North Carolina
NEWS
Co mm Co an rn de er r’s
Spring, 2012—www.amvetsnc.org
INSIDE: Fayetteville VA’s New Women’s Clinic
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Happy New Year to Everyone!
ast year was a very productive year. But I’m sad to say, we lost some of our very productive members. Please keep these families in your prayers. Our hearts grieve with these families. They will be greatly missed as a member of the AMVETS. Last year ended up being a great year for AMVETS. On December 7, 2011, we had our first ribbon cutting; for our first Career Center in North Carolina, located in Stanley County at Pfeiffer College. They will help any military person or veteran to find jobs, pursue career contacts and further their education. Also on December 13, we had a ribbon cutting at Fayetteville’s VA for the new Women’s Clinic. 2012 is getting off to a good start. There is a new nursing home in Kinston that is 83% completed, it will have 100 beds available. Also the Black Mountain nursing home is 96% finished should be open by late February or the first of March. Other current events coming up will be March 28th VVA will have a rally for VVA Vets in Ashville, NC. Also March 31 the USO is celebrating and Honoring America Armed Forces at the USS North Carolina, from 11am and ending at 1pm. Also, marriages and renewal wedding ceremonies. June 26-30th there will be a wheel chair games in Richmond, VA volunteers are needed. I’d like to thank everyone for there hard work thus far. Please every post try to get your memberships in and community reports in. Let’s try to have 100% or no less than 95%. Someone who visits someone sick every week that is community service. Again, I would like to thank God for a great organization as AMVETS. You as members do a great deal in your communities, and I’m proud to be associated with you.
AMVETS Gift Membership
ive a currently serving soldier a gift in your name for only $30. We will send a gift letter in your name to an active-duty soldier letting them know you appreciate their service and they are now AMVETS members. AMVETS is chartered by congress to help veterans and we work for them every day. Send $30 payable and addressed to: AMVETS Gift Membership 4647 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD 20706
N.C. Dept. Commander
Lacy L. Shepherd
From the President
W
N.C. Dept. President
Linda Starnes
AU
X I L I A RY
e had another very successful DEC Meeting. We were honored to have our National President, Lynda Taylor, join us for the weekend. We had a nice reception for her on Friday night and I believe everyone had a great time visiting with her. The ladies in charge of the Reverse Drawing did a fantastic job and every one had a great time. The problem of no meeting room for the Ladies on Sunday morning was quickly resolved and the meeting went on a scheduled. Thanks to our Sgt-at-Arms and the AMVETS Committee. I am looking forward to the spring meeting in Hendersonville, NC. It is always good to visit new places and make new friends.
NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2012 ATTENTION POSTS: Customize this form by filling in your information and posting it at your next meeting. Someone in your post could be the big winner! GOOD LUCK.
Table of Contents
The NC AMVET News is published three times per year by Midwest Publishing, Inc.
Officers’ Reports......................................................3 Listing of Officers.....................................................4 Local News................................................................5 Post News..................................................................6 Stanly County AMVETS Career Center....................8 Post News................................................................10 Last WWI Veteran Passes..................................... 14 Membership Application . .....................................16
Yes! We’re on FACEBOOK
AMVETS North Carolina now has a Facebook Page! If you are not already on Facebook - it’s free to join and a great way to keep in touch with family and friends. Click on the facebook logo to join. You can post pictures, comments, share events and much more.
AMVETS on the web AMVETSNC.ORG DEADLINES FOR NEWSPAPER ARTICLES January 15 to print March 25
A Prayer For Those We Love Almighty God, we entrust all who are
July 15 to print September 25
dear to us to thy never-failing care
October 15 to print December 25
To contribute to your NC AMVETS NEWS, mail submissions to: NC AMVETS - Attn. Nancy Shiverdecker 13470 Old Beatty Ford Rd., Rockwell, NC 28138
cib2marine@yahoo.com 704-267-6410
and love, for this and the life to come; knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
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NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2012
NEC Report
O
n Dec 2nd, 2011, I attended the Winter National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. I sat in on the finance committee meeting, as did many others, (standing room only). Our new National Executive Director, Stewart Hickey, was thanked by the committee for bringing his budget in line. He was also asked what he thought AMVETS needed to do to increase revenue. Director Hickey answered that he thought that the price of our Life Membership was too low. “Most VSO’s base their Life membership on the age of the
BY Michael W. Rozmaryn NEC, PDC veteran whose is joining.” Director Hickey feels that by offering our Life membership at the current rate of $250 cheapens the value of the AMVETS Life membership. It was also pointed out that there is too large a variance from state to state and post to post on annual membership dues. This is evidenced by the many mix ups on the D& R forms every year. I also sat in on the Convention Committee meeting. This year instead of registration opening on Monday registration will open on Tuesday. Registra-
tion will be open one hour earlier and close one hour earlier, which means the day of Elections registration will close at 9 a.m. instead of 10 a.m. During the NEC meeting the importance of ALL Posts turning in their Programs reports was emphasized. The number of reports and the dollar amount of all posts is what keeps our nonprofit status and gives credence to our National Commander when he speaks to Congress.
NSO’s Report
New Contact information for our NSO’s in Winston Salem Garry: 336-251-0822 | Russ: 336-251-0823 | Dave: 336-251-0787 | Helen: 336-251-0779 Fax: 336-251-0858
AMVETS National Resource Directory Give a currently serving soldier a gift in your name for only $30. We will send a gift letter in your name to an active-duty soldier letting them know you appreciate their service and they are now AMVETS members. AMVETS is chartered by congress to help veterans and we work for them every day.
Connecting wounded warriors, service members, veterans, their families and caregivers with those who support them The National
Veterans Crisis Line
Send $30 payable and addressed to:
Resource
1.800.273.TALK (8255)
AMVETS Gift Membership
Directory
National Call Center
4647 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD 20706
provides online support and access to over 10,000 services and resources.
for Homeless Veterans 1.877.4AID.VET (424.3838) VA Caregiver Support Line 1.855.260.3274 Wounded Warrior Resource Center
Please visit:
1.800.342.9647
www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov -- Page 3 --
NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2012
ELECTED OFFICERS 2011-2012
APPOINTED OFFICERS 2011-2012
Cont. AUXILIARY LIAISON DEPUTY PROVOST MARSHAL Anne Capucille – Post 635 COMMANDER JUDGE ADVOCATE Richard (Dick) Barringer – Post 845 5809 Deven Circle Lacy L. Shepherd – Post 316 James Craven – Post 777 233 Redwood Dr. Raleigh, NC 27604 253 Cartledge Creek Rd. 4026 Beech Acres Lane Mocksville, NC 27028 (919) 872-1277 Rockingham, NC 28379 Winston Salem, NC 27106 H (336) 753-1518 (910) 895-3056 (336) 924-9848 j.d.shepherd@hotmail.com cravenjames@triad.rr.com C (704) 233-7997 SERVICE OFFICER NATIONAL GUARD LIAISON NSO Stephen R. Smith – Post 225 1st VICE COMMANDER NEC AMVETS RIDERS LIAISON P. O. Box 4066 Bruce Arton – Post 42 PDC Mike Rozmaryn – Post 845 Carl Morgan, Jr. – Post 845 New River Air Station P. O. Box 453 1540 Lower Palmer Road 144 Hawksbridge Road Jacksonville, NC 28540 Shelby, NC 28151 Salisbury, NC 28164 Mt. Airy, NC 27030 (910) 449-5344 (704) 600-5860 H (704) 279-2092 (336) 786-4461 smithsr.nso@gmail.com brucearton@yahoo.com C (704) 213-1326 W-(704) 422-2528 mavetsmcasnr@yahoo.com cherny@windstream.net cbmorgan17@triad.rr.com 2nd VICE COMMANDER LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR David Beam, Sr. – Post 101 ALTERNATE NEC HISTORIAN Robert D. Williamson – Post 317 P. O. Box 398 PDC W. F. (Bill) Clark – Post 906 Woodrow Bowman – Post 13 705 8th Street Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 PMB 10579 P. O. Box 1246 Pembroke, NC 28372 (252) 676-0691 Southport, NC 28461 Lexington, NC 27293 H (910) 522-1011 davidbeam@centurylink.net W (910) 457-7097 (336) 243-2380 C (910) 827-1061 C (910) 448-1775 rd woodybowman@lexcominc.net retiredhtc@aol.com 3 VICE COMMANDER parrisisland65@yahoo.com Grover (Buddy) Waller – Post 845 INSPECTOR GENERAL SONS OF AMVETS LIAISON Mike Reaves – Post 101 PDC W. F. (Bill) Clark – Post 906 9325 Fisher Road PROVOST MARSHAL P. O. Box 1323 PMB 10579 Rockwell, NC 28138 Monroe Poplin – Post 845 Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 Southport, NC 28461 H (704) 279-3929 1765 Liberty Road reaves375@charter.net W (910) 457-7097 C (704) 400-4434 Gold Hill, NC 28071 C (910) 448-1775 buddy12045@yahoo.com (704) 279-7385 parrisisland65@yahoo.com jeanjaws@windstream.net NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICERS FINANCE OFFICER Laura L. Britton – Post 906 WESTERN DIST. COMMANDER R2SD Garry King NSO Phil Reilly P. O. Box 10179 Keith Dean – Post 441 (336) 714-0822 Fort Bragg, NC Southport, NC 28461 31 Zenith Drive garry.king@va.gov AMVETS – P. O. Box 25160 W (910) 457-7097 Sylva, NC 28779 Fayetteville, NC 28314 C (910) 294-1976 (828) 586-6170 NSO Russell L. Woodall, Jr. (910) 396-6826 laura.britton07@yahoo.com philip.g.reilly@us.army.mil PIEDMONT DIST. COMMANDER (336) 714-0823 russell.woodall@va.gov EASTERN DIST. COMMANDER Charles Claybourn – Post 777 NSO Stephen R. Smith Franklin Scott, Jr. – Post 227 4933 Country Ridge Road NSO David Turner AMVETS – P. O. Box 4066 900 West Church Street Clemmons, NC 27012 (336) 714-0787 New River Air Station Williamston, NC 27892 (336) 778-2482 david.turner6@va.gov Jacksonville, NC 28540 (252) 217-9894 clayburn@bellsouth.net (910) 449-5344 fgscottjr@gmail.com NSO Howard Montgomery smithsr.nso@gmail.com (336) 714-0779 amvetsmcasnr@yahoo.com howard.montgomery@va.gov
APPOINTED OFFICERS 2011-2012
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER DEPUTY JUDGE ADVOCATE Nancy Shiverdecker – Post 845 Tom Nichols – Post 201 13470 Old Beatty Ford Road 359 Lake Royale Rockwell, NC 28138 Louisburg, NC 27549 (704) 267-6410 (252) 478-2825 cib2marine@yahoo.com tncbugman@aol.com ADJUTANT CHAPLAIN Jennifer Drum – Post 42 Keith Dean – Post 441 1011 Caldwell Circle 31 Zenith Drive Shelby, NC 28150 Sylva, NC 28779 (704) 487-6753 (828) 586-6170 jdcic20@yahoo.com
AMVETS National Service Officers VA Regional Office 251 North Main Street, Room 414
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Winston Salem, NC 27155 FAX (336) 714-0858
NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2012 Local News----------------------------------------------------
Fayettville VA Medical Center Womens’ Pavillion Re-Opening Women veterans have access to high quality medical care by Robin DeMark Fayetteville VAMC Public Affairs
A
lthough women Veterans from all branches of service still constitute a minority of Veterans, they represent a critical mass deserving the same level of medical care and services that are provided to male Veterans. The Fayetteville Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) opened its doors with a ribbon cutting for the new Women’s Pavilion located on the second floor of the medical center, Dec. 12. “This new clinic will be the cornerstone of the roadmap to become the Women’s Center of Excellence,” said Elizabeth Goolsby, Director of the Fayetteville VAMC. “We will be able to provide the highest quality of care for our approximately 6,000 women Veterans in a setting that fosters a comprehensive approach to care and services. The new space is beautiful.” According to Dr. Jesse Howard, primary care chief, the new clinic resolved several problems of the older, outdated clinic. By adding more facility space, nurse workrooms, six exam rooms and a separate area for lab procedures, the women’s clinic is functional and provides effective patient flow. This will reduce wait time for patients and enable care providers to see more female patients without delays. Other improvements include new equipment and access to specialized gynecological services. “Some specialized services were sent to the community because we lacked the right medical equipment for gynecological medical procedures,” said Dr. Mark Griffo, gynecological surgeon. “Since we started using the new equipment in the older facility, we are able to provide the continuity of care that our women need and deserve right here in the clinic. The new updated space will allow us to do even more on site.” Comprehensive primary care accommodates the unique needs of women Veterans such as preventive care, gender-specific specialty care and urgent/emergent care. Additional programs and services are available for prosthetics, tele-health, pharmacy, physical medicine and rehabilitation. Other services that are not available onsite are provided through our VA partners (i.e. for spinal cord injuries), or through fee basis programs such as maternity care. “Every female veteran should have a choice to be seen by a designated provider of her own choosing so we can maximize the best care available for the total woman,” Goolsby said. In addition to care provided inside the new clinic, the Women’s Pavilion committee members will seek opportunities to partner with local hospitals, the Womack Army Hospital and local community organizations. “We look forward to collaborating with our community partners to reach women Veterans who may not know these types of services are here for them,” said Dr. Eglintine Rigaud, women’s veteran program manager.
For more information
(910) 488-2120 ext. 5152.
“This new clinic will be the cornerstone of the roadmap to become the Women’s Center of Excellence,” - Elizabeth Goolsby, Director of the Fayetteville VAMC Fayetteville VA Medical Center Fayetteville VA Medical Center 2300 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 910-488-2120 | 800-771-6106 | Directions Jobs Contact Us Make or Change an Appointment About Us Visitor Information Patient Information Volunteer or Donate Emergency Response & Information 1
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Mental Health Care Services for Veterans For soldiers and Veterans suffering from symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or seeking mental health services, please visit the National Center for PTSD or call the Fayetteville VA Medical Center OEF/OIF/OND Case Management Services at 910482-5232.
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FVAMC goes green in 2012 The Fayetteville VA Medical Center, one of the oldest VA hospitals in service, recently reached two significant milestones in its quest to reduce energy costs and turn green technology initiatives into greenbacks that can be used to continue providing quality healthcare to area Veterans. Full Story
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Womens Pavillion Reopens New home for women Veterans’ high quality medical care opens after restoration project Full Story
FROM ACROSS THE NATION
about the Womens Pavilion, visit our website or call to make an appointment
A female veteran waits to see a doctor in the new Fayetteville VAMC womens Pavillion while her child plays.
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Saluting Veteran Patients
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This is “National Salute to Veteran Patients” week when you can visit your local VA Medical Center and meet America’s Veterans and thank them for the sacrifices they have made. Full Story
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NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2012
post 269
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ilmoor Memorial United Methodist Church (our sponsor) has set up a brand new website, and was kind enough to add our AMVETS Post 269 on their website under the subtitle “Community Involvement” (see link http://pilmoor.org/community/amvets/) as well as showing off our doing the November 9th Veteran’s Day dinner (see link http:// pilmoor.org/news-and-events/events/1192011-veterans-dinner/)...on Saturday, December 3rd, I’ll be working from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. with the Pilmoor webmaster, Mr. Don Fisher, at the Silver Bells Craft Show being held at the Currituck County High School - so I’ll present Mr. Fisher with a disk of photographs of our Memorial Day activities, our JROTC Awards ceremony held in conjunction with the Currituck County High Schools end of year awards ceremony, etc.
Again a reminder - no meeting in December - so our next meeting will be on Saturday, January 14th, 2012 at 10 a.m. in the Fellowship hall of Pilmoor Memorial United Methodist Church. Happy New Year, Christopher A. Curdes Post Commander, AMVETS Post 269
Thank you Pilmoor Memorial United Methodist Church
post 565
T
Thursday Night Bingo
hursday night Bingo is one of our post’s sources of income. Pictured is Harold Andrews (Andy) presenting checks for $500 each to Linda Copeland with Family Crisis of Rowan and Tammy Furr with Hospice of Rowan. Both organizations provide residence of Rowan County with services in times of extreme need and they do it with grace and humility.
Welcome on board Post 565! It is great to hear from you.
post 905 By Jennifer Dixon, 1st Vice Auxiliary 905
Toys for Tots
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MVETS Ladies Auxiliary 905 of Asheboro presented a check to Clay Andrews, Representative for Toys 4 Tots on August 23, 2011 The money was raised by having a car wash / hot dog sale. We wanted to thank everyone who came out and helped and also to those who came by to support our cause. Top: President Carol Paschal giving check to Clay Andrews from Toys 4 Tots.
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NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2012
post 906 - Boiling Springs Lakes
Remembrance Ceremony By Jerry Wolf, Sr., Commander
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Boiling Spring Lakes is the home of AMVETS Post 906, covering Brunswick and New Hanover counties, meeting monthly on the first Monday. The Auxiliary meets at 6 pm and the AMVETS general meeting begins at 7 pm at the Boiling Spring Lakes VFW Center, 3161 NC hwy. 87. For additional information, call 845-3498 or 520-7230.
2011 National Wreaths Across America Remembrance Ceremony
MVETS Post 906 Boiling Spring Lakes participated in the National Wreaths Across America Remembrance Ceremony on 10 December 2011 at the Wilmington National Cemetery, 2011 Market Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. This Cemetery is administered by the New Bern National Cemetery and coordination of this year’s event was provided by Ms. Alanna Dahms, Volunteer Location Leader. Post 906 contributed 67 wreaths which were placed at the head stones of Veterans. In attendance representing Post 906 was Jerry Wolf Sr.- Commander; Bill Clark- Past Department Commander & Judge Advocate; Jim Walters- Past Post Commander; Karen Timko – Chaplin; and Pat Walters – President, Ladies Auxiliary. Also in attendance was Julie Curry & some Curry family members, the Posts largest single sponsor for this event, Ruby Wolf and Robert Horn of Brunswick County. Of special note, large sponsors included Brunswick Pest Control Inc. in Boiling Spring Lakes, Dick White and Acugraphics in Apex, Douglas Hedgpeth of Oak Island, and AMVETS Post 906 Boiling Spring Lakes. Ms. Dahms asked Wolf if Post 906 would be willing to escort the wreaths to the Wilmington Cemetery next year, assist in unloading and then placing the fresh wreaths into their on-site storage a few days prior to the Ceremony. Without hesitation, “Yes is the answer and thank you for the opportunity to be of service.” The fund-raising effort of Post 906 reached out to local, area and state-wide businesses and private citizens to sponsor individual and/or multiple wreath contributions. Wolf and Walters agreed that the 2012 Ceremony could easily grow to 3oo wreaths. “We hardly scratched the surface of potential sponsors”, Wolf said. “It’s heart-warming how many people are willing to offer a few dollars for such a worthy Remembrance of veterans”, Walters chimed. Ms. Curry commented, “I want to thank all those who purchased wreaths in Honor or Memory of loved ones. I wish to thank AMVETS POST 906 Boiling Spring Lakes for their support and participation in this event! If you weren’t able to be there...it was incredibly moving, emotional, historical, rewarding, and just plain ‘the right thing to do’. We celebrated our Freedom today by remembering those who fought and died for us and serve today. Such a small gesture on our part here in this beautiful resting place of many as we say ‘Thanks for your service’. May GOD rest your souls.” AMVETS is the fourth largest veteran’s service organization in the U.S. dedicated to assisting the veteran community. Local AMVETS and Auxiliary signature programs include the National Americanism Essay Contests, awarding JROTC medals and scholarships to deserving graduating high school seniors, support to local veterans in need, Cell Phones For Soldiers, hospital visitations to veterans, and monetary donations to St. Jude’s for the treatment of catastrophic childhood diseases. All veterans are welcome to join AMVETS regardless of time or period of service.
Click above to send photos and articles of local AMVETS activities!
Post 906 Continued on page 10
You are encouraged to be inspired by the wonderful story of the Worcester Wreath Company, Proud Founders of Wreaths Across America, through their website
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www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.
NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2012
JOBS AND CAREERS CONTACT US -FREE! NC AMVETS Career Center 1 is a non-profit veteran’s organization providing volunteer career and job assistance to active duty, guard, reserve, and veterans who have honorably served in the U.S. military.
WHO ARE WE?
NORTH CAROLINA AMVETS Career Center 1 is a non-profit veteran’s organization that provides free, volunteer, career and job assistance to active duty, guard, reserves, and veterans.
WHO is Eligible?
Any North Carolina resident that is, and have, honorably served in the U.S. military.
WHERE ARE WE LOCATED? PFEIFFER UNIVERSITY - JANE FREEMAN HALL 48380 US HIGHWAY 52 - MISENHEMIER, NC
WHEN ARE WE OPEN?
SERVICES NORTH CAROLINA AMVETS Career Center 1 provides asset assessment, resume writing assistance, interview skills training, and exploration into education, training, licensing, and certification opportunities to active duty, guard, reserve, and veterans.
ASSESSMENT
A service member works with a volunteer to analyze their strengths, weaknesses, skills, talents, and interest in choosing a career/job or educational opportunities.
RESUME WRITING
A service member works with a volunteer to develop a resume that best presents their education, experience, and skills to potential employers or enhance their education.
INTERVIEWING SKILLS A service member works with a volunteer to develop interviewing skill through practice and coaching,
MON-WED-FRI 10:00 AM TILL 2:00 PM
HOW CAN WE BE CONTACTED?
POST OFFICE BOX 960 - MISENHEIMER, NC 28109 704-463-3026 amvet@fsmail.pfeiffer.edu
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– – – –
EDUCATION TR AINING LICENSING CERTIFICATION
A service member works with a volunteer to identify educational, training, licensing, and certifications opportunities that are compatible with the individual’s skills, experience, and interest.
NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2012 AMVETS representatives gather to discuss and plan for creation of eight new career centers across the country. Front row (L to R): Tim Taylor (Ohio) Rose Blackman (California) Rod Blackman (California) Charlie Cosgrove (North Carolina) Gerry Pion (North Carolina) Helen Wong (California) Darryl Ward (Maryland) Back row (L to R): Don Shellenberger (Iowa) Les Bruce (Virginia) James W. Dodson (Missouri) D. E. Shilo Frampton (New Jersey) Gerald Hawk (Pennsylvania) Harry Neal (Maryland)
“..a win/win situation for all...” The “Centers” come in all sizes and shapes that offer free internet access, online courses, through MindLeaders, Inc., writing skill
Len Proper, Program and Operations Director of AMVETS Career Center) speaks to the group about the new center.
development, and networking based on individual needs and the economic environment. -- Page 9 --
NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2012
post 906 - COnt.
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NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2012
post 906 - COnt.
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NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2012
post 910 Installation of Officers Post 910. Back Row L-R Henry Parker, Gerald Dry, Bennie Carver Front Row L-R Wayland Burris, Larry Johnson, Wayne Eury, Gerry Pion, Frank Capra, Rocky Dennis, Dale Lary.
Below:
Veteran’s Day Parade. L-R Madelynn Huneycutt, Kathy Pion, Teresa Moore
A proud tradition—
AMVETS
Jimmy Hudson, Wayne Eury
Veteran’s Career Center Ribbon Cutting Dec 7, 2011 Kathy & Gerry Pion
Ramona Dennis, Auxiliary President, Hazel Hudson Aux iliary Sgt-At- Arms
Gerald Dry, Post Commander, Henry Dry Post Son’s Commander
Charlie Cosgrove, Gerry Pion, David Almond
GO AMVETS! -- Page 12 --
NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2012
post 920 NEW VET’S MEMORIAL
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ost 920 and the Auxiliary attended the dedication of the new Gaston Memorial Hospital’s Veteran Memorial on 11/12/11 (was on Channel 36 news).
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FISH FRY
uxiliary 920 (Martie Harris, Sissy Arrowood and Nada Curphey) volunteered at a yard sale 11/5/11 and Fish Fry 11/12/11 hosted by the United Veterans of America to raise money for the roadway to the site of the Largest Flying Flag.
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NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2012 2.07.2012
Last World War I Veteran Florence Green - World War I Veteran Dies
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lorence Green never saw the front line. Her war was spent serving food, not dodging bullets. But Green, who has died aged 110, was the last known surviving veteran of World War I. She was serving with the Women’s Royal Air Force as a waitress at an air base in eastern England when the guns fell silent on Nov. 11, 1918. It was not until 2010 that she was officially recognized as a veteran after a researcher found her service record in Britain’s National Archives. Green died Saturday at the Briar House Care Home in King’s Lynn, eastern England, two weeks before her 111th birthday, the home said. Retired Air Vice-Marshal Peter Dye, director-general of the RAF Museum, said it was fitting that the last survivor of the first global war was someone who had served on the home front. “In a way, that the last veteran should be a lady and someone who served on the home front is something that reminds me that warfare is not confined to the trenches,” Dye said. “It reminds us of the Great War, and all warfare since then has been something that involved everyone. It’s a collective experience ... Sadly, whether you are in New York, in London, or in Kandahar, warfare touches all of our lives.” She was born Florence Beatrice Patterson in London on Feb. 19, 1901, and joined the newly formed Women’s Royal Air Force in September 1918 at the age of 17. The service trained women to work as mechanics, drivers and in other jobs to free men for front-line duty. Green went to work as a steward in the officers’ mess, first at the Narborough airdrome and then at RAF Marham in eastern England, and was serving there when the war ended. Decades later, Green remembered her wartime service with affection. “I met dozens of pilots and would go on dates,” she said in an interview in 2008. “I had the opportunity to go up in one of the planes but I was scared of flying. I would work every hour God sent. But I had dozens of friends on the base and we had a great deal of fun in our spare time. In many ways, I had the time of my life.” After the war she stayed in the area, raising three children with her husband Bob Green. Once her service record was rediscovered, the RAF embraced the centenarian veteran, marking her 110th birthday in February 2011 with a cake. Asked what it was like to be 110, Green said “It’s not much different to being 109.” She praised the officers she had served during the war as perfect gentlemen. “It was very pleasant and they were lovely,” she said. “Not a bit of bother. They kept us on our toes and there was no slacking.” A delegation from the air base had been due to visit Green on Feb. 19 to celebrate her 111th birthday. “When we heard the news there was a palpable silence, because we all hoped she would make it,” said Squadron Leader Paula Willmot. RAF Marham’s station commander, Group Captain David Cooper, said Green “will be sorely missed and our thoughts are now with her friends and family.” World War I — “the war to end all wars” — killed about 20 million people in four years of fighting between the Allied powers — including Britain, France and the United States — and Germany and its allies. The last known soldier to have fought in the brutal trench warfare that has become the enduring image of the conflict was Britain’s Harry Patch, who died in 2009 aged 111. The last American veteran of the conflict was Frank Buckles of Charles Town, West Virginia, who drove ambulances in France for the U.S. Army. He died in February 2011. The war’s last known combatant, Royal Navy veteran Claude Choules, died in Australia in May. There are no known French or German veterans of the war left alive. After Choules’ death, Green became the war’s last known surviving service member, according to the Order of the First World War, a U.S.-based group that tracks veterans. Andrew Holmes of the Gerontology Research Group, the researcher who found Green’s service record, also said she was the last known survivor of the conflict — and the sixth oldest person in Britain. Green’s husband died in 1970. She is survived by two daughters, a son and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The date of her funeral was not immediately known, but Willmot said air force personnel would attend, and the RAF Association would provide a bugler and a Union Jack to drape on the coffin - “It will be a real send-off for her,” Willmot said.
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“It reminds us of the Great War, and all warfare since then has been something that involved everyone. It’s a collective experience ... Sadly, whether you are in New York, in London, or in Kandahar, warfare touches all of our lives.” article posted by David Apperson @ Vets Helping Vets Air Force * Army * Coast Guard * Marines * National Guard * Navy
www.myveteran.org
Find this and many other stories posted daily on our facebook page! AND Check in to our newly updated WEBSITE www.amvetsnc.org
NC AMVETS NEWS—Spring, 2012
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AMVETS DEpArTMEnT of norTH CAroLInA Spring, 2012 jmpublishing
Fall, 2011 jmpublishing
Rhodes & Stafford
Global Process Automation Inc. Layton G. Evans Inc.
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Spring, 2011 jmpublishing
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Welcome to the AMVETS Department of North Carolina. Please
Check us out online @ www.amvetsnc.org
AMVETS Dept. of NC P.O. Box 1360 Welcome, NC 27374-1360 www.amvetsnc.org
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NORTH CAROLINA
WE HAVE: A strong voice for veterans in Congress.
AMVETS
Many local, state and national scholarships. Our state VA hospitals Several national insurance programs
actively supports friendship among all veterans.
Our Special Olympics programs. A State Service Officer who has the answers. Various activities in our communities.
JOIN AMVETS OF NORTH CAROLINA I apply for
Application for membership - please print NC AMVETS Department Headquarters, P.O. Box 1360, Welcome, NC 27374-1360 New Annual Renewal Life Membership (Post dues may vary depending on area.)
Name
Spouse
Address
Phone
City, State, Zip Branch of service Service # Date of Birth
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/
Date
Signature Post Authorizing Officer
Year entered service
Type of Discharge
Discharged Sex: Male
Female