Orangeburg County's longtime Veterans Affairs service officer was recognized as "a role model" for other county employees during a program honoring him on his retirement.

John Rivers' 48 years of service of his country and county was recognized by his constituents, co-workers and family during a luncheon held at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2779.

Rivers was heralded for a successful 20-year career in the U.S. Navy, followed by a 28-year stint with Orangeburg County as Veteran Affairs service officer helping more than 7,000 veterans and their families.

A native of St. Matthews, Rivers was educated in Calhoun and Charleston counties' public school systems and completed his B.S. degree in counselor education and his M.A. degree in rehabilitation counseling at South Carolina State University.

Bill Clark, Orangeburg County administrator, praised Rivers for his outstanding performance during his tenure with the county.

"The VA department is the only department in the county with no drama in it," Clark said, adding that Rivers always managed to work within his budget, no matter how small. "John is a person that never complains and never gets complaints."

In 2007, Rivers was recognized by the Community of Character Initiative for exemplifying "patriotism."

Clark said Rivers was instrumental in getting a Veterans Administration health clinic established in Orangeburg and in securing a van manned by volunteers to transport veterans to the Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia for care.

The county administrator also praised Rivers' involvement in community projects outside of his assigned job, such as helping the March of Dimes' Walk America grow tenfold and being a strong advocate for health and wellness.

Clark quoted Rivers' grandfather's saying: "If you follow good, it will follow you."

In his short remarks, Rivers said of his job of helping veterans, "There is a reward in seeing them getting what they deserve."

Sheriff Larry Williams presented Rivers with a plaque from his office commemorating the occasion.

Rivers is a member of VFW Post 8166, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Post 4, the Retired Enlisted Association and the Kiwanis Club of Orangeburg.

He attends Providence AME Church in St. Matthews. He and his wife, the former Mae F. Brunson, have four children - Jonathan, Stephanie, Adrian and Edwin - and six grandchildren.

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T&D Correspondent Larry P. Jordan can be reached by phone at 803-874-3276. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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