South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs
Honorary Pathfinder: Dr. Craig Burnette
Many years ago, before veteran service organizations really existed at the grass roots level, Dr. Craig Burnette, a former Vietnam veteran and retired Psychologist for the U.S. Department of Veterans affairs, began making ripples in the Spartanburg community by doing whatever he could to help homeless veterans. Going to the streets on his own he became a trusted name and face among homeless people, especially the veterans among them. He became known for his work with the homeless and, as such, a friend to the Spartanburg Police Department. Soon, when the Spartanburg Police encountered homeless veterans, Craig would be the first call because there was no one else.
Fast forward to today and we have veteran-centric service agencies such as Upstate Warrior Solution, Warriors Once Again and others who are available to assist veterans from all walks of post-service life, including transitional housing. Craig is heavily involved with these and many others and is still the one people call when they encounter a veteran in need. He is also an active member of the City of Spartanburg’s Homeless Engagement and Response Team, or the HEART Team for short, doing weekly street outreach to the needy. When he’s not busy with all of this, he is a delivery driver for Mobile Meals as well.
Craig has received numerous awards for his dedication to public service, including the state of South Carolina’s highest award, The Order of the Palmetto. Most recently he received the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs Honorary Pathfinder Award for his service and engagement with veterans in need across the upstate.
We are honored to have him as the Chairman of our Board of Directors at Warriors Once Again, where his wisdom and energy have grown and guided us from a start-up non-profit in 2020 to the successful and effective transitional residence for homeless veterans we are today.
Congratulations Craig and thank you for your service. We couldn’t appreciate you more.