GIG LINE
By Marsha M. Brown
Save the dates – they’re set aside for YOU!
The Dare County Veterans Advisory Council is still waiting to hear whether we will be selected as a site to host ‘The Wall That Heals’ during 2023…but we’re hoping! If you attended the ‘Day at the Docks’ in Hatteras and/or the Outer Banks Seafood Festival in Nags Head recently, perhaps you stopped by our Council booth and saw a sign about our quest to get the traveling ‘Wall’ here to Dare County. We’re anxious, excited, and hopeful and we were told we would be notified this November…so as I’ve said before, I’ll let you know as soon as I know!
Patty O’Sullivan, Dare County Veteran Service Officer (V.S.O.) has made two trips this year, the first to Garner, NC and the second to the Charlotte, NC area to observe the workings of the outstanding presentation the traveling ‘Wall’ offers to anyone with an opportunity see it. Each time she spoke with various representatives on site and learned as much as possible becoming well apprised of the scope of the undertaking. It’s a big deal! And if we get the opportunity to host it here, it’s going to take a great deal of volunteers to help make it happen. If you are interested in offering your time or other sources of help, please let us know. We have a tax-deductible account set up; we’ve just started receiving donations and we’re compiling a list of those who would like to take part in helping to set up the panels, guard the ‘Wall’ overnight and guide families who wish to find their loved one’s name etched on the ‘Wall’ itself. Please contact me or Patty to get your name on the list for things you’d like to do to help. My cell: (252) 202-2058 and email: giglineheroes@aol.com – Patty’s work cell: (252) 473-7749 & email: dcvac@darenc.com
Each and every veteran who has served in WWII, Pearl Harbor, Korea, Vietnam, Dessert Storm and Afghanistan, I respect from the bottom of my heart and if when you read GIG LINE and you feel that I address issues more related to Vietnam…you’re right…I do…not because I forget what all who endured every war our country has been involved in or suffered through but because my husband served in Vietnam and I can personally and somewhat relate to the horrors he and his brothers and sisters experienced. God bless each service member who not only served in those wars and battles but everyone who assisted in the war effort in support of our troops.
As you all know, this year we will celebrate Veteran’s Day, Friday, November 11, 2022. If you reside in Dare County, you probably already know that our communities fully support our resident and visiting veterans and their families and we honor them not only on Friday, November 11th…but for a full week…’Veteran’s Week’ encompassing Friday, November 4th – Sunday, November 13th! Yay!
Events during the week include an entertainment kicking off the week with a free country & rock band performance by ‘Brothers Carolina’ in downtown Manteo; followed by five additional bands/concerts throughout the week at various locations followed by ceremonies, the two-day Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13th workshop entitled, ‘Scene Writing for Stage & Screen’ taught by Ron Capps. When my husband Billy attended his previous classes, several years in a row, I had the privilege to meet and observe Ron’s approach and he is wonderful! He cares deeply about our veterans’, and he encourages them to write their memories and thoughts on paper and to destroy it if they wish, hide it in a shoebox or share it with family. He’s ‘been there and done that’ and Ron is someone who will enrich your life if you get a chance to meet him and learn from his writing experiences and expertise. He’s a veteran, educator, a writer, and a playwright. The Outer Banks Veterans Writing Workshop of which I speak will be held at the Coastal Studies Institute, Wanchese (Skyco) and an event not to be missed. My Billy enjoyed Ron’s direction and encouragement to express himself through writing. Please consider it if you have the time and the interest. Available seats number twenty-five; the two-day course is free, and you don’t have to be an experienced writer to attend!
Even Morgan Family Dentistry (252) 256-9302 will host a free dental clinic from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on November 11th at 10 A Juniper Trail in Kitty Hawk for veterans and their dependents! There is so much to do and enjoy that whole week folks and it brings your brothers and sisters together! Please…take a minute to search online at www.darearts.org , Facebook and every source available to be amply informed about ALL events held during Veteran’s Week and activities.
For specific location ceremonies on Veteran’s Day, Friday, November 11th please note the following:
- Dare County Veterans Memorial @ 9:30 am downtown Manteo, 300 Queen Elizabeth Avenue
- Nags Head Town Hall @ 11:00 am, 5401 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head
- Southern Shores Town Hall Veterans Garden @ 11:00 am, 5375 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Southern Shores
- Kill Devil Hills Veterans Memorial on Veteran’s Drive @ 12:30 pm
Please search activities throughout the week to be sure not to miss a single one! You are all so important to us! We hope you have a full and fulfilling week spending time with the awesome like-kind heroes such as yourself and that you take special memories home with you at the close of the events and celebrations.
Keep Patty & my cell phone numbers handy for any questions, comments or for a contact reference later. I appreciate hearing from you through your texts, emails and phone calls, letters (Charlie & Sally!) and I’m eager to talk with you all any time you want to chat! What I have written in this GIG LINE does NOT encompass all the activities for veterans and their (your) families so don’t hesitate to reach out to me, Patty, or our local V.F.W. Post 10950, American Legion Post 26 or OBX Marine Corps League Detachment #1264. As for potential claims, copies of your DD-214 or questions about V.A. Health Care, please contact Patty – she is the only official liaison between Dare County and the V.A., and she will do her level best to assist you as your V.S.O.
There is something I’ll write about in next week’s column about acknowledgement of veterans who not only served and died while serving in Vietnam, but for the veterans who came home and passed away later because of their exposure to Agent Orange (A.O.) while there as well. So please, check it out next week!
Until next time, be healthy, safe, and happy. And when you look in the mirror… realize that the face staring back at you is worthy of praise, honor and support from the towns, villages, and communities everywhere that love you. We are grateful for your service, for your sacrifice and for taking care of all of us. God bless you and those you love. Remember that you have a lot to be proud of…no matter what you went through, witnessed, or experienced first-hand, we love and thank you. Our good Lord & Savior loves you very much and so do I! 😊 Also, don’t forget to check out www.giglineheroes@aol.com Stay tuned!