What Veterans day means to me essay

The purpose of the Veterans day

On October 1, Veterans Day is celebrated all over the world. According to the international classification, an elderly person is considered to have reached 65 years of age. There are more than 629 million in the world today, almost every tenth person on Earth. This holiday is an opportunity for all of us to remind ourselves of the human duty of caring and attentive to “elderly people.” Older people are wisdom, experience, knowledge, and courage. They withstood all time trials and became a model of resilience and endurance. Every year the memory of the Second World War erases, and with them, the lives of veterans are extinguished like lights. They are witnesses of history, and bearers of a culture of the last century, so we do not lose the opportunity to gain knowledge about the world, society, and life. On this day, the world is talking about the active actions taken to protect the interests of the elderly, the creation of favorable living conditions for them, and the unresolved in this area. It is a reason to think about the interconnectedness of generations. Veterans and the elderly have suffered hardships. They went through the horrors of totalitarianism, famines, war, and repression but managed to survive and carry through life the best spiritual qualities of the generation – honor, dignity, education, and tolerance. They are a part of history, and the younger generation should also be aware of important historical events. So, when students get the task to write what Veterans day means to me essay, it is not a surprise. A theme sets a particular course for your work and a goal you must achieve.

How to write an essay about Veterans day?

Most students often underestimate the art of writing a good essay. One reason is that the task may seem easy, and it can be assumed that everyone can write a decent essay. So, there are several recommendations on how to write a valuable essay:

  • The introduction is one paragraph. Use attention traps such as a quote, a poem, a question, a thought, an unusual fact, an idea, or a funny story. There is no need to state the main idea in the first sentence. But it should lead to it or somehow relate to the main idea or thesis and contain the essay’s main provisions. 
  • The main body is 2-3 paragraphs. Express yourself clearly. Support main ideas with facts, reflections, ideas, vivid descriptions, quotes, or other information or material that intrigues and grabs the reader’s attention.
  • The conclusion is one paragraph. Demonstrate your potential in this area. Show your views on the problem. 

Essay writing service – a win-win variant for any writing assignment

In case of trouble or lack of time, students have a good solution – they can write any kind of work for you. It is much more convenient to shift these concerns onto the essay writers. Before sending the text, it will undergo an additional check in the quality department, where they will study the level of uniqueness, the correctness of the design, and the completeness of compliance with the requirements described when ordering.

Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

North Carolina News

VISN 6 Newsletter

VISN 6 Publishes its Monthly Newsletter The Voices of VISN 6 provides information on developments in medicine, technology, and access that impact health care for Veterans in our State. VISN 6 includes the VA Medical Centers and facilities in the states of North Carolina, Virginia, and part of West Virginia.

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HUD-VASH Vouchers

HUD-VASH Vouchers Go to Chatham County The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the awarding of $7 million to 24 local public housing agencies across the country to help nearly 1,000 homeless veterans find permanent housing. The supportive housing assistance is provided through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program, which combines rental assistance from HUD with case management and clinical services provided by the VA. In NC, Chatham […]

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Ending Vet Homelessness

Two Areas in NC Pledge to End Veteran Homelessness The National Alliance to End Homelessness is now tracking the cities where mayors and other local government officials have signed onto the challenge to end veteran homelessness. As of July 22, they have developed a map, which indicates which mayors or other local government officials have committed to join the initiative. So far in NC, two areas have made this pledge—Asheville/Buncombe County Continuum of Care (CoC) and Raleigh/Wake County CoC. For […]

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Interview with Dr. Ken Blackman

On July 6, Stories from the Road featured an interview with Dr. Blackman, a recovering veteran who is committed to helping peers and training them. Click here to read more.

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All-American Veterans Center

All-American Veterans Center at Fayetteville Technical Community College – a Best Practice for Vets On June 16, Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) opened its All-American Veterans Center to support its student veterans. Named as one of eleven outstanding Student Veteran Centers in the country by the Student Veterans of America, FTCC has enrolled about 3,000 student veterans since 2012. To read more, click here.

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US Department of Labor Announces Recipients of Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program

In a June 26 press release, the US DOL announced grants totaling $36,710,368 awarded to 156 organizations nationwide to provide more than 12,000 veterans with training to help them succeed in civilian careers. Two grants went to North Carolina—the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, Inc. ($200,000) and the Volunteers of America of the Carolinas, Inc. ($299,435). Click here to read more.

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Walking through Grief: Tools for Finding Hope Along the Grief Journey

The Fort Bragg Employee Assistance Program is hosting a 10-week support group for individuals experiencing the death of a loved one. The session provides both support and coping strategies. The closed group begins on August 7 and ends on December 11. A box dinner is available at 5:30; the group runs from 6 to 7:30 pm. To obtain more information and to register, contact Lisa Taylor at Lisa.M. [email protected] or 910/396-5784.

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Institute for Veterans and Military Families

The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University promotes interdisciplinary scholarship about social, psychological and economic issues that affect the veteran and military family community. Areas of interest include education and employment-focused programs, and to this end, they develop policy and research briefs and resources. Two resources that may be of particular interest to those assisting veterans in their pursuit of careers are Guide to Leading Policies, Practices & Resources: Supporting the Employment of Veterans and Military […]

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Defense Centers of Excellence: From Service Member to Civilian: Tools for Transition

The DCoE recently posted resources to assist service members reintegrate into their communities. Resources include information about education, employment, financial health, and life stress. Read more.

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Battered Women’s Justice Project

The Battered Women’s Justice Project recently released an online publication, Representing Victims of Intimate Partner Violence Connected with the Military – A Handbook for Civil Attorneys.  Aimed toward civilian attorneys and legal advocates, the handbook provides information on legal topics that affect military members and their spouses that have been involved in intimate partner violence. A copy of the handbook can be downloaded from http://www.bwjp.org/files/bwjp/files/attorney_handbook_2014.pdf.

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Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

North Carolina News

Governor Announces Appointment

Governor Announces Appointment of General Cornell Wilson to the Advisory Committee for Minority Veterans of the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) The VA recently appointed General Wilson, the Governor’s Military Affairs Advisor (and Chair of the Governor’s Working Group) to the Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs. The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to advise the Secretary and Congress about benefits and provisions of healthcare and services to minority Veteran. Read more

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Presidential Proclamation

Obama Designates November as Military Family Month October 31 – President Barack Obama today signed a proclamation declaring November as Military Family Month. Click here for the full text of the proclamation.

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Governor Announces Extension of Veteran CDL Training Courses

On October 10, Governor McCrory announced the extension of a military truck driving training program, a joint venture of Johnston County Community College, Fayetteville Technical Community College, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and Fort Bragg. Established in November 2013, 76 former service members have graduated with their commercial driver license certification from one of six sessions. Each session consists of an 8-week program of didactic learning and driving instruction. Two more sessions will be added, and organizers are seeking […]

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FTCC Ranks 2nd in 2015 Best Career and Technical Colleges

Fayetteville Tech Community College (FTCC) Ranks 2nd in 2015 Best Career and Technical Colleges According to a recent survey, FTCC ranked second and Edgecomb Community College ranked 14th in national rankings based on culture, student support, academic policies, academic quality and financial considerations. A copy of the article can be found here, with a list of the top 36 ranked career, technical, and community colleges here.  

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Report: State needs task force on veterans

A recent report from the General Assembly’s Program Evaluation Division calls on state lawmakers to create a task force for veterans, service members, and their families and for the task force to draft and implement a five-year strategic plan. The report comes on the heels of Executive Order 49, which Governor McCrory signed in April. It created a veterans working group with a goal of “making North Carolina the state of choice for veterans”, in part by fostering collaboration between […]

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VA Awards SSVF Surge Funding

VA Awards SSVF Surge Funding to 6 NC Communities and HUD-VASH Vouchers 9 NC Housing Authorities On September 30, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced additional surge funding to existing participants in the Supportive Services for Veterans and their Families (SSVF) program. Six grants were awarded to agencies in NC: Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry serves approximately 300 participant households in twenty-six counties in western North Carolina. Community Link Programs of Travelers Aid Society of Central Carolinas, Inc. […]

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CPCC Receives Two Grant Awards

Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) Receives Two Grant Awards On September 29, the US Department of Labor and the US Department of Education announced $450M in grants to community colleges and other eligible institutions of higher education as part of their job-driven training initiative, the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) grant program. CPCC was the only community college in NC to receive a grant, which totaled nearly $2.5M. The purpose of the program is to provide […]

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Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bob McDonald Visits Duke University

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Bob McDonald Visits Duke University In a recent visit to Duke University, Secretary McDonald met with medical students to promote the VA as an ideal place of employment. The VA is facing an estimated shortage of 28,000 physicians, nurses, other healthcare providers, and administrative staff. Click here to read more

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Wounded Warrior Project Annual Survey

Wounded Warrior Project Releases Results of 5th Annual Survey On September 16, the Wounded Warrior Project released the results of their annual survey. More than 21,000 wounded veterans responded. Highlights include the following: Primary type of health coverage: Veterans Affairs at 59.2%, up from 52.7% in 2013 The top five reported injuries and health problems experienced during post-9/11 service were (1) sleep conditions (75.8%), (2) post-traumatic stress disorder (75.2%), (3) back, neck, and shoulder problems (72.3%), (4) depression (67.1%), and […]

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President Obama Visits Charlotte

On August 26, President Obama attended an American Legion conference and spoke about his plan to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). His plan is four-prong: to increase VA funding in 2015, to expand suicide prevention training, to eliminate the claims backlog, and to end veteran homelessness. For more details, click here.

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Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

North Carolina News

Average Spending Per Veteran in North Carolina

On January 13, NPR featured a story on how counties vary in terms of benefits spending for veterans. Where a veteran lives may affect how much money is spent on benefits, including health care. Whereas the national average is $6,088, the average spending per veteran is greater in the NC counties in which the VA Medical Centers are located. In terms of medical spending, NC falls below the national average ($8,731 vs. $9,840). Of the four counties where VA Medical […]

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Jan 14 Meeting Postponed

All, Due to the forecast for icy conditions tomorrow, NC Emergency Management will need the Situation Room that we were planning to meet in.   At this time, we will need to postpone our meeting.  We will look for another date next month and get back to you all as soon as possible with a new date. Best wishes Bruce Sprecher

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Top 10 Colleges for Vets

Top 10 Colleges and Universities for Veterans in North Carolina College Factual reviews colleges and universities and publishes the list online in order to help veterans and active duty service members identify schools that are likely to be supportive of them and their unique needs. It recently announced the top 10 colleges/universities for Veterans in the State. Fayetteville State University Campbell University University of North Carolina at Wilmington University of North Carolina at Pembroke Methodist University East Carolina University North […]

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74 Additional HUD-VASH Vouchers Awarded to NC

On December 8, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs jointly announced the awarding of additional supportive housing vouchers for homeless Veterans and their families. The Fayetteville VAMC (Veterans Affairs Medical Center) will oversee 26 vouchers ($162,081) to the Wilmington Housing Authority and 4 vouchers ($24,597) to the Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority. The W.G. “Bill” Hefner VAMC in Salisbury will oversee 18 vouchers ($112,236) to the Housing Authority of the City of Charlotte […]

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Governor Continues to Push for Businesses in North Carolina to Hire Veterans

On November 20, Governor McCrory released a web video urging employers to hire veterans. Watch the video.

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NC DHHS Crisis Solutions Initiative and Mental Health First Aid

DHHS is committed to implementing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) as part of Governor McCrory’s NC Center for Safer Schools and the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services’ Crisis Solutions Initiative. MHFA is a public education program that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental illnesses, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common supports. MHFA uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis […]

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Deputy Director of the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs Speaks to NC Medical Society

Deputy Director of the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs Speaks to NC Medical Society On November 12, Glenn Batten, Deputy Director of the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs, participated in a panel, Quality Care for Veterans, at the annual meeting of the North Carolina Medical Society. He outlined resources available for veterans throughout the state and encouraged doctors and their veteran patients to call 844-NC4-VETS if they have questions or to visit their website.

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Veterans Treatment Courts in North Carolina

North Carolina is joining other states in establishing veterans treatment courts. The purpose of these courts is to divert veterans from the traditional criminal justice system and link them with programs, benefits, and services they have earned. On November 12, the first veterans treatment court in North Carolina celebrated its first anniversary by graduating six veterans in Harnett County. The next day Gov. McCrory was on hand to celebrate the opening of the second veterans treatment court in Cumberland County. […]

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NC4Vets Resource Guide

Just launched – NC4Vets Resource Guide for Veterans, their Dependents and Survivors. Includes information on employment, healthcare, VA benefits, housing personal services, and education. View the Resource Guide

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Veterans Day Free Meals

NC restaurants and retailers are offering free meals and other discounts to service members, veterans, and their spouses on Veterans Day, November 11. Click here to obtain a list of the Veterans Day Free Meals 2014.

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Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

North Carolina News

Governor Announces Veterans Employment Initiative

On March 5, Governor McCrory announced an initiative designed to assist veterans in seeking jobs. Retired Major General of the US Marine Corps General Cornell A. Wilson, the Governor’s Military Affairs Advisor; Ilario Pantano, Director, NC Division of Veterans Affairs; and Will Collins, Executive Director of NCWorks are among those expected in attendance in Camp Lejeune. Cisco Systems, a committed partner, has been instrumental in preparing Veterans for high tech jobs through its Networking Academy. “We want veterans to work […]

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Veterans Health Conference at UNC-Charlotte

On February 24, UNC-Charlotte College of Health and Human Services hosted the Veterans’ Health Conference, with Ilario Pantano, Director, NC Division of Veterans Affairs and Retired Major General Marianne Mathewson-Chapman, former Deputy Surgeon General of the National Guard as the keynote speakers. The conference addressed the need for a coordinated effort to improve healthcare for military and veterans and for culturally competent health and social service providers. Read more

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Welcome Home NC

The Walmart Foundation has awarded a three-year $1M grant to Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) to provide assistance to post-deployment veterans in accessing education, employment, and services in the Charlotte area. The initiative calls for community agencies and organizations to partner with IVMF to provide a coordinated approach. The Walmart Foundation conducted a nationwide search and selected Charlotte based on the work of the Charlotte Bridge Home and the city’s corporate community. A rollout of the […]

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Meeting Update

Due to the forecast for February 25-26, NC Emergency Management will need the Situation Room that we were planning to meet in.   At this time, we will need to postpone our meeting.  We will look for another date next month and get back to you all as soon as possible with a new date.

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NC Governor’s Council on Homelessness

On February 9, Governors McCrory announced appointments to the newly formed 18-member Council on Homelessness. Three members have been involved with the Governor’s Working Group—Ilario Pantano, Director, NC Division of Veterans Affairs; Angela Harper, housing specialist, NC Department of Health and Human Services; and Denise Neunaber, Director, Executive Director, NC Coalition to End Homelessness. Read more

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NC Division of Veterans Affairs Releases 2014 Annual Report

On January 29, the NC Division of Veterans Affairs released their 2014 annual report, providing a look at what the agency has accomplished in moving the State toward meeting its mission of making North Carolina the most Veteran friendly state in the country. Increases in the following areas were reported: 113% gain in the completion of Veterans’ benefit claims from 11,405 in 2013 to 24,256 in 2014; 38% growth in service locations from 13 in 2013 to 21 in 2014; […]

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Tarheel of the Week

TJ Breeden was recently honored as the Tarheel of the Week by the News and Observer. TJ is founder and executive director of eMerging Entrepreneurs, Inc. in Durham. One of his programs trains Veterans to start their own businesses. Read more

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UNC Charlotte Conference

UNC Charlotte Conference to Assist Veterans Reintegrate into their Communities On February 24, the UNC Charlotte College of Health and Human Services is hosting a conference, Boots to Books, to educate faculty. Read more

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Upcoming NC PIC Conference

Next NC Practice Improvement Collaborative Conference to Highlight the Behavioral Health of Military Families On March 10, the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, the Governor’s Institute on Substance Abuse, and the Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center are sponsoring an all-day Practice Improvement Collaborative conference to highlight behavioral health best practices for military families in North Carolina. Speakers will include Diane Coffill, Director, Families Program, North Carolina National Guard; Steven L. Sayers, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, […]

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Troops to Teachers Program

Recently the Troops to Teachers (TTT) Program made local news when it described teaching as a possible career for Veterans. The NC Department of Public Instruction is responsible for the implementation of this program in NC. Additional information about this US Department of Defense-funded program can be found here. Read more

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Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

North Carolina News

NC STRIVE 2015! Conference

On June 16, NC STRIVE (Student Transition Resource Initiative for Veteran’s Education) held its inaugural conference with 200 attendees from two-year and four-year public and private colleges and universities across the State. Representatives from the University of North Carolina General Administration and fourteen schools from the UNC System; eleven private four-year colleges; and the North Carolina Community College System and 23 community colleges participated. The purpose of the conference was to share best practices to better serve veterans, service members, […]

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Governor Announces New Strategy to Address Veteran Homelessness

On June 17, Governor McCrory will hold a press briefing on his new statewide strategy to address Veteran homelessness through the Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families and its component agencies (e.g., NC Department of Commerce, the NC Department of Health and Human Services, the NC Division of Veterans Affairs, etc.) in partnership with the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Housing and Urban Development in concert with Mayors, municipalities, and the North […]

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Governor Signs House Bill 595

On June 3, Governor McCrory signed House Bill 595 into law. This law provides credit for military police training and experience toward a Veteran’s Law Enforcement Officer Certification. Read more

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Governor Discusses Veteran Treatment Courts on CBS Sunday Morning

On May 24, Governor McCrory appeared on CBS Sunday Morning to discuss the value of veteran treatment courts in diverting them from the traditional criminal justice system to judicial monitoring and the provision of treatment and support services. He specifically mentioned veteran treatment courts in the counties of Harnett and Cumberland. Read more

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Infographics

Funded by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) Technical Assistance Center has assisted members of the Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families in developing infographics on specific topics. If you use any of these infographics, please email Dr. Fang ([email protected]) as to how you are using them. We would love to know if they are helpful and/or how they can be improved or disseminated.   […]

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HUD-VASH Vouchers

US Department of Housing and Urban Development Awards HUD-VASH Vouchers The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the awarding of its 2015 HUD-VASH (VA Supportive Housing) vouchers. In this partnership between two federal agencies, HUD provides rental assistance while the VA provides case management and clinical services. Nearly $65 million will help about 9300 homeless veterans across the country. Read more In North Carolina, 11 housing authorities received $1, 520,514 to support 264 vouchers.

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NCDVA Partners with Duke EPIC on VSO Training

The North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs (NCDVA), in partnership with the Duke Evidence-based Practice Implementation Center (EPIC), recently announced a two-year initiative to train Veterans Services Officers so that they can provide improved mental health services to veterans and their families. Other partners include the NC Department of Human Services and the Behavioral Healthcare Resource Program in the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work. More info

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Results of Survey of NC Military Families

The North Carolina National Guard; the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services; the Governor’s Institute on Substance Abuse; and Military One Source partnered to develop and administer an online survey of military families.  Of the 59 respondents, 53 had received services from the NC National Guard Family Program, 42 from Military or Army One Source, 37 from the NC National Guard behavioral health line, and 22 from Community Care of North Carolina.  Similar to other […]

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VA Establishes MyVA Advisory Committee

On March 13, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the establishment of the 14-member MyVA Advisory Committee. The Committee brings together skilled experts from the private, non-profit, and government sectors to assist in reorienting the Department to better meet the needs of Veterans. This Committee is charged with advising the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with a focus on improving customer service and Veteran outcomes and setting the course for long-term reform and excellence. The first meeting will occur […]

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Operation Homefront Awards

Established in 2002, Operation Homefront is a nonprofit that has assisted thousands of military families, with 92% of its total donations going directly to programs that provide that support. Every March it announces the recipients of the Military Child of the Year Award—one from each military service including the National Guard. This year the Marine Corps award recipient is from NC—Christopher-Raul Rodriguez, 17, a senior at Lejeune High School, Camp Lejeune. He is the school’s team captain for varsity baseball […]

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Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

North Carolina News

Spirit of ‘45

On October 25, Hospice & Palliative CareCenter, Rowan Hospice & Palliative Care, the Embassy Suites-Greensboro, and their sponsors, many of them Veteran organizations, hosted the Spirit of ’45 WWII Veterans Celebration Dinner. Over 100 WWII Veterans, including 4 women, were recognized at the event. Keynote speakers included WWII Veteran, retired Major General F. Lloyd Wilkerson, and Secretary of the newly created NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, retired Major General Cornell Wilson, Jr. Nearly 450 attended the Celebration. Honored […]

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New NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs

On October 20, GEN Cornell Wilson will be sworn in as the first Secretary of the newly created Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. An open house will be held at the Department: November 10, 2015 Seaboard Building, 413 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 Beginning at 9:45 am GEN Wilson and other officials are expected to speak at 10:00 am. The public is invited to attend the open house.

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Operation: GoodJobs

The Governor has made Veteran employment one of the priorities of his administration: “Veterans are extremely important to our nation and we must continue to honor and support them in any way we can – and that includes helping them find jobs. Veterans are a real selling point for businesses in North Carolina, and I want to make it easier to connect veterans to businesses who are looking for hard-working and intelligent men and women.” A recent partnership of the […]

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Community Mental Health Summit

The 3rd annual Community Mental Health Summit was held in Durham on August 27 at the Durham Arts Council. This year’s event was attended by nearly 100 community mental health providers, Veterans, and VA employees in an effort to increase collaboration between Veteran-centric entities in the area and expand resources available to Veterans in North Carolina. Special emphasis this year was placed on addressing the needs of our state’s increasing number of aging Veterans, women’s health and domestic violence issues, […]

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Governor Forms Public-Private Partnership to Help Transitioning Veterans and their Families

Governor Forms Public-Private Partnership to Help Transitioning Veterans and their Families On September 1, Governor Pat McCrory announced a $1 million gift from the Walmart Foundation to a public-private partnership designed to help newly separated Veterans transition into civilian life in the State. Led by the North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs NC4VETS, partnerships have been formed with NCServes, a network of service providers for Veterans and their families in Charlotte that is collaborating with the Institute for Veterans and […]

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Military Supports 578,000 Jobs in North Carolina

On August 18, the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission and the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced that the military supports 578,000 jobs in the State and that 368,000 are in the private sector. The study also found that the military boosts personal income in the state by nearly $34 billion and contributes $66 billion to Gross State Product (GSP). In the next three years, 78,000 active duty personnel will separate from the military in North Carolina, and many will […]

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Buncombe County’s First Veterans Treatment Court

In March, a new Veterans Treatment Court opened its doors in Buncombe County. The court offers justice-involved Veterans who are charged with misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony offenses and struggling with addiction, mental illness, and/or co-occurring disorders (PTSD/TBI) with an intensive treatment program. Participants who successfully complete this 18-24 month program may have their case dismissed, consistent with North Carolina law. More info

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Governor Announces GWG Appointments

On July 24, Governor McCrory announced thirty appointments to the Board of the Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families. View the List of Appointees

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New Training Program for Veteran Support Specialists

Developed by Duke University’s Evidence Based Implementation Center (Duke EPIC), the 40-hour Veteran Support Specialist (VSS) Program is a grant-funded initiative for Veteran Service Officers of the NC Division of Veterans Affairs. The program offers comprehensive guidance and training on effective ways to serve veterans and includes topics such as recovery, peer support, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, trauma informed care, conflict resolution, suicide prevention, and integrated health care. More information

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VA Homeless Veterans Community Employment Services (HVCES)

Launched earlier this month, this new initiative features community employment coordinators (CECs) at each of the four VAMCs in NC. CECs are responsible for identifying job-ready Veterans and establishing relationships with local employers. Veterans receive individualized assistance and resources in finding the types of stable jobs needed to sustain housing. NC CECs are the following individuals: Asheville VAMC: Russell Drewes Durham VAMC: Patrice Epps Fayetteville VAMC: Tara Gilbert-Ross Salisbury VAMC: Quentin Sanders Read more  

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Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

North Carolina News

NC4ME Military Employment Summits

For the second consecutive year, NC4ME (NC for Military Employment) is hosting a series of Military Employment Summits. As part of the Governor’s plan to make North Carolina the number one state for veteran employment in the state, the Summits provide an opportunity for business leaders to learn how Veteran hires drive business results and how to integrate military employment into their business strategy. The first of this year’s Summits occurred in Greensboro on February 24. View the Press Release […]

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Military Pipeline Employment Initiative

Since the launching of the NC Military Pipeline program in March 2015, Governor Pat McCrory has strongly advocated for the employment of military Veterans post-deployment. On February 10, the NC Department of Information Technology and Cisco collaborated to sponsor a job fair at Camp Lejeune. Over 65 service members, with an interest in working in information technology in state government, attended. Read more On February 12, ten Veterans were among the 29 cadets graduating with the State Highway Patrol as […]

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Rapid Results Veteran Boot Camp

On February 9-10, the Task Force for Ending Veteran Homelessness in North Carolina, a committee of the Governor’s Working Group on Veterans and Their Families, and the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs conducted the Rapid Results Veteran Boot Camp. Funded by the NC Department of Health and Human Services, the teams were equipped through the engagement of Rapid Results Institute to return to their counties with a 100 Day program focusing on specific goals of housing homeless veterans, […]

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NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Releases 2015 Annual Report

On January 28, Governor McCrory issued a press release on the publication of the annual report of the NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. One of the report’s findings is that the State is attracting more Veterans to live in the State. NC has the 8th largest veteran population in the country, which translates to a boom to the state’s economy. Federal expenditures on NC veterans grew 12% in 2014 to $8.2 billion, an increase of $1 billion compared […]

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NC Grant and Per Diem Providers Meet at First-ever Summit

Operation Home, a Task Force of the Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members and Their Families, conducted a summit of VA-funded Grant and Per Diem (GPD) providers in NC on January 6. GPD programs provide transitional housing and supportive services to homeless veterans. Directors and front-line staff shared their program successes, challenges, and role in ending veteran homelessness in the State. Some of the providers have made, or are now considering changes in their program design that would further […]

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Memorial Fund to Honor Persian Gulf War Veterans

On January 15, at a ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the start of Operation Desert Storm, Governor McCrory announced that the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will distribute a $100,000 memorial fund to the state’s Museum of History. The fund was a gift from the Kuwaiti Government in 1992 as seed money for a larger memorial. For a variety of reasons, the effort stalled and the money sat unused for 24 years, until now. The fund […]

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Fort Bragg’s Intrepid Spirit Center

On January 4, the Fort Bragg Intrepid Spirit Center opened its doors to patients with mild traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, and psychological health conditions. The Center is one of seven National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) satellites and is located at 3908 Longstreet Road in Fayetteville. Read more

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Military Pipeline Project Results in 370 Hires by NC DPS

In May 2015, Governor McCrory launched the Military Pipeline Project, a public-private partnership, in which state and local agencies recognized the skills and experience of Veterans by hiring them. In 2015, the NC Department of Public Safety hired 370 Veterans as a part of this project. Read more

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Governor Appoints Members to NC Military Affairs Commission

On November 20, Governor McCrory announced the appointment of seven individuals to the NC Military Affairs Commission, including: Retired General Dan McNeill (Cumberland County), Retired Brigadier General Paul Dordal (Cumberland County), Retired Brigadier General Mabry Martin (Forsyth County), MAJ GEN James N. Stewart (Mecklenburg County), Rear Admiral Steven Ratti (Brunswick County), Joy Thrash, Executive Director of the North Carolina Defense Business Association (Cumberland County), and Patricia Walker, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Materiel and Facilities (Wake County). Read more

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Governor McCrory Signs Legislation to Support National Guard and Veterans

Governor McCrory Signs Legislation to Support National Guard and Veterans On October 30, Governor Pat McCrory signed bills supporting the National Guard and Veterans into law during a ceremony at the Charlotte Fire Department Headquarters. House Bill 709: NC National Guard members will be eligible for tuition assistance enrolled in a graduate certificate program. House Bill 558: The NC National Guard and a Reserve component of the US Armed Forces will be represented on the governor-appointed NC Military Affairs Commission. […]

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Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

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27
Thu

9:00 am Smoky Mountain Veteran Stand Down @ Robert C. Carpenter Community Building

Smoky Mountain Veteran Stand Down @ Robert C. Carpenter Community Building

Oct 27 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Stand Downs are an opportunity for Veterans experiencing homelessness to receive services and supplies such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, and benefits counseling. Veterans can also receive referrals for health care, housing, employment, and behavioral health treatment. They are collaborative events, coordinated between local VA Medical Centers, other government agencies, and community-based homeless service providers. Event Flyer For more information, contact Macon County Veteran Services (828/349-2151), Leigh Tabor ([email protected]) or Christie Black ([email protected]).

11:00 am DAV and Recruit Military Charlot… @ Charlotte Motor Speedway

DAV and Recruit Military Charlot… @ Charlotte Motor Speedway

Oct 27 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sponsored by Bank of America, the Charlotte Job Fair is a free event for Veterans, transitioning military personnel, reserve component, and spouses. For more information and to register, click here. View Event Flyer

2:00 pm October Workgroup Meeting @ Frontier, The Classroom

October Workgroup Meeting @ Frontier, The Classroom

Oct 27 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
This meeting will highlight NC Initiatives for Reducing the Number of Veterans Experiencing Homelessness. Meeting Location: Frontier, The Classroom Address: 800 Park Offices Dr, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 | Directions   Speakers include: Terry Allebaugh, Ending Veteran Homelessness Coordinator, NC Department of Military and Veteran Affairs; Reverend Scott Rogers, Executive Director, Asheville-Buncombe Christian Community Ministry; John Turner, Executive Director, Veterans Life Center; Jeff Doyle, VISN 6 Network Homeless Coordinator, US Department of Veterans Affairs; and Denise Neunaber, Executive Director,[…]

Oct
28
Fri

all-day Spiritual Resilience Conference @ Braggtown Baptist Church

Spiritual Resilience Conference @ Braggtown Baptist Church

Oct 28 – Oct 29 all-day
Braggtown Baptist Church is hosting a Spiritual Resilience Conference for Veteran and Military families to address issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal ideation, multiple deployments, and high divorce rates. Conference Flyer

8:30 am Capital Area Veterans Stand Down @ South Wilmington Street Center

Capital Area Veterans Stand Down @ South Wilmington Street Center

Oct 28 @ 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
Stand Downs are an opportunity for Veterans experiencing homelessness to receive services and supplies such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, and benefits counseling. Veterans can also receive referrals for health care, housing, employment, and behavioral health treatment. They are collaborative events, coordinated between local VA Medical Centers, other government agencies, and community-based homeless service providers. Event Flyer More info

Nov
2
Wed

9:00 am Veteran Community and Career Fair @ Ebenezer UCC (ECCO Building)

Veteran Community and Career Fair @ Ebenezer UCC (ECCO Building)

Nov 2 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Community Council of Alamance County and NCWorks are partnering to conduct a career and hiring fair.  It will open first to Veterans at 9:00a, with the general public having access beginning at 10:00a. Event Flyer

Nov
5
Sat

all-day Saluting Our Veterans Car Show @ Asheville VA Medical Center

Saluting Our Veterans Car Show @ Asheville VA Medical Center

Nov 5 all-day
Save the Date for this year’s 6th Annual “Saluting Our Veterans” Car Show. Each year the proceeds of the Car Show are donated to our Recreation Therapy program to offer services to our Veterans. The event is FREE to attend and only $10 to show your car or bike. They will have plenty of raffles, silent auctions, food, and music for everyone! More info and Register

Nov
7
Mon

all-day Transition Workshop for Female T…

Transition Workshop for Female T…

Nov 7 – Nov 8 all-day
USO of North Carolina, Hire Heroes USA, and Dress for Success Triangle are teaming up to offer a transition workshop that addresses the development of the resume, networking and leadership skills, and interviewing skills.  Dress for Success Triangle is providing a free styling and suiting.  Lunch will be provided. 9:30am-3:30pm both days. Register View Event Flyer    

Nov
9
Wed

9:00 am Veterans Thank You for Your Serv… @ Stanly County Commons

Veterans Thank You for Your Serv… @ Stanly County Commons

Nov 9 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Stanly County will honor and celebrate Veterans as they showcase community services that are available to Veterans and their families. View Event Flyer

Governor's Working Group on Veterans Service Members, and their Families

North Carolina News

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Hearing Loss a Problem

Hearing loss is a preventable condition that has affected at least twenty-five percent of soldiers who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, and it is not solely a combat-related condition.  Fort Bragg Spec. Jon Michael Cripps of the 18th Airborne Corps, whose hearing loss is attributed to the constant noise of computers, generators, and air conditioners states “You think about maybe getting wounded in battle, getting those kinds of scars,” but  “Losing your hearing is just not something you think […]

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Homeless Vet Programs Having an Impact

A new report from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) indicates that homelessness among veterans has decreased 17.2 percent since 2009.  Advocates and Veterans Affairs staff attribute this decline to the success of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, and the VA-HUD partnership which provides vouchers for veterans to rent from private market landlords. The numbers have not declined for all veteran groups though, as pointed out by advocates who report an increase in […]

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VA Finds High Rates

In a recently completed study by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), researchers found that sexual assault rates were higher than previously reported.   The study conducted using anonymous surveys mailed to 1,100 previously deployed female servicemembers found that 22.8 percent of women servicemembers reported experiencing sexual assault, and 48.6 percent reported experiencing sexual harassment.  The results of this study highlight the importance of providing ongoing prevention programs and the continuance of treatment programs for women servicemembers and veterans across the […]

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PTSD Rates Higher

New data from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) shows that more Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans than previously reported have sought care for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  The new numbers indicate that of the veterans who requested care, 30 percent were seeking care for PTSD, 4 percent more than previously reported.   The report also revised the total percentage of veterans seeking mental health treatment upwards to 53.3 percent. The numbers that were higher than expected are likely to […]

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Emerald Warrior 2011

Local Mother Talks PTSD

Local mother, Gail Wert talks candidly about the effect that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has had on her son Kevin, a Servicemember deployed for one year in Afghanistan.  Ms. Wert describes the changes she has observed in her son’s behavior and functioning due to PTSD, and how these changes affect his daily life. For the complete story and accompanying video, click here.

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Emerald Warrior 2011

Veterans Transition Help

A news series highlights the work of the non-profit Charlotte Bridge Home, an organization that assists veterans transitioning to civilian life.  To date, approximately 250 veterans or veterans’ family members have received assistance relocating to the Charlotte, North Carolina area, a number that the organization expects to grow.  Staff members meet with veterans and their family members to determine what transition assistance they might need, including help with obtaining employment. Click here to read the first report in the series.

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New Military Policy

Starting this month, the U.S. military will utilize breathalyzer tests at Marine bases to combat the high rates of reported alcohol use among troops.  The new policy subjects Marines to twice yearly random tests, and depending on the results, a positive test could result in referrals for additional testing, screening, or medical evaluations.  The new policy aims to improve the overall health of the troops and to reduce the incidence of alcohol abuse among military personnel.  This new policy will […]

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Gubernatorial Visit

The Governor and Governor-Elect visited military bases together on Friday, December 14,  2012.  The visits highlight the contributions the military community has made to North Carolina and the Nation and served to reemphasize leadership’s commitment to support these communities. Click for details on the visit to Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

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Governor’s Working Group on Veterans, Service Members, and their Families

North Carolina News

Mild TBI, PTSD, and Suicide

New research from the Pentagon’s brain repository research center finds that mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) may be linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide. Dan Perl, M.D., neuropathologist and lead investigator states, “What these papers say to me is that there is something to TBI, and particularly military TBI, producing specific abnormalities in the brain that lead to more vulnerability to PTSD and to suicide.” This research is consistent with research by the National Center for Veterans Studies, […]

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“Culture of Seeking Help” Attributed to Reduction in Suicides

A series of programs and initiatives designed to reduce suicides is showing success at Fort Bliss, and may provide a promising model to initiate across military branches. Army Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard, Fort Bliss commander, attributes a 30% drop in suicides to a comprehensive approach that focuses on suicide prevention, risk reduction, and resilience, creating what he calls a “culture of seeking help.” This approach began in 2010 with the launch of the “No Preventable Soldier Deaths” campaign, an […]

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License Plate Benefits NC

On March 1, 2013, the North Carolina Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters released a new specialty license plate titled, “In God We Trust.”  Two-thirds of the sales proceeds from the new plate will go to The Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund, a non-profit that provides financial assistance to Army and Air Guard families coping with unusual or unpreventable hardships. Read more…

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Mild TBI and Brain Abnormalities

In a recent study of U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with mild traumatic brain injury found measureable abnormalities in the white matter of their brains.  Researcher, and senior study author Ricardo Jorge, M.D., University of Iowa professor of psychiatry, states, “In the military population we studied, patients with TBI have more alterations, sometimes called ‘potholes,’ in the white matter of their brains than patients without a history of TBI,”  and that “The more severe the injury, the more […]

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PTSD and TBI Biomarkers

A new five-year study at New York University’s medical school has researchers looking for  biological signals, known as biomarkers, that could provide reliable, objective evidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Researchers hope to recruit 1500 participants, with the ultimate goal developing inexpensive tests for PTSD and TBI. A similar study, which is seeking to identify PTSD biomarkers, is underway at Fort Bragg. Experts state that the lack of reliable markers for PTSD and mild TBI […]

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Two NAMI Awards

On February 19, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) bestowed two statewide awards to individuals and agencies in Cumberland County.  One award went to Major John McRainey, Chief Jailer of the Cumberland County Detention Center; he was named Outstanding Law Enforcement Executive of the Year for his work in organizing and supporting crisis intervention team training sessions for law enforcement officers, who are exposed to people in the local community with various mental health challenges. The other award, Outstanding […]

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NC to Host Valor Games

Bridge to Sports, a Durham-based non-profit, announced that one of the four national adaptive sports competitions for wounded and injured veterans and active duty service members will be hosted by the University of North Carolina, Duke University, and North Carolina State University on May 21-23.  The event is free to the public, and athletes can visit here to register. Read more…

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Army Report

A new Army report names Fort Bragg as one of 21 bases that may potentially lose thousands of jobs should realignment occur. Fort Bragg currently employs 14,000 civilian employees.  The workforce has been aware of the possible cuts since September when they were informed by leadership. Read more…

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New Findings

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry reports that the water contamination at Camp Lejeune occurred as early as 1953, four years earlier than previously reported. This new information estimates that between 33,000 and 53,000 marines and their families were exposed to the contamination. The US Department of Veterans Affairs has been provided this report, and it is hoped that it will assist in the evaluation of health related claims. Read more…

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Individualized Treatment Needed

A new Gulf War and Health Series by the Institute of Medicine reports that individualized treatments for veterans with Gulf War Syndrome are needed.  Gulf War Syndrome, characterized as a chronic multisystem illness (CMI), and defined as having symptoms in at least two of six categories–fatigue, mood and cognition, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and neurologic—which last for at least six months. Gulf War Syndrome affects at least one-third of veterans of the 1991 Persian Gulf War. The recommended treatment approaches include […]

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