Team Members Salute Veterans, Families Through Service

SouthState bankers serve their customers and fellow team members with a smile each day. Outside of the branch or office, many bankers extend their friendly service to a special group of people – veterans and their families.
 
“Our bankers are known for bettering their communities with service and advocacy, and many share a passion for volunteering with veteran organizations,” says Corporate Social Responsibility Officer Delpha Bartley-Jones. “Their service is more than volunteerism – it’s their way of showing gratitude to those who’ve served our country.”
 

Karen Hirstius, Business Lending Express Underwriter Officer II, Treasure Coast, FL.

Hirstius’ connection to the military stems from her husband, a Navy veteran, her son, who is active-duty Navy, as well as her father and brother, who both served in the Marines. She will soon begin her third year as chaplain for Treasure Coast Blue Star Mothers (TCBSM), following two years as financial secretary. As part of TCBSM, she coordinates sending care packages, visiting veterans at local nursing homes, hosting the annual Gold Star Families ceremony and much more. 

Hirstius says, “Honoring veterans’ sacrifice, whether through collecting items they need, ceremonies to let them know we remember or doing things to boost their morale, is so important not only for the veterans, but also to remind us all that we live in the land of the free because of the sacrifices they made.”

SouthState offers a paid volunteer time benefit to all team members. Hirstius has used her hours to participate in Wreaths Across America, volunteer at the veterans’ hospital, attend a funeral for a fallen soldier and present graduation cords to recent recruits. 

She adds, “I feel blessed to work for an organization that supports our veterans and active-duty military members.”

Gini Jones, Enterprise Terafina Specialist, St. Augustine, FL.

Gini Jones became involved with veterans’ organization through the Junior Service League of St. Augustine. Inspired by the service of her mother, uncle, brother and many extended family members who served in the Armed Forces, she sought out ways to continue volunteer work outside of the league. 

In addition to volunteering with Wreaths Across America and Run for the Fallen, Jones pays tribute to her brother, Seth, through an honorary nonprofit, Say When and Remember Him. Seth was killed while setting up a land navigation training course for his Army unit in Alaska. 

Though his career path led to the military, Seth enjoyed masonry, construction and welding. The Plant family began a high school scholarship in his memory, offering financial aid to those interested in trade school, becoming a first responder or entering the military. 

Jones recalls, “We remember when Seth first joined up and this ‘Florida boy’ was stationed in Alaska. He had to spend his own money to buy winter gear. The goal of the scholarships is to ease the financial burden of these young men and women when they’re just starting out in life.”

In total, Say When and Remember Him provided $30,000 to graduating seniors in St. Johns and Bradford County in 2025. Jones is grateful for the support of her SouthState team members who participate in fundraisers and sponsor events. 

Jones says, “They continue to show up, not just as a corporation, but as friends who genuinely loved my brother and want to see his legacy continued.”
 

Sonia Hanson, Branch Manager, Charleston, SC

Sonia Hanson is passionate about giving dignity to veterans experiencing homelessness. A proud Navy wife and mother, Hanson operates Sunflowers of HOPE with the mission of supporting veterans with food, clothing and conversation. She joins other volunteers on a quarterly outreach, meeting veterans where they are with basic necessities and hope. 

Hanson explains, “My nonprofit has been in the tent cities and beyond supporting our vets, reminding them there is support for them. It is an honor to support them and hear their stories.”

Hanson also volunteers with the Veterans Administration, MUSC and Adopt A Community all in support of Charleston-area veterans. 

She adds, “I cannot imagine these amazing heroes making the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and peace and not feeling that love and appreciation right back.”

In her role as a Community Development Advocate, Hanson connects with organizations to provide her region with ample volunteer opportunities. The Community Champs program she started further inspires team members to give back to causes personal to them.


SouthState supports veterans and their families through the Community Hero checking account, featuring a possible reduction in mortgage closing costs, VA loans and employee networking groups for veterans. Learn more about working at SouthState.