GIG LINE
By Marsha M. Brown
If you’re a veteran and a member of the much respected V.F.W. (Veterans of Foreign Wars) or if you’re interested in becoming a member, it would a good idea to mark your calendar for a special meeting that is planned for Wednesday, June 18, 2014 – 7:00 PM in downtown Manteo at the Dare Arts Council building (Old Courthouse).
In addition, if you attend and provide your DD-214 showing that you were Honorably Discharged as well as proof of your local address (or Drivers License) you can also obtain your Dare County Veteran I. D. Card which will entitle you to discounts at 36 area businesses. Dare County Veteran Advisory Council member Billy Brown who is also the Service Officer for V.F.W. Outer Banks Post 10950, will be there to issue your Card. Your DD-214 will not be kept nor will your Social Security numbers be recorded; only your full name, address, a phone number, an email address (if applicable) and your branch of service is notated.
Typically the monthly meetings are held every third Wednesday at 302 W. Lake Dr., Kill Devil Hills, however, in a move to encourage new enrollment and renewed interest amongst the many Dare County veterans who have experienced combat in foreign countries, the local V.F.W. Outer Banks Post 10950 is reaching out within our communities to entice eligible veteran interest.
At the meeting, you can also acquire a free Federal Benefits for Veterans – Dependents and Survivors booklet as well as info on the Camp Lejeune water issue. In addition, the V.F.W. group may consider holding other future meetings in various locations across Dare County on occasion (perhaps quarterly) in order to convenience vets to attend. The members hope to provide opportunities for a unified fellowship in support of men and women comrades who have similar experiences during their military service.
The shared location of the local American Legion Post 26 and the V.F.W. Post 10950 is open Monday through Friday – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for members or those interested in joining either organization. The members of both groups are interested in you and they encourage all who want to join to do so. The dedicated members are working diligently to seek ways in which to help veterans and their families and they need your interest and support. Please know that ALL help is greatly appreciated. They have a variety of very positive programs and projects currently underway and if you become involved you’ll see how much they’re actually doing toward the betterment of veterans.
For baseball fans…our American Legion Post 26 members in conjunction with Dare County have successfully sponsored the Dare County Post 26 ‘Hammerheads’ baseball team. The junior team is comprised of 16 boys (ages 13 – 17) and four coaches. The boys won their first game played against Windsor and their overall record stands at 4-1 and their conference is 1-0…a very good start! From this weekend forward they’re on schedule for games on the following dates if you’re able to attend:
Monday, June 16th – 7:00 PM – vs. Windsor @ Manteo High School
Sunday, June 22nd – 3:00 PM Doubleheader vs. Edenton @ John A. Holmes High School
Wednesday, June 25th – 5:00 PM – Doubleheader vs. Elizabeth City @ Manteo High
Saturday, June 28th – 3:00 PM – Doubleheader vs. Ahoskie @ Hertford High School
If you would like to make a donation to support the ‘Hammerheads’ sponsored by our local American Legion for the balance of this year or toward 2015, please do so by mailing your check to the following address: American Legion Post 26, P.O. Box 1683, Kill Devil Hills, N.C. 27948 and earmark the memo “Hammerheads”. I mention this now even though the season is underway because it’s their hope to also see a senior team be established in 2015 and naturally funds are needed for uniforms, equipment and supplies. Come on baseball fans…step up to the plate literally and help the Legion and our young men out! J
Special mention: If you own a business please contact us to sign up to honor and support our local Dare County veterans. The Form in which to do so is only one page long and it can be faxed, mailed or emailed to us. It is your decision as to what you offer our veterans and I can assure you that your business will be appreciated for doing so.
Recently I heard someone speak the words “save our future” in the middle of their sentence. I paused for a minute…then thought to myself…that sums it up and it should be our motto every day…to ‘save our future’ by supporting, honoring and gratefully thanking our service men and women. Our bravest of brave and America’s finest are fully and totally committed to ensure the safety, security and well being of the greatest nation on earth…the United States of America. We should empower them to do their job to the best of their ability and when they leave their post at the fulfillment of their tour of duty, we should thank them through every possible means. We should never fail to show them all how much we appreciate their service, their sacrifice, the separation they endured from loved ones during times of deployment; and/or for whatever challenges they may experience beyond discharge.
Many special events and activities for veterans are forthcoming, so please stay tuned to ‘GIG LINE’ each week. If you’d like to submit a claim through Dare County Veteran Service Officer Rhonda Creef please call her for a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday appointment at (252) 475-5604.
Also, we are amazed at the number of veterans that we meet almost daily that are unaware of Agent Orange Screenings, the list of medical conditions they may be suffering from now that was influenced by its toxic exposure in Vietnam and Korea etc. PLEASE, PLEASE contact me if you have questions, comments or if you know of a veteran who needs care or support. We sincerely invite and encourage you to call on us. Don’t just care…but act on your concern for our veterans. As a veteran yourself, take the time to attend the meetings that exert positive support on your behalf. When you attend, you’ll learn how our local veteran organizations are working together to increase additional care of and for our vets!
Until next time, be safe, be happy and be proud…taking the time to help fellow veterans by joining in and becoming involved is where it’s at. We love you all. God bless.