Welcome to our second weekly article, VETERANS’ ROUNDTABLE, with veterans’ news for everyone. Our intent is to keep everyone abreast of all veterans’ issues and events for Kinston & Lenoir County. We will accept veterans’ information from anyone wanting to reach out to our veterans’ community. However, we must have the information on Monday before it is to be published the following Monday. Please send information to Debbie Humphrey at dsh2526@gmail.com or drop it off at G.I. Joe’s.

We truly hope everyone remembered to cheer on Keith at VAST’s shopping spree held at Highway70 Piggly Wiggly this past Saturday! Again, CONGRATULATIONS to Keith Thompson!

SALUTE! A TRIBUTE TO AMERICA’S VETERANS is a nonprofit organization whose intent is to support veterans’ organizations that support our local veterans. Our goal is to coordinate all veterans’ activities throughout the year for everyone. Lenoir County’s 5000 veterans truly deserve all the support & respect we can give them. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE! Freedom is OURS because a veteran/veterans stepped up to the plate when called upon to do so! We sure could use more people to participate in this very important endeavor.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Debbie Humphrey at dsh2526@gmail.com or just stop in at G.I. Joe’s, Highway 11/55 South in Kinston. We look forward to seeing new faces & hearing new ideas. G.I. Joe’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm.

G.I. Joe’s also hosts a little known secret: Free art classes for veterans & their families. The purpose of these classes is to help relieve stress for veterans & veterans’ families. Yes, we ALL have stress, but veterans ----and their families--- have to also deal with stress brought on by their tour of duty in the military! Here’s an update on the exciting things happening at G.I. Joe’s art studio. New students are participating weekly. We recently had to expand our studio! There are so many positive comments about how the class has helped them through stressful days. Venting and sharing laughter has made these classes so successful! Selling their art as well as donating art makes the students aware of the importance of this venture. We are so blessed that Eric (Cantu) made a way for us to be creative & re-establish our lives. All moneys are used to purchase more art supplies & to support G.I. Joe’s. Art classes are held Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Hope to see you there!