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Tracy Whisnant 704-477-7391
www.shelbyinfo.com Our 42ND Year • Issue No. 42 • October 16, 2025
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Third Annual Veteran’s Resource Connection set for October 25 By Alan Hodge
Marion St., Shelby. The free event is open to “It’s ginormous!” military veterans, their families That, according to Cleveland and caregivers. Attendees County veteran services don’t have to be from Cleveland supervisor Julie Crotts, is a County, In fact, the event has very accurate description of proven to be regional affair and the upcoming third annual one of the largest of its kind Veteran’s Resource Connection in our state with attendance event slated for Saturday, growing each year. “In 2023 we had 187 Oct. 25 from 9am to 2pm at the LeGrand Center, 1800 E. attendees and in 2024 there were 237,” said C l e v e l a n d County Board of Commissioners clerk Phyllis Nowlen. “Since this year’s event is on a Saturday we expect an even bigger turnout.” R e c e n t statistics reveal that there are around 6,500 veterans in Cleveland County. These folks, along with their families and caregivers, often face serious challenges as A veteran checks out some insurance they navigate their options at the 2024 event. way through the
Members of American Legion Post 82 presented the colors at the 2024 Veteran’s Resource Connection.
Cleveland County Board of Commissioners chairman Kevin Gordon addressed the attendees at last year’s Veteran’s Resource Connection. (Photos provided) services and assistance that can make life easier for them post-discharge. Barriers and challenges veterans face include: Transition to civilian life; Difficulty understanding or navigating VA benefits and support; Gaps in support; Physical and mental health struggles; Employment and housing instability; Lack of transportation or communication tools; Missed opportunities for aid and assistance; Many don’t know where to turn for help; Isolation and stigma. The Veteran’s Resource Connection event will showcase many of the aids and agencies that can help overcome these challenges in an upbeat atmosphere of education and empathy that will connect veterans to the services they need. Just a sampling of the over 40 representatives that will be on hand will include local non-profit businesses, veteran health and wellness services, family support, claims assistance, and state-wide organizations. Also, Sport Clips
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The American Legion Post 182 booth at the 2024 event. They’ll be back this year from Hickory will be back again, offering free haircuts. To help speed-up on-site eligibility processing, it’s a good idea to bring a government photo ID and a DD214, but that’s just a suggestion, not a requirement. “All benefits are based on eligibility,” said Crotts.
Event particulars includeCentralized intake: Veterans share their story and get guided referrals; Warm handoffs to trusted providers — not just handouts; Follow-ups to ensure services are delivered and barriers are removed. See VETERAN, Page 5
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