To the Editor:

I have been a veterans service officer in Tyrrell County since 2006, but the county manager notified me recently that my services will not be needed after June 30 because the county intends to provide veterans services through the district officer in Greenville. This will be the first time in 70 years there has not been a local veterans officer residing in Tyrrell County, to meet the needs of local veterans and their families.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, as we honored those who have the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country, I began to think about the amazing veterans and their families we have here in Tyrrell County and throughout the state. North Carolina has one of the highest veteran and service member populations in the country. Our governor, Pat McCrory, has made it a priority to make sure that our veterans and their families receive the services and care that they deserve. Whether it’s reducing the veteran unemployment rate by half in four years, to making it easier for businesses to be matched up with a veteran for potential employment, or instituting veteran treatment courts, North Carolina is making excellent strides in serving our veterans. Thank you, Gov. McCrory.

And thank you, veterans and dependents in Tyrrell County, for allowing me to serve you for the past decade as your local veterans service officer. God bless each and every one of you.

Mike Crowder
Columbia