Dear Members,

I hope this message finds you well. As we move through the year, I wanted to provide a quarterly update on our advocacy efforts and upcoming chapter events.

Advocacy Updates

Our organization continues to advocate locally with elected officials on issues that directly impact veterans, retirees, and surviving family members. Key priorities include:

- Supporting the Major Richard Star Act, which would provide long-overdue benefits to medically retired service members.

- Advocating for TRICARE coverage of GLP-1 medications for military retirees.

- Working to increase Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments for surviving spouses from 45% to 55% of a veteran’s disability compensation.

These efforts remain critical, and we encourage members to stay engaged and help raise awareness with local leaders and policymakers.

Upcoming Chapter Events

Durham Bulls Game – Sunday, July 19th

We look forward to 25 members and their guests (we sold out of tickets!) attending the Durham Bulls game next Sunday, July 19th. This will be a great opportunity to enjoy a fun evening together and strengthen the bonds within our veteran community.

Chapter Social Event – Thursday, September 17th

Please join us for our next chapter gathering on September 17 at ZincHouse Winery & Brewery (https://www.zinchouse.com/). We look forward to seeing you there for some great social time and discussion of ongoing initiatives and upcoming activities.

Vets to Vets United 5K – Saturday, September 26th

More information will be forthcoming regarding the Vets to Vets United 5K Run in Cary on September 26. We hope many of you will participate and support this worthwhile event.

Dinner Meeting – Tuesday, October 27th

Be sure to mark your calendars for our dinner meeting on October 17th. We are excited to gather with members and continue building our strong network of support and advocacy.

Recent Events Update

While the Symphony event was unfortunately canceled, it was still wonderful to mingle, network, and connect with everyone who attended. Thank you to all who came out and made the evening enjoyable despite the change in plans.

More than 200 veterans participated in Veterans Legislative Day in Raleigh last month, where the North Carolina Veterans Councils advocated for issues affecting veterans across the state. Legislative priorities included expanding property tax exclusion.

Best,

Faith Junghahn, Chapter President