GIG LINE
By Marsha M. Brown
Well folks a week ago one phone call changed the anticipation of seeing one of my two brothers ever again. Suddenly without notice or time to prepare a member of our family was gone. On February 26, 2014 my older brother, Marvin F. “Mickey” Mann, Jr. died suddenly in Okeechobee, FL.
I’ve been very blessed all of my life with a wonderful family to love; the greatest parents anyone could ask for; two older brothers by Daddy’s first marriage who live in Florida and a sister from Mama’s first marriage who resides here in Dare County not to mention my sweetie pie Billy, our two children and four grandchildren. And while all three of my siblings are considered “half brothers” or “half sister” I’ve never seen it that way…not ever. To me, if you have the same Daddy or the same Mama you’re a brother or a sister…period. I’ve never referred to either of the three as my “half” anything. And while my brothers and I didn’t get a chance to grow up in the same house together like my sister and I, we still loved each other and the same father. Regardless, the composition of our family will never be the same.
Before his legendary 54 year career in law enforcement ‘Mickey’ served our country as a member of the United States Marine Corp and from that time forward his life was dedicated to serving, protecting and defending. Right up until it happened Mickey was fully engaged in his career as Martin County Undersheriff at 74 years old. And if you’re interested in why he was considered a ‘legend’ you can go online and enter: 50 Years in Law Enforcement: Martin County Undersheriff Mickey Mann, Jr. where you’ll see a story written by Jill Taylor just a few years ago about Mickey. Was it his upbringing that inspired him to love people and work to keep them safe? Was it his initial military service in the Marines? I’m not sure but I just know that whatever it was it lasted for more than five decades. I’ll miss Mickey always and I’ll take every opportunity possible to make new and happy memories with my other brother Ed and my sister Donna that’s for certain.
GIG LINE will resume in its typically l-o-n-g form on Sunday, March 16th which will also be the day of Mike Kelly’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade that afternoon at 1:00 PM in Nags Head. Veterans…this year Mike’s theme for the Parade is ‘Outer Banks Heroes’, please come and join the fun and your special recognition. Also…we’ll be issuing I.D. Card(s) at Kelly’s following the Parade that Sunday. Be sure to bring your DD-214 and proof of local address.
Additional schedules for Dare County Veteran I.D. Cards to be issued will be as follows:
Wednesday, March 12th – (Manteo) Rm. 142 Dare County Admin. from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Bldg.;
Thursday, March 13th ACE HARDWARE – (Avon store) from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM where the R.H.I. (Rural Health Outreach) out of the VA Hampton Medical Center will also be there to process potential VA health care;
Monday, March 17th Thomas A. Baum Center (Kill Devil Hills) also with the R.H.I. from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM;
Wednesday, March 26th (Manteo) Rm. 142 Dare County Admin. Building 10:00 – 1:00 PM.
Until next time, be happy, be safe and be proud. Hug a veteran…and by all means all of your family each and every day. We hope to see you soon and we love you all. God bless this country and all who serve.