When talking to Carroll County Deputy Sheriff Johnny Marlow, it doesn't take long to discover his dedication to helping veterans in this area. Marlow, a 42-year military veteran of multiple wars, expressed how Carroll County can take the lead in helping veterans get the benefits they are entitled to.
Building on recent meetings that have been held at the Carroll County Courthouse in Carrollton, this is an effort to reach out to all people who have worn a military uniform; regardless of gender, race, geography or economic background. This effort is to organize veterans from Carroll and surrounding counties to learn more about medical benefits and others they might have been able to draw from the government if they had only knew they were eligible.
Paul Henderson of Carroll County was an Army Green Beret, shot twice during his service in the Vietnam War with bullet fragments still in his bones today. He along with Ben Shute, who served in the Army National Guard for 23 years, have the same mission as Marlow: There is no veteran who should be left behind with their benefits. This ball got rolling on this grassroots level by Shute when he made a phone call to help Henderson, who was not getting financial help, and he began this outreach program here for veterans.
There are many different avenues with these benefits, the group has recruited those who specialize in different areas like agent orange where Ray Nash and Dwight Randall have worked hard and are referred to as the gurus for agent orange in this group.
I remember as a child how this state’s longtime Congressman G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery was a champion of veteran’s affairs. Montgomery had compassion for veterans, he was one and knew the sacrifices they had made for their country just as these dedicated veterans from Carroll County share. Montgomery, who served as chairman of the House Veterans' Committee, was the author of the bill that bears his name, the Montgomery GI Bill, that when passed in 1981 would provide educational benefits to veterans also the veterans hospital in Jackson bears his name.
As the son of a veteran, I appreciate what this group is doing here in our area. We all owe a debt of gratitude to those who have served in our military. While there have been many strides from leaders like Congressman Montgomery in the past, that success needs to be built upon. The grassroots effort by these veterans in Carroll County is commendable.
There are many benefits that go unclaimed from military benefits, usually amounting to around $2,000. A widow’s benefits often go unclaimed but can be retroactive once approved. Many who only served a short time are not aware they can receive a pension, but they have to apply. For veterans like my Dad who can't walk and are bed bound, this group is also reaching out to them by making home visits.
It comes down to there are benefits out there that are veterans, they deserve it, but the key is knowing the system. It can make a life changing experience for a veteran and their family by an effort to make sure those who once served in uniform are getting the care that is owed to them.
If anyone who is a veteran or knows a veteran they need to be made aware of these benefits. This group needs the community's support, that's why in November, I am proposing a resolution in support of their effort to the North Carrollton Mayor and Board of Alderman.
Shute said he knows veterans living in poverty in this county and not getting what they need and that’s just wrong. I couldn’t agree more, and I know if Congressman Montgomery were still alive, he would be proud of this effort here in Carroll County.
Ken Strachan is a columnist from North Carrollton and serves on that towns Board of Alderman.
