Augusta, GA
Augusta VA hosted expo to connect veterans with benefits
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Veterans in Augusta were getting connected with resources Wednesday at a VA expo.
Organizations are coming in as far as Washington, D.C., to help veterans.
Veterans receive help filing VA benefits claims, applying for jobs and getting other resources on suicide prevention and their homeless program.
“VA Augusta has a really strong homeless veteran program. It was ranked number one in the nation for the amount of folks they placed into permanent housing. We got a really robust program with several staff members located both in South Carolina and in Georgia. If any of the homeless veterans or folks are at risk, they can show up, there’s someone here who can help them through the process, hopefully get them permanent housing in a hurry,” said Will Martin, chief of public affairs, VA Augusta.
Martin says Augusta.va.gov can also help veterans with resources.
“We have a growing veteran population in the area, with Eisenhower so close, a lot of folks transition. They like the area and they stay in the area, so they need VA care. So, I think the real push for this is just to make sure we are keeping up with the growing VA population in the area, especially VA Augusta wants to make sure we are meeting that need,” said Martin.
Earlier this month, the VA Augusta health system announced some events and initiatives that are aimed at enhancing veterans’ mental health in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.

For the first time, the VA Augusta healthcare system is accepting involuntary psychiatric admissions.
Leaders say this is a pivotal move to helping our veterans by removing the barriers to help people experiencing an immediate crisis.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Aerospace program milestone reached at Thompson Farm in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Students at Richmond County Technical Magnet School achieved a milestone by launching their 500th non-kit rocket.
Students launched rockets at Thompson Farm in Augusta. The launch is part of the school’s aerospace program that has been part of their STEM curriculum since 2014.
The Augusta Fire Department collaborated with the group for the launch.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Savannah woman attacked with acid, recovering at Augusta burn center
SAVANNAH, Ga. – A woman is recovering in Augusta after being attacked with acid earlier this week in Savannah.
Around 8:16 p.m. Wednesday, she was walking around Forsyth Park and a man hiding in the shadows near Whitaker Street suddenly came out and attacked her with an unknown chemical.
The liquid melted through her clothing and headphones.
The victim has been identified as Ashley Wasielewski, of Savannah, according to sources close to her family.
First responders located and treated the victim on scene before transferring her to a local hospital. Wasielewski has now been transferred to a regional burn center for advanced treatment. Sources close to the family said the burn center is in Augusta.
Sources close to the family said Wasielewski is stable after suffering second-degree burns.
Savannah police say they don’t believe the attacker was known to the victim.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Red Kettle Campaign short $100K of goal as it enters its final days
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Augusta’s Red Kettle Campaign is working to close a $100,000 gap before Christmas Eve.
With just 11 days left in the 2025 Red Kettle Campaign, the Salvation Army of Augusta is urging the community to rally together.
The Red Kettle Campaign is the largest fundraiser of the year for The Salvation Army.
The campaign funds programs and services that support neighbors in need throughout the entire year.
Every penny donated through the Red Kettles stays in the Augusta area, ensuring local impact.
Proceeds from the campaign directly support the Center of Hope. In addition to providing a safe place to sleep, the Center of Hope operates a soup kitchen that serves approximately 200 meals every day.
In the past year, the Salvation Army has assisted more than 900 local residents through its rent and utility assistance program.
“The Red Kettle represents so much more than a simple donation—it represents hope for families right here in our community,” said Major Jonathan Raymer, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Augusta.

“Every dollar dropped into the kettle helps provide shelter, meals, case management, and stability for our neighbors who need it most. With just days left in this campaign, we are asking the CSRA to show up in a big way.”
The Salvation Army of Augusta is encouraging community members to donate when they see a Red Kettle. For those who are cashless, donations can be made online at donateaugusta.org.
If you would like to volunteer for the Red Kettle Campaign, visit ringforhope.org.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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