GIG LINE
By Marsha M. Brown
Folks, it’s important to acknowledge people who do good deeds for us in life, right? We send thank you cards; we call people on the phone and we email and text them even if only a few words to say ‘thank you’ for the things they’ve done for us and/or for help they’ve extended to someone else we care about when help was needed.
So, I ask you very sincerely to please get your paper or electronic calendars out and make a note for the upcoming events that you’re invited to (especially as veterans and veteran family members) between now and the week following Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2014.
These events take time to plan, organize and execute and honestly? There’s nothing more disappointing than putting your heart into something for others only to see very few ‘honorees’ actually show up. It’s important…because you’re important! And…if you don’t have a ride to an event please make it a point to let somebody know and we’ll see to it that you get there…O.K.?
FANTASTIC THINGS ARE HAPPENING FOR OUR VETERANS IN THIS GREAT COUNTY OF DARE!
The Hatterasman Drive In at 57449 Hwy. 12, Hatteras 27943 – phone: (252) 986-1005 has also just signed up to offer Dare County veterans a 10% discount. The restaurant is located in Hatteras Village and the owners are working tirelessly to make it the ‘happening place’ for veterans. Frank Miller (also a veteran) is devoted to welcoming veterans into the business that he and his daughter operate. And in next week’s issue of GIG LINE, I’ll have a write up on what Frank is doing specifically in their community for vets…and trust me when I say…you’ll want to hear all about it! So folks if you’re on Hatteras Island, please take the time to visit the Hatterasman Drive In and tell Frank hello and thank you!
While I’m still hearing the details on some of the veteran celebrations that will take place, this is what I have so far…
Saturday, November 8, 2014, 7:00 PM – Manteo First Assembly, 812 Wingina St., Manteo 27954 the 4th Annual ‘SALUTE TO VETERANS’ This year the program as we have known it will also include an original drama entitled “BROTHERHOOD’. We’ll have special music, military presentations and ceremonies, musical dance interpretation and the story of three soldiers who serve our country and each other during difficult times. This is an event not to be missed. Everyone is invited and a nursery will be provided for the little ones. You may laugh, you may cry, you may remember…but you’ll also feel the warm embrace of all of us who love you. Please, please come.
Monday, November 10, 2014, 1:00 PM – Dare County Center located at 950 Marshall C. Collins Dr., Manteo 27954 will again host their Annual Veteran’s Day Celebration accompanied by the Monarch Beach Club and the American Legion Post 26. Sandy and her staff at the Dare Center graciously provide heartfelt welcomes, entertainment and a nice lunch at no charge to all Dare County veterans who would like to attend. At the event, Billy and I will be issuing the Dare County Veteran I.D. Cards (just bring your DD-214 and a local Driver’s License to receive your I.D. Card). This special ‘Card’ will entitle you to business discounts from at almost 40 locations across Dare County. With the holidays coming soon, this ‘Card’ can really save you money on goods and services! And…even if you have a military retirement card or veteran health card or even an active duty I.D., the ‘Card’ we provide is tied directly to the local businesses who signed up to show you their appreciation for your service. My sweetie pie Billy and I have attended the Dare Center event for the last two years and we enjoyed it very much! IF you’d like to attend, you’re asked to R.S.V.P. no later than Friday, October 26th by calling (252) 475-9270. The folks at the Dare Center need to know how many to count on to plan their meal for you etc. This is an event worthy of your time and where you’ll meet a lot of other veterans, eat good food provided by people who care about you and the entertainment will bring tears to your eyes. Also, pictures of Dare County veterans are on a slide show presentation and if you’d like to have your picture included, please provide a picture of yourself in your uniform, along with your full name, branch of service, rank and location at the time the picture was taken. Please take it to the Center no later than October 29th or scan & send it by then through email to Alex Hatcher at ahatcher@darenc.com This event is for YOU. Please don’t miss it! J
In next week’s GIG LINE, I’ll elaborate on the Hatterasman Drive In story and the upcoming two day, Outer Banks Veterans Writing Project (free to vets) Saturday, Nov. 15th – Sunday, Nov. 16th at the U.N.C. Coastal Studies Institute, Wanchese, 27981. I’ll also provide an updated list (I promise) of the places you can use your discount Dare County Veteran I. D. Card. We’ve revamped the list and will update with more businesses (per area) between now and the Sunday, Oct. 19th GIG LINE.
REMEMBER: Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10:00AM – 12:00 Noon, you can visit other vets at the American Legion Post 26 (also the V.F.W. Post 10950) at 302 W. Lake Dr., Kill Devil Hills 27954. A cup of coffee and some of the best company there is (fellow veterans) will be there to welcome you! If you have a problem finding the Post, you can call the Post phone: (252) 715-4251 (if no answer, leave a message) or Adjutant Billy Brown (252) 202-0798. Note: on Wednesday (only) each week, you can get your Dare County Veteran I.D. Card there too.
Until next time, be happy, be safe and be proud. We have several thousand veterans in Dare County. That means we have many yet to reach out to and hear back from who may need help in some way. Please share the word about GIG LINE; the I.D. Card that only Dare County veterans can acquire and about upcoming events as they are posted or advertised. You are our heroes and you make us happy…make others happy too by showing your enthusiasm at events that you can attend. It would mean a lot to good people who love you and who appreciate your sacrifice and your service. Call me at (252) 202-2058 if we can be of help. We love you all! God bless you.