VETERANS SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS

Veterans Services

Polk County Veterans Services

Polk County Veteran Services Officer Gina Cashion

828-894-0003, 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus, NC 28722, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., polknc.gov

The North Carolina Division of Veterans Affairs (NCDVA) provides a system to assist veterans and their families in the presentation and processing of claims as they may be entitled to under Federal, State or local laws.

Polk County is proud to provide that assistance to veterans who have honorably served their country through our NCDVA certified County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO). The CVSO, while employed by the County Commissioners, is trained by and works under the supervision of a NCDVA District Service Officer (DSO). The CVSO provides on-site counseling and assistance to local veterans and their dependents of their rights and entitlements under various laws. They assist the veterans and their families in the preparation of claims, obtaining supporting documents and affidavits, and forwarding the paperwork to a NCDVA DSO for quality review and submission to the appropriate Government entity. This system ensures that veterans and their dependent families are getting accurate information and quality assistance with claims through State trained and certified Officers.

VETERANRELATED CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

AMERICAN LEGION POLK COUNTY MEMORIAL POST #250

Monthly meetings are held on the first Tuesday at 7 p.m. Membership is open to relatives of Veterans and supports the activities of the American Legion. 43 Depot St., Tryon. facebook.com/NCPost250/

AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY POST #250

The American Legion Auxiliary meeting is held at the Legion Hall on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 10 a.m. Membership is open to relatives of all Veterans. 43 Depot St., Tryon.

Guiding Reins

Equine assisted wellness for veterans, military, front line workers and first responders. 864-457-3575, guidingreins.org

PATRIOTS SALUTE TO VETERANS ASSOCIATION

Brings attention to Veterans Day so that the public can join together to render honor and gratitude to all who have honorably served in the US Armed Forces. Michael Collins, 864-230-9806, polkcounty.org/ Veteranspages/VFW post 9116, P.O. Box 654, Columbus, NC 28722.

Polk County Memorial Honor Guard

Provides Military Funeral Honors; participates in ceremonies on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, 9/11, and Veterans day; conducts Flag Disposal Ceremonies; participates in local parades; presents the Colors during opening ceremonies at local events. Follow the activities of the honor guard on facebook. com/VFWAmericanLegion/.

Polk County Veterans Association

A county wide nonprofit organization open to all veterans and supporters, and volunteers that conduct local events such as the Veterans Day. Contract Michael Collins, 864-230-9806, polkcounty.org/Veteranspages/ VFW post 9116, P.O Box 654, Columbus, NC

Service Animal Project

SAP identifies and assesses shelter/rescue dogs for training as service dogs with a primary focus to provide the dogs to wounded military personnel and veterans through appropriate training organizations, Foothills Humane Society, 828-8634444, serviceanimalproject@ windstream.net.

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS, POLK COUNTY MEMORIAL POST #9116

Monthly meeting on third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at The House of Flags Museum, 33 Gibson Street, Columbus, NC. A nonprofit organization made up of Veterans who support Veterans, youth and local community. Post is also involved with the activities, care and upkeep of the Columbus Veterans Park. Michael Collins, Commander, 864-4547-3115, 864-230-9806, m3115@aol. com, polkcounty.org/vets, VFW Post 9116, P.O. Box 654, Columbus, NC 28722.

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS, POLK COUNTY MEMORIAL LADIES AUXILIARY #9116

Meets fourth Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., at the Womack Building, Columbus. Membership is restricted to female relatives of veterans or female veterans who served overseas during wartime. Joyce B. Preston, 828-8595286, jbpreston99@yahoo.com, PO Box 654, Columbus, NC 28722.

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS, POLK MEMORIAL POST #10349

A national non-profit organization made up of veterans who have served on foreign soil during times of declared conflict and/or wars, and family members of veterans. Advocates at Congressional levels for betterment of veterans in all aspects of their life. Meets 2nd Monday at 7 p.m. The Auxiliary meets 2nd Tuesday at 7 p.m. 3788 E. NC Hwy. 108, Mill Spring, NC 28756.

Veteran Healthcare

Charles George Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805 va.gov/asheville-health-care/

Main phone: 828-298-7911

Mental health care: 828-2987911 x 2519

Services offered: advice nurse, audiology & speech, Covid 19 vaccines, cancer care, caregiver support, dental/oral surgery, dermatology, diabetic care, endocrinology, gastroenterology, hematology/oncology, homeless veteran care, LGBTQ+ veteran care, mental health, minority veteran care, nephrology, pain management, pharmacy, primary care, prosthetics & rehabilitation, radiology, returning service member care, rheumatology, social work, spinal cord injuries & disorders, suicide prevention, urgent care, vocational rehabilitation, women veteran care, wound care & ostomy.

Master Sergeant Jerry K. Crump VA Clinic

2270 College Avenue, Suite 145, Forest City, NC 28043-2459 va.gov/asheville-health-care/ locations/rutherford-county-vaclinic/

Main phone: 828-202-2735

Mental health care: 828-2022735 x 6000

Services offered: cardiology, laboratory & pathology, weight management, mental health care, pain management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, kinesiotherapy, primary care, telehealth

Discounts

Many businesses offer discounts on products and services to veterans. Be sure to ask next time you go shopping!