May 2025

I cannot believe it is May already. I have been a post-graduate fellow for 8 months now - I have to say it is moving way too fast. I have been accredited by VA and am jumping in with both feet. The highlight so far was at the end of April. I was able to attend the Cherokee Indians first ever stand down. Cherokee is very beautiful. The following day I went to the 2nd annual Allegheny County stand down. At both events, I was able to introduce the Veterans Law Project and Legal Aid of NC to the western part of our state and make more contacts to add to our holistic representation resources.

My visits to the Veterans Life Center in Butner, NC are in full swing. I go on the first Friday of the month to help, give advice, or point the residents in the right direction for what the legal need may be. In my conversations, I can also put them into contact with some of our non-legal resources. Most of the time having someone who can help them or even just listen to them is just what is needed.

While waiting to get both my bar license and my VA accreditation, I have been writing and researching. I have written a character of discharge determination which is asking VA to allow a veteran with "bad paper" to be allowed benefits. I have also written a clear and unmistakable error (CUE) argument revolving around the date VA began using DSM-5 for their mental health assessments. I have received word that the character of discharge determination was granted so a homeless veteran who has been living with PTSD is now "honorable for VA purposes" and can apply and receive benefits. This will give the veteran financial stability, peace of mind, and a path toward permanent housing. I also learned the CUE argument was successful as well. The veteran will be receiving his benefits. I will look into their decision and effective date as I feel arguing for back pay for the veteran is necessary based on the numbers.

I included a recent picture from the damage from Hurricane Helene.

For Memorial Day, American Legion Post 60 in Henderson NC has white crosses on their lawn. There are 164 Vance County, NC residents represented that died in combat. Five died in WWI, the majority died in WWII, and many from the Korean War, Vietnam, and Iraq.

———————

March 2025

I was privileged to attend the Granville County Veterans Appreciation Day this month. The most touching aspect of the day was the table that was set for the missing servicemen.

• The table is round to show our everlasting concern for our missing men.
• The tablecloth is white symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.
• The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and their loved ones and friends of these Americans who keep the faith, awaiting answers.
• The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing.
• A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.
• A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers.
• The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.
• The glass is inverted to symbolize their inability to share this evening's [morning’s/day’s] toast.
• The chairs are empty -- they are missing

 https://d34w7g4gy10iej.cloudfront.net/video/1909/DOD_107241818/DOD_107241818.mp4

 The coordinators of this event were thoughtful and thorough in their preparation as well as there dedication to bring honor those who served. This years focus was on Vietnam Veterans and they had a round table to discuss what serving at that time was like. They recognized all the branches of service as well as the youngest and oldest male and female veterans. I was the youngest veteran there 😊

 The traveling Vietnam Memorial – “The Wall that Heals” - will be in Roxboro NC beginning May 1 through May 4. There are volunteer opportunities available. Please click here for more information: The Wall That Heals Roxboro, NC MAY 1-4, 2025 and to volunteer.

———————

February 2025

This is a more personal post. I have been busy studying for the February bar that happens next week. I have included my study pictures 😊 Once I pass this bar, the limits, well those I have placed on myself, will be lifted. I am very excited about what I can learn and then do. We have had several snow days this month. Today may be the first that may yield a decent snowman.

 Not only do we have a new Executive Branch, but there has been many uncomfortable times this last month. One being the question of what may happen to VA benefits specifically. Despite VA Secretary Collins’ pledge to preserve veterans benefits and not “balance the budgets on the backs of veterans” is going to see a fight. The new OMB Director, Russell Vought, supports significant changes to disability benefits which has veteran service organizations, to include myself, on guard. This will be something that will need to be watched consistently and carefully. More information can be found in this article: What's in Store for VA Disability Benefits with New Office of Management and Budget Chief? | Military.com

———————

December 2024

December brings one of my favorite things about Christmas: Toys for Tots! Ward Black Law in Greensboro, NC, is one of the biggest donation sites and this year was no different. The pictures show just how much this campaign means to Janet Ward Black. Legal Aid of NC, my sponsor for my EJA Fellowship, did a toy collection and brought them. G4G Ministries serves with a mobile grilling and ministry impact team. They work with other ministries and community organizations, and they provide free lunches for anyone who donated a toy. Also, there was Child Evangelism was also set up and there were many other volunteers from Ward Black Law and the Community. Oh! Of course, there were Marines there. 😊 One of the pictures is of LCpl Abar. He is a reservist from Greensboro, NC. He is a diesel mechanic. There are several other pictures that include my Legal Aid co-workers Nicole M. & Shaun A and Santa Claus.

Another thing I love about is driving down country roads, the grass is covered with frost, horses have their blankets, and all the Christmas decorations. If I am fortunate, there would be snow on the tree branches making it look like you are driving through a snow tunnel. But alas, there has been over 1,000 days of unmeasurable snow in my area.

But when I do enjoy the winter months, I am in a nice warm car, maybe even with some hot chocolate and my family. As I get more involved with homeless veterans, what do they do? Do they enjoy the winter or does it compound their troubles? I know I am being challenged to do more. Are you?

———————

October 2024

I can’t believe it has been another month. Time goes so slowly and so fast at the same time. I am learning the ins and outs of the grant that the Veterans Law Project has through the VA as well as the ins and outs of Legal Aid of NC’s grant rules as well. At times meshing the two together causes some frustration, but the hearts of all those involved break through the frustration and we find a way to help the veterans who come to us.

This month we met veterans in High Point and Winston-Salem. Even though meeting veterans is amazing, meeting representatives from other organizations that are out there working for veterans. This allows us to not only provide legal services, but a more wholistic approach. Sometimes a veteran does not need the legal services we provide but needs something else that one of those connections may be able to provide.

My favorite time of year is Toys for Tots (aka Christmas). At the Veterans Coffee in Winston Salem, the Marines kicked off their biggest program. We were invited to attend to present the work the Veterans Law Project does and can do. I think it was a bigger blessing to me. I learned about the Veterans Bridge Home and that Richard Childress, of Richard Childress Racing, do all they can for veterans and have these coffees almost every month.

However, at this coffee there were several other presentations. Joey Jones from Fox and Friends spoke about patriotism and community and needing to unite not just during natural disasters or terrorist attacks. During his talk one comment stood out; “I am grateful to serve.” It got me thinking about when people say, “thank you for your service,” what does the veteran really think? I know it was my privilege to serve and I think that is the case with almost all the veterans I have been meeting. However, it is frustrating to me and to them that it is so hard to get the help they need. Moving from military life to civilian life is not easy, especially if there is a considerable amount of time between the two.

Other presenters included the Toys for Tots program, which I was surprised to learn they do so much more than that. The Veterans Bridge Home and Richard Childress as well as the National Guard with an update on the Western North Carolina relief efforts. The highlight of the morning was when the NACB Recycled Rides Program gave a car to a veteran in need. Partnering with the Hero center, we found out his need was due to medical bills from his wife’s illness and that she died just a few days before.

———————

September 2024

This month has been a busy one. I have been learning a lot on the law side of things. Things like case management, team meetings, and scheduling. Then there is the heart of the work. I have been to the Cary Benefits Live and the Greensboro Stand Down.

The formal description of the Cary Benefits Live on VA's website is "Veterans & dependents will be assisted by a combined team including VA Benefits (Veterans Benefits Administration Winston-Salem Regional Office) & Health Administrators, Vet Center and Veterans’ Service Officers with VA claims and questions about benefits. Please bring proper “Veteran ID, DD-214” and any paperwork related to your claims in question and your military history."

It is so much more. This three-day event sees hundreds of veterans and family members. Once they arrive, they are given a number so they can receive some counseling and direction to whatever challenges they may face. Not only is VA there but the community comes out in support. Many places like the American Legion, Veterans Life Center, USAA, and Legal Aid of NC/Veterans Law Project come ready to assist veterans in the many other ways that they may need in their daily lives. As this was my first community event it was overwhelming to realize I am someone who gets to help veterans. I also realized that I am not alone.

VA also helps to organize Stand Downs. "Stand Downs are typically one- to three-day events during which VA staff and volunteers provide food, clothing and health screenings to homeless and at-risk Veterans. In addition, Veterans also receive referrals for health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, mental health counseling and other essential services." The Greensboro Stand Down was sponsored by the Servant Center.

I work with great people and if there is a reason we cannot assist, they have a network of others who are willing to step in. I look forward to not only helping veterans but getting to know this community of others that help veterans.

———————

August 2024

Since beginning law school in 2021, I have graduated, taken the bar exam, and am beginning my journey as an Equal Justice America Veterans Rights Fellow. Legal Aid of NC has graciously agreed to sponsor me.

I went to law school with the purpose of helping people, specifically veterans. When I sat in the Veterans Benefits substantive law course, I learned then, even though I am a veteran, that not all people who have served in the military would be considered a veteran for benefits purposes. That is something they do not tell you. Common sense told me a dishonorable discharge meant you lose out on some things so that was not a surprise. My jaw dropped when I learned that a 20-year Reservist or National Guardsman may not be considered a veteran. I do not think that is fair, they signed the same line I did that said they were willing to give up their life for our country.

I hope as I continue to grow and learn the ins and outs of veterans benefits, I will become effective in implementing the changes that need to be made. You can learn more about Equal Justice America and other fellows at this website. Equal Justice America - Best Legal Nonprofit, Social, Law School Charity