Veterans

CLYDE, NC — When Hurricane Helene tore through his hometown of Clyde, in rural western North Carolina, Air Force veteran Tim Gudridge was sheltering in place with his family and dogs. He had no power or internet for two weeks and became an expert on his grill.

When Tropical Storm Helene slammed into western North Carolina, AARP volunteer leaders and staff all across the state were anxious to help. Many ideas were proposed, but it was a single photograph in the Citizen Times of the devastation of a veterans housing site in Swannanoa, one of the hardest hit towns, that spoke most powerfully of the tremendous need in the Mountain Region.

For Veterans and Military Families

WILMINGTON, NC -- AARP works to provide veterans, the military and their families with the information, resources, and opportunities to get the most out of life as they age. Throughout the month of November, AARP has been celebrating veterans and their accomplishments through virtual and in person programs, special discounts and much more.

RALEIGH, NC – North Carolinians who provide care for veterans spend on average $11,500 of their personal income on out-of-pocket costs related to caregiving each year—1.5 times higher than what other family caregivers spend ($7,242), according to AARP data. And 43 percent of veteran and military caregivers experienced at least one financial setback such as having to take on more debt or dip into personal savings, according to research from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving.

Do you have a passion for serving veterans?

The stories of your service to our nation are so important and must always be remembered. AARP can help you curate, record and store your memories. Whether stories about the friends you made or lost, basic training, the challenges you overcame, or the battles you fought, your memories can easily live on for all to remember. A smart phone is all you will need to participate in this FREE, four-part, virtual series led by professional curator, storyteller, and videographer Jon Camp.

AARP’s efforts include helping veterans navigate health and disability benefits, and connecting them with other programs that aid military families, with a focus on thwarting fraud targeted at veterans.

To help the large number of Veterans and Military families in NC and across the nation, AARP launched the inaugural issue of the AARP Veteran Report, a free, bi-weekly e-newsletter for veterans and their families. The newsletter shares personal stories of service and offers practical help with areas such as health, money, work and benefits.

WILMINGTON, NC – Dr. Shirley Gerrior of Wilmington was named the most prestigious AARP volunteer in North Carolina at a ceremony in her honor held here in July. The annual AARP Andrus Award tribute recognizes outstanding individuals age 50 and older who are sharing their experience, talents and skills to enrich the lives of others.