2.  Established February 2010  Created by military veterans  501(c)3, Non-Profit Foundation  Support veterans in North Carolina  Currently all volunteer staff

3.  NC has over 790,000 registered veterans.  Does not include non-registered veterans or families of former veterans.  The veteran population varies from county to county.

4.  Veterans/families seek assistance from VA representatives and Congressional members.  The burden of proof remains with the veteran or their family.  Option was to submit the request to the specific service BCMR.

5.  Family members unaware of their veteran’s military service  Little or no documentation  Unaware of where to obtain the information

6.  Military awards are not always submitted properly and some actually get lost within the military awards system.  Veterans feel they were not properly recognized.  Regulations require the submission to be made within 2 years

7.  Veteran received an award(s) and not recorded on their discharge form.  Veteran/family did not realize additional eligibility of awards.  NPRC 1973 Fire

8.  1996 NDAA waived the limitation was lifted however required the submission to made through a member of Congress.  Change also noted in Title 10 U.S.C. section 1130.  Requirements and burden of proof unchanged

9.  Historical military research  Medal submission  Record correction  Promote veteran service documentation  Claim support

10.  Volunteer research since 2000  Assisted with the recognition of 23 veterans within and around Harnett Co.  Post-Desert Storm, Korea, WWII and WWI  14 open case working 2 to 3 at a time.  Research time: 1 ½ to 2 ½ years

11.  Assist veterans throughout NC  Open and completed cases increased  Additional volunteer researchers  Increased turn around times  VSO and Congressional support

12.  Research unit history.  Research and obtain supporting documents, statements, and recommendations.  Prepare submission package IAW.  Submit package to appropriate Member of Congress.

13.  Obtain any available follow-up requirements.  Digitize all documentation.  Assist in ceremony preparation

14.  Funding needs  Beyond NC  VA recognition

15.  VLF augments VSOs and Congressional Staffs  The process is not unique.  Dedicated to serve veterans and families

16. Questions

17.  Post Persian Gulf - 1  Post Vietnam -3  Vietnam - 19  Korea – 5  Post WWII - 2  WWII -33  WWI -1  Pre-WWI -2  66 open cases involving 70 veterans

18. “Preserving and promoting the legacy of honorable veteran service…”