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In last week’s column, I told you all that I would write about something very special coming to the Outer Banks this May, and I will, however, I’m expecting additional info to add to what I researched in my next week’s Gig Line. What I can tell you is that the info will make everyone who loves our veterans even more proud (if that’s possible) so please bear with me … you’re bound to be both surprised and inspired.

On another topic of great importance to veterans is an upcoming event, “Veterans Benefits Live” to be held at the Dare County Recreation Dept., 602 Mustian St., Kill Devil Hills, beginning on Thursday, May 18, 2023 and Friday, May 19 each day from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.: then again on Saturday, May 20 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. (closing one hour earlier than Thursday/Friday). It is a claims clinic whereby veterans can walk in and file a claim on the spot. There will be several accredited VSOs in attendance and veterans will be assisted in order of arrival during the event so no appointment is necessary.

Representatives from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) will be on hand to help veterans file claims, address questions regarding current claims, and learn more about VA benefits including veteran readiness and employment, education, home loans, insurance and burial benefits. Vet Center counselors will be onsite to assist with bereavement, military sexual trauma, substance abuse and mental health screening.

The event provides an opportunity for veterans to meet with VA representatives and receive face-to-face assistance with VA claims and information on VA operations to include The PACT Act.

The event is being sponsored by our local American Legion Post 26 and if anyone needs further information they can contact Kelli Harmon at kelli.harmon@edwardjones.com or Patty O’Sullivan, Dare County veterans service officer, at 252-475-5604 or patricia.o’sullivan@darenc.gov

Something else important for veterans to save the date for: The Wall That Heals will arrive in Dare County on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 and it will close to leave on Sunday, November 19, 2023. What I haven’t already told you all is that there will be an official opening ceremony on the morning of Thursday, November 16 and a candlelight ceremony on Friday, November 17 at 6 p.m. where spouses and/or children or other family members will have an opportunity to announce their loved one’s name who died either while serving in Vietnam or who served in Vietnam, came home and passed away at a later point in time. This ceremony will be beautiful and very touching (after all, won’t everything be during this event?). Also, candles will be provided. Please contact Patty O’Sullivan at 252-475-5604 or 252-473-7749 or me at 252-202-2058 if you would like to honor your loved one who served in Vietnam and is no longer with us. Time will only permit for the announcement of the Vietnam Veteran’s name who passed, so please don’t worry about speeches or anything like that.

Everyone, please know how much the Dare County Veterans Advisory Council appreciates the Thomas A. Baum Center in Kill Devil Hills for their assistance in promoting and collecting all the used cell phones and tablets that have been donated for our cellphonesforsoldiers.com drive. Thank you to everyone who has deposited their used phones into the collection box; to the staff for your help with this important project and to Patty for all the work she does to collect the donation contents and mail them to the recycle center. You are all a blessing! Remember – the phones can be cracked, broken, chipped, etc., but after the center in Georgia receives them, they are utilized in the best way possible for our soldiers and veterans. Thank you again and please keep them coming!

Well folks, there is so much to tell you! Until next time, be healthy, safe and happy. Love on our veterans and keep looking up; even if there are clouds in the way, remember the sun is somewhere behind them!

For previous Gig Line columns, please find them on www.giglineheroes.com and to write to me at giglineheroes@aol.com. One last suggestion, please consider attending our event, The Wall That Heals this November in Nags Head. If you are not a Vietnam veteran, think of your military friends and family who are or who loved those who were and invite them to join us. I suggest anyone who plans to attend to make their reservations early.

Thank you and just know that I love you all and I appreciate that you take the time to read Gig Line every week. God bless you and your family. Stay tuned.

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