by Robin Kemp
The Clayton Crescent salutes those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Here are some local events and resources for veterans. Please refresh the page in your browser for any updates. You don’t have to be a veteran to share this page on your social media accounts and with the veteran you care about:
American Legion Post 258 is hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1480 American Legion Way in Jonesboro. See available times at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=30236
Meet Clayton County’s Veterans of the Month, or nominate someone for that recognition: https://www.claytoncountyga.gov/residents/community-services/veteran-of-the-month-program
If you are a veteran, thank you for your service. If you are looking to connect with other vets today, here are some local resources. We present these in honor of your fallen comrades and in honor of your own sacrifices:
SOUTHERN CRESCENT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Serving veterans in Clayton, Henry, and Fayette Counties, Southern Crescent Habitat for Humanity offers home ownership and home repair assistance. Visit http://www.schabitat.org/programs-and-housing/veteran/ for more information and to apply or call (770) 477-2367.
FOREST PARK
National Association of Black Military Women, Atlanta Metro Chapter, (404) 907-3744, meets the 3rd Sunday of each month at 3 p.m at 752 Main Street, Forest Park. Visit www.facebook.com/NABMWATL
LAKE CITY
VFW Post 5080, Delma Barbour Post, (404) 363-9962, meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at 5080 N. Lake Dr., Lake City. Visit vfw5080.com
JONESBORO
Southern Crescent Veterans Services, Inc., (678) 210-1911, is “the one-stop resource center for veterans in South Georgia,” with “news, information on benefits, and other helpful resources to make veterans’ lives easier.” Learn about financial aid, healthcare, and career options. Visit https://www.southerncrescentvets.com/
VFW Post 6330, Michael G. Gecik Post, (770) 471-3285, meets every 3rd Saturday of the month at 11 a.m. at 732 Veterans Pkwy., Jonesboro. Visit vfw6330.org
American Legion Post 258, Legion Riders Post, (770) 478-8046, meets every 2nd Saturday at 10 a.m. at 1480 American Legion Way, Jonesboro. Visit https://bit.ly/2A5RiMw
The City of Jonesboro, (770) 478-3800, displays a flag and a cross for deceased veterans, through its Veterans Project, on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Those honored must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces anytime between WWI and the present, whether or not in conflict. Learn more at https://jonesboroga.com/VeteransProject.aspx
STOCKBRIDGE
VFW Post 12180, Henry County Post, no phone, meets every second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at 3545 N. Henry Blvd., Stockbridge.
American Legion Post 33, Stokes-Morris Inc., is working to merge with Post 55 in McDonough. Call (770) 358-9565 for more information, Visit https://bit.ly/2X1wpuE
American Legion Post 310, Capital Georgia Post, (678) 289-5664, meets the 3rd Saturday of each month at 4 p.m. at 3035 Mt. Zion Road, Stockbridge. Visit https://bit.ly/2Zxu0d2
MORROW
The Clayton State University Veterans Resource Center, (678) 466-5527, is at Edgewater Hall, Suite 115, 2000 Clayton State Blvd. The VRC “is a place for Veterans and Active Duty members alike to meet, get information, and just hang out and be themselves with like-minded individuals who understand the military culture and language. Knowing that transitioning back to a civilian lifestyle, including the campus lifestyle, can be a culture shock for some, the VRC staff is dedicated to providing resources, connections and support for all armed forces members and their families throughout their college career. The VRC operates as a “4-1-1“ location for information about services available on campus and in the local community.” Visit https://www.clayton.edu/veterans-resource-center/
McDONOUGH
American Legion Post 516, Willie B Hatcher Post, (678) 782-5466, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 122 Legion Road, McDonough Visit https://www.wbhlegion.com/
American Legion Post 55, Henry County Post, no phone available, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at 67 Veterans Way, McDonough. Visit https://bit.ly/3c7qx7O
Veterans Support Group, (770) 284-3306 or (770) 284-9257, offers veterans a food pantry and other support services from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays at 32 Jonesboro St. Visit https://bit.ly/2yv31Ug
COLLEGE PARK
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1118, (770) 895-3260, 5605 Sturbridge Way, welcomes all veterans who served in Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975, or in any duty location between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975. Visit https://bit.ly/2LW1byV
American Legion Post 51, (404) 228-4262, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 2421 Roosevelt Hwy., College Park. Visit https://bit.ly/2zsEMGP
GRIFFIN
Southern Crescent Technical College Veteran’s Assistance at the Registrar’s Office, 501 Varsity Road, can help you secure the veterans’ education benefits you have earned. Visit https://www.sctech.edu/currentstudents/student-services/registrar/veterans-assistance/
ATLANTA
Atlanta Technical College’s Veterans Services Office, 1560 Metropolitan Parkway SW, (404) 225-4022, ” is committed to providing direct assistance to student’s receiving educational benefits from the Department of Veteran Affairs. Although, our main goal is the initiation and assured continuation of educational benefits, we are available to provide supportive services to veterans, National Guardsmen, Reservists, and eligible beneficiaries enrolled at Atlanta Technical College.” Visit https://atlantatech.edu/student-services/other-services-resources/military-veterans-and-family/
Atlanta Technical College Veterans Club “was established to provide support and a forum for those interested in veterans’ issues. Club events may include, but are not limited to, film discussions, guest speakers, community service, field trips, and social events. Membership is open to any student, staff member, or faculty member with an interest in veterans’ issues. ” Contact advisor Bernita Banks at (404) 225-4022 or bbanks@atlantatech.edu for meeting times and upcoming events.
HARTSFIELD-JACKSON ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The Jean R. Amos USO Center serves active-duty troops passing through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Volunteers staff the center.
Delta Air Lines offers a Military Lounge in the International Terminal.
NATIONAL
Korean War Veterans Association, (217) 345-4414, is open to veterans of “The Forgotten War”–all those who served honorably in Korea as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces September 3, 1945 to present, or who served outside of Korea June 25, 1950 to Jan. 31, 1955. Visit https://kwva.us/ and check out the Korean War Veterans Digital Memorial at http://www.kwvdm.org/
Vietnam Veterans of America advocates for veterans’ rights and provides support for veterans of the Vietnam War. Visit https://vva.org/
American Veterans for Equal Rights, (718) 849-5665, serves lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender veterans. Visit aver.us
Transgender American Veterans Association, (516) 828-2911, advocates for transgender veterans’ rights. Visit transveteran.org
Women Vets USA, (855) 829-6636, offers numerous resources for women veterans. Visit womenvetsusa.org
StoryCorps Military Voices Initiative collects the recorded stories of veterans, service members, and military families. Download the app and learn how to contribute your loved one’s or your own story at https://storycorps.org/participate/storycorps-app/
Listen to StoryCorps Military Voices at https://storycorps.org/stories/
