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Columns like Gig Line are based typically on the opinions of the writer and very often from the author’s heart. And with all that we’re dealing with as a society today, you can call me “stuffy,” “not cool,” “not hip,” “fuddy duddy” or positively “not woke” and I’ll agree with you 100%!

As a Realtor, I work from home for the most part and when I’m not connecting with clients, I’m primarily engaged in veteran related matters. When I’m not doing real estate or veteran business, I watch the news a lot. I like hearing both sides to nearly every topic discussed and being a conservative, I listen to both sides, trying my best to understand the perspective from the left and how they support what I consider outrageous policies (which they’re entitled to, if they so choose). I also subscribe to a streaming service that features a lot of military related stories, praise/acknowledgement of our Armed Forces, testimonies from our war veterans and a variety of special programs like “Heroes Honor 2022,” “The Unauthorized History of the Vietnam War” and even “At Home With Paula Deen.”

Those shows and a good amount of home improvement/decorating programs “fill the bill” for me, as they say. What offers no enticement for me to watch are the shows about multiple partner marriages. Do we no longer find joy in one special person to love and be loved by? My one and only, my sweet husband Billy, is, was and will always be the man I will love forever. I’m so blessed that the good Lord brought us together. I thank Him and praise Him for such a precious blessing in my life. I miss him every single day and this July will be the sixth year I have missed his handsome face, his strong shoulders and the love he showed me every day. I hope those of you who are reading this Gig Line have that kind of love with your husband, wife or significant other. If you don’t, I pray that you will. One true love is and will always be enough.

Speaking of news, one of the veteran news feeds I get through email recently reported that a Vietnam Memorial in Connecticut was vandalized. What? Why? Apparently, once the word got out, veterans offered to guard it, folks were peeved and rearing to go to see the perpetrators punished and not soon enough! I’m still hoping we get the opportunity to host “The Wall That Heals” here on the Outer Banks in 2023. As promised, I’ll keep y’all posted on how things develop with our application, which was submitted on Memorial Day.

Years ago, I was at work in my office when two very respected, professional gentlemen came in and asked me if I would consider running for a local political office. Aside from the surprise I felt, first because it was a compliment and secondly never having expressed interest in running for anything political, I thanked them both but declined. Then they assured me I would have financial support for whatever expense my campaign would incur, but to their surprise, I again replied, “Thank you but no thank you.” I’m not a dummy by any means, but there was a broad range of very qualified men and women in Dare County who could run and if they won, they would do their job well. Besides that, I told them that even if I had ever been inclined to run for an office, I wouldn’t if I had to depend on others’ money especially knowing that candidates learn the origin of the contributors since disclosure is required.

Personally, I don’t understand why contributions must be disclosed. It seems to me that when a candidate runs for a political office, financial support should be confidential so that a candidate doesn’t feel obliged or obligated in any way to the contributors. I mean, when you think about it, what purpose does it serve for a candidate themselves (or the public for that matter) to know who gave what? Shouldn’t it be a private matter known only to the contributor and their accountant? In essence, it was a genuinely nice compliment and show of faith in me and I was grateful to each of them, but volunteering on behalf of our deserving veterans and their families is paramount and a calling in my life. Just the same, I’ll never forget that they asked.

Speaking of news, the Dare County Veterans Advisory Council will again have a booth at the upcoming Outer Banks Seafood Festival, set for Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Soundside Event Site, located at 6800 South Croatan Highway in Nags Head. Tickets to the event are on sale now if you’d like to purchase any prior to the festival, search online if you’d like:  outerbanksseafoodfestival.org. Karen and her staff at the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce do an outstanding job every year, so if you haven’t experienced the fun, entertainment, food, booths and displays at the event, please make this year your first!

In addition, the Dare County Veterans Advisory Council meets each month on the fourth Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Dare County Administrative Building, located at 954 Marshall C. Collins Dr. in Manteo (however, we do not meet in December). The public is always invited and welcome to attend, where you will hear about the goals and achievements of the Council in support of our veterans and their families. And if you have ideas that could help our veteran community, you are welcome to share them!

Just a thought: We’re all saddened about what the Ukrainian families have endured over the last few months and most, if not all of us, pray for an end to the war ASAP for everyone’s sake, however, I recently heard someone express how happy they were to see so many Ukrainian flags displayed at homes and only wished more American flags were also on display – a good point. I wish I had the funds to buy our red, white and blue U.S. American flag for every house in Dare County if the owners/occupants would agree to present it. It is after all, our symbol of patriotism, loyalty to and pride in our country. To everyone who already boasts that striking icon of freedom, THANK YOU!

If you are a veteran who owns a business in Dare County, can you please let me know? My cell phone is 252-202-2058 and my email is giglineheroes@aol.com.

If you are a veteran but have not acquired your free Dare County Veteran Discount Card, please contact either Patty O’Sullivan, Dare County Veteran Service Officer, (office 252-475-5604 or email dcvac@darenc.com). Either Patty or myself can issue your card, which can be utilized in over 100 businesses on the Outer Banks. All that is required is for us to see that you’re a property owner or resident (a property tax bill; rental lease or utility bill in your name will do) and your DD-214 showing that you were honorably discharged. The process takes all of 15 minutes and you’ll enjoy the discounts you’ll receive at restaurants/eateries, shops, auto and marine part stores, hardware stores and for professional services, too. Patty, being the Dare County V.S.O., can also assist you with a V.A. claim and answer questions you may have about any potential benefits you may be entitled to! She’s a go-getter and eager to help any veteran that contacts her, so please do!

Until next time, be healthy, safe and happy! Love each other, love yourself and just know how much we all love you too. God bless you and your family and stay tuned!

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