Sen. McLaurin Works with AMVETS to Support Troops

From the office of NC Senator Gene McLaurin

♦Raleigh, NC –Members of a U.S. Army Airborne unit at Fort Bragg are leaving soon for a tour of duty in Afghanistan with a gift from AMVETS Post 316 Ladies Auxiliary in Richmond County. With them will go 500 prepaid phone cards as a reminder of support back home, said Mary O‘Neal, president of the AMVETS Auxiliary Department of North Carolina.

Ed O’Neal, a retired Command Sergeant Major at Ft. Bragg, and Mary were able – with Sen. Gene McLaurin’s assistance – to obtain the cards through the AMVETS National Office. Ed is a former N.C. AMVETS Department commander. Included in their visit to Fort Bragg Tuesday was also a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fisher House – a home for families of service personnel receiving treatment at Fort Bragg medical facilities.  Post 316 Ladies Auxiliary has for many years been supporting the present Fisher House at Fort Bragg with gifts of household items and food.  Mary O’Neal is also president of AMVETS Post 316 Ladies Auxiliary in Richmond County and accepted a donation from McLaurin for Auxiliary work with veterans in local healthcare facilities and with veterans in VA hospitals and active duty troops in military medical facilities at Fort Bragg.

With the cards, McLaurin sent a letter thanking soldiers for their service to America, saying “The freedom we enjoy each day is due to your courage, dedication and commitment. We are so grateful to each of you,” he said. “We look forward to your return after your deployment,” McLaurin said. “Please make good use of these calling cards provided by AMVETS. May God bless you in your service to our country.”  O’Neal said McLaurin has for many years supported local veterans when called upon. “As Mayor of Rockingham and as a N.C. Senator, McLaurin has continued his concern for veterans,” he said.

When mayor, McLaurin presented local Army National Guard units with a flag of the City of Rockingham to fly at a forward operating base in their combat area.   The flag was returned to the city on their safe return. It was framed and given a place of honor at Rockingham City Hall.

North Carolina General Assembly

Senator Gene McLaurin

25^TH DISTRICT: Anson, Richmond, Rowan, Scotland, Stanly