At 3rd annual Veterans Card Signing Event group’s members and students from Montclair Elementary School write notes of appreciation to vets

Thanksgiving is a particularly important holiday in Fayetteville/Cumberland County, home to the third largest concentration of veterans in the U.S. It’s a time to give thanks to true heroes, veterans, who put their lives on the line to fight for our everyday freedoms.  It’s a time when the Army’s Army gathers to give thanks to veterans at its annual Veterans Card Writing Event.  This year, the group already has hundreds of students lined-up to participate from Montclair Elementary School, in addition to its members and partners. The event will take place on Friday, November 12th from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m at 342-5 Ray Avenue.  Attendees will write personal notes of appreciation to veterans, which will be distributed in holiday gift bags on Thanksgiving at the Fayetteville VA Hospital.

Army’s Army member Deborah Hilson, a school counselor at Montclair Elementary School, felt the event was a great opportunity for her local students to show their appreciation to veterans.  Ms. Hilson is leading the Veteran Card Signing effort on school grounds for 450 students grades K-5.

“With Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving taking place in November, this is the perfect time for our members to show appreciation to the men and women who have selflessly served our country,” said Janine West, executive director of operations for the Army’s Army.   “Though words are never enough to convey just how thankful we are, we hope these cards lift the spirits of the veterans at the VA and show how much we acknowledge what they’ve done for our country.”

These type of events illustrating the area’s continued patriotic and military support helped get the attention of the national media.  Where to Retire Magazine named Fayetteville/Cumberland County one of eight 5-Star Towns for Military Retirement.  The area was also recognized by Time Magazine as the most pro-military town in America for its unparalleled support and appreciation for those in uniform.  The community aims to make veterans residing in America’s Hometown feel safe, welcome and appreciated with groups like the Army’s Army and the various community programs in place.

If you are interested in joining the Army’s Army or volunteering for this event, please contact Janine West, at [email protected] or 910-709-9671.

To view photos of the last Veterans Card Writing event, click here.