VFAF President Robert Cornicelli’s Nonprofit Efforts Helping Veterans Recognized by South Carolina House of Representatives
Summerville, South Carolina — February 20, 2026 — The Veteran Recovery Coalition (VRC), led by Captain Robert Cornicelli, President of Veterans for America First (VFAF), has been formally recognized by the South Carolina House of Representatives for its measurable impact assisting veterans across the state.
In a letter dated February 18, 2026, State Representative Marvin “Mark” Smith (District 99 – Berkeley County) commended Captain Cornicelli and the Veteran Recovery Coalition for translating concern about veteran homelessness and transition challenges into “direct action and measurable results at the community level.”
Representative Smith highlighted VRC’s success in helping South Carolina veterans regain stability, navigate periods of crisis, and move toward long-term independence. He noted that the organization’s work goes beyond statistics, representing “individuals who have been reconnected to housing, employment pathways, essential services, and a sense of purpose after service.”
Under Captain Cornicelli’s leadership, VRC has emphasized structured support, accountability, and individualized planning—an approach designed to address the root causes of instability rather than providing temporary relief. The organization’s coordinated case management, employment readiness programs, and sustained follow-through have helped veterans achieve lasting outcomes.
“What stands out is not only the volume of veterans served, but the way in which they are supported,” Representative Smith wrote, underscoring VRC’s disciplined and community-centered model.
The recognition further noted that the impact of VRC’s work extends beyond individual veterans. By helping former service members successfully transition into stable housing and employment, families are strengthened, employers gain reliable workers, and communities benefit from the continued contributions of those who have served.
“Organizations like the Veteran Recovery Coalition play an essential role in meeting the needs of veterans at the local level, where trust, consistency, and relationships matter most,” Representative Smith stated.
Captain Cornicelli expressed appreciation for the acknowledgment, reaffirming VRC’s mission to provide practical, results-driven support to veterans in South Carolina and beyond.
“The men and women who have served our nation deserve more than words—they deserve action,” Cornicelli said. “We remain committed to helping veterans restore stability, rebuild their lives, and move forward with purpose.”
The Veteran Recovery Coalition continues to expand its outreach and services in South Carolina, working alongside community partners to ensure veterans have access to housing resources, employment pathways, and long-term support systems.
About the Veteran Recovery Coalition (VRC)
The Veteran Recovery Coalition (VRC) is a South Carolina-based nonprofit organization focused on addressing veteran homelessness and the underlying causes of instability among former service members. Through its 5W case-management model and workforce-first strategy, VRC supports veterans working toward long-term independence.
On February 11, 2026 VFAF President Robert Cornicelli’s Nonprofit Efforts Helping Veterans Recognized by U.S. Congress see: https://vfaf.us/vfaf-president-robert-cornicellis-nonprofit-efforts-helping-veterans-recognized-by-u-s-congress
Media Contact:
Robert Cornicelli
Veteran Recovery Coalition
444 Rowley Lane
Summerville, SC 29486
House of Representatives
State of South Carolina
1105 Pendleton Street
327-A Blatt Building
Columbia, SC 29201
Tel. (803) 212-6719
marksmith@schouse.gov
Joint Legislative Committee
on Aging
The Hunley Commission
February 18, 2026
Dear CPT Cornicelli:
I want to take a moment to recognize the work you and the Veteran Recovery Coalition (VRC) have already accomplished on behalf of veterans here in South Carolina. Veteran homelessness and transition challenges are often discussed in abstract terms, but your organization has translated those concerns into direct action and measurable results at the community level.
Through your leadership and the efforts of your team, VRC has assisted a great many South Carolina veterans in regaining stability, navigating periods of crisis, and moving toward long-term independence. These are not simply numbers on a report, they represent individuals who have been reconnected to housing, employment pathways, essential services, and a sense of purpose after service.
What stands out is not only the volume of veterans served, but the way in which they are supported. VRC’s emphasis on structure, accountability, and individualized planning reflects a belief that veterans deserve more than temporary relief. By focusing on coordinated case management, employment readiness, and sustained follow-through, your organization has helped veterans address the root causes of instability rather than cycling through short-term solutions.
The impact of this work is felt beyond the individual veteran. Families are stabilized, employers gain reliable workers, and communities benefit when veterans are given the opportunity to successfully transition and contribute. Your organization’s track record in South Carolina demonstrates that this approach works when it is carried out with discipline and commitment.
Organizations like the Veteran Recovery Coalition play an essential role in meeting the needs of veterans at the local level, where trust, consistency, and relationships matter most. I appreciate the seriousness with which you approach this responsibility and commend the results you have already achieved across our state.
Thank you for your continued dedication to South Carolina’s veterans and their families. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if there is ever an opportunity for us to be of assistance.
My Very Best,
[Signature]
Rep. Mark Smith
SC House of Representatives
District 99- Berkeley County
