GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – Upstate Warrior Solution (UWS) celebrated the opening of the new Rupert Huse Veteran Center (RHVC) Wednesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The RHVC will serve as a hub of resources for veterans, first responders, and their families.

Through collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit partners, the goal is to remove barriers and have streamlined service delivery for local warriors.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, South Carolina Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Todd McCaffrey, Greenville Mayor Knox White, and other state and community dignitaries will be in attendance.

“It’s an absolute honor to have Governor McMaster and other leaders show their support of this special milestone for the Upstate community,” said Charlie Hall, UWS President. “Access to holistic, supportive services is crucial for preventing veteran and first responder suicide.

The RHVC brings together a host of services under one roof to provide that wrap-around care. Through our collaboration, this center will literally save lives,” said Hall.

During the ceremony, Rupert Huse’s daughter, Dorothy Dowe, spoke. She said her father taught her many life lessons.

“How to ride a bike, how to play tennis how to sail a sailboat, how to make a homemade pizza and how to take care of others,” she said.

Dowe said her father would be grateful to know he continues to help his fellow soldiers.

“Be grateful to the people who helped you get you to where you are right now, and where you land in the future,” said Dowe. “Nobody, nobody gets anywhere in life without the help of a parent, guardian or in the case of military service, a fellow solider.”

UWS holds the master lease for the 40,000-square-foot center through which warriors will gain direct access to veteran-centric tenants and broader access to the organization`s network of community partners.

The RHVC houses resources for workforce development, housing stability, physical and mental health, legal support, therapeutic art, and much more. This approach will enable veterans, first responders, and their families to connect easily with the services they need.

Celeste Purdie is a veteran who served four years in the Airforce.

“Two years in Okinawa, Japan and two years in Germany,” said the veteran.

She said this center is greatly needed, not only to centralize resources, but for the camaraderie.

“I will tell you, for a woman veteran, sometimes it’s even more important to have a support system of other veterans that understand you have seen some things that other people just can’t even imagine,” said Purdie.

Dowe said the center is a chance to pay it forward, the way she learned from her father.  

“Give your children every bit of love you have to give, I am my father’s daughter, and he did that for me.” 

If you are a veteran, first responder, or a loved one, the center takes walk-ins, or you can send them an email at info@uws.us.