COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today announced that Representative Bobby Cox will be South Carolina’s first Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs - a position created by H.3438, which created the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Governor McMaster signed that bill into law in May of this year.

The governor’s announcement comes after a months-long search process undertaken by the governor’s advisory panel, which was chaired by former South Carolina Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Bob Livingston.

"Colonel Cox was an Army Ranger with a highly decorated military career, and he is a real leader, a man of the highest moral integrity and character," said Gov. McMaster. "He will bring the insight, energy, spark, and determination that we need in South Carolina and are so proud to have in abundance."

"South Carolina deeply respects and appreciates our military and our veterans," said Lt. Col. Cox. "With the development of this department we can take that appreciation to the next level and continue to make South Carolina the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation. Being nominated as the first ever Secretary of Veterans' Affairs is hands above one of the best honors I could ever imagine."

A combat veteran and Army Ranger who completed four deployments to the Middle East, Cox served over ten years on active duty and as a U.S. Army Congressional Legislative Liaison at The Pentagon. Cox continues to serve as an Army Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Cox began serving in the South Carolina House of Representatives (District 21, Greenville) in 2018 and is the Director of Government Strategy for SIG SAUER Inc.

The governor’s appointment is subject to Senate approval.

A 2002 graduate of The Citadel, Cox, 39, is a resident of Greenville County and is married with two children.