Catawba GOP volunteers working in the booth

Hundreds of community members attended

Soldiers Reunion parade features a US Navy Torpedo

Command Sergeants Major

Alex Nelson addresses the crowd

District 10 Chairman and retired Cmd. Sergeants Major Alex Nelson addressed the attendees and fellow veterans during the Old Soldiers Reunion in Newton.

During his speech, Nelson told the crowd that North Carolina has the home of one of the largest population of veterans in the country.

"North Carolina is not just another state," Nelson said. "It is the pillar of America's defense. Our soil is home to Fort Bragg, the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army Special Operations, Camp Lejeune, Cherry Point, and Seymour Johnson Air Force base. And because of this, we are also home to one of the largest veteran populations in the nation--over 600,000 strong. That's nearly 8 percent of our state's population. In every neighborhood in North Carolina, you'll find someone who once wore the uniform of this country. "

Attendees listen to veteran speeches

Nelson also talked about the ongoing service veterans provide to their communities, and their challenges. 

 "A veteran never really stops serving," Nelson said. Veterans contribute about $66 billion each year to our economy as they bring home an average retirement pay of $44,000 much of which stays right here in our towns supporting local businesses. Veterans volunteer and vote at higher rates than the average American, they run small businesses, lead classrooms, and sit in church pews on Sunday mornings, still serving their communities in quiet but powerful ways."

Nelson continued: "We must be honest about the challenges. Nearly 30 percent of North Carolina veterans live with a disability. Over 200,000 are enrolled in the VA healthcare system, and far too many struggle with mental health issues like PTSD and depression. And while we've made progress, last year about 700 veterans in our state were counted as homeless. That is unacceptable. A nation that builds aircraft carriers and sends rockets into space must never allow a single veteran to sleep under a bridge."

Nelson concluded: "North Carolina is stronger because of it's veterans and America is freer because of it's veterans. And this reunion--the oldest of its kind in our country--is proof that gratitude endures across generations. So today, let us clap, let us cheer, let us wave the flag proudly--but tomorrow, let us serve, let us support, let us stand beside our veterans as they stood for us."

District 10 appointments

to NCGOP Standing Committees

The following individuals were appointed to the NCGOP Standing Committees from District 10:

Mike Owens, Forsyth County, Plan of Organization Committee; 

Reshay Peregrino-Brimah, Yadkin County, Platform Committee;

Cornelia Groce, Forsyth County, Rules Committee;

Leah Gutierrez, Catawba County, Resolutions Committee;

Rhonda Waugh, Iredell County, Credentials Committee;

Leisa Rowe, Iredell County, District and County Officers Assocation (DCOA);

Congratulations to all of our appointees from District 10.

In memory of of Catawba County volunteer 

Tommy Stine

We're all deeply saddened by the loss of Tommy Stine. A long-time Catawba County GOP volunteer and a native of Hickory. He passed away on August 13th. Tommy was was 82 years old.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon M. Stine; his children and stepchildren, Bonnie Sandmeyer; Barrett Stine (Tera) of Conover, N.C. and Marybeth Ransdell (Brian), grandchildren; Emma Sarratt, Gwendolyn Wackerhagen and Makayla Wackerhagen, and siblings; John D. Stine, Jr. (Sharon) of Hickory, Ann Boos of Howell, MI, Connie Butler (Jack) of Fairfield Glade, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents, John D. Stine and Edna Cannon Stine.

News from Congressman Pat Harrigan