Opelika Observer - Third Annual Veteran's Tribute

OO pb es le r i v k e a r

Nov. 6, 2019 U.S. Army Adjutant Gen. Perry Smith reflects on his 'amazing' Army career See page 6

today’s veterans still serving through business ownership

November 6, 2019

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Letter from the editor: 'Thank you veterans for what you do'

O

ur military has always held a special place in my heart.

Growing up in Salem, Alabama, only 45 minutes from Fort Benning, I took many field trips there, where I quickly cultivated a healthy respect for the men and women of our Armed Forces.

Several generations on both sides of my family have had members go on to serve our country and be wellrespected veterans by their friends, loved ones and communities.

As a child, whenever

I would stop and look at their pictures on the wall, a relative would often tell their name, branch and what their contributions were during their time of service.

To be honest, I can't say I ever felt a personal gravitation or calling toward a military career. It wasn't that it was undesirable or that I didn't love my country enough to follow the calling and serve, it just didn't mesh with my interests or longterm goals.

With my life experiences and knowledge

Opelika Observer Phone: 334.749.8003 michelle@opelikaobserver.com editor@opelikaobserver.com sales@opelikaobserver.com morgan@opelikaobserver.com robert@opelikaoberver.com

branch, I cannot begin to fathom the commitment, responsibility and stresses that come with military service.

For some, including a handful I've known personally, it was an easy way to get a paycheck. But, for others,

By Morgan Bryce joining the military as well as the ability to was the following of a calling - a calling that cultivate solid friendships and relationships few of us could ever with our area's veterans dream of fully comprehending. through my platform No matter who heads here at the Opelika our government or Observer, I can safely makes decisions about say my appreciation our military involvefor them grows on a ment abroad, these daily basis. brave men and women Regardless of

Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Sports Reporter: Rick Lanier Staff Photographer: Robert Noles Sales: Doug Horn Woody Ross

w w w. o p e l i k a o b s e r v e r . c o m 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Marketing mail postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS permit #205. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801

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follow their orders and do as they're told.

There are no Democratic or Republican leanings or loyalties - it's all about serving and protecting the nation they call home.

That means that my wife and I can go to bed at night feeling safe. It assures that the quality of life we all enjoy will continue.

Our freedoms and rights will endure.

The 11 veterans and individuals highlighted in this third-annual publication contributed to those causes.

And for those

reasons and more, I would like to thank them. Thank you is perhaps the weakest form of verbally expressing my gratitude there is, but the English language can do no better than those two words.

Thank you veterans for all you do and thank you to our readers for continuing to support us in our endeavor to bring you the best local news by local people for local people.

Sincerely, Morgan Bryce Editor

Message from the Mayor

We salute you!

V

eterans Day is always a special day in Opelika, as we honor the brave men and women who answered the call to serve and protect that which we hold dear: our freedom. It’s a day to reflect on the sacrifices and commitments made by our friends, neighbors, sons and daughters in uniform.

And it’s a day to remember – freedom isn’t free – and that our courageous

soldiers who fought for that very freedom deserve respect and recognition for their service. We may not know them all, but we owe them a great deal of gratitude for their strength and pride in our country.

On behalf of our community, our State and our Nation, we thank you. We are indebted to you and stand with you today and always.

God bless the United States of

Gary Fuller Mayor of Opelika America, the State of Alabama and the City of Opelika.

Warmest Regards, Mayor Gary Fuller

VETERANS DAY REMEMBER AND HONOR

CITY OF OPELIKA

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2019

VETERANS BREAKFAST • 8 - 9:45 A.M.

NIFFERS AT THE TRACKS (917 S. RAILROAD AVE, OPELIKA) (Free to all veterans and their families)

VETERANS DAY SERVICES • 10 A.M.

CITY HALL • PUBLIC INVITED “Veterans: Why We Serve - Past, Present and Future” Army Colonel Richard Pelham & USMC Colonel Chris Richie

VETERANS RECEPTION • 11:30 A.M.

MUSEUM OF EAST ALABAMA (121 S. 9TH STREET, OPELIKA) MILITARY DISPLAYS & REFRESHMENTS

Thank You

November 6, 2019

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“So together, we will honor those who defend us; we will cherish those who protect us; and we will celebrate the amazing heroes who keep America safe, and strong, and proud, and free.”

– President Donald J. Trump - Oct. 2019 For the Opelika Observer

November 6, 2019

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Air Force Air Force service prepared Morris Lewis for local entrepreneurship

By Todd Rauch For the Opelika Observer Auburn Native and longtime business owner Morris Lewis, owner of Lewis Trucking & Towing in Opelika, is also an Air Force and Vietnam veteran. Morris, who left for basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas in July 1969, trained to be a heavy equipment repairman. Upon graduating from Basic Training and AIT, Morris said, “I had the choice of going to either Vietnam or Alaska - I decided to take my chances in Vietnam.”

Morris left for Vietnam in January 1970 and lived at the Pleiku Air Force base in the Central Highland of Vietnam until January 1971.

After serving two and a half years in the Air Force, Morris came back to the Auburn-Opelika area and began work as a civilian under the “Manpower Program” which was designed to help veterans transition into civilian life by helping them find jobs. Morris worked in numerous jobs as a wrecker truck driver and service repairman, until he decided to

“ON THE BATTLEFIELD, THE MILITARY PLEDGES TO LEAVE NO SOLDIER BEHIND. AS A NATION, LET IT BE OUR PLEDGE THAT WHEN THEY RETURN HOME, WE LEAVE NO VETERAN BEHIND.” --FORMER GOVERNOW DAN LIPINSK

We Honor This Country’s Veterans and Say Thank You to Our Opelika Utilities’ Veterans Lewis start his own business.

“I realized that every time I came into a new job that my clients would stay with me,” Morris said, “I knew all I needed was three good clients to follow me to start out my business.” He earned those clients and many more throughout the years, starting in January 1979.

Lewis also became a pastor in 1988, which he still enjoys today.

Lewis has been married to his wife Wanda for 47 years. They have two children, their son Courtney and daughter Danielle, and three grandchildren named Payton, Lynn

and Noah. Wanda and Courtney own Edible Arrangements in Opelika, and Danielle graduated from Harvard Law School, now working as an attorney in Opelika and serving as the CEO of Ms. JD, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the success of aspiring and early career female lawyers.

Like countless other veterans in the AuburnOpelika area, Morris has risked his life for the safety and freedom that we cannot forget doesn’t come standard with the stars and stripes. We honor you Morris.

Thank you for your service, and welcome home.

We respect the valuable skills veterans learn during their military service and we’re proud to count them among our ranks. We encourage area veterans to review our career opportunities. Current positions can be found at https://www.owwb.com/careers.

Thank you for your service.

4055 Water Street • Opelika AL 36803 334.705.5500 • www.owwb.com ©eha owwb-124

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November 6, 2019

Army National Guard 'Wealth of experience': Adjutant Gen. Perry Smith shares story of military service, entrepreneurship

By Kate Larkin For the Opelika Observer When Perry Smith entered Auburn University in 1967, he had no interest in a military career. At that time, two years of ROTC was required of all male students – and that was all he was willing to do. He sat in an auditorium with all the other freshmen as instructors called out each of the branches.

“They called Air Force and five or six guys got up and left with the instructor,” Smith said. “Then they called for Navy and another five or six left.

Then they announced that the rest of us were Army. I guess we could have gotten up and gone when they called the other branches, but we didn’t know that, so that’s how I got in the Army.”

After his two years in ROTC ended, as planned, Smith got out. But by then, the draft had been reinstated and Smith’s lottery number was 49.

“You have to remember, at that time, the only pictures and videos we saw on TV coming out of Vietnam were of body bags.

I didn’t want anything to do with that,” Smith said. “I wanted to finish at Auburn, so I enrolled in advanced ROTC for my last two years in order to get a deferment. For me, it

was a means to an end.”

Following graduation from Auburn in 1973, Smith was commissioned as an officer and sent to field artillery school. It was there that he fell in love with the Army.

During an assignment in Fort Stewart, Georgia, he learned of the Alabama National Guard and decided to stay in the service on a part time basis.

“I was really enjoying the Army and I liked the idea of serving one weekend a month and two weeks a year,” Smith said.

During the same time, Smith began looking into more viable career options.

“I sort of stumbled into insurance, initially selling college insurance policies,” Smith said. “I moved into life insurance and eventually took courses and earned my professional designations and certifications to be a financial planner.”

He opened his own practice selling insurance and in 2004, transitioned to Smith-Kastner Wealth Management, which advises clients in all areas of insurance, investments and estate planning.

Meanwhile, his career in the National Guard had taken off, too, with promotions to second lieutenant assigned to a battalion in Roanoke, Alabama.

“I was over the Roanoke unit for 11 years,

which is really unheard of in the military,” Smith said. “I knew every soldier, as well as their wives and children, all on a firstname basis, which means a lot. In the military, everybody just goes by that last name on the tape on your uniform, so it was a rare experience to get to be that close to the guys in your battalion.”

After Roanoke, Smith was promoted to motor officer and was assigned to the battalion headquarters in Auburn.

In the mid-nineties after Desert Storm, field artillery was not being used as much. Worried that his services would no longer be needed, Smith reevaluated his options.

“By this time, I was a lieutenant colonel, but there weren’t any positions for field artillery specialist, so I decided I had better learn to do other things in order to continue working my way up.

So, Smith began qualifying in other areas.

Logistician. Quartermaster. Administration and personnel. Chemical.

Ordinance.

“Whatever door opened, I wanted to be prepared,” Smith said.

All of those additional certifications made a difference, not only in promotions, but also in the positions that opened up that Smith was now quali-

fied to fill.

While serving as a major in 1990, some of his guys suggested trying to get slots in air assault school and Smith decided if he was going to send his men, he was going with them. He was 40 years old.

“We got sent to Gruber, Oklahoma, the toughest airborne-air assault school in the country,” Smith said. “I was, by far, the oldest soldier in the group, but I went with them to motivate my guys and make sure all 11 of us made it through.”

Smith said the day they were leaving, he got his hair cut short, but when they arrived, a group coming in from another training, walked in with long, wavy hair.

“They thought they were so cool, but before we even started, they took all those guys in a room and gave them the absolute worst haircuts you have ever seen,” Smith said. “I mean, they were

awful, uneven, with gaps; it was hilarious.”

Day Zero (first day) included running two miles in under 20 minutes, while wearing combat boots, a PT (physical training) test and a brutal obstacle course.

“So many of those hotshot guys didn’t make it through the first day and they put them on a bus with those horrible haircuts and sent them home,” Smith said, laughing.

“They came in all full of themselves, left humiliated with terrible haircuts.

When I tell you this school is difficult, they don’t even assign beds until after Day Zero.”

Smith successfully completed air assault school and returned to Opelika where his career, both in the military and as a wealth management advisor, flourished.

He continued to earn promotions. He decided that getting a master’s degree would put him in a much better position

to be promoted again, so he attended Troy (State) University and earned a master’s in human resource management. He was 50 years old.

That degree, along with all the other certifications Smith had completed put him in the position to be promoted to a full colonel.

“The master’s degree was definitely not the reason I was going to get the promotion, but I wanted to be sure it wasn’t going to be the reason I didn’t,” Smith said.

Smith’s story is one of perseverance and preparation, of being at the right place at the right time. A story that involves a little luck and a lot of good fortune. And a story of great success. Before his career ended, he had surpassed his goal of reaching the rank of colonel. He had been promoted to brigadier general. Then major general. He later became adjutant general of the Alabama National See Smith, page 8

November 6, 2019

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Army Jessica Snider Five Star Painting of Auburn chronicles lessons learned from Army career

By Kelly Daniel For the Opelika Observer Jessica Snider coowns and manages Five Star Painting of Auburn with her husband Daniel Snider, in addition to serving in the U.S. Army Reserve. For Jessica Snider, her time in the Army has provided an opportunity to serve her country in a meaningful way, while Five Star Painting enables her to care for customers and develop excellent working relationships with employees.

Experiences in the Army Reserve Jessica Snider's journey began in high school, when she was unsure about her direction and when her ROTC Commander encouraged her to take the ASVAB exam so that she could join the military.

When she wasn't successful the first time, he pushed her to retake it.

Upon successful completion of the ASVAB, Snider had the opportunity to join the military.

"I went into the reserves, and that was the best decision of my life," Snider said. "I've got 14 years in this year, and I feel like I've come really far with it."

While working in her first job as a fueler, Snider's unit was deployed

to Afghanistan, and she transferred from Georgia Military College to Georgia Southern University to ensure that she could go to her deployment.

"I really wanted that experience and wanted to feel like I did something," said Snider. She served in Afghanistan from 2009 until 2010, while her husband served in Iraq from 2008 until 2009.

After returning from deployment, Jessica Snider moved from being a fueler to working in human resources, where she felt that she could make an impact in the lives of other soldiers. "I feel very fulfilled in the military, I guess that's why I haven't gotten out yet," said Snider. "With as many soldiers I can help, I feel good about it."

In her current role, Jessica Snider works with soldiers to ensure that information in their personnel filesis up-to-date and correct to ensure that discharges and payroll paperwork are processed without delays.

She also serves in the role of an informal counselor, which enables her to touch lives daily.

She also met her husband when both were stationed in Florida.

"That's our little love story," said Snider. "I was a fueler, and he was a trucker. He came through

my fuel point and said he loved the smell of my perfume, which was called "diselle," also known as "diesel." From there, the couple went on to get married and eventually moved to Auburn, where they are now raising a four-year-old daughter and running a successful business.

Professional Experience Leads to Starting Five Star Painting of Auburn Before founding Five Star Painting of Auburn with her husband, Jessica Snider worked for auto dealerships in assistant manager roles. After working as a receptionist and being moved to the parts department, Snider stated, "I was an assistant parts manager to both parts managers. Next, I was moved out to the service [department]."

When the couple moved to Auburn, Snider worked at Opelika Chrysler until they started the painting business.

The business started after Daniel Snider, who had become an expert in the painting industry through years working as a manager at Sherwin Williams, decided to start his own business. Daniel Snider believed that by owning his own painting business, he could provide a higher level of quality than was previously avail-

able in the area.

Daniel Snider's philosophy features prominently on the company website, which states, "Five Star Painting of Auburn is proud to give homeowners and business owners nothing but the highest standard of painting services available."

Daniel Snider went into business while his wife still worked for Opelika Chrysler. However, after realizing the See Snider, page 9

The Snider Family

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November 6, 2019

From the military to martial arts, this local veteran continues to serve

By Natalie Salvatore For the Opelika Observer Kentucky native Patrick Baeder once served his country in the Army.

Now, he serves his community by teaching martial arts.

“I entered the Army in 1996, and I went through basic training at Fort Benning,” Baeder said.

The recognitions in his military career began quickly. At the end of Fort Benning, he was awarded the title of Distinguished Honor Graduate, meaning he was the top trainee in that particular training cycle.

His next step became clear when he was accepted to officer candidate school. After graduating, he was branched into army infantry, with Airborne and Ranger schooling to follow.

Baeder ended up in his unit at Fort Drum, New York with the 10th Mountain Division.

There, he served as an infantry platoon leader and a company execu-

Smith, from 6 Guard as a major general.

A military career span-

tive officer.

After five years of active duty, Baeder separated from the Army in 2001, rose to the rank of Captain and was placed in the Reserve.

Once soldiers come out of the regular Army and no longer actively serve, they are kept in the Reserve so they do not have to report.

His decade of service concluded when he completed his time with the Reserve in 2006.

He was deployed only once, for a training mission called JRTC, or the Joint Readiness Training Center, in Fort Polk, Louisiana.

“I hit the Army at a weird time of peace. It’s almost unheard of now, because I arrived at my unit when they had just gotten back from Bosnia,” Baeder said.

“There really wasn’t a lot going on with the 10th Mountain Division until 9/11 happened.”

Since he got out of the regular Army approximately two months prior to 9/11, Baeder said he didn’t go on that mission with them, and therefore, did not have any kind

of high-speed deployments as far as places such as Iraq or Afghanistan.

Before it all began, Baeder made the choice to join the Army when he felt a strong need to serve.

“At that point in my life, I felt it was time to give back to the U.S., and the best way I knew was to give a portion of my time in service to my country,” Baeder said.

His life took yet another turn when his wife was offered a job at Auburn University while he was still serving in the Army.

He said it was a pure family decision for his resignation from the military so his family could relocate here.

His wife, Francesca Adler-Baeder, is now a professor of human development and family studies.

Baeder decided to continue his service, but this time, to his local community through opening a tae kwon do school in 2002. He is the owner and head instructor of the Auburn Academy of Martial

ning more than 43 years in the United States Army National Guard, fulfilling commitments in Oklahoma, Virginia, Georgia and Alabama and serving as under an Alabama gov-

ernor, Smith is now retired from the Army, but still has a thriving business in wealth management, Smith-Kastner Wealth Management LLC, located at 1800 Airport

Baeder, pictured center Arts.

“I had always wanted to do martial arts when I was a kid, but my parents didn’t want me to. When I went off to college, I just knew I really wanted to do it,” Baeder said.

He began martial arts in 1989 and pursued his black belt from there.

Now a sixth-degree black belt in tae kwon do and a fifth-degree black belt in hapkido, Baeder achieved his goal of becoming a successful martial artist.

The veteran and business owner has placed in many championships and competitions for martial arts since beginning his journey.

His school’s mission is “to teach high quality

martial arts. Not as an end, but as a means to develop the strong character of our students in order to positively impact our community and beyond.”

Children and adults alike can benefit from becoming a martial artist, both physically and mentally. All are welcome at his studio, where they teach anyone ages 4 and onward.

Besides Baeder serving as the main instructor, there are two other master instructors, as well as several other assistant instructors, making up a full staff of black belts.

“Being traditional makes us stand out, because we are in a culture right now of mixed

Road in Opelika.

“I had an amazing career in the Army and it afforded me – and still affords me – many benefits,” Smith said. “I think every person should be

required to serve, at least in ROTC; the military is really just a lifelong lesson in self-confidence. You’re taught you are good, that if you go to war, you won’t be killed – you will

martial arts that are very competitive,” Baeder said when speaking about how his school uses a values-based system of teaching and refrains from teaching martial arts like a blood sport as seen on television nowadays.

There are no registration or membership fees for students. There are instead two track options. The Black Belt Track, which is $125 per month, provides unlimited classes to focus on developing the martial artist in character and instruction. The Leadership Track, which is $155 per month, includes everything the Black Belt Track has, along with two leadership classes per week to allow students both leadership skills and advanced weapons training.

If one family member registers at full price, each additional family members receives a 25% discount. In addition, students are expected to pay according fees with each new belt testing.

“Our goal is to make See Baeder, page 11

be the one to kill them, because you are that good.

That was a lesson I will never forget.”

Not bad for a guy who was not the least bit interested in a military career.

November 6, 2019

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Army veteran, Backwater BBQ owner Wayne Wommack uses business, life to make a difference in the lives of others

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Growing up on a 3,000-acre family farm in Tennille, Georgia, Backwater BBQ owner Wayne Wommack was perfectly content with his future as a farmer.

Uncle Sam had other plans. In 1970, shortly after graduating from Washington Road High School in nearby Sander-

sville, he was drafted into service by the U.S. Army to serve in the Vietnam War. "I went and took basic training at Fort Benning.

But I had no intention to be a soldier," Wommack said. "Then, a senior drill sergeant told a bunch of us one Saturday that if we wanted out, that he would get us out. But, you're going with a bad conduct discharge."

Wommack After weighing his options briefly and considering his family's

rich tradition of military service, Wommack decided to stay and do what he needed to become a soldier.

Following completion of his basic training and Airborne School instruction at Fort Benning, Wommack was shipped to Fort Sam Houston in Texas for Ranger School.

Later, he went to Fort Bragg in North Carolina See Wommack, page 10

Snider, from 7 amount of work that was required to run his own business, he knew that Jessica would be the perfect business partner, bringing her commitment to caring for others as well as management expertise.

How Military Training Translated into Business Success Jessica Snider said that while she gained leadership expertise by working as assistant manager to several effective managers, the military has given her opportunities to observe

inspiring leaders and thus develop her leadership style. Being responsible for others in military leadership roles prepared both Jessica and Daniel for being part of a business in which they supervise employees.

"I have a bad habit of taking care of other people before I take care of myself, which we roll into the business as well, but I don't think it's a bad thing," said Jessica. "I think it's a good thing.

Our partners become like our friends and family, and our customers too."

For more information, call 205-5123710.

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November 6, 2019

Army veteran, Auburn resident Don Crow reminisces on military career, path to small business ownership

By Morgan Bryce Editor Serving others has been the life mantra of Don Crow, a seven-year U.S. Army veteran and current owner of the Auburn-based advertising agency Verge Pipe Media.

Born in the small town of Ninety-Six, South Carolina, Crow lived there until he was 7 years old, when his family relocated to Anniston for his father's career with

Wommack, from 9 where be received his commendation as a Green Beret.

Wommack received extra training before being deployed to Vietnam as a special forces medic.

In total, Wommack would serve 13 years before leaving the U.S. Army with a final rank of E-6.

While there were many positive memories and lasting friendships made during his time in the military along with overall good health, Wommack said many of his scars from serving in

the Department of the Army at Fort McClellan.

After graduating from Pleasant Valley High School, Crow attended the nearby Jacksonville State University, where he majored in English and minored in military history.

During his time at Jacksonville State, Crow was a member of the school's ROTC program and received his commission after graduation.

He soon joined the 28th Infantry Regiment, betcombat are internal.

"Mentally, many of us never come home. Your eyes won't unsee what you see, and you can't unhear or unsmell what you smelled in combat," Wommack said.

Construction was Wommack's next career path, working from 1983 to 2009 on projects along the East Coast before relocating to the Columbus-Phenix City area in 2009.

Five years later, Wommack and a friend went into business together to open Backwater BBQ near Lake Harding.

Backwater is now solely owned and operated by Wommack and his "significant other" Judy.

Crow ter known as the Black Lions, at Fort Jackson,

South Carolina in 1993.

A major highlight of

Wommack said he taps into his competition-circuit experience and appreciation of cooking and smoking styles found back in his hometown to create an unforgettable dining experience for customers.

"Unlike a whole bunch of the barbecue restaurants that are in Lee, Russell and Muscogee counties, we don't have corporate (or company) guidelines, and we're able to create or make what our customers want," Wommack said. "We do nothing ordinary here. Day in and day out, when we do caterings, we always put our mark on it. I don't give a damn about a lot of things in this world,

but I want to do things right, and I want to treat our customers right."

Wommack uses Backwater to benefit local special needs and veterans organizations, often providing steep discounts to those groups of people who are close to his heart.

"I believe that if you do good to others, it'll come back to you sooner or later," Wommack said.

In addition to his busy life as a restaurateur, Wommack said he continues to live as a soldier by looking out for his fellow veterans by maintaining frequent or almost daily contact with some of them to help combat the onset of

Crow's Army career came during his involvement in Operation Joint Endeavor in BosniaHerzegovina in 1995 and 1996, which was historic for being the first time U.S. and Russian troops had shared a similar mission. He served as an adjutant to the Assistant Division Commander for Support, helping coordinate operational deployments in BosniaHerzegovina, North Macedonia and Albania on NATO-led missions.

Pursuing a long-time dream, Crow returned home from duty overseas in 1998 and took over as the Black Lions' company commander, a role he would fill for the next three years until relinquishing his command in May 2000.

"To some degree, especially when you're deployed, you're tested mentally, emotionally and physically every day.

So, you learn a lot of

depression or isolation.

In his situation, he said his 4-year-old dog Callie helps him through some of his daily struggles.

"On average, 22 to 23 veterans die every day. I'll sometimes call, sometimes text them, and if I don't get an answer, I'll go beat on their door because I don't want them to become part of that statistic," Wommack said. "Those personal demons are real, and I want to be in that fight with them. And if I can't, I want them to know that they don't need to quit and that they shouldn't feel like giving up."

Wommack said his life has been fulfilling. He has two daughters, Alyse

and Suzann, and six grandchildren between them, all ranging in age from 2 to 11 years old.

"God has been good to me. He's blessed me more than I was worthy of, because I always haven't been a good person," Wommack said.

"There were times in my life when I didn't like myself, but today, I'm a different person. And I'm really, really thankful for that."

Backwater's hours of operations vary, but it is always closed on Mondays. For more information or to learn more about their menu, call 706-681-4661. The restaurant is located at 992 Lee Road 334 in Salem.

See Crow, page 11

November 6, 2019

Page 11

Message from the Mayor of Smiths Station Dear Readers,

A

s the son of a Vietnam War veteran and mayor of a small city filled with both active duty and former military individuals, Veterans Day is a cherished annual celebration in my life.

Their commitment to upholding American values and ideals, both

Crow, from 10 perspective," Crow said.

"I got to see parts of the world that most people don't, and got to live in Europe for a little over three years. It's a time I'll look back over fondly but definitely thankful for the experience. The best part was the people I worked with and the camaraderie I shared with them."

Fresh out of the military, Crow began searching for his next career.

In 2000, many companies were looking for candidates like him in sales positions because of proven leadership qualities and effective communication skills.

Interviewing with a number of companies, one company in particular struck his fancy and

Copeland domestically and abroad, is worth celebrating at every turn, and I can say that their sacrifice is something for which I am eternally

ended up becoming his next employer.

"In the late '90s and early 2000s, we all had access to email and the internet, but there was still so much mystery about what it was and what it would become.

Companies like AOL were dominating the news for their pushes in that realm, and I knew that's where I wanted to work," Crow said.

Starting as a sales coach with the company and based in Jacksonville, Florida, Crow quickly worked his way up the ranks with the booming tech giant, staying with AOL for nearly eight years before accepting a job at Auburn University.

Though Crow grew up in South Carolina and northern Alabama, his mother and several relatives were all Auburn alumni. After a brief

Baeder, from 8

grateful.

While flipping through the pages of this publication, I hope these same emotions and thoughts are evoked in you, the reader.

These veterans truly represent the best in our county and its respective cities and communities.

May God bless America and its veterans.

Sincerely, F.L. "Bubba" Copeland

stroll on campus back in 2005, he said he knew within minutes that he had found his next home.

"I always knew it was a special place because I've always been passionate in attending Auburn sporting events.

But, coming at it and looking through the lens of actually living here, the instant I knew was when I started walking across the lawn in front of Samford Hall," Crow said.

Accepting the director position of corporate and foundation relations at Auburn University in November 2008, Crow actively worked to maintain solid partnerships with major companies like Coca-Cola and Home Depot that actively funded school developments and projects.

Shortly into his tenure with the university,

Auburn and our extended area better by giving kids direction, focus, self-control, and just making them better by giving them a black belt, one black belt at a time,�

Baeder said.

For more information about Auburn Academy of Martial Arts, Baeder encourages those interested to visit the school to observe a class or jump in and try it out. The school is located at 323 Airport Road, Suite J in Auburn, near Mikata in the Airport

Crow started feeling an entrepreneurial itch to start his own business.

In 2010, with assistance from his wife Katie, Crow was able to realize his dream by founding and launching Verge Pipe.

"I wanted to be an entrepreneur - the bug had always been there, but I wasn't ready for a full-fledged agency at first. Agency life is hard because it is very much a service (oriented) business," Crow said. "We were that typical, dysfunctional start-up for that first several years after we opened."

Two years later, he left his job with the university to fully concentrate on growing Verge Pipe, a role he still holds presently.

Advertising in this digital age poses daily challenges and constant education for Crow and

Plaza off of Glenn Avenue.

With questions, contact the school by phone 334502-7221, email info@ auburnacademy.com or visit auburnacademy.com.

his team. Clients representing a myriad of businesses, industries and organizations rely on Verge Pipe for billboard and television advertising, social media content management, video production and website design and development.

"The projects we do are fun, but (can be) kind of hard to build business around," Crow said. "Clients are very much like individuals - they want results, usually right now. I always try to walk them through a scenario of lifetime

customer value ... how to develop a deeper relationship with their (customers), get them to come back and tell their friends about it. That's always a challenge I've embraced and enjoyed helping companies solve."

When he isn't tied up with clients or ongoing campaigns, Crow enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, enjoying an afternoon drive in his Jeep, reading and watching college football, particularly Auburn.

Katie is a practicing family law attorney at the Gullage and Tickal Law Firm in Opelika.

For more information about Verge Pipe, call 334-750-5193, like and follow its social media pages, or visit www. vergepipemedia.com.

The agency is located at 166 N. Gay St., Suite 11 in Auburn.

Page 13

November 6, 2019

Local restaurant offering sweet treat for Veterans Day Special to the Opelika Observer Known for bringing friends and family together and our commitment to the community, Huddle House in Opelika is showing respect and support for those who have and continue to protect our country by offering a free order of Sweet Cakes (any variety) to all active duty, retired and veteran military members with proof of valid military ID from Nov. 8 through 11.

According a press release, restaurant management wrote that the purpose of this Veterans Day offer is "to show respect and express our thanks for our nation’s active duty,

retired and veteran military members, many of whom have put their lives on the line to protect our country, we believe that an order of our thick, fluffy sweet cakes pancakes is a nice way to share a token of appreciation and thank them for their service."

The promotion will be available all Veterans Day weekend, with Huddle House open 6 a.m. to midnight on Friday and 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, call 334745-4800 or like and follow that location's Facebook page. The restaurant is located at 2020 Gateway Drive next to the Studio 6 Extended Stay Hotel.

Aspire Integrative Health Clinic to offer free health screening for veterans, discounts for veterans without health insurance

By Michelle Key Publisher Dr. Viengxay Malavong and the Aspire Integrative Health Clinic is offering a free health screening

for veterans during the week of Veteran's Day. During the screening, they will check basic vitals signs, blood sugar levels and any other health con-

cerns. They will also offer a mental health screening for PTSD, anxiety and depression.

The clinic will offer a special discount to vets who do not have

insurance of $60 per visit, should they choose to seek care from the clinic.

The clinic is located 2202 Gateway Drive, Suite A in Opelika.

Hours of opera-

tion for the month of November are every Monday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will also be open on Nov. 3 and 17 from 1 to 8 p.m.

These dates and times are subject to change, and it is recommended that all patients call first to assure they are open.

For more information, call 334-2031723.

November 6, 2019

Page 14

Local businesses offer specials to veterans

By Michelle Key Publisher Every year, many restaurants and retailers across America offer specials to military veterans in honor of Veterans Day. The list below is just some of the local businesses that will be offering a special for veterans. Most will require proof of eligibility, so be prepared.

Academy Sports + Outdoors -- Military and first responders can receive 10% off in-store or online from Oct. 27 to Nov. 11.

Applebees – Nov. 11, 2019: One of eight entrées to choose from for a free meal. Military ID or proof of service required. For more information, call 334-8877747 or like and follow the local Applebees Facebook page. The Auburn store is located at 1627 Opelika Road.

Buffalo Wild WingsBuffalo Wild Wings is having their annual Veterans Day free food deal on Veterans Day, which is Nov. 11. All day, veterans and active-duty military get a free order of small boneless or traditional wings and a side of fries. This offer is valid at participating Buffalo Wild Wings locations and is for dine-in only. Beverages, taxes and gratuity are not included in this offer.

Chicken Salad Chick On Nov. 11, participating Chicken Salad Chick location is giving out a free Chick Special and regular size drink in honor of Veterans Day. Veterans and active-duty military can take advantage of this Veterans Day free meal if they can show proof of service. This can include a VA card, DD214 card or military ID.

Chipotle -- Buy-one/ get-one free burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos. Offer valid for all U.S. military (active-duty, Guard/Reserve, and retired military), military spouses with ID and veterans. For in-restaurant orders only; offer not valid for online, mobile, fax or catering orders Cici's Pizza -Free pizza buffet.

Chuck’s BBQ – Offers free drinks to military year -round Cracker Barrel – On Veterans Day, Cracker Barrel is giving veterans a Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake dessert or Pumpkin Pie Latte...for free!

Dollar General - Dollar General 11% Veterans Day Discount: Veterans, active military members and their immediate family members will get 11% off their in-store or online purchases at Dollar General on Veterans Day. Dunkin' Donuts -- To show their support, Dunkin' Donuts is giving away free donuts to active duty military and veterans on Monday, Nov. 11.

This free Veterans Day donut is limited to one per customer while supplies last, but no purchase or military ID is required.

It's possible that not every Dunkin' Donuts location is participating, so be sure to call ahead to double check.

Freddy's - Visit a Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers this Veterans Day, Nov. 11, to get a free combo meal card.

You must be a veteran or active-duty military to pick up the card, but it can be redeemed by anyone through Nov. 30.

Golden Corral – Nov. 11, (5 to 9 p.m.): The 19th annual Golden Corral

Military Appreciation dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation dinner. For more information, call 334741-0570. The restaurant is located at 2301 Birmingham Way. Great Clips - Veterans and active, inactive or retired military members can stop into Great Clips for a free haircut on Veterans Day on Nov. 11. If they don't want a haircut that day, they can get a haircut card that they can redeem before the end of the year.

Anyone else can stop in to get their haircut on Nov. 11 and receive a free haircut card that they can give to a veteran, which is redeemable through Dec. 31.

IHOP - This year on Nov. 11, IHOP will be honoring veterans and active-military men and women with the choice of a free breakfast combo or a free stack of Red, White and Blueberry pancakes.

Krispy Kreme - Free doughnut and small coffee.

Krystal -Free breakfast sausage biscuit with military ID from 6 to 11 a.m. on Monday.

Little Caesars - Veterans and military with valid ID can snag a free $5 Hot and Ready lunch combo from Little Caesar’s on Veterans Day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Lowes - Lowe's has a 10% military discount for current, retired and VA members. This also applies to immediate family.

National Parks More than 100 national parks will waive admission

fees on November 11, 2019, in honor of Veterans Day. Applies to everyone, including veterans.

O’Charley's O’Charley’s will give veterans and active duty military a free meal for Veterans Day 2019. They also offer a 10% military discount all year and will donate to the Folded Flag Foundation from now through Veterans Day. Outback SteakhouseOutback Steakhouse will, like Carrabba’s, also offer a special ongoing 10 percent Heroes Discount for all servicemen and women, police officers, firefighters and first responders starting on Nov. 12, 2019. The Heroes Discount will be upped to 20% off their entire check from Nov. 8 through Nov. 11. Diners can also donate to Operation Homefront from

Nov. 6, 2019 to Jan. 7, 2020 by purchasing a Homefront Hero cocktail or donating a meal to a military family through a gift card purchase or donating on their checks in their restaurant of choice.

Olive Garden - Nov. 11 - Olive Garden is having a Veterans Day free meal for all active-duty military and military veterans.

Publix Supermarket Publix is offering 10% off items purchased on Veterans Day for active and retired military and their family members.

Proper ID is required and some exclusions apply (see the link above for all the details).

Red Lobster - Active duty military, Reserve and military veterans can stop by Red Lobster and get a free appetizer or dessert.

Red Robin -. Free Red’s

Tavern Double and Bottomless Steak Fries for all Red Robin guests with a military ID or proof of service.

Ruby Tuesday’s -Free appetizer up to $10.

Sports Clips - Veterans and active-duty U.S. service members with proof of service can stop in on Nov. 11 to get a free haircut at any participating Sports Clips location.

Starbucks - Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free tall coffee at Starbucks on Veterans Day 2019.

Susie K's - Veterans can dine-in for half off on lunch or dinner entrees on Sunday Nov. 10.

Tractor Supply Company - Veterans will receive a 15% discount on in-store purchases.

Wild Wing Café – Veterans eat free.

Page 15

November 6, 2019

Coast Guard

Scott Brown shares of experiences in U.S. Coast Guard

By Morgan Bryce Editor A memorable, successful 28-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard started with a simple dinnertime conversation for Opelika small-business owner Scott Brown.

Born and raised in Mobile, Brown was the youngest of five siblings and fresh out of high school in 1983. That summer, he started working part-time at a nearby Winn-Dixie, stocking shelves in advance of its grand opening.

Hours were plentiful at first, but decreased for Brown and other stockers after the store opened.

Following a long shift one November evening, he was home having dinner with his family when his father Buford made a suggestion about his future plans.

“Out of nowhere, he just looks at me and says, ‘Son, I think we’re going to talk to some recruiters tomorrow.’ I just looked at my mom, and she gave me a look implying to not worry about it,” Brown said. “I just told him, ‘okay Pop, sounds good.’”

The next morning, the father and son traveled to meet with Coast Guard

recruiters, which Brown noted was at the urging of his uncle Bill, who was both a Navy veteran and former airline pilot.

Facing the possibility of waiting eight months to an entire year to take a path to active duty, Brown recalled the recruiter’s suggestion to enlist with the Reserves.

Three weeks later, Brown was shipped off for basic training in Cape May, New Jersey, where he got his first taste of the northern winters and military lifestyle.

“It was a really brutally cold winter up there. It was interesting because there was not a lot of outdoor time ... we spent a lot of time in the pool, classroom and gym, but about the only time we went outside was for our morning march ... and all I can remember was feeling like I was going to freeze to death,” Brown said.

From February to April 1984, he went to Yorktown, Virginia for port security training, only available for Reserve members. There, he received training in fire prevention and maritime law enforcement.

In July, Brown was promoted to active duty and accepted a position

at a small boat station in Destin, Florida. During the next year, he would serve on several search-and-rescue missions, working on the bows of the boat looking for people displaced by storms or shipwrecks.

Knowing he wanted to be in the air, Brown’s next stop was aviation electronics school in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, where he attended for the next eight months.

Assigned to a nowdecommissioned,fixedwing aircraft following his training, he manned the plane’s radar system.

In 1986, Brown returned home to Mobile, where he remained for the next three years, where he both flew and helped conduct enlisted air crew training courses through several week-long training sessions.

The next major step in Brown’s career was attending Capitol College in Washington D.C., which is now known as Capitol Technology University, studying and receiving a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering.

Graduating in 1998, Brown returned to Mobile and was promoted from an E-6 and commissioned as a chief warrant officer 2 (more commonly known

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer as a CWO-2), which he described as the bridge role between “being an enlisted member and an officer.” He was relocated and stationed at the Coast Guard’s headquarters in Washington D.C. One year later, Brown would receive another promotion, this time accepting a direct commission role as a lieutenant within the Coast Guard’s C4IT program that was focused on modernizing World War II era vacuum-tube navigation equipment to solid state.

“This is where my trajectory changed,” Brown said. “I went from aviation in the first half of my Coast Guard career to

being C4IT focused in the second half of it.”

In 2005, Brown completed a master’s degree in technical management from Johns Hopkins University. Before retiring from active duty in 2011 as a lieutenant commander, he helped oversee the modernization of the Coast Guard’s maritime communication and rescue system and worked the last two years of his career at the branch’s technology service center in Alexandria, Virginia.

“Looking back on it, I would say I definitely didn’t have a traditional or exciting military career, but I had a blast,” Brown said. “Most people, includ-

ing myself would say the best part about service was about the camaraderie of it, the people you served with. It’s like being part of a brotherhood which is still hard for me to explain to this day.”

Since his retirement and present day, Brown remains active with the Coast Guard through a part-time consulting role.

Two years ago, Brown and his wife Julie relocated from Maryland to the Auburn-Opelika area.

A home-brewing enthusiast, Brown joined the Auburn University Brew Club.

Observing the area’s

"Never was so much owed by so many to so few." –Winston Churchill

See Brown, page 16

Page 16

November 6, 2019

Better Bodies Massage Institute to offer free massages to veterans

By Michelle Key Publisher As a way of saying thank you to our local veterans, Better Bodies Massage Institute is offering free chair massages for veterans on Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at their offices located at 205 N. 7th St. in Opelika.

According to founder and owner of the school Leanne Clark, massage has

been shown to be beneficial to veterans and members of the armed forces who return to the United States with physical limitations.

Massage can help to ease pain, prepare muscles for extra stress and pressure and reduce the effect of physical wounds.

However massage can also help to heal the mental scars and burdens that many

Brown, from 15 lack of a nearby homebrewing and wine-making supply store, Brown set out to open his own business to fill that need, with the Observer being first to share his story in April.

Acquiring two vacant spaces on North Railroad Avenue between La Cantina and Smith T Hardware in January, Brown transformed the building and held a grand opening for the store in June.

Whistle Stop’s inventory provides most, if not all, of the necessary materials and equipment needed for individuals wanting to create their own craft beers or homemade wines. The space can be rented out for par-

ties or special occasions.

Through a classroom in the back of the building, Brown, along with other local brewing or wine-making experts, leads beginner classes for individuals or groups.

With Whistle Stop being located near Opelika’s developing night-life scene on First Avenue, Brown said he has enjoyed cultivating a relationship with the owners of the two nearby breweries and distillery.

“I’ll have people walk down here (from one of those establishments) and

veterans return with.

Nearly 30% of returning veterans are reported to have some form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and this can have a devastating effect on their lives.

Many people can suffer with undiagnosed PTSD for many years without realizing, and it is a condition that may affect many more veterans than the offi-

cial statistics suggest.

Signs and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include suffering from bad dreams, having fearful thoughts and flashbacks, Returning soldiers with PTSD often struggle to maintain regular employment or to fit back into their previously happy family lives.

However, massage can help to ease the

tell me they were told to check me out. I get a lot of referrals,” Brown said.

“It’s great having them as neighbors.”

In the future, Brown said he plans to expand into the neighboring space and create a tap room with 12 craft beers on tap. It will offer growler fills on and off-premise, and he plans to have enough inventory for customers to mix and match their own six packs.

For more information about the shop or its classes offered, call Brown at 334-748-9727, like and follow the shop’s social media pages, or visit www. whistlestopbrewshop.com.

The store’s hours are noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. on Friday, either 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. on Saturday and it is always closed on Sunday and Monday.

emotional pain of PTSD and help its veteran suffers to reconnect with the world in a meaningful

way.

For more information call 334-7371400 or visit www. betterbodiesal.com

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE LRCOG provides Dial-a-Ride transportation, aging, disability and so many other programs to help Veterans and residents of our area. Please call. We’re at your service.

2207 Gateway Drive Opelika, AL 36801 334.749.5264 www.lrcog.com

"This will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." – Elmer Davis

November 6, 2019

Page 17

As rate rises, M*A*S*H theme ‘Suicide is Painless’ is clearly not true

I

t has been 50 years since a 14-year-old boy, helping his father create lyrics to describe the surrealism and cruelness of war, created the theme for the 1970 movie "M*A*S*H" and iconic TV show. Refrain: “Suicide is painless, It brings on many changes, And I can take or leave it if I please.” This was satire: All who lost a relative, friend or co-worker through suicide know it is NOT painless.

USA Today reported that the suicide rate among military troops increased to its highest level since 2014, based on Pentagon reports. The rate of suicide among active-duty troops was 25.8 per 100,g000 people in 2018. Five years ago, the rate among troops was 1/4 less, at 18.5 per 100,000 service members.

The military suicide rate compares with 18.2 people per 100,000 for all Americans aged 17-59. Department of Defense officials insist that, adjusting for age

and gender, the military's rate is basically the same as American society as a whole. The increase was propelled by a 25% increase in such deaths in the Army and a 15% increase in suicides in the Marine Corps.

In April 1993, one of my ex-soldiers faced his personal challenges onc more, alone, but this time, he could not be saved. He shot himself to death in his room at the Las Vegas Hilton at age 42. Jim’s death was apparently caused by deep-seated emotional problems and by loneliness, which is all-too common.

In a 2013 study of suicides in the Army National Guard over a fouryear period, the highest rate of suicides for a demographic group was a rate of 16 suicides out of 100,000. They were ARNG soldiers with an “alternative high-school education (non-diploma)." Soldiers in this category had non-traditional high school credentials, such as a home study

By Greg Markley diploma, a test-based equivalency diploma or an occupational program certificate.

I am frustrated that not enough study is being done to address indications that fear of missing out on college contributes to a person’s suicide. More common factors such as age, gender, ethnicity and race are in the mix. Yet, a good number of first-or second-time enlistees would seemingly prefer a root canal than learn about square roots, notably if they hated high school or failed at college before. Below are four ways to cut suicides tied to lack of confidence in one’s potential: First, connect students

with people they will take one or two courses with.

This may lead to encouragement for these students, and maybe even friendship.

Sponsorship programs in the Army for new soldiers stationed abroad and their families have worked well for soldiers. Create a plan for education, sort of like the orientation programs at Auburn University and Southern Union, but smaller.

Second, ensure that a scared new student gets a subject they like, such as history or science, as his or her first college class.

When teaching at colleges, I tell intimidated students: “Hey, you only have to pass this one course, then you will know you can indeed make it in college. Then, you are on your way!”

Third, professors and administrators are advised to promote the value of a college degree to a troubled student with low confidence, or a poor high school

record, as a preferred path, but not a necessary one. The student is far less likely to attempt suicide when he realizes a person can have a good job and live well even though one doesn’t have a college degree. It is better that he lives for another day then kills himself because of a perceived label of “not college material.”

Fourth, and finally, although I support more personal space for military members, adjustments must be made to soldiers to leave their private or semi-private dorm rooms. Instead of big bashes half way across base that people can easily skip, why not organize parties for one building at a time? All residents need to do is wear casual clothes and flip-flops and walk 30 feet to have fun and end their isolation.

So M*A*S*H’s theme song “Suicide Is Painless,” is false: Not only will a life be disastrously taken, but people who knew the deceased will

also feel guilty. I recall taking my late subordinate out for dinner on his 40th birthday after finding him alone in his barracks room. And I soon got him promoted to staff sergeant.

Maybe I should have called him in South Korea? How about send him a Christmas card at the Presidio of Monterey? Might that have prevented his early demise in Las Vegas?

After 20-plus years, I don’t dwell on it. Still, if you see someone acting suicidal, offer him this number: 1-8 00-273-TALK (8255), for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another” wrote English writer Charles Dickens.

Greg Markley has lived in Lee County for 18 of the past 23 years.

An award-winning journalist, he has master's degrees in education and history. He has taught as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama.

Veterans Crisis Line CALL 1-800-273-8255 Press 1

TEXT 838255

CHAT www.veteranscrisisline. net/get-help/chat

November 6, 2019

Page 18

Marine Corps Retired Marine Jericho Wilson helps individuals navigate financial waters

By Rick Lanier For the Opelika Observer Today, Certified Financial Planner Jericho Wilson from Community Financial Services at AuburnBank enjoys helping people plan their financial futures by expertly navigating them through the volatile waters of the financial market. While Wilson has become a highly respected and successful financial planner in the Auburn-Opelika area, the seeds of his success were first planted far from here, in the hostile desert of Iraq and nurtured to life by the United States Marines.

Wilson, a Phenix City native, joined the United States Marine Corps shortly after graduating Central High School in 1999. For him, joining the military helped alleviate some of the financial burden his mother endured raising him as a single mom, while providing an opportunity to set out in search of “the call” that most who have served seek - purpose.

After completion of basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, Wilson attended a regiment of follow-on training. First, he attended

Marine Corps Combat Training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and then Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Training at Twentynine Palms, California. With all of his training behind him, the newly minted Multi-Channel Electrical Technician (MOS 2831) received orders to Okinawa Japan as a member of the 7th Communication Battalion, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force where he was serving on Sept. 11, 2001.

Shortly after the most prolific terrorist attack in America’s history had occurred, Wilson was transferred to Cherry Point, North Carolina as a member of 2nd Marine Air Wing (MWCS 28).

As the storm clouds of war grew darker and louder on the horizon, so did Wilson’s desire to contribute. Like so many at that time, his “purpose” had been clearly defined by Usama Bin Laden and when an opportunity arose to volunteer for duty in the Bin Laden’s backyard, he did not hesitate.

By August 2002, Wilson was firmly entrenched within a security team as a machine gunner in support of Operation Southern Watch.

Wilson While the majority of his travels and experiences during this time remain classified, he was well aware that his unit, and the others units surrounding him, were planning and training for a large scaled operation.

By the end of February 2003, the invasion of Iraq was imminent and Wilson and the others were highly trained, motivated and more than ready to answer the call when the order was given.

“I thought we were going to catch a plane from where we were down to Kuwait and then drive North with our buddies but I was wrong,” Wilson lamented.

“Unfortunately for me, it would be a different set of orders as they told me that I had been in country too long and I had to rotate back to the states” continued Wilson.

“I’m one of the only two out of the whole damn

company that actually wanted to be here, and now when we’re needed the most, your sending me home!?” He did not like it, but Wilson had his orders and so he went back to North Carolina to watch the operation he had trained so long for unfold on television like everyone else – his purpose unfulfilled.

In June 2004, Wilson once again found himself in somewhat of a dilemma. His five-year contract with the Marines was soon to expire as the news that his unit had received orders to return to duty in the Middle East broke. Wilson opted to return to duty on a six-month extension, this time it was Fallujah, there would be no further service afterwards. “Fallujah was a rough experience” Wilson said., “my total time in the Marine Corps would be five and a half years.”

Now 24 years old, five and a half years removed from high school and seasoned by life beyond his years, Wilson found himself headed back home to attend classes at Auburn University starting the spring semester of 2005. Initially hoping to convert his military training into a career, he

initially pursued an electrical engineering degree.

Soon however, Wilson would find his true calling in finance completing his undergraduate degree in December 2008.

“During college I had to help supplement my Montgomery GI Bill I was using to pay for books and tuition” Wilson acknowledged, “so I worked building and grounds at Auburn Bank.”

It was there that Wilson met Burt Harris, the founder of Investment Professionals Incorporated.

“I had never met Burt before then but I had already determined that I didn’t want to be a banker, so I asked Bert in December 2007 if I could intern with him during the summer semester 2008. I ended up interning that Summer and then again in the Fall. Somewhere along the way we agreed that I would come on in an assistant capacity until I became a fully licensed advisor in July 2009, I’ve been here ever since.”

Always willing to serve, Wilson gravitated to another service organization, this time the Rotary Club, where the same disciplines he

honed in the Marine Corps subsequently led to his election as president of the Rotary from 2018 to 2019. During his tenure, Wilson spearheaded tornado relief efforts, raising over $55 thousand dollars for those affected in Beauregard. Additionally, Wilson continues to assist in a variety of capacities within his community and enjoys meeting other veterans and serving alongside them as well.

For more than 10 years now, Wilson has made it his new mission to help people better themselves and take control their future through financial and investment planning.

On April 20, 2013, Wilson focused on his future when he married the former Rebecca Colley, the love of his life.

“She’s the best thing to happen to me. Helping people secure their financial futures, serving my community with Rebecca by my side, my life is full, I’ve learned what my purpose truly is."

For more information about Community Financial Services, call Wilson at 334-887-9760 or visit him on the web at ameripriseadvisors.com/ jericho.wilson/.

"This will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." – Elmer Davis

November 6, 2019

Page 19

Marine Toys for Tots 2019 Christmas Holiday Campaign Kick-Off Special to the Opelika Observer Oct. 1 marked the official kickoff for the Toys for Tots 2019 holiday campaign running through Christmas.

U.S. Marines and volunteers will be

conducting 812 local toy collection and distribution campaigns in all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands.

Who: U.S. Marines and 35,000+ volunteers, millions

of local supporters, hundreds of corporate partners of Toys for Tots What: Marines and volunteers engaging with local businesses, media and individuals within their communities collecting

new, unwrapped toys and distributing those gifts to less fortunate children, allowing them to experience the joy of Christmas: Oct. 1 – Dec. 25 Where: Toys for Tots is conducting 812 local campaigns

in communities throughout the U.S. Find a local TFT campaign near you by visiting our website at www.toysfortots.org Why: There is an estimated 15 million children living in poverty in the

U.S. The mission of Marine Toys for Tots is to bring the joy of Christmas to less fortunate children with the goal to deliver a message of hope that will inspire youngsters to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. The objectives include having a positive impact on the development of children, creating or restoring selfesteem and bringing all elements of communities together in a common cause for three months each year.

Veteran's Outreach Agent connects area veterans to community resources Lee County Veterans Outreach Program (From the semi-annual report overview written by Jamie Popwell) In October 2018, the Lee County Commission approved and funded a position through the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service to provide a Veteran’s Outreach Agent Assistant here in Lee County. The premise

behind the position was to service the needs of veterans in Lee County and assist other veterans in surrounding countries.

Service includes help with employment opportunities, Liaison with both colleges to place veterans in touch with educational opportunities, address needs for homelessness and financial difficulties and help returning veterans re-adjust to everyday

life after returning from overseas assignments. Additionally, the agent would be responsible for bringing awareness of veteran issues through meetings, speaking engagements and daily interaction with businesses and residents in Opelika, Auburn, Smiths Station, Beauregard and Loachapoka.

Summary The position began on Dec. 4, 2018 but because

of the Christmas holiday shutdown at (Auburn) University, work didn’t actually begin in earnest until Jan. 5.

I immediately set out to establish the presence of this new position by introducing myself to the two veteran service officers assigned to Lee County. After an initial meet-and-greet, I have had very little interaction with either of them. They aren’t

interested in engaging with me in any way, and repeated emails and phone calls have been ignored.

I began working with the Auburn University Student Veterans Resource Center as well as the office of Workforce Development at Southern Union to establish a liaison and assist where I could. This led to an invitation to a Veterans Steering Committee chaired by Director

Greg Leikvold. I hold a seat on this committee and have participated in numerous meetings centered on helping build East Alabama as a preferred area for veterans to relocate. In February, we held a job/ hiring fair and workshop that attracted 18 veterans with interests in careers here locally on Southern Union’s Opelika Campus.

There were two veterans See Outreach, page 21

We're going to take care of our military - the people in our military, the finest people we have.

- President Donald J. Trump

November 6, 2019

Page 20

Local services offered in Lee County for veterans

By Opelika Observer Staff The Veterans Administration is a national organization that, through its state and local offices, offers many services and benefits to veterans and their dependents. Here is a brief summary of the programs and benefits available.

HOUSING AND HOME LOAN GUARANTEES FOR VETERANS A VA loan (also known as a Veterans Administration (VA) home loan) is one of the most useful military benefits.

If you qualify, you can buy or refinance a home mortgage with as little as $0 down, with great rates and financing up to $424,000.

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT (VR&E) You may receive Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development and job seeking skills coaching.

Other services may be provided to assist veterans and service members in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment.

To learn more about the VR&E program, review the VR&E Process page, and the tabs and links on

this page. Click on the "How to Apply" tab to apply for VR&E services.

VA's Education and Career Counseling program is a great opportunity for Veterans and Servicemembers to get personalized counseling and support to help guide their career paths, ensure the most effective use of their VA benefits, and achieve their goals.

LOCAL VETERANS EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (LVER) LVERs conduct active outreach programs with employers, community and veterans organizations, unions and local counseling and social services agencies to ensure that veterans know about and receive the services for which they are eligible. They work with veterans to place them in federallyfunded employment and training programs. They also assist veterans in developing job interviewing and resume writing skills. They help veterans conduct a productive job search and access job listings through electronic data bases, including Americas Job Bank VA MEDICAL CENTERS AND HOSPITALS Montgomery, Tuskegee, Birmingham and Tuscaloosa offer the closest VA medical facilities for Lee County residents.

Free or low-cost medical care and pharmaceutical care as provided by the

VA Health Administration has its roots as far back as 1812, when the first naval home care service began in Philadelphia. President Hoover created the VA in 1930, and hospitals were built across the country in the 1940s dedicated solely to the care of veterans. In 1988, President Reagan elevated the VA to cabinet-level administration when he signed the Department of Veterans Affairs Act. Since that time, the VA has had its share of struggles within its own administration.

However, local veterans are still being served every day. Here is a list of the services offered by the VA Health Administration in our area: - Blindness Rehabilitation - Post Traumatic Stress - Traumatic Brain Injury - Agent Orange Exposure - Gulf War Syndrome and Related Illnesses - Radiation Exposure - HIV/AIDS Treatment - Alcohol/Drug Dependency Treatment - Blind Veterans Service - CHAMPVA - Combat Veteran Healthcare Eligibility - Online Health Services for Veterans In addition to the federal VA programs, Alabama offers several additional services through its state funded

veteran’s program.

THE ALABAMA G.I. DEPENDENTS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM This nationally renowned program was created by Act 633 and approved in October 1947 by the Alabama Legislature. It is administered by the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (ADVA) and is governed by the Code of Alabama 1975, Section 31-6-1. The veteran must meet the qualifications listed below to establish eligibility of his/her dependents. A dependent is defined as a child, stepchild, spouse or the un-remarried widow (er) of the veteran.

Military Service: The veteran must have honorably served at least 90 days of continuous active federal military service or been honorably discharged by reason of service-connected disability after serving fewer than 90 days of continuous active federal military service.

Disability Requirements: Beginning July 31, 2017, veterans must be rated 40% or more because of service-connected disabilities or have held the qualifying rating at the time of death, be a former prisoner of war (POW), declared missing in action (MIA), died as the result of a serviceconnected disability rating or died while on active military service in

the line of duty. *Veterans with a disability rating of 2030% may qualify if the effective date of their disability rating is on or before July 31, 2017.

This provision will expire on July 31, 2023. *Veterans whose disability rating is less than 20% prior to May 23, 2017, but who had a claim for compensation pending prior to that date, which resulted in a final award by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs of at least 20%, may be eligible if the dependent applies for benefits within six months of that final adjudication.

Veteran Residency Requirements: (Veterans must qualify under at least one of the following two requirements): 1. Permanent civilian resident for at least one year immediately prior to initial entry into federal active military service or any subsequent entry into federal active military service where a 12-month break in service occurred.

AND one of the following: Current resident for at least two years immediately prior to the date of the scholarship application or date of veteran’s death; or Current resident who was discharged from active duty within 12 months prior to the date of the scholarship ap-

plication; or Filed a resident Alabama income tax return for the past 10 consecutive years immediately prior to the date of the scholarship application.

2. Bona fide permanent resident for at least five years immediately prior to the date of this application or the date of the veteran’s death. Applies to 100% permanent and total ratings only .

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS: As of July 31, 2017, students applying for benefits for the first time must meet all of the following: - Must be a current resident of the state of Alabama at the time of application; and - Must complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each year that they are covered under the Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program; and - Must comply with Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by their education institution; and - Must complete a Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) release form for each educational institution that they attend to authorize the release of personally identifiable information required to determine continued eligibility and as required See Services, page 22

November 6, 2019

Page 21

Central Alabama VA going smoke-free Special to the Opelika Observer As we continually strive to provide excellent health care along with a safe environment at our facilities for veterans, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is implementing a new policy restricting smoking by patients, visitors, volunteers, contractors and vendors at its health

Outreach, from 19 I specifically assisted in finding jobs through this workshop. Jamal Jenkins and Jacqueline Smith are both success stories finding opportunities at a local restaurant chain.

The steering committee meets monthly to brainstorm and build on the initial successes of the first workshop.

Also, in early February, I was asked to participate in the Veterans Court program in Lee County as a mentor for veterans who had been arrested and pled guilty to crimes but are given a second chance.

The purpose of the men-

care facilities effective Oct. 1.

Although VA has historically permitted smoking in designated areas, there is growing evidence that smoking and exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke creates significant medical risks and risks to safety and direct patient care that are inconsistent with medical requirements and limitations. Accordingly, VA’s

VHA has collaborated with key stakeholders to update and recertify the policy to be consistent with the department’s commitment to veterans and the community.

“We are not alone in recognizing the importance of creating a smoke-free campus,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “As of 2014, 4,000 health care facilities and four national

health care systems in the U.S. have implemented smoke-free grounds. This policy change coincides with additional VHA efforts to help us become the provider of choice for veterans and the reason why veterans will Choose VA.” In order to comply with the policy change, Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS) offers its

enrolled veterans the tools to assist in smoke cessation. Some of these include the Tobacco Cessation Quitline, where Veterans can call for support in the process of quitting smoking; Text Messaging Program, which provides tips and support in helping quit tobacco; the Stay Quit Coach Mobile App, which is another resource and guide for adults who are already in treatment to quit smoking; as well as group classes that meet weekly at the Tuskegee, Perry Hill, Fort Rucker and Columbus locations.

Additionally, VHA has extensive resources

and programs to assist veterans in their smokefree journey. They can be found at https://www. mentalhealth.va.gov/ quit-tobacco/.

VHA’s new smokefree policy applies to cigarettes, cigars, pipes and any other combustion of tobacco and non-Federal Drug Administration approved electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), including but not limited to: electronic or e-cigarettes, vape pens or e-cigars.

For information about this matter and the policy, visit: www. va.gov/vhapublications/ViewPublication. asp?pub_ID=8242.

tor is to hold the veteran accountable and make sure he/she progresses through the program until graduation. I am currently mentoring two veterans in this program. It is a lengthy process and we meet twice a month at the Justice Center in Judge Hughes’ courtroom.

I was contacted by the daughter of a wellknown local veteran about reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses he incurred in December that she was having difficulty getting answers at the Veterans Administration.

I personally contacted the VA office in Montgomery to plead her case (with her permission) and after being denied, I engaged several local civic groups to help cover

the costs, raising the entire amount and presented it to the family in April. For personal reasons, I’ve excluded his name but can furnish that if need be.

In February, I partnered with Jericho Wilson, a Financial Advisor for Ameriprise Financial Services to provide a workshop for first-time home buyers through the VA. While participation was small, we helped a young veteran understand the process for utilizing her VA home loan opportunity to purchase her first home.

There will be follow up workshops at both Auburn University and Southern Union to capitalize on the student veteran base attending both universities in the fall.

In March, I was ap-

pointed to the Advisory Board of the Lee-Russell Council on Aging as a member representing the veterans in both counties.

We meet quarterly and are due to meet this month. I was also asked to sit and participate in a Veterans Committee for the City of Auburn to help plan the Memorial Day activities.

On March 4, the day after the devastating tornado swept through the Beauregard and Smith Station communities, I assisted with relief efforts and assisted veteran families (Stensen family) secure financial assistance through other charitable organizations. Additionally, I provided labor to help with cleanup and distribution of food and supplies. I spent more

than two weeks in both affected areas.

I have assisted families with funeral arrangements for military service (family of James P. Murphy Jr.) and because of this, I’ve established a liaison with local funeral homes to provide assistance with flag presentations and securing contact numbers for all casualty affairs officers for each branch of the military to provide burial assistance and military honors funerals for those who qualify.

I have assisted aging veterans with submitting appeals letters for rejections to claims for Agent Orange (Allen Beard) and offered advice and guidance to younger veterans from The War on Terror (David Cason) with filing

claims on service-connected disabilities and requests for review on percentage disabled.

In the last six months, I have developed working relationships with several other non-profit organizations that specialize in job placement and resume building for veterans such as Still Serving Veterans.

Through this particular company, I have assisted in placing four veterans in potential jobs here locally.

As a part of bringing awareness to veteran issues, I’ve been asked to speak at civic groups, churches, businesses, hospitals, events and local schools from kindergarten thru 12th grade.

To date, the numbers total 26 speaking engagements.

Page 22

November 6, 2019

Services, from 20 for necessary reporting.

Student Entitlement: Children and stepchildren of qualified veterans may receive five standard academic years (10 semesters) at any Alabama State-supported institution of higher learning or a prescribed course of study at any state –supported technical college to be used for undergraduate courses of study at the in-state tuition rate.

Student’s receive eight years from the date the application is received in the headquarters office to use their 10 semesters.

Spouses or un-remarried widow(er)s of a veteran rated as 100% permanently and totally disabled may also receive five standard academic years (10 semesters) at any Alabama Statesupported institution of higher learning or a prescribed course of study at any state –supported technical college to be used for undergraduate courses of study at the in-state tuition rate.

Student’s receive 8 years from the date the application is received in the headquarters office to use their 10 semesters.

Spouses or un-remarried widow (er)s of a veteran rated 20-90% disabled are entitled to three standard academic years (six semesters) at any Alabama State-supported institution of higher learning or a prescribed

course of study at any state –supported technical college to be used for undergraduate courses of study at the in-state tuition rate. Student’s receive six years from the date the application is received in the headquarters office for processing to use their six semesters.

Beginning with applications received at the ADVA headquarters office with a postmark dated on or after July 31, 2017, tuition will be limited to the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Cap (currently $250 per semester hour) and required textbooks and applicable fees will be limited to a combined $1,000 total per student for each semester.

Schools may waive any overages of these charges at their discretion. All scholarships and grants must be applied to education expenses first (unless otherwise proscribed by state law) and the Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program will be applied for any applicable remaining charges pursuant to current state law.

Please note: Students who made application prior to fall 2009 received a lower amount of awarded semesters and students who made application prior to Fall 2014 were not required to utilize benefits for undergraduate courses of study.

Age Deadline: The child or stepchild must initiate training under our program prior to his/her

26th birthday. In certain situations, a child or stepchild may be eligible for our program up to the age of 30. If the applicant is a stepchild, the veteran and the stepchild’s parent must be legally married prior to the child’s 19th birthday.

Application Assistance: The ADVA maintains offices throughout the state which can furnish information and assist you in filing your application. To find your nearest veterans service office, visit the Veterans Service Office Locator Page for contact options.

THE ALABAMA STATE VETERANS HOME PROGRAM This program offers an alternative to assisted living or nursing home care for veterans. The Bill Nichols State Veterans Home in Alexander City is one such facility.

Services include 24-hour nursing staff, physician on-call 24 hours a day, speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy and pharmacy services.

ALABAMA STATE VETERANS MEMORIAL CEMETERY The Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort sits on over 120 acres of land in Baldwin County, Alabama. The cemetery was dedicated in December 2012 and began interments in April 2013.

The initial phase of the cemetery is 22.8 acres and has 2,776 burial sites (2,392 in-ground). The lifespan of the entire cem-

etery is 100 years.

Pre-registration is available and allows a veteran and their spouse to establish, in advance, their eligibility for burial at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort. There is no cost for pre-registration and it does not obligate the veteran to be interred at the cemetery. Preregistration is intended to simplify and assist the veteran’s next-of-kin at the time of death. The key items needed for preregistration are a copy of the veteran’s discharge certificate (DD Form 214) and, for married veterans, a copy of the marriage certificate.

Contact Info Tony Ross, Cemetery Director Joseph S. Buschell, Assistant Cemetery Director Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort 34904 Alabama Highway 225 Spanish Fort, AL 36577 TUITION WAIVER FOR PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS Public institutions of higher learning in Alabama, including two and four-year technical colleges, community colleges and junior colleges, may waive tuition and fees for recipients of the Purple Heart medal for undergraduate studies.

VETERAN DRIVER LICENSE Since May 1, 2013, Alabama veterans have had the option of displaying proof of military service on their driver

licenses.

To establish proof of service, a veteran must visit one of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Driver License examining offices, a license commissioner’s office or probate office, and present a DD-214 form from the U.S. Department of Defense that shows an “honorable” or “general under honorable conditions” status.

There is no additional charge for the veteran designation for a firsttime driver license applicant or for an individual seeking to renew his or her license. A veteran who chooses to add the designation before his or her renewal date, however, must pay the standard fee for a duplicate license.

DISABLED MILITARY VETERAN’S FRESHWATER FISHING LICENSE Alabama law allows a discounted fishing license for an Alabama resident to fish the freshwaters of Alabama. The veteran must be certified by the USDVA to be 20% or more disabled. The discounted license can be issued at an Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries District Office, Probate Office or License Commissioner’s Office.

VETERANS SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ASSISTANCE The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization helps small businesses obtain information on acquiring contracts with VA. Like other federal offices, VA is required to place

a portion of its contracts and purchases with small and disadvantaged businesses. VA also promotes business with veterans by encouraging VA contracting offices to include veteran-owned contractors in mailings to solicit bids. These businesses are identified from the Procurement Automated Source System and Procurement Marketing and Access Network through the internet, which are maintained by the Small Business Administration.

Contact information for Chambers and Lee County residents: Sean Gathers is the Veterans Service Officer for Lee County. Contact info: 334-737-3626.

The office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday and is located at 100 S. 6th St. in Opelika.

District II Robert W. “Bob” Higgins, District Manager Phone: 205-554-3572 Debra Perry, Administrative Support Assistant Fax: 205-554-4633 3701 Loop Road East Box 37, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35404 Serving: Autauga, Bibb, Calhoun, Chambers, Chilton, Choctaw, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Greene, Hale, Jefferson, Lee, Marengo, Perry, Randolph, Shelby, Sumter, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox counties.

For more assistance and information, visit va.state.al.us or military. com.

November 6, 2019

Page 23

Military commissaries prepare for influx of new shoppers Special to the Opelika Observer A little more than two months before a new shopping benefit takes effect for about three million newly eligible shoppers, defense officials have tested and rolled out the system that will allow these shoppers through the gates.

The technology is in place at the installations’ gate scanning systems at all Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps installations, and at about 40 Army installations, according to defense department spokeswoman Jessica Maxwell.

Starting Jan. 1, all Department of Veterans Affairs serviceconnected disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war and primary veteran caregivers will be eligible to shop at commissaries and exchanges on base and to use certain morale, welfare and recreation facilities.

All veterans with VA service-connected disability ratings of 0 to 90% are newly eligible.

Service-connected disabled and other veterans who are newly eligible will use their veterans health ID card or VHIC to gain access to the in-

stallation and to shop.

Defense officials have added the capability of scanning the VHIC card at most installations’ front gate scanning systems. The balance of the Army installations will have the capability by the end of September 2020, Maxwell said, but most of the remaining installations don’t have facilities that offer benefits such as commissaries and exchanges.

The fiscal 2019 National Defense Authorization Act expanded the pool of eligible shoppers. The expansion also applies to Coast Guard facilities.

The law also included Medal of Honor recipients, but they already had shopping privileges. Previously, veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities were able to shop; now, all with service-connected disabilities can shop.

The benefit extends to MWR programs that are “revenuegenerating facilities,” according to the law.

One example is golf courses.

This is the largest expansion of eligible customers in more than 60 years, and officials at the departments of defense, Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security have been plan-

ning for the rollout for more than nine months.

Sign up for the Pay and Benefits Report Stay up-to-date on changing military benefits and pay Subscribe Don’t have a VHIC card, but you’re eligible?

Officials have also come up with a system that will allow access for about 37,000 veterans who qualify for the new benefits, but aren’t eligible for the VHIC. The only eligible veterans who aren’t currently eligible for a VHIC are those veterans with a zero percent serviceconnected disability rating whose income exceeds the Housing and Urban Development indices, Maxwell said.

“The VA will provide a letter to these disabled veterans indicating they are eligible for these privileges, even if not eligible for the VHIC,” she said.

That letter, along with a driver’s license, passport or other authorized form of ID, will allow these newly eligible shoppers access to the installation, and allow them to use the privilege at commissaries, exchanges and desig-

Photo special to the Opelika Observer An extra three million people will be eligible to shop at commissaries and exchanges and have certain MWR benefits. (Defense Commissary Agency) nated MWR facilities.

This is similar to the process for veteran caregivers. The benefit applies to the primary caregiver of wounded/injured veterans who are registered in the VA caregiver program.

The VA will post a memo to VA.gov for caregivers, to be used for access at the front gate, along with a driver’s license, passport or other authorized form of ID. Can my spouse shop, too?

Theoretically, no. However, your spouse and family members can come into the stores with you, but they just can’t buy anything.

That said, it might take longer to get on base if they’re with

you.

The procedures for access to the installation require people without a DoDissued credential to stop at the visitor control center to undergo a check for criminal history and terrorism indicators, Maxwell said. If the check is successful; if the person’s credential presented can be enrolled; and the installation has installation access control system enrollment capabilities, guests may be able to enroll for recurring access for later visits with their sponsor.

Does this new benefit apply to me if I live overseas?

It does, unless you are living in an area where international agreements or hostnation laws limit ac-

cess to commissaries and exchanges.

About Karen Jowers Karen has covered military families, quality of life and consumer issues for Military Times for more than 30 years and is co-author of a chapter on media coverage of military families in the book "A Battle Plan for Supporting Military Families." She previously worked for newspapers in Guam, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Florida and Athens, Georgia.

Article was originally published at https://www.militarytimes.com/paybenefits/2019/10/21/ more-questionsanswered-as-installations-get-ready-forthe-potential-3-million-extra-shoppers/.

November 6, 2019

Page 24

• Nov. 8 - Opelika Middle School will host a Veterans Day Program on Nov. 8 from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. in the OMS auditorium.

• Nov. 9 - 2019 Tri-City Veterans Parade at 10 a.m.

C.S.T. - Beginning on the corner of Dillingham

Events Calendar Street and Broad Street in Phenix City, going down Broad Street in Phenix City and turning right on 13th Street and going over the 13th Street Bridge, down Broadway to 9th Street in Columbus). ***ROUTE SUBJECT TO CHANGE • Nov. 11 -Remembering

WWI : An Armistice Centennial Concert at 3:30 p.m. at the Alabama Archives Front Terrace, located at 624 Washington Ave. in Montgomery.

• Nov. 11 - Veterans Breakfast - The city of Opelika's Veteran's Day kicks off with a breakfast

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from 8 to 9:45 a.m. at Niffer's at the Tracks. At 10 a.m., a service will begin in front of Opelika's City Hall, weather permitting.

Guest speakers are Army Col. Richard Pelham and USMC Col. Chris Richie.

They will speak on “Veterans: Why We Serve – Past,

Present and Future.” The Opelika High School Choir will also perform. The Museum of East Alabama will host a reception immediately following the service.

• Nov. 11 - Beginning at 10 a.m., the city of Auburn will hold a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial located

at the northeast corner of Ross Street and Glenn Avenue. Mayor Ron Anders, Jr. will officiate the ceremony, which will include a performance by the East Samford School Choir. A reception will follow at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce at 714 E. Glenn Ave.

GoodwillSR to host veterans job fair Nov. 14 Special to the Opelika Observer In honor of Veteran’s Day, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, Inc. Goodwill, along with Still Serving Veterans, Troy University, Georgia Department of Labor – Veteran’s Employment and Work for Warriors have partnered together to hold the Hiring Heroes Job Fair Nov. 14. Veterans, military spouses and their dependents are encouraged to attend the career fair and meet with top employers and resource agencies from across the Chattahoochee Valley.

The event is set to take place at Troy University’s Phenix City campus, which is located at 1510 Whitewater Ave and will last from noon to 4 p.m.

Jobs will be available from a variety of

industries. Top employers expected to attend include the East Alabama Medical Center, Columbus Police Department, Columbus Consolidated Government, Piedmont, Wells Fargo, Concentrix and many more.

In addition to hosting the annual Hiring Heroes event, Goodwill has recently launched a new veteran’s services program as part of their ongoing commitment to serve our nation’s veterans. Services offered include resume development with a specific emphasis on converting a military resume into civilian and/or federal resumes. Goodwill career counselors also coach and train individuals on effective interviewing and communications skills, including conducting mock interviews.

Outside of employment, there is also a focus on health care and other

available resources that holistically support veterans and their families.

As with all the other services Goodwill provides to the community, there is no cost to veterans and their families. These programs are all made possible through the donation of gently used clothing and household goods that are in turn sold at their 13 retail stores.

Anyone who is interested or in need of career services is urged to visit or contact their nearest Goodwill Career Center.

The fair is free and open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend.

Job seekers should come dressed and ready to interview with multiple copies of their resume in-hand.

For more information please contact the Goodwill Midtown Career Center at 706-256-1837, visit www.goodwillsr.org.

"Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11." - President Barack Obama

November 6, 2019

Page 25

Navy Lisa Wilton says Naval career prepared her for future business endeavors

By Kelly Daniel For the Opelika Observer Lisa Wilton, who served in the US Navy in the early 1990s, coowns Wilton's Catering along with her husband Chris Wilton and a third business partner, Senna Barnett, who has been a part of the business for many years.

Lisa Wilton believes that her military experiences helped her to develop skills that prepared her for managing a growing catering business that prides itself on providing excellent food and customer service. The business's Facebook page reaffirms the commitment of the team, stating that Wilton's Catering is owned by Chris Wilton, Senna Barnett, and Lisa Wilton. "The post goes on to say, 'We three owners, along with Catering Associate, Rachael Tierney take great pride in the products we serve, ensuring everything leaving our kitchen meets our very high standards.'"

Experiences in the US Navy Wilton said that she began to consider military service in 1991 after graduating from The University of Mon-

tevallo with a degree in English and a minor in journalism. She started looking for career opportunities that would provide stable employment, decent pay, and meaningful experiences.

However, Wilton had difficulty finding jobs meeting such criteria with her liberal arts degree, and her career exploration led her to speak to a friend who was serving in the US Navy. After talking with her friend and hearing about the career and travel opportunities that the Navy provided him, Wilton did more research, and she said, "In some weird turn of events, I ended up going to a Naval recruiter."

While the greatly limited number of officer slots for liberal arts majors from non-military colleges prevented Wilton from entering as an officer, the military offered the opportunity to learn a trade while serving. "I went in and enlisted as an E3, and I was an AMH, which is an Aviation Mechanical Hydraulics mechanic," Wilton said.

"I worked in this shop called Airframes, and what they do is take care of the hydraulic

components of an airplane and all of the structural components."

After basic training in Orlando, Wilton went to hydraulics school on the NAS Millington, near Memphis, Tennessee before working on the NAS Miramar in San Diego. She served from 1992 until 1995, when she chose to leave the military as part of one of the voluntary early release programs that the federal government offered at the time. The military provided the opportunity to learn skills that were transferrable to other areas, which helped Wilton in jobs after her service, and ultimately led to her success in the disciplined and detailoriented work necessary to own a business.

How Wilton Joined the Catering Business After leaving the service, Wilton worked with the American Red Cross and nature conservancy before moving to Auburn to be closer to her then-fiancĂŠ Chris Wilton, who she then married. Upon moving to Auburn, she began working with Wilton's Catering on a limited basis while working full time at Auburn University under the Office of Research Compliance.

Lisa Wilton with her husband Chris When a niece who had helped to run the business moved away, Lisa Wilton joined the business full- time. Her involvement in Wilton's Catering increased further when Chris Wilton's mother decided to retire from Wilton's Catering. Earlier this year, Lisa Wilton, Chris Wilton, and Senna Barnett, who had been the face of Wilton's Catering for years prior, bought the business.

How Military Training Prepared Wilton for Business Management Wilton enjoys baking and helping with the administrative side of the business, where the attention to detail and

management expertise that she developed during her service enabled her to succeed. Lisa Wilton's focus on business administration allowed her husband to focus more on the creative side of the business and on crafting excellent recipes.

When asked about her favorite aspects of owning her own business, Wilton said, "One thing I love is being my own boss, in conjunction with this partnership. [I enjoy] being able to make decisions with what happens with our business and which direction it goes.

Wilton explained that the partnership is a success because the team

possesses this sense of excellence that we want to achieve" Wilton said, "We do all our sauces, meats, and vegetables fresh from scratch, and all of our desserts are from scratch."

Current Life and Future Plans Wilton's Catering is set to expand soon. The partners own the entire building that houses the catering business, but they have been renting half of the building out.

Since the Loachapoka Post Office is planning to leave their half of the building, Wilton's Catering intends to seize the opportunity to expand.

The owners also hope to obtain a liquor license in the future, enabling them to serve both food and drinks rather than partnering with bartending services.

Owning their own business enables Lisa and Chris Wilton to have control over their lives, both at work and in their leisure time.

"The great thing about Chris and I is that we both love traveling to fun places and having fun adventures" said Wilton. "We've traveled to Anchorage, Alaska, See Wilton, page 29

Page 26

November 6, 2019

Navy Opelika native Kerry McGinnis discusses life as multi-service veteran, brewery owner

By Rick Lanier For the Opelika Observer “We used to wait for doors to be opened for us, but we’ve since found that there are doors of opportunity everywhere” said Opelika native, Red Clay Brewing Company co-founder and multiservice veteran Kerry McGinnis. “One of the challenges we face is exercising the discipline of not trying to walk

through all of them.”

That was not always the thought process, however.

“I loved Opelika, it was my home” McGinnis added, “but we were poor, or at least at the time I thought we were, and it seemed like there weren’t many reasons for folks to come to Opelika anymore, it was basically a dead town by 1999.”

Like so many other local young men and women did in that era,

McGinnis found himself headed to Great Lakes, Illinois for United States Navy boot camp in August 1999.

After basic training in the snow of North Chicago, “(where) we had snow flurries in August,” McGinnis completed follow-on technical training as a Gas Turbine System Mechanic and reported aboard the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer U.S.S. Roosevelt (DDG-80) home-

McGinnis ported in Jacksonville, Florida. There, McGinnis operated, repaired and performed organizational and intermediate maintenance on mechanical components of the ship’s gas turbine main engines, propulsion machinery and ancillary equipment.

When asked about memorable experiences during his time in the Navy, McGinnis vividly recalled a port-of-call in Nassau, Bahamas where he learned the real definition of poor and the meaning of poverty, the emotions of which resonates still today.

“People use the term poverty to compare the ‘haves’ instead of the ‘have nots.’ A true definition of poverty can be found just 90 miles south of Florida, 300 yards over the hill and past the bling of the cruise ship terminal, where families live in homes made of wooden pallets and

tarps, who wear shoes constructed of flattened 2 liter bottles tied to their feet with cord – that’s poverty,” McGinnis said.

“I learned very quickly just how rich I am as an American.”

By 2003, the United States was fully engaged in the Global War on Terrorism, and as fate would have it, it was also the end of McGinnis’ contract with the Navy.

Shortly before re-enlisting for another hitch, he received a letter from the Secretary of the Army explaining that because of a lack of specialty trained personnel, the Army needed McGinnis’ talents to help fill a void in the current war effort.

So much so, the Army offered McGinnis a signing bonus of $22,000 and for McGinnis, it was a no-brainer.

“I was going to reenlist anyway, I was going to support our country, plus

a bonus as well. It was an easy decision” McGinnis said.

In 2007, McGinnis was discharged from the Army and headed home to Opelika with medals to memorialize his military service, desires for new adventures but at that time there were no plans for opening a brewery. Once reestablished, McGinnis began pursuing higher education by attending classes at Opelika’s Southern Union State Community College campus and then studying biological systems engineering at Auburn University.

“Bio systems is a perfect fit for brewing beer.

Fluid dynamics, heat mass transfer, electrical ... we do all of that brewing beer,” McGinnis said.

After becoming quite adept at home brewing beer, McGinnis met his fellow co-founders in 2013 and together they decided to give it a try on a much larger scale. After years of saving, preparations and the highs and lows, the trio efforts were brought online in March 2018 with the opening of Red Clay Brewing Company.

Today, McGinnis and his partners are starting to see all of their sacrifices and hard work payoff.

See McGinnis, page 28

Page 27

November 6, 2019

Opelika resident, Air Comfort Services owner Terry Hanners reflects on Navy career, experiences

By Morgan Bryce Editor As a youngster, Opelika resident and Air Comfort Services owner Terry Hanners remembers being mesmerized by a multitude of films starring John Wayne depicting life aboard ship during wartime.

Following his graduation from Lanett High School in 1974 and completing a one-year certificate at Troup County Technical School (now known as West Georgia Technical College), Hanners was able to realize his childhood dream in September 1975 when he joined the U.S. Navy.

Hanners completed his eight weeks of basic training in Orlando, but was detained from his first assignment because of the ship's distant location in the southern portion of the Pacific Ocean. After brief shore leave back in his hometown of Valley, he was sent to California.

From there, Hanners took a nearly 18-hour flight to the Phillipines.

Upon his arrival, he boarded a food-supply ship that carried him to his first ship: the soon-to-be decommissioned Essexclass aircraft carrier named the U.S.S. Oriskany.

"The thing I remember most is someone pointing

the (Oriskany) to me and thinking wow, 'there's my ship,'" Hanners said.

Named after a battle from the Revolutionary Way, the Oriskany or "Mighty O," as it was affectionately named by its crew, had been in service for nearly 25 years at the time of Hanners' arrival.

The carrier's most notable accomplishment was receiving two battle stars for its service during the Korean War. Hanners' stay on board the Oriskany was brief. He helped "mothball" the ship and finalize its decommission on Sept. 30, 1976.

Following a few months of service with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service and completing "A" school at a base in New Jersey, Hanners went back to the sea, this time on board the U.S.S. Nasvhille (LPD-13), an Austin-class amphibious transport dock.

Hanners spent the last two and a half years of his naval career on board the Nashville, helping oversee refueling of planes and other vehicles on board the transport.

Despite two plane crashes and the loss of one crew member, most of Hanners' career was smooth sailing. However, he recalled one incident that nearly claimed his life and the lives of two other

Hanners crew members.

"Gases often surround the fuel tanks on a ship and we were down there, not realizing how bad the leak was. We began wondering why we were acting so strange ... come to find out, someone had left (a tank) unbolted, which I was able to fix real quick," Hanners said. "Thankfully, some Marines were above us and able to help us get out after that. Being on a ship is inherently dangerous you got a lot of people in a small space and a lot of big equipment."

In September 1979, Hanners retired from the U.S. Navy with the rank of petty officer. Shortly after retiring, he embarked

on his post-military career working in the heating and cooling and refrigeration industry.

Through a refrigeration course he took while in the service, certification from Troup County Tech and skills his handyman father had passed down to him, he said he knew it was the most natural career path for him to follow.

Starting in Columbus, Hanners worked his way back home to the Valley and West Point area. After working under several different bosses, he opened Air Comfort Services in Valley in 1992.

Hanners relocated his business to Opelika in the mid-2000s following some personal health

issues and marrying his wife Denise, who was born and raised in the area.

According to Hanners, dependability, honesty and competitive pricing have been the cornerstones of his success the last 27 years in business, and something that has helped build a loyal customer base within the AuburnOpelika area.

"I wish I'd found this out years ago but Opelika is a great place for a small business. The people here take pride in their homes and want to take care of them," Hanners said. "I don't think of my customers as customers, but instead as neighbors calling me needing some help. I'm just there to help the best I can."

Services offered by Air Comfort Services include maintenance and replacements of units in existing houses and minor duct work. By not dealing with new construction, Hanners said he and his staff "remain free" to help customers in a faster and more efficient manner.

Air Comfort's customers range from commercial to "the sweet little grandma down the street" according to Hanner.

While business peaks in the summertime, he said business is steady year round, even during the

winter months.

Hanners, Denise and three other employees comprise Air Comfort's staff. With age and increased business, he said he has allowed his wife to take over paying bills and maintain their bookkeeping.

"With us, everybody gets their hands dirty.

There's no secretary, sales person and no accountants. We're all workers," Hanners said.

While his naval career may have ended four decades ago, Hanners said he still enjoys connecting with old shipmates on Facebook and reminiscing on their days on the open sea.

"What I enjoyed most was that camaraderie with my shipmates. We'd play around a lot, because you gotta do something to pass away some of the boring time at sea ... but created a lot of lasting, lifelong memories along the way," Hanners said.

In his spare time, Hanners said he and Denise enjoy traveling in their camper to nearby lakes and state parks. He is also an avid antiquer and coin collector.

For more information about Air Comfort Services, call Hanner at 334-663-7265 or like and follow the business's Facebook page.

November 6, 2019

Page 28

Sports Clips Haircuts launches 'Help a Hero' program to help raise scholarship money for veterans pursuing degree in higher education Special to the Opelika Observer Getting a haircut now through Veterans Day will support service member and veteran scholarships as a part of Sport Clips Haircuts' annual “Help A Hero” campaign that kicks off in stores today.

The Help A Hero Scholarship program is designed to reduce the burden of college, graduate and technical school tuition often needed to pursue post-military careers and is administered by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW).

McGinnis, from 26 Since 2018, the brewery has increased output from 400 to 1,000 barrels of

The goal this year is to raise $1.5 million toward scholarships in the more than 1,800 Sport Clips Haircuts stores across the country.

In just six years, 1,450 military and student veterans have been awarded Sport Clips Help A Hero scholarships with the nearly $6.5 million donated to date by Sport Clips Haircuts, its clients and product partners. These scholarships provide up to $5,000 of assistance per semester to help cover the cost of tuition and fees for service members and veterans in the rank of

E-5 and below.

"I used my G.I. Bill benefits to obtain my B.A. and even the first three semesters of my M.A. before exhausting my benefits," said Christopher Mynatt, a U.S. Navy veteran. "The VFW and Sport Clips are the reason I will never have to pay for school out of pocket."

"These scholarships are making a difference in the lives of so many who have served our country in the military. Right now, there are 165 student veterans attending colleges and certification programs here in the U.S. with the aid of Help A Hero scholarships," said , Sport Clips founder and CEO Gordon Logan, who is an Air Force veteran and VFW life member. “Whether it's graduate school or beauty school, it's an honor for us to be able to thank those who serve by helping them toward the degrees and certifications to pursue civilian careers."

“Our student veterans can face a lot of adversity while pursuing higher education,” said William

“Doc” Schmitz, VFW national commander. “With the help of Sport Clips Haircuts and its generous patrons, we’re so pleased to have the opportunity to ensure the financial burden is alleviated during an already stressful time in these veterans’ lives.”

Many locations are also offering free haircuts to service members and veterans with valid military identification check here for participating stores and store hours.

Anyone can support the cause by making a donation when checking out at a Sport Clips location.

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the company donates an additional dollar for every haircare service to the scholarship program, which added more than $100,000 to the total last year and will be even higher in 2019.

About Sport Clips Haircuts Sport Clips Haircuts is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas. It was established in 1993 and began franchising in 1995. The sports-themed haircutting

franchise, which specializes in haircuts for men and boys, offers online check-in for clients and is ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the “Fastest-Growing Franchises’ and #17 in its “Franchise 500.” There are more than 1,800 Sport Clips stores open in the U.S. and Canada.

Sport Clips is the “Official Haircutter” of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), offers veterans preferential pricing on haircuts and franchises, and was named a “2018 Best for Vets: Franchises”

by Military Times. Sport Clips provides “Haircuts with Heart” through its annual Help A Hero fundraiser that has contributed $7.5 million to the VFW and has a national partnership with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest private funder of childhood cancer research grants as well as other national and local philanthropic outreach. Sport Clips is a proud sponsor of Joe Gibbs Racing’s NASCAR drivers Erik Jones and Denny Hamlin,

beer annually, they have expanded their business model with the introduction of a full service food operation at Southern Union’s cafeteria, light fare at the brewery and exploratory plans for a mobile kitchen in the

newly renovated courtyard behind the brewery.

Additionally, they will soon begin canning their own brew for distribution within the tri-state area.

“The courtyard plans are interesting, it looks like we could host almost

a 1,000 people out there and that’s exciting. It’s been hard work but a labor of love,” McGinnis said.

Kerry married the former Lucy Feller in 2010 and they have a 2-yearold daughter Diana

Christine.

The brewery is located at 704 N. Railroad Ave. in historic downtown Opelika. For more information, call 334737-5409 or visit www. redclaybrewingcompany. com.

Dale Coyne Racing with Vasser-Sullivan Indy Car driver Sebastien Bourdais and partners with numerous NCAA and professional sports teams. To learn more about Sport Clips, visit sportclips.com.

About The Veterans of Foreign Wars The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is the nation's largest and oldest major war veterans organization. Founded in 1899, the congressionallychartered VFW is comprised entirely of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. With more than 1.6 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in 6,200 Posts worldwide, the nonprofit veterans service organization is proud to proclaim “NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS” than the VFW, which is dedicated to veterans’ service, legislative advocacy and military and community service programs.

For more information or to join, visit their website at vfw.org.

November 6, 2019

Page 29

Central Alabama VA announces nocost veteran influenza vaccinations Special to the Opelika Observer Epidemics of influenza typically occur in the United States between October and April.

As part of our commitment to serve and support our veterans, Central Alabama VA Health Care System is beginning the annual Flu Vac-

cination Campaign and is offering free vaccinations to all enrolled veterans.

Veterans interested in receiving the flu vaccine can stop by their local VA clinics during office business hours.

No appointment needed - walk-ins are welcome for veterans enrolled in the VA system.

Additionally, the

Columbus Community Based Outpatient Clinic will be available to veterans on Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 8 a.m.to 3 p.m.

Media interested in covering the Influenza Vaccination Campaign, please contact the Public Affairs Office at 334-272-4670, extensions 4559 or 4921.

Wilton, from 25 Roatan, Honduras, and we're planning next year for our tenth anniversary. I think we're going to go to New Zealand."

When asked about her philosophy on life, Lisa Wilton said that she and her husband share similar values, each preferring to focus on meaningful experiences, such as travel, while living below their means in other aspects of life.

"Freedom itself was attacked ... and freedom will be defended." - President George W. Bush

November 6, 2019

Page 30

Twenty-one veterans participating in Lee County's Veterans Court

By Natalie Salvatore For the Opelika Observer The Lee County Veterans Court Program provides an opportunity for veterans dealing with personal or criminal issues to turn their lives around and become positive members of the community.

Court Administrator Trisha Campbell highlighted the court’s 2018 accomplishments. The court screened 20 people, graduated four veterans,

operating budget for veterans and drug court was $26,641.45, with a majority of funding from participant fees.

“The support from the Lee County Commission has been tremendous from the very beginning.

They have supported us financially and in any way that they could,” Campbell said.

Campbell said their other community partners have also made this court possible. The partners consist of the Auburn Police Department, the

and terminated two. She makes up a part of the staff that runs the court.

Except for the defense attorney, everyone on the staff is nonpaid, and mostly all took on these additional roles along with their current jobs.

She explained how the veterans court is similar to drug court and often, the names are used interchangeably. The difference is that the veterans court has added mentors that the drug court does not have.

Last year’s total

is proud to support our Veterans.

Thank you for your service!

Downtown Opelika

East University

Tigertown

701 Second Avenue Opelika, AL 36801

1605 East University Dr. Auburn, AL 36830

2443 Enterprise Dr. Opelika, AL 36801

A special checking account for those that go above and beyond the call of duty.

For more info visit CenterStateBank.com

Opelika Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff, Alabama Occupational Medicine, the Opelika Addiction Center, the Veteran’s Administration, the Auburn University Veteran Resource Center and Specialized Location Services.

Veterans who are working, in school, or disabled that have been charged with anything in Lee County, except with a crime for violence, domestic violence, or any kind of drug manufacturing or trafficking, can apply to court. An assessment is performed to see if the veteran is suffering from a substance abuse issue prior to the committee’s decision.

The screening committee, made up of the judge, the defense attorney, the sheriff, the treatment coordinator, the district attorney and the court administrator, looks at the incoming applications and decides who to accept and who to terminate.

If the committee accepts the veteran’s application, they are now a part of the program that will last from 12 to 24 months, depending on the situation. The veterans enter a plea but the judge does not adjudicate them guilty.

The program consists of four phases. Veterans petition the court to

progress to each higher stage. Campbell said this first 90-day phase consists of requiring veterans to attend two AA/NA meetings per week to develop a support system. “They need to make positive, supportive connections in the community,” Campbell said. Besides the weekly meetings, participants also must undergo treatment depending on what their assessment recommends.

This could consist of anything from residential treatment to an educational program for a DUI. Court is also mandatory.

Next, veterans stay in phase two until they finish treatment. There is a different protocol for everyone, based on the level of addiction or severity of the scenario.

The third phase begins “give back” time. “We don’t want it to be community service. We want to emphasize that you’re a part of your community, and as a member of your community, you need to give back,” Campbell said.

For misdemeanor charges, 50 hours of give back time is a prerequisite prior to graduation from phase three. For convicted felonies, 50 hours of give back time are required before promotion to phase four, where they complete another 50 hours before

they are eligible to graduate.

“At graduation, the court sets aside your guilty plea, and they dismiss all charges against you,” Campbell said. “Not only is the person getting the help they needed, they are getting out there in the community and establishing ties with them through give back time. They have an opportunity to move forward with the rest of their life without a felony conviction on their records, which makes them much more employable,” Campbell said.

Veterans will receive a mentor that accompanies them to court. A little bit before court begins, veterans come in to have a visit time with their mentors, but they can also schedule additional contact with mentors outside of court.

The mentors stand up with the veterans in front of the judge.

“When we are able, we match services – if you have an Air Force participant, for example, hopefully the mentor standing up there with them would be Air Force as well. We can’t always make that work, but it’s a goal,” Campbell said.

Court is typically twice a month on Thursday mornings at 11. Judge See Court, page 31

Page 31

November 6, 2019

DAV donates vehicles to VA Medical Center-Tuskegee Special to the Opelika Observer Veterans in the Tuskegee, Alabama area will soon have a new resource to help ensure they can get to and from their medical appointments at no cost. DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is sending new vehicles to be given to the VA Medical CenterTuskegee.

Many veterans, for a variety of reasons, are unable to drive and would not be able to access their much-needed medical appointments without this service.

Thanks to vehicles and volunteer drivers in the DAV Transportation Network, those veterans have access to the care they need and deserve.

Since the program’s inception in 1987, DAV departments and chapters have donated 3,294 vehicles to VA medical centers across the country. With the support of partner Ford Motor Co., the total has increased to 3,517 by their additional donation of 223 vehicles. Thanks to these donated vehicles and the program’s volunteer drivers, DAV helped provide 625,000 rides

in 2018, logging nearly 17.7 million miles.

To become a volunteer driver, contact the VA Medical Center’s Voluntary Services office at 334-727-0550 ext. 3979 or visit www.dav.org/ volunteer.

About the DAV: DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer them, fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill, providing employment resources to veterans and their families,

and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a nonprofit organization

with more than 1 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. Learn more at www.dav.org.

Bennie Adkins Foundation offers scholarship program Special to the Opelika Observer The Bennie Adkins Foundation is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization not associated with the military services. Their purpose is to provide educational scholarships to deserving Special Forces noncommissioned officers

Court, from 30 Christopher J. Hughes presides over Veterans Court.

“I love presiding over

seeking higher education as a means of assisting in their transition into civilian life. Scholarship funds can be used for tuition, books, fees, room and board and other direct associated costs of higher education Funds will be transferred directly to the accredited institution.

Eligibility:

Applicants must be Special Forces Soldiers (E5 to E9) on active duty, recently separated (within 5 years), or retired (within five years). The applicant must have been accepted by or already attending an accredited college, university or vocational institution.

The following are required for an application

to be considered: -Applicant must submit a current and accurate ERB or DD214 with application.

-Applicant’s most recent transcript and/or other evidence of scholastic achievement.

-Copy of accredited university’s acceptance letter.

-Applicant must submit

a personal statement (500 to 1,000 words) explaining need, use of scholarship, and transition plan.

-Reference letter from Battalion SGM (preferred) or soldier with whom one served who can attest to their Special Forces history and personal character.

- The optional Photo Release Form and a re-

cent photograph suitable for publication, preferably in uniform, on the foundations social media platforms and website.

Please complete all sections of the application online at www.bennieadkinsfoundation.org.

For more information send email to bennieadkinsfoundation@gmail. com.

the Veterans Court. Veterans Court participants have a wonderful support system. The entire committee, from the prosecutor to the defense counsel to the mental health professional, are all in the participant’s corner,” Hughes said.

“An unbelievable group of volunteer veteran mentors appear at every court session. These heroes not only provide emotional support from brothers and sisters-in-arms, they provide solid advice concerning everyday challenges

the participants face. I am lucky to be associated with this group and derive far more from it than I contribute.”

“The Lee County Veterans Court is a cooperative effort. We are appreciative of the veteran mentors,

and our participants benefit tremendously from their support,” Campbell added. “As part of the Lee County Veterans Court team, it is a privilege to work both with these partners and these veterans that have faithfully served

our country. The Lee County Veterans Court is helping veterans recover and return as active contributing citizens to our community.”

For more information, email Campbell at trishcampbell@alacourt.

THANK YOU, VETERANS East Alabama Medical Center recognizes the sacrifices of our veterans as well as those who are now serving our country. We are privileged to have many of them working, practicing and volunteering with us. To all veterans and other military men and women throughout our community, we offer a heartfelt thank you for your service.