FURQUAY-VARINA, N.C. — North Carolina has one the largest military footprints in the country, with 12 military bases and nearly 800,000 veterans, according to statistics from the governor’s office.
Spectrum News 1’s Caroline Corrigan recently served as the master of ceremonies for a two-day golf tournament that supports veterans and active-duty military members in need.
It's dubbed the 16th Annual Tee Off For The Troops Golf Classic. At last year's event, organizers said they netted over $130,000 for military members.
Military Missions in Action has helped more than 131,000 people and is on track to assist 5,000 veterans and their loving family members this year.
They help veterans and military members in a number of ways. Some activities are hands on, like building wheel chair ramps for veterans, packing care packages for troops, or providing furniture for homeless veterans.
Each ramp costs the organization about $1,000 to build and install, according to their website.
Most recently, they created the first-of-its-kind app in North Carolina that offers veterans a free ride to doctor’s appointments.
"Veterans are very prideful, and we did not want them to miss an appointment due to the shame of having to ask for assistance," the website said. "If we keep veterans well, we keep them housed; housed veterans are healthier and live better lives."
Organization Director Greg Gebhardt said, though it’s great they’re helping North Carolinian veterans and military members who need help, this year also revealed the reality that the number and need is growing.
Here’s more information for those who would like to help their efforts.