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Veterans' Rights Fellow

Veterans' Rights Fellow

Denise Bennett

North Carolina Central University of Law, J.D. 2024

Veterans' Rights Fellow

Legal Aid of North Carolina

Post Graduate Fellowship Reports - Denise Bennett

August 21, 2024

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?

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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.

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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.

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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