GIG LINE
By Marsha M. Brown
Believe it or not…this GIG LINE will be short, sweet and to the point…shocking I know…but I can slow it down once in a while!
If you have your Dare County Veteran I. D. Card…please consider reviewing www.darenc.com for the most recent updates. If you use your mobile device be sure to click on DESKTOP VERSION; then DEPARTMENTS & SERVICES, scroll down to Services T-Z, click Veterans Council; then Businesses that Accept ID Cards for Discounts. A couple of new businesses have been listed this week and one may have been amended.
In next weeks ‘GIG LINE’ Memorial Day issue (Sunday, May 23rd), I’ll list the times and place of any/all celebrations, memorial services and or events that I know about to honor our fallen veterans and heroes. Please try your best to attend the ceremonies and join your brothers and sisters if at all possible. Your presence means a lot to everyone and especially the folks that sponsor and organize the events, so please think about it. If you’d like to attend but don’t have transportation, please reach out and let someone (us) know.
FYI: Members of the Dare County Veterans Advisory Council have now issued 367 local veterans their Dare County Veteran I. D. Card…isn’t that GREAT? And with the increased number of Outer Banks businesses interested in signing up, the Council has just re-ordered boxes of both the I. D. Card(s) and stickers for businesses to adhere to their entry door, cash register or menu to remind Dare County resident veterans that they (you) are appreciated.
For some time now I’ve written that you all could obtain your I. D. Card each Monday through June 31, 2015 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm – Rm. 142 at the Dare County Administrative Building, 954 Marshall C. Collins Dr., Manteo. However, because many of you have found it difficult to come on that day or between those hours, Billy and I have been doing our best to accommodate those who have called us to get their ‘Card’. If you are a veteran who cannot come to Manteo, please call my cell at (252) 202-2058. That being said, please understand that we very much want you to have your ‘Card’ but we just have to work around other commitments we have as well. Also regardless of where we meet to issue your ‘Card’, we’ll need to see your DD-214 (showing Honorable discharge) and a local Driver’s License. We do NOT keep the documents, we only review them onsite and it doesn’t have to be an original…a copy is just fine. At the time we see you, we’ll also provide you with the most recent Veteran Benefit Booklet; a NC4VETS Resource Guide magazine (while supplies last); a list of businesses (approx. 40) where you can utilize your ‘Card’ for discounts and other info we think you’ll find helpful.
For inquiries about potential V.A. benefits or entitlements we strongly recommend that you call Rhonda Creef, Dare County Veterans Service Officer at (252) 475-5604 to set up an appointment to meet with her on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. She is the official and best local source of veteran help in Dare County. Her years of experience can help you: understand possible V.A. benefits or entitlements; file a V.A. claim; request a duplicate copy of your DD-214 (in the event it’s been lost or misplaced); enroll you in the V.A. system and explain other matters of great importance. If you’re a “boots on ground” Vietnam veteran, we suggest that you strongly consider having an Agent Orange screening done through the Hampton V.A. Medical Center as well.
More veterans are joining or transferring memberships into our local veteran organizations…and we’re so glad! The times and places are as follows:
The American Legion Post 26 meets each month on the 4th Tuesday 12:00 noon and lunch is served at no charge. Located 302 W. Lake Drive, Kill Devil Hills, turn west off the bypass at The Gift Garden and Post 26 is the 3rd building on the right. For more info call the Post at: (252) 715-4251 or Commander Lewis (252) 305-1934. Note: there are no meetings in July, August or December.
The Outer Banks V.F.W. Post 10950 meets each month on the 1st Monday 7:00 pm at the Colington Volunteer Fire Department, 108 Old School House Rd. in Colington, on the left just past the 2nd bridge. Also, there is an elevator on site for your convenience. For more info call: Quartermaster Jim Norrell (252) 489-9421.
The Marine Corps League Outer Banks Detachment #1264 meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday each month from 1900 – 2000 at the Kern Pitts Center in Southern Shores with the exception of June, July & August).
In the days to come I ask you all this…please think about our veterans not just on Memorial Day…but every single day; think about them whether they are near or far away; think about their families and pray for them all; pray that God will bless them; pray that they feel the love from all of us who are grateful…sincerely grateful for all they have done and pray even if you think you’re pleas go unheard…because I believe that the frail and weakest voices, the most timid and shy, the most fearful words spoken to God are those He cherishes the most. Believe me when I tell you
Until next time look for ways to show your t-r-u-e American spirit! And if you’re ever in the company of someone who isn’t proud to be one of us…feel bad for them, forgive them (something must be wrong if they don’t love America! Good grief!) Then pray for them because it sounds like they might need it! God bless you all and stay tuned…