT Act and the Major Richard Star Act to leading grassroots efforts to combat veteran suicide, Dr. Fermin has been a leader for change both locally and on Capitol Hill.

“I’m absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to receive this award,” said Dr. Fermin. “As a proud Beaufort native and lifelong servant leader, I’m all in for ensuring our veterans, service members, and their families get the top-notch support they’ve earned. This recognition fuels my passion to keep pushing forward!”

The Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Office assists veterans, their spouses and
other dependents with access to government programs for which they are eligible.
Veterans Affairs Counselors are available by appointment only by calling 843-255-6880. For more information click here.

The Federal Benefits Handbook for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors is available here or by visiting www.va.gov.

At September's award presentation, pictured above from left to right: Mrs. Jacquelyn Hayes-Byrd, Executive Director, Center for Women Veterans, Dr. Karen Brazell, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and Dr. Lynda Davis, Chief Veterans Experience Officer.