The Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court debuted “Voices of Recovery,” a podcast hosted by program director, licensed clinical social worker and Marine Corps veteran Kevin Rumley. The podcast addresses mental health treatment and recovery from substance misuse as alternatives to incarceration. The Veterans Treatment Court, a voluntary program for U.S. veterans who are facing certain […]
Tag: veterans
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Sunrise co-founder Kevin Mahoney on burnout, mental health and substance use
This summer, Kevin Mahoney decided to return to Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness, which he co-founded and where he will focus on educating the younger generation of peer support specialists.
Local recruiters face headwinds reaching enlistment goals
While military enlistment has long been considered a patriotic and meaningful means of employment and education, national reports indicate that all branches of the military have experienced declining enlistment in recent years.
Vets use military past to inform brewing future
Local veterans discuss how their military service helped inspire the breweries they operate today.
A-B Tech, ABCCM partnership brings classes to veterans’ doorstep
Some veterans find it difficult to adjust after military service. They might lack skills that lead to civilian jobs, and in some cases, that leads to homelessness. Recognizing those challenges, A-B Tech and the nonprofit Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry partnered to put classrooms right where they’re needed: in two transitional shelters. “To my knowledge, […]
My story: Finding peace in helping other veterans
“WCC’s program is special in that it utilizes area veterans to help train service dogs for their fellow warriors.”
Wellness roundup: VA debuts ambulance for veterans
The Veteran Medical Transport ambulance for Charles George VA Medical Center will provide transportation between facilities and after hospitalization.
Local VFWs engage vets socially and civically
Despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, local outposts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars have stayed active in the community, providing a social outlet for those who have served while continuing a variety of charitable works.
Training service dogs helps veterans heal
Asheville can feel as if dogs have the run of the place. They are seemingly in every brewery and restaurant and on every trail. Nearly all of these animals are pets that might occasionally earn their keep by barking at a black bear in the trash or chasing a gopher from the tomato patch. But […]
Letter: A Navy vet’s thoughts about Veterans Day
“Asheville has a very large number of homeless vets, and if you don’t believe this, just ask the VA or BeLoved Asheville and the rescue mission.”
Gun safety measures seek to reduce suicides
Patti Best describes her youngest son, Jared Best, as thoughtful, talented and highly intelligent. Following his older brother into the Army, Jared served with distinction in Iraq and Afghanistan before returning home to Haywood County in 2014. However, the toll of combat and the physical harm caused by close contact with explosive devices left Jared with […]
Asheville’s mental health support for area veterans
The 20 years that Kevin Mahoney served in the U.S. Air Force might sound like a dream deployment for some. Mahoney, who lives in Asheville, joined at 24 and trained as a cryptolinguist in Arabic and Farsi. The Air Force deployed him to the Middle East and the Persian Gulf. He was able to travel […]
It’s long past time we ended pointless wars
“Veterans have earned the care the Charles George affords them, but how much better would it be if we pursued peace and didn’t ask our citizens to participate in military actions the world over?”
The fight goes on
By Irene Olds
Letter: Thanks for highlighting needs of women vets
“Thank you to letter writer Betty Sharpless for making this vet aware of the plight of women vets in our state and area and of the Aura Home Women Vets nonprofit to help them.”
Letter: Thank you, veterans, for your service
“To all veterans, I want to say thank you on behalf of our entire organization for your service to our country and for all that you and your loved ones have done to guarantee our freedom and way of life.”
Letter: Don’t forget the women vets
“Aura Home Women Vets is helping homeless women veterans in Western North Carolina and many adjacent states. They can help with rental deposits, connecting women with available resources and have transitional housing to help women get back on their feet.”
Letter: Charles George VA Medical Center earns its reputation
“Asheville is very lucky to have such a highly rated and respected VA, and we all owe them a tip of our various military service hats for their service to us veterans.”
Veterans’ Mural Project takes shape beneath VA
Formerly known as the Tunnel Art Project, the over 250-foot mural occupies a real working tunnel connecting two main buildings of the Charles George VA Medical Center. Lead artist Jim Stilwell draws inspiration from the hospital’s residents and visitors.
One WNC veteran’s struggles with food insecurity
According to Feeding America, 20 percent of the more than 46 million people who access the organization’s national network of food banks each year are part of households that include someone who’s served or is serving in the U.S. military.
Letter: Correct problems, but don’t close the VA
“Intense efforts need to be employed to correct problems at underperforming facilities. For those facilities that are performing well, they need to be provided the tools and financing to continue to strive for excellence.”