GIG LINE
By Marsha M. Brown
You know friends, there’s one thing about it, we’re all in this thing called “life” together. We can live it to its fullest, seek joy in living and loving others or just be down right miserable. As a believer who has seen the hand of God throughout my life, I thank Him for the opportunity to write this column. I’m not the most highly educated person you know, nor the most proficient with words, but without a doubt, what I write is from my heart.
Life is wonderful but fragile too and it should by all means be protected.
When you’re little you think your protector is your Daddy, or in some cases, your very strong Mother or Grandparents. Once grown and you see life’s great big monumental challenges, it’s the military Baby! What would we do without them? Our hope is that all of us take the time to encourage our local, state and federal political leaders to stand hard and fast when it comes to supporting our troops and their families. We can disagree sometimes on politics, issues and policies but when it comes right down to it, there should be no compromise when it involves our armed forces. Whatever it takes to support their missions, provide for their needs, give them the benefits they deserve and entitlements they have earned, we should insist clearly and without hesitation as citizens of these great United States.
When my Veteran sweetheart and husband Billy says someone told him they liked GIG LINE or look for it each week, it makes me happy and Billy proud. The idea was to reach out to our Veterans and the folks who love them. It’s meant to bring us all together to help each other, to remember the importance of our military and to remind us all how fortunate we are to have Veterans in our lives. Who? Just name one…whose life hasn’t been touched in one way or another by a Veteran?
It’s ironic that what started out as a quest to honor our Veterans, has in turn blessed my heart too. I’m privileged to be able to put on paper how I feel about the men and women who have served our country and I promise you that I will do everything I can to encourage every good thing that can come your way. You know what they say, “it’s the squeaky wheel that gets the oil”…get ready! Writing for you, to you and about you has been a blessing to me from day one, so thank you for reading GIG LINE and for emailing me at editor@giglineheroes.com .
If I’ve said it once, or a hundred times, I’ll say it a hundred more…our military is awesome! We count on their bravery, their sacrifice and the hardships they endure to protect and defend our freedoms and our way of life. We’ll look for you at the Commissioners Meeting, Monday, May 7th, 2012. In the meantime, be happy, be proud and stay tuned!
First and foremost our Dare County Veterans Officer Rhonda Creef – has confirmed that the Dare County Board of Commissioners have scheduled appointment of the new Veteran’s Advisory Council as an Agenda item during their upcoming Monday, May 7, 2012 – 9:00 AM meeting. Though scheduled for the latter part of the Agenda, everyone of course is welcome to attend the full Commissioners meeting if they wish. If you’re interested in joining us to show your support and appreciation for this new Council, please make plans to come. And to our Commissioners, thank you for caring enough to recognize that more can and should be done to honor our Dare County Veterans. We’re so grateful!
Secondly: Hatteras Island Veterans, especially, and all interested Veterans please note your calendar! Representatives of the Veterans Administration Medical Center – Hampton Virginia/Rural Health Care Initiative team will hold an event Wednesday, May 23, 2012 from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM at the Fessenden Center, 46830 NC Hwy. 12, Buxton, N.C. It will be sponsored by the American Legion, Fort Raleigh Post 26 per Mr. Jeff Pearson, Rural Health Integrator. They ask that you please bring your DD-214 with you. If you are married, your spouse is encouraged to attend as well. You will find the event to be helpful, informative and a convenient opportunity to enroll in the Veterans Administration system if you haven’t already. All Veterans are urged to attend if you are not currently enrolled, no matter where you reside in Dare County. If you have questions about health care, entitlements and/or requirements to acquire a Veterans ID card don’t miss out. Also, for questions prior to the event, please contact Jeff Pearson at (757) 722-9961, Ext. 7741 or by email: jeffrey.pearson1@va.gov Jeff will be on site the day of the event, however, he welcomes your questions in advance if you wish to contact him directly.