If you are a Sanford resident and cannot afford medical services the Helping Hands Clinic is a wonderful resource. If you are a community member who wants to make a real difference in someone’s life, this is a good place to volunteer your time or make a cash donation.

The event high-lighted breast cancer statistics affecting men and women. We were treated to an inspirational address from the woman who organized the event and is herself a breast cancer survivor, Angeline Hill. We learned that as long as we are moving forward that we are all runners, from Vegan Val, a marathon runner, who stressed the necessity of physical activity and a healthy diet in providing individuals with the best possible outcome for any disease process.

This event was family friendly. Refreshments were served, and there were several very young people (ages 4 to 11) present who helped to set up and break down the decorative tables. A TV was raffled, and there were opportunities to purchase breast cancer awareness caps, jewelry, scarves, datebooks, and travel mugs. Everyone who attended was entertained while they learned.

Golson & McCracken was there to make sure that the community knows that Social Security Disability is a benefit that is available to victims of breast cancer as well as other diseases or impairments that prevent an individual from working for 12 consecutive months or more. We hope to remain an active participant in this event for years to come!

Attendees could take advantage of free health screenings and demonstrations, flu and pneumonia vaccines, and prize drawings. The kids that attended had a great time with all of the games that were available, and the face paintings were nothing short of amazing! Food trucks provided everything from delicious Philly Cheesesteaks to Italian Ices with flavors like caramel apple and orange zinger with candied ginger!

Nancy and Travis really enjoyed meeting the caring providers and staff at Generations, as well as the attendees of the Health Fair. We offered advice regarding eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits.

This event could not have been any nicer. Everyone who attended had a smile on their face. The medical professionals at Generations obviously care about their patients and the community they serve.

Golson & McCracken had the honor and opportunity to talk with many of the Veterans present who had questions regarding the differences and crossover between VA Disability benefits and Social Security Disability benefits. We always want to make sure that disabled Veterans know how important it is to file their Social Security claims as soon as they become unable to work to avoid the potential loss of their eligibility.

We were inspired by so much of what we heard and saw at this event which is always so well organized and attended.

Attendees were treated to live music held on the outdoor stage. Educational seminars indoors featured such varied presentations as the rousing speaker, NAACP NC President Reverend William Barber, who spoke about the future of the NAACP in NC, to a Zumba presentation that had everyone on their feet and rocking the house! Nancy and Travis gave a seminar on Social Security Disability benefits, and held a Q&A session with an engaged audience who had great questions, and their own anecdotes to share regarding their experiences with Social Security claims.

This was a wonderful event. The Light 103.9 team and their listeners really know how to have a good time in a family friendly atmosphere that celebrates our military and first responders in a truly inspirational way.

We enjoyed seeing some of the seniors and staff that we had met here before. We met a lot of new people that included seniors and other service providers from the medical, pharmaceutical, and educational fields. The Senior Center put together a wonderful event!

Participants enjoyed live national and local talent, ethnic food, arts and crafts, an interactive kid’s area, and learning about community resources.

Golson & McCracken spoke to many individuals regarding Social Security Disability, such as the qualifications for a claim, advice on community resources that could provide medical attention and other specific needs while they were pursuing their claims.

The Veterans were met with a hot breakfast and lunch, really spectacular live music, and the opportunity to enjoy fellowship with other Veterans. Many service providers were available to assist Veterans in housing, employment and educational opportunities, medical and mental health care, clothing and bedding, shoes, toiletries, and free haircuts. There were raffles throughout the day for gift cards and bus passes among other prizes. In my opinion all who attended were winners.

We enjoyed answering questions from the Veterans about the overlap of VA Disability and Social Security Disability claims and benefits. We also met many caring professionals who go the extra mile to make sure that our Wounded Warriors and Fallen Heroes are able to access the services they need with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

We look forward to attending this event again next year.

There was a rousing open ceremony in which the Veterans marched in to the cheers and applause of all the visiting dignitaries, vendors, and volunteers. Everyone was on their feet. The colors were presented, and we all pledged our allegiance and enjoyed a heartfelt performance of the National Anthem.

Breakfast and lunch were served, and not surprisingly since we were in Hickory, there was barbecue!

The Veterans who attended had a lot of good questions about filing for Social Security Disability. Many of them had filed in the past and been denied the benefits that they had earned in their service to our country, working hard, and playing by the rules.

We met some great people who help Veterans get back on their feet: a retired Army and Air Force Chaplain who meets with needy Veterans every Wednesday to offer spiritual as well as practical guidance, a Blue Star Mother who assists Veterans who have fallen on hard times with numerous services needed to get back on their feet, and a representative from a homeless shelter for female Veterans that offers long term transitional housing and practical help to help these heroes to rebuild their lives.

Everyone who attended the Stand Down benefited in some way. As usual we walked away with the knowledge that while things are tough for many of these brave men and women, there are a lot of caring individuals and organizations that are there to help.

We enjoyed meeting and giving information to many Veterans who had questions about the differences between VA Disability and Social Security Disability. Many Veterans who were already receiving VA benefits were unaware that they also qualified for additional benefits from Social Security. Some had actually been misinformed about the possibility, and needed to apply quickly to avoid waiting too long.

The event itself was very well attended and organized. Snacks, beverages, and a delicious hot lunch were served. Veterans were able to access hot showers, haircuts, toiletries, and clothing. There were many organizations present including representatives from Veterans Affairs, colleges, work training and employment organizations, medical and mental health services, housing services, and substance abuse counseling.

There is no doubt in my mind that everyone who attended benefited from the Stand Down. We look forward to attending for many years to come.

Veterans had the opportunity to have breakfast and lunch, and talk to representatives from East Carolina University and Wayne Community College about educational opportunities especially designed for veterans.

Some photos from the Stand Down can be found on the East Carolina University Website: http://www.ecu.edu/news/reentryvan13.cfm