Iredell veterans associations suffer from attrition

Declining membership at Iredell military veterans' associations impacts the ability for the groups to staff charity events, provide services and in the long run prepare the next generation of association leadership.

"We're all declining," said Mike Morris, commander of the Disabled American Veterans and chairman of the Iredell County Veterans Council. "I don't know if it's because the younger generation doesn't have time, or just don't want to do it."

The DAV provides assistance to veterans by filing claim benefits and "fighting for the interests of America's injured heroes on Capitol Hill," according to its website.

The Iredell County Veterans Council, with a member of each veteran association in the county, provides financial assistance to veterans and also assists with filing benefit claims, said Morris.

Morris said he has a roster of people who paid their DAV lifetime membership, but don't show up to meetings. Many active members are in their 60s or older, and that impacts the ability to provide for needs like constructing a disabled access ramp into a veteran's home.

"We've talked to a lot of young Marines who get out and they don't have anything to do with the Marine Corps League," said Frank Turner, chaplain of the Marine CorpsLeague Detachment 1097, Iredell Veterans Council and Piedmont Veterans Assistance Council. "It hasn't hit them that they can be involved and still have the camaraderie that they had with the Marines. There's a camaraderie among all veterans that isn't in the civilian world."

Natalie Goodwin, a 37-year-old Army veteran who spent nearly 12 years in the service, says she didn't know about the services the organizations provide before she met Turner.

"When I first moved here ? (Turner) and his wife helped me get set up with the VA hospital," said Goodwin. "They asked me if I wanted to get involved with the veterans food ministry and if I needed anything or if they could help me in any way.

"I thought it was great to get help getting set up into the VA system," she added. "By being involved, I feel like I'm doing something useful and enjoy helping others."

Veterans associations are deeply involved with charitable organizations that provide assistance for veterans in need.

"Say a veteran needs help with their power bill, rent, or their car broke down," Morris said. "The Iredell Council will help up to $500."

A veteran who needs help should go to the Iredell Veterans Services Office and meet with Brad Stroud, Morris said. His office fills out an application and determines if the applicant is a veteran, then contacts the council so they can vote.

If approved, the council will write a check to pay for bills, Morris said.

PVAC, an independent organization that also has a seat on the Iredell Veterans Council, provides a handicap-accessible vehicle for veterans needing transportation. The group was an integral part of the Veterans Transitional Home on Wilson Lee Boulevard.

Premade and frozen meals are provided by PVAC at the Mooresville Soup Kitchen. Meals are also distributed on the first and third Thursday of every month at the First Nazarene Church in Statesville and the second and fourth Thursday at the United Methodist Church in Union Grove.

In the last three years, PVAC has provided over 50,000 meals, Turner said.

Morris said smaller charitable activities also suffer due to lack of membership. Veterans associations bring Christmas gifts to veterans in nursing homes. Morris said older veterans are thrilled when members come to do something like play bingo with them.

"We have to whet (veterans') appetites," Turner said. "It's a lot of work to volunteer, but what you receive from that is the satisfaction of helping somebody else. That's what service personnel do anyway; you're out there defending your country. That's why you raise your hand, and that oath is still there."

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HOW TO GET INVOLVED

A veteran in need can contact Brad Stroud of the Iredell Veterans Council at 704-878-3136 or Pastor Frank Turner at 704-450-4654.

Here are the organizations involved with the council:

» American Legion Post 65, 2446 Salisbury Highway, Statesville. 704-872-5098.

» American Legion Post 66, 1450 N. Main St., Mooresville. 704-664-0528.

» American Legion Post 401, 304 S. Main St., Troutman.

» Marine Corps League, 304 S. Main St., Troutman. 704-528-9445.

» Veterans of Foreign Wars 2031, 139 Jordan Lane, Statesville. 704-873-9126.

» Disabled American Veterans 68, 218 Bakery St., Statesville. 704-252-7446.