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Estate Planning Attorney inTravelers Rest, SC
Did you know that one in two U.S. citizens have yet to create a plan for their estate? Just about everyone knows they need to get their affairs in order, but most people procrastinate when it comes to estate planning. It's an uncomfortable subject to think about. After all, nobody wants to ponder their death and what happens to their assets when they pass. However, working with an estate planning lawyer in Travelers Rest, SC, protects you, your loved ones, and your assets, both while you're alive and after you have died. There isn't a perfect time to plan your estate, but there is a right time and that time is now.
We understand that there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution to your estate planning needs. That's why, at Cobb Hammett Law Firm, we make a concerted effort to speak with our clients personally so that we can create an estate plan that is as unique as they are. Our estate plans are comprehensive, cost-effective, and catered to you. That way, your family is provided if you are incapacitated or pass away.
At the end of the day, our goal is to make sure that every one of our clients leaves our office feeling less stressed and more informed. Peace of mind is valuable currency these days. Why worry about the future of your loved ones when you can use South Carolina law to ensure their stability?
Many of the clients in Travelers Rest, SC that walk through our doors have significant questions that require serious answers. They're filled with doubt, stress, and worry. They're worried about their children, their spouse, their relatives, or all the above. They ask questions like:
- How much does estate planning cost?
- What kind of results can I expect?
- How long will this process take?
If these questions sound familiar, know that you are not alone. At Cobb Hammett Law Firm, we have worked with hundreds of clients just like you. Sometimes, these clients are unsatisfied with their current estate planning attorney in Travelers Rest, SC. Other times, they have been served with confusing papers or documents that leave them feeling overwhelmed. In either case, clients come to our office knowing they need to manage what is often a sudden, foreign situation.
The good news? We sit down with all new clients for an hour at no extra cost. We do so to get a basic sense of their situation and help steer them in the right direction. That way, they can leave our office feeling a little wiser and a lot better about the future.
Our firm specializes in several areas of estate planning and family law, including:
- Estate Planning
- Last Will and Testament
- Living Wills
- Heath Care Power of Attorney
- Living Wills
- Irrevocable Trusts
- Revocable Trusts
- Retirement Trusts
- Special Needs Trusts
The Cobb Hammett
Difference
At Cobb Hammett, LLC, estate planning is like second nature to us. Having worked hundreds upon hundreds of cases, we have the knowledge and experience to assist with all the estate planning needs that you or your family have.
As our client, you will always work directly with your attorney. We do not pass cases off to paralegals or junior associates. Because your concerns and questions don't end when our office closes, we encourage our clients to contact us at any time.
Because we limit the number of cases we accept, we have the time and resources to truly dedicate ourselves to each of our clients. Unlike some competitors, we care about the outcome of every case because we know that our clients' future depends on it.
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What is Estate Planning in
Travelers Rest, SC?
The word "estate" might make you think of a sprawling mansion in the French countryside. The truth is, you don't have to be rich to have an estate. In fact, most people already have an estate. An estate comprises the assets that a person owns like cars, bank accounts, real estate, businesses, and other possessions. Everyone's estate is different, but we all have one thing in common: none of us can take our estates with us when we die. When that does eventually happen, you will need legal instructions that state who gets what from your estate in plain terms.That, in a nutshell, is estate planning building a framework in advance that names the organizations or people that should receive your assets after you die. Planning your estate now helps make life much easier for your family down the line.
A good estate plan covers more than fiscal assets, however. A comprehensive
estate plan should include the following:
- If you have children who are minors, instructions as to who will be their guardian when you die.
- Long-term care insurance if you suffer from an extended injury or illness.
- Instructions that dictate what happens to you and your financial affairs if you become incapacitated before death.
- Instructions on the transfer of your business after retirement, incapacity, disability, or death.
- Instructions on how to provide for loved ones who might need help managing money or who need protection from creditors.
- Probate and tax avoidance that help minimize court fees, taxes, and legal fees.
- Planning Medicaid payments.
- Instructions that help complete or update beneficiary designations.
- Assist family members who have special needs without disqualifying them from government benefits.
Contrary to popular belief, estate planning isn't just for adults who are approaching retirement age. Estate planning is for everyone. After all, we're all getting older, and none of us know exactly when it will be our time to go.
The Basics of Estate Planning
in Travelers Rest, SC
Although estate planning can be complicated, a well-rounded plan makes a huge difference in what is left to your beneficiaries. Before you start planning your estate, it's important to know a few common topics that may arise as you detail your needs.
Working with a Tax Advisor and Estate Planning
Attorney in Travelers Rest, SC
Working with a veteran estate planning lawyer is a no-brainer, but you should consider working with a tax advisor too. Your attorney's role is to help guide you through the creation of your estate planning documents. Common documents include your will, health care directives, and power of attorney. Your tax advisor will help guide you through tax issues associated with your estate planning needs.
In this relationship, you make the decisions while your attorney and tax advisor help you understand and think through the options you're considering. As a team, they will help you state your wishes clearly while minimizing mistakes and adjusting your plans as they change. Because significant savings can result from thorough, informed planning, you should seriously consider working with a tax advisor in addition to your estate planning attorney.
Maximizing
Your Estate
If there were one overriding theme of estate planning, it would be maximizing what you plan to leave behind. Thinking through how each of your assets will be distributed is crucial to your estate. Your decisions may change depending on the type of asset, its size, how old you are, and several other factors. With an attorney on your side, you will gain a thorough understanding of what actions you should take to care for your family while minimizing expenses like taxes and court fees.
Inheritance, Estate,
and Gift Taxes
One of the biggest parts of maximizing what you're leaving behind is to minimize taxes. Federal taxes on estates and gifts are incredibly high. Both forms of taxes usually have exemption limits, which means you can give up to a specific amount without being taxed. Your lawyer can achieve that by using the gift tax exemption to move assets while you are still alive. This strategy maximizes how much your beneficiaries will receive.
Inheritance taxes are often based on the value of your estate and paid prior to asset distribution to your beneficiaries.
Choosing the Executor of Your Will
The executor of your estate plays a key role in your affairs. Their responsibilities include carrying out the terms of your will and seeing the estate settlement process through until the end. Obviously, such a role demands a qualified person. Choosing your executor isn't an easy decision. The person you select should be great at managing money, be savvy financially, and show an ability to be patient. That's because the executor is tasked with:
- Collecting Your Assets
- Paying Outstanding Bills
- Submitting Tax Returns
- Petitioning the Court for Documents
- Distributing Assets to Your Beneficiaries
If the person that you choose as executor is inexperienced with the estate settlement process, it is recommended that they lean on an estate planning attorney in Travelers Rest, SC for guidance. It should be noted that you may appoint more than a single executor to your estate. This is common when two individuals have complementary personalities or skill sets.
The Benefits of Estate Planning
in Travelers Rest, SC
One of the biggest benefits of planning your estate is the peace of mind it brings to you and your family. With the help of our expert estate planning attorneys, you have the power to protect your assets, privacy, and children's welfare. You can also potentially save money on taxes or even avoid probate. By having your wishes legally documented before death or incapacity, you can minimize any impact on your beneficiaries and take control of your legacy. Without a comprehensive estate plan, you're leaving the future of your loved ones in the hands of the South Carolina court system.
With an estate plan in place, you can plan for incapacity by using a power of attorney or advanced medical directives. Doing so relieves your loved ones of the burden of asking the court for the authority to fulfill your wishes.
At Cobb Hammett Law Firm, we are committed to helping you prepare for both the expected and unexpected through years of experience and a fierce dedication to our clients. From establishing trusts to designing business succession plans, we are here to fight for you.
At Cobb Hammett we offer a "Will Package" that includes 4 necessary documents.
If a husband and wife each purchase reciprocating will packages we give a discount. Reciprocating just means the husband names the wife and the wife names the husband. Those four documents are:
- Last will and testament
- Healthcare power of attorney
- Durable power of attorney
- living will
Common Documents Included
in Your Estate Plan
As mentioned above, everyone's estate planning needs will be different. However, most plans include one or more of the following documents:
Will
Your will is an essential piece of documentation and is often considered the cornerstone of a proper estate plan. Generally speaking, your will is a document that dictates the distribution of your assets after your death. Having an iron-clad will is one of the best ways to make sure that your wishes are communicated clearly. As is the case with most estate planning, it is highly recommended that you work with an estate planning attorney in Travelers Rest, SC, to create and update your will.
The contents of a will typically include:
- Designation of the executor, who is responsible for adhering to the provisions of your will.
- Designation of beneficiaries the people who will be inheriting your assets
- Instructions that dictate how and when your beneficiaries will receive assets.
- Instructions that assign guardianship for any minor children.
Without a will in place, the State of South Carolina will decide how to distribute assets to your beneficiaries. Allowing the state to distribute your assets is often an unfavorable route to take, since the settlement process may not include what you had in mind for your survivors. Having a will drafted that reflects your wishes will prevent such a situation from happening.
Living Will
Despite its name, a living will does not instruct your survivors on what assets go where. Also called an advanced directive, your living will allows you to state your end-of-life medical wishes if you have become unable to communicate. This important document provides guidance to family members and doctors and solidifies certain issues like whether you should be resuscitated after an accident.
For example, it's common to direct that palliative care (care to decrease pain and suffering) always be administered if needed. Conversely, you may state that certain measures are not allowed, like CPR.
Trusts
Traditionally, a trust is used to minimize estate taxes and maximize other benefits as part of a well-rounded estate plan. This fiduciary agreement lets a trustee hold your assets on behalf of your beneficiaries. There are many ways to arrange a trust to specify when and how your assets are distributed.
With a trust in place, your beneficiaries can avoid going to probate. That means they may be able to gain access to your assets quicker than when they are transferred with a standard will. Assets placed in a trust can pass outside of probate, which will save you and your family time, money, and stress.
There are two distinct trust categories that you should be aware of: revocable and irrevocable.
Revocable Trust:
Also called a living trust, a revocable trust helps assets circumvent probate. With this trust, you can control your assets while you are still alive. These trusts are flexible and may be dissolved at any point in time. This type of trust becomes irrevocable upon your death. Revocable trusts can help you avoid the pitfalls of probate but be aware that they are usually still taxable.
Irrevocable Trust:
This kind of trust transfers assets out of your estate so that they are not taxed and do not have to go through probate. However, once an irrevocable trust has been executed, it may not be altered. That means that once you establish this kind of trust, you lose control of its assets and cannot dissolve the trust. If your primary goal is to avoid taxes on your estate, setting up an irrevocable could be a wise choice.
When drafted with the help of an estate planning lawyer in Travelers Rest, SC, your trust can also:
Protect Your Legacy:
When constructed properly, a trust can protect your estate from your heirs' creditors. This can be a huge relief for beneficiaries who might need to brush up on money management skills.
Privacy and Probate:
Probate records are made available for public consumption. With a trust, you may have the choice of having your assets pass outside of probate court so that they remain private. In the process, you may also save money that you would lose to taxes and court fees.
Control Wealth:
Because you can specify the exact terms of a trust, you have more control over who receives your assets and when they receive them. As an example, you can set up a revocable trust so that your assets are attainable while you're alive. When you pass, remaining assets are distributed, even in complex situations involving children from multiple marriages.
The Top Estate Planning Law Firm in the Lowcountry
If you know that you need to provide for your family and loved ones after your death, it's time to develop your estate plan. With Cobb Hammett Law Firm by your side, planning your estate doesn't have to be difficult. However, it does need to be accurate and executed exactly to your wishes something that we have been helping clients achieve for years. Don't leave your legacy up to chance contact our office today and secure your future generations.
CONTACT USLatest News in Travelers Rest, SC
New fitness center at Upstate park to ‘encourage healthiness’: city leaders say
Simone Jamesonhttps://www.wspa.com/news/new-fitness-center-at-upstate-park-to-encourage-healthiness-city-leaders-say/
TRAVELERS REST, S.C. (WSPA) – An Upstate city wants to encourage people to be their healthiest with a new addition to an outdoor park. A plot of land toward the entrance of Gateway Park in Travelers Rest is slated for the site of a new fitness center, which city leaders said will have more than a dozen pieces of exercise equipment.Travelers Rest City Administrator Shannon Herman told 7NEWS the fitness center inside Gateway Park will feature resistance-training stations where people will be able to ride a bike, do bench presses, ...
TRAVELERS REST, S.C. (WSPA) – An Upstate city wants to encourage people to be their healthiest with a new addition to an outdoor park. A plot of land toward the entrance of Gateway Park in Travelers Rest is slated for the site of a new fitness center, which city leaders said will have more than a dozen pieces of exercise equipment.
Travelers Rest City Administrator Shannon Herman told 7NEWS the fitness center inside Gateway Park will feature resistance-training stations where people will be able to ride a bike, do bench presses, pull-ups and other exercises. Herman said visitors will be able to access the equipment for free at any time.
“More and more studies are coming out now that tell us that resistance training, muscle development are probably the secret to success for longevity of health and quality of health while we’re here on this earth,” said Herman. “So, this is an opportunity for folks to come up, either by car or by bike or by foot. And to really kind of have access to this…these high-quality materials that we know improve health.”
Herman explained it’s made possible through a nearly $250,000 grant Travelers Rest received from the nonprofit Healthy Greenville Too in November. Herman added that the amenity is part of an effort to increase foot traffic to Gateway Park, which they newly acquired from Greenville County leaders.
Herman’s hope is that people of all ages, both near and far, will take advantage of the new exercise haven, running right along the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
“This will be the only thing like this all the way up to the North Carolina border,” Herman also said. “So, we welcome our friends who sit to the north of us to come down, spend a day in town, get a workout in, you know, and then head back home as well. So we’re super, super excited about this new challenge.”
Herman went on to say the fitness park will be well-lit and include water-bottle filling stations. City leaders anticipate that construction will start in the summertime.
This Historical Town Just North Of Greenville Is South Carolina's Best-Kept Secret
Symiah Dorseyhttps://www.southernliving.com/travelers-rest-sc-11876936
A weekend getaway to South Carolina’s beloved Greenville is a cherished trip for many, but just north of Greenville is the smaller and perhaps more underrated town of Travelers Rest. Known as TR by locals, this town has a rich history rooted in its strategic location along historic trade routes. Travelers Rest earned its name as a resting spot for weary travelers journeying along the Old Buncombe Road (which linked North Carolina to Georgia). First came the Cherokee Native Americans, followed by livestock drovers, and then families see...
A weekend getaway to South Carolina’s beloved Greenville is a cherished trip for many, but just north of Greenville is the smaller and perhaps more underrated town of Travelers Rest. Known as TR by locals, this town has a rich history rooted in its strategic location along historic trade routes. Travelers Rest earned its name as a resting spot for weary travelers journeying along the Old Buncombe Road (which linked North Carolina to Georgia). First came the Cherokee Native Americans, followed by livestock drovers, and then families seeking relief from the summer heat in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
With ancient mountain ranges and historic trails, Travelers Rest truly gets more beautiful with age. Today, Travelers Rest still lives up to its name, serving as a haven for nature lovers, food enthusiasts, and those seeking adventure. Wherever you go in town, scenic views and good stories are never far. Here are 14 ways to make the most of your visit to TR.
What To Do In Travelers Rest, South Carolina
Travelers Rest is all about embracing life at a slower pace, so you might as well take the scenic route. Winding along Main Street, the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail is a 22-mile greenway (it actually connects all the way to Greenville) following the former Greenville and Northern railroad line. Perfect for biking, walking, or running, this trail allows you to enjoy the beautiful views and peaceful surroundings as you soak in the town’s charm.
103 McDaniel Ave, Greenville, SC 29601
If panoramic mountain views and outdoor live music are your thing, spend a few hours at Trailblazer Park. This park is a vibrant cultural hub of Travelers Rest and is recognized as one of the best outdoor music venues in the state. With a giant open-air amphitheater, a covered pavilion that hosts the local farmers market, and plenty of open green spaces to relax, Trailblazer Park is an excellent way to enjoy the town from a local’s perspective.
235 Trailblazer Dr, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-834-8740
The History Museum of Travelers Rest, operated by the Travelers Rest Historical Society, will give you a look into the town’s rich history as a resting spot for travelers. Here, you’ll learn about the influential men and women who’ve lived or passed through Travelers Rest over the years and observe a collection of local artifacts. You’ll want to plan your visit ahead of time, as the History Museum is only open on the weekends.
travelersresthistoricalsociety.org; 3 Edwards St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-835-7907
Stretching just 130 feet over Little Gap Creek, the Poinsett Bridge is believed to be the oldest surviving bridge in South Carolina. This 14-foot Gothic arch stone structure was named after Joel Poinsett, an American diplomat and prominent Greenville resident. Tourists who stop by are often pleasantly surprised to learn this bridge is part of the Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve, a park and protected area with nature trails well suited for hiking.
580 Callahan Mountain Rd, Landrum, SC 29356; 864-288-6470
There’s no better souvenir than the things grown and crafted by local artisans. The Travelers Rest Farmers Market, open every Saturday from May to September in the Trailblazer Park pavilion, features over 70 vendors, live music, food trucks, and more. The market is located right off the Swamp Rabbit Trail, so it’s the perfect excuse to stop for a treat after a long walk or bike ride.
travelersrestfarmersmarket.com; 235 Trailblazer Dr, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-610-0965
If you can’t make the farmers market (or if you just love sunflowers), head to Beechwood Farms. At Beechwood, you can get a glimpse into large-scale farming, visit the farm animals, and shop the roadside market for local produce. If you visit between August and September, you will get to see Sunflower Hill in full bloom. You can even capture the moment by booking a sunflower photography session through the Beechwood Farms website.
Small towns often have some of the best coffee shops, and this one has a fun and artistic twist. This hip and colorful art cafe is a great spot to grab lunch and get creative. Just pick one of their paintable items and place your order at the register alongside your food. The café serves breakfast and lunch all day and features a full-service coffee bar. When you're finished, you'll leave with a unique, personalized memento of your visit to Travelers Rest.
27 S Main St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-610-2266
Picking season in Travelers Rest is not to be missed. Open daily except Mondays during the season, MacGregor Orchards lets you roll up your sleeves and fill up your basket with peaches, apples, plums, nectarines, figs, and more. While you’re there, savor the fresh apple cider, applesauce, apple butter, and a variety of fruit preserves made by the welcoming orchard owners.
macgregororchard.com; 2400 SC-11, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-320-2778
Where To Eat & Drink In Travelers Rest, South Carolina
Start your day with a hearty, wholesome meal at Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse. This brunch hotspot serves sweet and savory crepes, made from simple, fresh ingredients, along with a generous selection of coffee and tea. Its motto is “Together is Best," so this cozy, welcoming restaurant and its large crepes are meant to be shared. If crepes aren’t your thing, you can’t go wrong with their whole-wheat waffles or maple pecan granola.
tandemcc.com; 2 S Main St, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-610-2245
If you've ever dreamed of an Italian getaway, Restaurant 17 offers the perfect little European escape. Specializing in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, this swanky dinner spot is celebrated for its old-world charm and hospitality. Enjoy farm fresh cuisine and seasonal dishes, including the figs and prosciutto and the popular Duroc Pork Chop. Be sure to sit on the patio to enjoy the soothing sounds of an in-ground water fountain display and the majestic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are graced by colorful sunsets in the evening.
restaurant17.com; 10 Rd of Vines, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-635-2948
If you’re looking for something casual yet filling, head downtown to Farmhouse Tacos. This charming rustic-modern restaurant specializes in farm-to-table Tex-Mex, serving hand-crafted tacos, quesadillas, burrito bowls, and a variety of specialty plates. True to its motto, "Made with love in Travelers Rest," the restaurant takes pride in using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring all dishes are fresh and flavorful. It’s also a great spot to unwind with specialty drinks and craft beers from Carolina-based brewers.
farmhousetacos.com; 164 South Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-610-0586
Best known as Travelers Rest’s first craft brewery, this spot is a local favorite popular for its world-class selection of beers, with everything from pale ales to porters. With pet-friendly outdoor seating, a rotating lineup of food trucks, and a vibrant atmosphere featuring live music and trivia nights, even non-beer enthusiasts will find plenty to do. It's located just off the Swamp Rabbit Trail, so you’re likely to see a wave of cyclists stopping by after their rides. Just look for the giant rabbit mural on the side of the building, and you’ll know you’ve arrived.
theswamprabbitbrewery.com; 26 South Main Street, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-610-2424
Where To Stay in Travelers Rest, South Carolina
Hotel Domestique, sitting in the countryside of Upstate South Carolina, redefines the boutique hotel experience. This peaceful retreat houses 13 elegantly-decorated rooms complimented by exposed stone walls and rustic hardwoods. Owned by world-renowned cyclist George Hincapie, the hotel also caters to cycling enthusiasts with guided rides, e-bikes, and an on-site mechanic. If you’re strictly in relaxation mode, you can always take a plunge in the saltwater pool or decompress inside the infrared sauna. Hotel Domestique is also the home of Restaurant 17, bringing the European countryside experience right to your backyard.
hoteldomestique.com; 10 Rd of Vines, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-635-4268
The natural beauty of Travelers Rest deserves to be experienced up close. To stay in the heart of Travelers Rest, consider opting for luxury lodging along The Swamp Rabbit Trail. The Station by Compo Hotels is an eco-friendly collection of modern vacation cottages equipped with everything you need for a staycation: a washer/dryer, kitchen, portable stove, and more. Enjoy your morning cup of coffee on the private patio as you watch locals and fellow travelers pass by on the trail.
compohotels.com; 745 Old Buncombe Rd, Travelers Rest, SC 29690; 864-768-3359
Gold Line of Swamp Rabbit Trail officially opens
Myra Ruizhttps://www.foxcarolina.com/2025/12/19/gold-line-swamp-rabbit-trail-officially-opens/
TRAVELERS REST, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A new section of the Swamp Rabbit Trail network officially opened Friday, connecting the main stretch of the trail system.The Gold Line, previously known as the TR Greenway is a two-mile paved path with its trailhead near the entrance to Travelers Rest High School. It extends through a couple of residential neighborhoods to the Travelers Rest YMCA.The Upstate Greenways and Trails Alliance (UGATA) started working on the project several years ago.“This has been a labor of love fr...
TRAVELERS REST, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A new section of the Swamp Rabbit Trail network officially opened Friday, connecting the main stretch of the trail system.
The Gold Line, previously known as the TR Greenway is a two-mile paved path with its trailhead near the entrance to Travelers Rest High School. It extends through a couple of residential neighborhoods to the Travelers Rest YMCA.
The Upstate Greenways and Trails Alliance (UGATA) started working on the project several years ago.
“This has been a labor of love from a lot of people in the community,” said Matt Hudson-Flege, UGATA executive director. “We’re thrilled to open.”
Planning and construction
UGATA first worked to gain support from local residents and leaders for the trail vision.
Four property owners donated easements to allow public access to the trail.
The organization then raised funds for initial design and permitting before securing construction partners.
Work crews broke ground in May 2024, but Hurricane Helene later delayed construction.
“We had a great contractor, Foothills Contracting, who made this trail happen,” Hudson-Flege said. “And it’s a really high-quality trail that I think people are going to love.”
Future expansion plans
UGATA plans to extend the Gold Line beyond its current length. The organization hopes to connect it to the Saluda Confluence Recreation Area, a hiking and mountain biking area on the Saluda River several miles west of Travelers Rest.
Eventually, UGATA wants to connect the trail to Pickens County and the Doodle Trail.
“We’re really excited to connect more neighborhoods and amenities to the trail network,” Hudson-Flege said.
Benefits of trail network
Hudson-Flege said Greenville County Schools continue to work with UGATA to provide more property for future trail projects.
Next month, construction is expected to begin on a trail in Fountain Inn that will connect Bryson Elementary and Fountain Inn High School to the Swamp Rabbit Trail network.
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Narrative: The Vietnam War through the eyes of an 18-year-old soldier
Linda Núñezhttps://www.southcarolinapublicradio.org/show/narrative/2025-11-13/narrative-the-vietnam-war-through-the-eyes-of-an-18-year-old-soldier
After three months of explosive ordnance and heavy equipment training by the U.S. Army, 18-year-old Roger Thompson arrived for duty in Vietnam in March of 1968. During his service, he witnessed firsthand the terrors of war, which inspired his lifetime mission of helping fellow veterans who struggle with both the physical and mental effects of combat.In 2021, Thompson and his friend, Kym Klapperich, both of Travelers Rest, sat down to discuss his experience with StoryCorps, a national initiative to record and collect stories of everyda...
After three months of explosive ordnance and heavy equipment training by the U.S. Army, 18-year-old Roger Thompson arrived for duty in Vietnam in March of 1968. During his service, he witnessed firsthand the terrors of war, which inspired his lifetime mission of helping fellow veterans who struggle with both the physical and mental effects of combat.
In 2021, Thompson and his friend, Kym Klapperich, both of Travelers Rest, sat down to discuss his experience with StoryCorps, a national initiative to record and collect stories of everyday people. This excerpt was selected and produced by Linda Nunez.
TRANSCRIPT:
Thompson: When I arrived there, one of the first duties I had, they asked for volunteers to help load a military plane, a C-130 transport that was going back to the United States. Me and several other guys volunteered to load this airplane. And the cargo that we loaded that day was all in black plastic bags. And they were fairly heavy, but they weren't bad. So, we figured it was soldier supplies and equipment that was being sent home. And we loaded about 150 of those bags. And then this sergeant showed up, walked up to the ramp, went inside, and looked at the tags on the bag. I had not paid any attention to the tags. Each one of the tags had a man's name on it. These were not their possessions that were going home. These were the men themselves, and these were body bags. And that was my introduction to that country.
Narrator: Two weeks before one of Thompson’s missions, locals were urged to evacuate. Their village was first targeted by air, then entered on foot by Thompson and his fellow soldiers. To their horror, they discovered not all villagers had evacuated. Their ambush mission became a rescue mission, relocating one child to a nearby convent. Afterward, Thompson began volunteering at the convent to help with repairs.
Thompson: Once I got to the village, I met this little boy named Winto who was five years old. And Winto became my best friend. Because every time I showed up, he would grab hold of my leg and hold on to me and would not leave me alone all the time I was there. And he would cry when I left in the evenings. So, after many visits to the convent over the next three months, I had filed adoption papers and had adopted Winto. We called him “Winter.” I had adopted Winto. And I went down to the convent to take the adoption papers that had been filled out to the sisters. And the night before, we'd had some penetrations into the compound and around the convent. So, we had to go out and disarm all the weapons and all the bombs and everything. And when I walked into that convent that morning, up the path to the convent, Win saw me, and he…he came running across the field….and stepped on one of the landmines that I’d missed. And I lost my boy.
Klapperich: I'm sorry.
Thompson: And, so that was…that's still hard today. It always will be.
Klapperich: I'm so sorry. I know you've been able to tell us, or tell me and others that we're friends with, a lot about him over the years.
Thompson: Well, the outcome of that, I came home, I started teaching Sunday school. And these kids, every time I see them, I have...I have my boy back. Because I have someone I can talk to, and someone that hugs me, and someone that…that cares.
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