GIG LINE
By Marsha M. Brown
Today as I write this GIG LINE I, like so many in our communities, mourn the loss of a very special man and Vietnam veteran, Robert ‘Bobby’ Luther Daniels who passed away unexpectedly at his home in Wanchese on Monday night, May 12, 2014.
Upon hearing the sad news, I immediately knew I wanted to write about ‘Bobby’ in my column and share with you his love of country, his family, his fellow veterans…and most especially about his love for God.
It was my intent initially to write this week’s entire GIG LINE about ‘Bobby’ and to give him the extended public honor he deserves. I wanted an honor to extend beyond the service and celebration of his life this afternoon (Friday) at Wanchese Assembly of God. I wanted to share with you what I know to be true about why he was so special and not only ‘Bobby’…but his wife Valerie as well. I wanted to make sure that anyone who had not been privileged to meet or know ‘Bobby’ personally fully understand the magnitude of the trials they have been through and how they met ‘head on’ or overcame more than their share of medical challenges together while still caring, giving and working for the good of others. I wanted to encapsulate the importance of a steadfast, committed relationship between a couple and the absolute value of a loving, supportive spouse.
Between the time of ‘Bobby’s passing and his celebration of life this afternoon, I wanted to sit down with Valerie and gather more insight into the relentless efforts she had put forth on Bobby’s behalf in dealing with the VA. I wanted to convey the extent of and the countless hurdles they had had to jump over together each determined to get answers and resolve the matters that confronted them. But…naturally with such heavy hearts, decisions to be made and so many kind and attentive family members and friends at the ‘Daniels’ door, the time to talk was postponed only for now. That being said – within the next few weeks an entire GIG LINE will be dedicated to Robert ‘Bobby’ Luther Daniels.
My sweetie pie Billy (also a Vietnam veteran) and I know the love Bobby and Valerie had for each other and for other veterans. Their story is worthy of praise and my time in conveying it to the best of my ability…doing each of them justice…and making Valerie and their children Michelle and Kurt proud…is my personal quest. I won’t have it any other way.
All veterans and those who love veterans should plan (if at all possible) to attend the upcoming Memorial Day services at the Veteran Memorial sites and cemeteries around Dare County on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2014. The schedule according to Adjutant Brian Kelly of the American Legion Fort Raleigh Post 26 is as follows:
Southern Shores Cemetery – 9:00 A.M. – Dogwood Trail past Kitty Hawk Elementary
Austin Cemetery – (Kitty Hawk) 10:00 A.M. – Kitty Hawk Village Rd.
Manteo Cemetery – 11:00 A.M. – 300 Cemetery Rd.
Manteo Memorial Site – 11:45 A.M. – Downtown Manteo Old Courthouse
Kill Devil Hills Memorial Site – 12:45 P.M. – Veterans Dr.
Also: Per Commander Elmo Hassell of V.F.W. Post 10659, there will be an annual Memorial Day service held at the Tyrrell County Courthouse, 403 Main St., Columbia, N.C. 27925 on Sunday, May 25, 2014 at 8:00 A.M. Mr. Hassell said that while most of the services will be held on Monday, they chose to have their service on Sunday morning prior to church to accommodate those who attend morning worship services and those who work. It will be my honor and privilege to address those in attendance this year.
Another very important reminder: All Dare County resident veterans who have been Honorably discharged from the United States military and who have a copy of their DD-214 who are interested in acquiring a Dare County Veteran I. D. Card (that will entitle them to specific Dare County business discounts), please make a note to go to the shared American Legion and V.F.W. Post at 302 W. Lake Dr., Kill Devil Hills, N. C. 27948 (west side by-pass behind T-Tops) each Wednesday 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 PM. There is NO charge for the Card; no copy of your DD-214 will be kept and the process takes usually no more than 15 – 30 minutes. Also, again…the American Legion Fort Raleigh Post 26 members (primarily) man the Post Monday – Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM to accommodate all veterans, both local and visiting for fellowship and information. It’s important to realize that these dedicated veterans are there for you and visiting them would demonstrate your show of appreciation for their continued sacrifice to veterans overall. If you haven’t been to the Legion Hall in a long time…you should. The men have worked hard and successfully at transforming and improving the facility on the behalf of all of the men and women who have served. Please show them what they have done matters.
Until next time, be happy, be safe, be proud and remember to show your love and support for our veterans this coming Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th. Wave your flags, shake a veteran’s hand and say “Thank you” for a job very well done.
And as usual…stay tuned and God bless you all.