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In a display of gratitude and support, CVS Health is stepping forward as a founding sponsor of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's (CMOHS) HonorCare Program — a newly defined health program designed to safeguard the well-being of the nation's most decorated heroes – Medal of Honor Recipients and their families.

Timed with National Medal of Honor Day, officials said this collaboration underscores CVS Health's commitment to honoring those who have made unparalleled sacrifices in service to our country.

Through a $100,000 donation, officials said CVS Health will energize and empower the HonorCare Program to provide a comprehensive range of health care services, including mental health support, companion care, and assistance for the long-term well-being of the 61 living Medal of Honor Recipients and their families.

Officials said this essential collaboration ensures these extraordinary individuals receive the holistic care and dignity they have earned through their sacrifices.

"This contribution from CVS Health is not only incredibly generous – it's vital," said Medal of Honor Recipient and CMOHS President Britt Slabinski. "The journey of a Medal of Honor Recipient doesn't end after the battle. The lasting physical and emotional tolls persist long after.”

Slabinski added, “Thanks to CVS Health, we can now provide the care that these heroes need to heal, recover, and live fulfilling lives, all while continuing to inspire our nation by sharing their stories."

"At CVS Health, we believe in honoring those who have selflessly served our country, and we are deeply proud to support the Congressional Medal of Honor Society in providing the care these heroes deserve," said Len Shankman, executive vice president and president, Pharmacy and Consumer Wellness, CVS Health.

Shankman added, "By working with the Society, we are ensuring that Medal of Honor Recipients and their families receive the comprehensive support they need to thrive, and we hope this inspires others to join us in caring for those who have given so much for our freedom."

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization entrusted with the care, preservation, and protection of the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military award for valor in combat.

Chartered by Congress in 1958, the Society is exclusively comprised of living Medal of Honor recipients who embody the values of courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, patriotism, and citizenship.

The Society fulfills its mission through outreach, education, and preservation initiatives, including the Medal of Honor Character Development Program, Citizen Honors Awards, and the Medal of Honor Museum.

The Society is located aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

 

B.A.S.S. announced that Whataburger will be the title sponsor for the Bassmaster Elite Series event at Lake Hartwell to be held April 24–27 in Anderson, South Carolina.

The Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Lake Hartwell will bring the nation’s top professional anglers to one of the Southeast’s most iconic fisheries.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Whataburger to the B.A.S.S. family as a title sponsor and content partner,” said Phillip Johnson, B.A.S.S. chief operating officer. “Their brand is built on passion, tradition and community — the same values that drive our anglers and our fans.”

Johnson added, “Together, we’re going to create a world-class event at Lake Hartwell and share even more great stories through Whataburger Wednesdays.”

Whataburger Wednesdays will feature behind-the-scenes access, off-the-water adventures and a bite-sized look into the personalities of Elite Series anglers.

The content will be distributed across Bassmaster digital and social media platforms throughout the 2025 season.

“Whataburger is excited to partner with B.A.S.S. and be part of a sport that resonates so strongly with our fans,” said Whataburger Director of Corporate Sponsorship Jeff Altman.

Altman added, “Fishing is about more than just competition — it’s about family, tradition and creating unforgettable moments. That’s exactly the spirit we want to bring to the Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Lake Hartwell.”

For more information and updates on the 2025 Whataburger Bassmaster Elite at Lake Hartwell, go to Bassmaster.com.

 

First Bank announced leadership changes in the Upstate market.

Chris Robinson has been appointed as the region’s top executive, marking a pivotal moment for First Bank’s expansion in the Upstate, officials said.

He is charged with leading the team of commercial bankers and other team members to maintain and build relationships with businesses.

While First Bank is a relative newcomer to the Upstate banking landscape, officials said the 90-year legacy of First Bank throughout the Carolinas provides a strong foundation.

Born and raised in Greenville, Robinson has 17 years of banking experience and multiple leaderships roles for various causes.

Meanwhile, on the retail banking side, the branch teams are being led by Karen Smith. She will manage the branches located in the area.

 

As the end of tax season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service reminds South Carolina taxpayers that IRS Free File is a quick and easy way to file federal tax returns for free.

IRS Free File lets qualified taxpayers get free tax preparation, free electronic filing and free direct deposit of their federal tax refund, if they’re owed one, using guided tax preparation software available only at IRS.gov.

IRS Free File is available to taxpayers and families whose 2024 total adjusted gross income (AGI) was $84,000 or less.

A taxpayer’s AGI includes wages, tips, business income, retirement income and other forms of taxable income.

Through a public-private partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, tax preparation and filing software providers make their online products available to eligible taxpayers.

Each provider sets its own eligibility rules based on age, state residency and income. IRS Free File will guide taxpayers through choosing the provider that’s right for their needs.

Due to hurricane disaster relief, all South Carolina taxpayers have until May 1, 2025, to submit their tax returns and pay taxes due.

Using IRS Free File can help taxpayers find and calculate valuable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

Any individual or married couple that meets the income limitation is potentially eligible, and IRS Free File can also handle complex tax returns.

IRS Free File partner companies cannot disclose or use tax return information for purposes other than tax return preparation without the taxpayer’s informed and voluntary consent.

Taxpayers can use IRS Free File to file their taxes on any personal computer, tablet or smart phone.

All products are available in English, and one guided tax product is available in Spanish.

Need more time to file? IRS Free File is one of the easiest ways to request an extension.

A tax filing extension guarantees the taxpayer six additional months to file, with an extended deadline of Oct. 15. 

Although an extension grants extra time to file, it doesn't grant taxpayers extra time to pay if they owe.

South Carolina taxpayers are still obligated to pay taxes due on May 1, 2025, to avoid penalties and interest.

Taxpayers who owe should either pay their full tax bill or at least pay what they can afford by the May 1 deadline.

In addition to IRS Free File, the IRS reminds taxpayers that there are other free programs available to help:

All taxpayers regardless of their income can use the IRS’ Free File Fillable Forms. These are the electronic versions of IRS paper forms and are best for people who are comfortable preparing their own taxes using IRS forms and instructions.

Taxpayers who lived and worked in one of 25 participating states for all of 2024 may use IRS Direct File to file federal tax returns online—for free—directly and securely with the IRS.

Go to IRS Direct File to find more information, including eligibility requirements and updates to the list of tax situations added to IRS Direct File for the 2024 tax year.

People who generally make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, limited English-speaking taxpayers and those who are 60 years of age and older, can also find free one-on-one tax preparation help around the nation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

VITA/TCE sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by IRS-certified volunteers who provide a trusted source for preparing tax returns.

Offered through the Department of Defense, MilTax is a free tax resource available to members of the military, as well as qualifying veterans and family members.

It is a suite of tax services designed to address the realities of military life — including deployments, combat and training pay, housing and rentals, and multi-state filings.

MilTax includes tax preparation and electronic filing software, personalized support from tax consultants and current information about filing taxes. 

Eligible taxpayers can use MilTax to electronically file a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.

For more on IRS Free File or other filing methods, check out the File your return page on IRS.gov.

 

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