Moore County Veteran’s Council
July 23, 2024
Organizations Present:
See Round Robin of New Business Section.
The meeting began at 6:30pm. A sign-in roster was distributed to record organizations and representatives present.
Invocation/Moment of Silence and Pledge of Allegiance were conducted.
Old Business:
None. An Agenda and Minutes from last month’s meeting (27 June 2024) were provided earlier and copies present. Minutes were accepted and ratified as written.
New Business:
1. Election of New Officers. Nominations announced from prior meeting were read. The President asked if there were any other nominations for each position. Hearing none, a motion was made and seconded to proceed with voting. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to accept all nominations by acclamation. The new officers are President – Jim Pedersen; Vice-President – Rora Kellis; Secretary – Kelly Greene.
2. Round Robin of each organization for updates & calendar key events:
GoVA (MyGoVA.com)
Rep reiterated GoVA’s services focusing on financial education and library of related topics for the military community. GoVA is currently partnering with the local chapter of Habitat For Humanity. The rep has a passion for suicide awareness & prevention and hopes to align efforts. A reminder was provided that a service member can earn the MOVASM for volunteer services within local community service organizations.
American Legion Post 12
Kudos provided and affirmed by members present to the AL Post 296 recent Warrior 180 training. AL Post 12 is making efforts towards approval to conduct the training into the Moore County Schools. The organization continues its distribution of awareness magnets & gun locks. A Raffle fundraiser is being organized for the month of August.
MMIA
The organization joined Chamber of Commerce – a ribbon cutting ceremony will occur on 23 Aug at noon. Six footlockers are planned with an effort to make roving footlockers available. Currently there is an initiative to fill the footlocker with food pantry. Care packages & stockings projects are being readied for shipment overseas. MMIA is working with Sandhills Community College to outfit the Veteran Day Room that has a kitchenette located at the College’s Library. On Aug 17 from 10a-2p at Freedom Hall, Aberdeen there will be a Family Readiness meeting where lunch will be provided. The organization is in need of volunteers for Monday, Aug 29 for furniture movement.
Vietnam Veterans of America 966
No report – did not meet last month.
Marine Corps League
Meeting Reminder of 2d/4th Wed of each month at Petes. On 1 Sep, MCL will be participating in Pinehurst’s BBQ Festival with a booth. The organization is planning for the upcoming annual USMC Birthday Celebration and Banquet. MCL is also working on its Color Guard.
American Legion Post 296
Reported on the success of the Warrior 180 training conducted and planning for another event. August focus is on Back-to-School activity with a local elementary school and its 5th Graders for Flag raising. Reminder provided that 26 September is the deadline for its five Colin Firth Scholarships (nursing). In October, a Motorcycle Ride is planned to raise funds. In December, the Post will be participating in the Oratorical Contest.
American Legion Post 177
Reminder for its community Bingo Event on Wed (6pm) and Sunday (5pm). With Post assistance along with SP Garden Club, a wall was built at Woodlawn Cemetery with emplacement of a veteran recognition plaque. A ramp was built and installed for a local veteran double amputee. The Post’s Boy’s State candidate will speak to the organization on his experience in Aug. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity – the organization is seeking applications for needy projects during August. On 21 September, there will be a community Yard Sale. The MOAA organization has been selected as this year’s recipient for a sizable donation from the Post.
American Legion Post 72
Its 4th of July Open house was a significant success. On Aug 9, the Post’s selectee for Boys State will speak. On 12 August, USAF Veteran Ara Angle will speak on Suicide Prevention. Aug 28 from 1:30-6p is the day selected for its periodic Blood Donation Drive. Post members are involved with Camp Duncan for Girls (located near Burney’s Hardware). Auxiliary Ladies are planning an upcoming event a Bees Knees.
Disabled American Vets Post 83
The organization is changing its meeting date to 1st Tues of the Month. It will be holding its annual Picnic in August. A reminder was provided about its transportation services with as much advanced notice as possible (at least a day is preferred). There is a need for volunteer drivers. The Post is involved with Baseball Travelling Teams for the summer where youth age out of school participation.
American Legion Post 12
The 26 July Blood Drive is scheduled. The Post is looking for Sponsors for the Union Pines High School Ball Team. The organization is planning CPR training – possibly with the local schools with the local Fire Department leading the effort.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7318
Reminder for upcoming Steak Dinner Night with sign-up required by Friday, 26 July. August 4 is the organization’s Golf Tournament – door prizes still being sought along with hole sponsorship.
Moore County Veteran’s Services
A reminder that the satellite office is open the 2d & 4th Tues of the month from 9a-3p for walk-in services. There has been noticeable increase in services at the satellite office. From 26-30 August, MC Veteran Services will have reduced manning for client services while the VSOs attend accreditation training.
No reports provided from regular attendees: Veteran Treatment Court, MC Veterans Memorial Committee, Vietnam Veterans of America 966.
3. No additional announcements for the good of the organizations present.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:22p.
Next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27 2024 at 6:30p at VFW Post 7318, 615 South Page Road, Southern Pines, NC