American Legion Post 12

Moore County Veteran’s Council

January 24, 2023

The meeting was called to order by Jim Pedersen – Chair

Pledge of Allegiance

Organizations present were:

County VSO

Cumberland County Veterans Council

DAV 83

Marine Corps League

VFW 7318

VVA 966

MMIA

Old Business:

No old business.

New Business:

DAV – The DAV van has plates and will be pickup this week from Fayetteville. The van will be back in operation very soon. As a reminder the DAV van can provide transportation to veterans who need a ride to a VA medical center. The van can not go to VA contract facilities due to the insurance reasons. If a veteran uses the DAV van they will not receive travel pay. The travel pay is given to the DAV to help with gas and repairs on the van. If a veteran needs to use the DAV van, please call 910-949-4155.

CCVC – Ann Provencher – The CCVC meeting minutes were distributed. Planning is underway for the VA live in my hometown in Fayetteville for June 22-24, 2023. They should be reaching out to get help. The Fayetteville Gold Star Memorial is currently still raising money they have the land donated. Wreath Across America went very well this year. The wreaths are increasing to $17 a wreath for 2023. There will be a golf fundraiser in April more details to come.

County VSO – VA live in my hometown event in Cary, NC is scheduled for March 23-25, 2023 at Herbert Young Community Center, 101 Wilkinson Ave, Cary NC 27513. As of December 31, 2022, VA has launched a new VA Life insurance program. Now veterans aged 80 and below who have a VA rating can get life insurance at an affordable rate. Information is attached. VA medical clinic announced a new program that took effect January 17, 2023, that allows veterans who are in a suicide crisis to get free, world class emergency health care they deserve, no matter where they need it, when they need it, or whether they’re enrolled in VA health care. Veterans can get 30 days of inpatient or 90 days outpatient care. We are looking into how this process will work.

VVA – gave out 10 gift cards over Christmas to needy vets. They were contacted by a Special Forces group that will be deploying in March. The SF group is need of some items for the rec room. Items include socks, play station or xbox and games, movies, foosball table.

MMIA – they have had a slow year. They did 2 ramps last year and are doing another one next week in Southern Pines. They shipped 2 cases of supplies to Poland recently.

VFW – At their January meeting gave out a little over $1200 in scholarships. When the guidelines are set for this year, the information will be distributed. Friday night meals are increasing. Jan 27th – steak night (100 meals provided), Feb 10th – Valentine’s dinner will be steak, Feb 17th – tacos, Feb 24th buffet type meal this will also be commanders Armstrong retirement party from the Aberdeen Police Department. Meals are $15 a person and are open to the public. 

Marine Corp League – they received about 40,000 toys for their toys for tots program. The program is year ahead on toys. There will be a cookout at the Aberdeen Park in May, more details to come. Richmond county donated some rifles to the chapter, and they are being stored at the Aberdeen Police Department that they can use for color guard events. They membership is increasing, and they have had some younger marines join recently.

Next regular meeting will be February 28, 2023, at 6:30pm at

VFW Post 7318, 615 South Page St, Southern Pines, NC

Kelly Greene – Secretary                                                 Jim Pedersen – Chair

kgreene@moorecountync.gov                                      james.m.pedersen@gmail.com

910-947-3257                                                                     910-986-2027