GIG LINE
By Marsha M. Brown
Well folks guess what? The Dare County Veterans Advisory Council has just finished proofing the first DARE COUNTY VETERAN I.D. CARD order. Yippee!!
If you currently hold a veteran or military I.D. card that indicates you’re serving now as active duty; that you’re retired or reserve and/or that you’re enrolled in a VA Health Care program…that’s great! However, in addition to those previously issued official cards, this new ‘CARD’ has been created to especially honor all Dare County veterans who have served our country and are able to provide a copy of their DD-214 depicting an ‘Honorable Discharge’.
The ‘CARD’ is clearly evident that it is issued to a veteran of DARE COUNTY. The veterans may reside in Dare County or have an address identifying them as a Dare County property owner. It will entitle them to discounts and promotions that Dare County businesses are willing to extend to them specifically. Ultimately it will set our area veterans apart as celebrated men and women who have contributed greatly to the betterment of our safety, freedom and national security.
Very soon an aggressive campaign will begin at which time Dare County businesses will be contacted and asked if they are willing to offer a special ‘perk’ to the men and women who have proudly served us all. The ‘discount’ will be determined by each individual business and only relative to the veteran themselves, not their spouse or other family members.
Each participating business may offer something special to a veteran for every day use, one day a week, or on specified holidays. The benefit they offer is their choice of course and in whatever amount, percentage or frequency…however, regardless of the generosity of the individual business owner/manager, it will be GREATLY appreciated.
I think it goes without saying that we appreciate all businesses that supply goods and services to our residents and visitors to the Outer Banks. Times are tough these days and businesses are struggling but I believe it’s a good way to give a blessing and get one in return. Naturally veterans and families and friends who love them will be drawn to businesses who wish to extend their grateful respect to our heroes. Hopefully the gesture will enhance business (of the business) and be good for everybody! Of the businesses that choose to participate in this new recognition of veterans, we hope to see them celebrated in return for their support. Of the businesses that decide not to participate, we wish them well too of course.
Apparently the idea of the veteran discount ‘CARD’ is catching on because communities outside of Dare County who have heard about it are indicating interest in following our lead for their veterans too! Maybe we can promote a good, positive trend and it will spread everywhere! Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
It’s our hope that the DARE COUNTY VETERAN I.D. CARD(s) will be available for distribution no later than Saturday, June 1, 2013 at the annual ‘Dare Day’ celebration in Downtown Manteo. As that time draws near, you’ll see additional reminders and an announcement of the Dare County Veterans Advisory Council booth location. Please note that the ‘CARD’ will be available at other future advertised events and at the Veterans Advisory Council meetings which occur monthly on the fourth Thursday at 3:00 PM at the Dare County Administrative Building – Rm. 168. In addition, a veteran can also request further info about the ‘CARD’ through Council Email: dcvac@darenc.com .
Veterans who wish to acquire a ‘CARD’ will be required to provide proof of their Dare County mailing address or property ownership if they live out of state and a copy of their DD-214. The ‘CARD’ cannot be issued without meeting that criterion. Each ‘CARD’ is numbered and will be entered into a log book with the corresponding veteran’s name. The ‘CARD’ is Non Transferable and will be issued at NO COST to the veteran.
Many veterans know of large corporate establishments that support and honor them and they are grateful but please note there are also smaller local businesses that partner with veterans who frequent their restaurants and retail shops too. This project will bring their goodness to light as well. You can never say thank you enough, you know?
I was raised to say ‘thank you’, ‘please’, ‘yes sir and no sir’ and I like that my parents taught me that. I’m proud that we taught our children that too. One day some years back, I heard the mother of a young boy tell her son not to say ‘yes sir’ or ‘no ma’am’ because it sounded “subservient”. W-h-a-t? Subservient? Are you kidding? How about polite? And respectful? (I’m so glad I was raised in the 50’s!) The last time I checked, respect or respectful meant ‘high esteem’, ‘reverent’, ‘to have a high opinion of’, ‘to admire’, ‘to look up to’…you get my drift. And saying ‘please’ doesn’t mean your begging…it just means you’re asking politely and sincerely. So, if any of you own a business and I come ‘a knockin’ to ask if you’d like to be part of this new venture to celebrate our veterans, please accept that I’m politely and respectfully asking ‘please’ and I will very sincerely say ‘thank you’!
Our veterans are gradually stepping out more and more. They’re becoming more vocal about the things they need and the feelings they have about the recent move in Dare County to hold them up and they love us for it. Please get involved with us – we need your help even if just to make phone calls to friends and neighbors or business associates who own or operate a business.
If you’re reading this and you know of a business right now that offers specials, discounts or ‘perks’ to veterans, please let us know. As we obtain email, flyer or written authorization from businesses acknowledging veteran recognitions, coupons or discounts, we will add them to the list and refer veterans who obtain a DARE COUNTY VETERAN I.D. CARD to them.
It goes without saying that we can all do a good…no…g-r-e-a-t thing together! Thank you in advance for helping us spread the word about the ‘CARD’. If anyone wishes to contact me, they are welcome to call my cell at (252) 202-2058 or email me at editor@giglineheroes.com.
When I write about anything to do with our Dare County Veterans Advisory Council, it’s important to me that you remember that I reference some of the projects undertaken, not in an official capacity but rather out of the excitement and enthusiasm I feel for the good things to come merely from the standpoint as a veteran’s wife. In fact, I’ll be writing about more veteran’s wives and their great contribution to our country in the months to come.
I appreciate that you read GIG LINE and that you have contacted me, shared your input; ideas, suggestions and your show of support. You mean a lot to me…to all of us! Until next time, be happy, be safe, be proud and thank a veteran…they deserve it! As always, stay tuned…