.jpg)
Special Events to Celebrate Local Veterans and Raise Awareness of Unique Challenges
For hundreds of years, brave Americans have been answering the nation’s call. These selfless individuals put their lives on the line no matter the political landscape or conflict that arises. We owe them an unpayable debt of gratitude for their past, present, and future service to our nation.
The Buncombe County Veterans Service Office is one of the best in the state of North Carolina, with a team of dedicated Veteran Services Officers (VSO) including Sherry Manning, Clint Cook (Air Force), Ivan Sarabia (Army), and Heath Smith (Marine Corps). The office provides a wide range of assistance to veterans and their dependents, including disability compensation, non-service-connected pension, survivor benefits, and more.
Counties play an important role in connecting veterans with supportive housing, employment and education resources, and mental health services that treat trauma and prevent suicide. Buncombe County is no exception. The Buncombe County Veterans Service Office provides a wide array of assistance to veterans and their dependents. This assistance includes disability compensation, non-service-connected pension, survivor benefits, and more.
Special Events:
Operation Greenlight & Proclamation
Buncombe County will join Operation Greenlight from November 6 to November 12 to illuminate the services provided for veterans at Buncombe County Health and Human Services building at 40 Coxe Avenue (Veterans Services Offices) and the Buncombe County Courthouse (Veterans Treatment Court). This initiative aims to show support for veterans by shining a green light on supportive service buildings. The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners will present a proclamation in honor of our local veterans on November 7th at their regular board meeting.
Veterans Day Ceremony
Please join us for a live Veterans Day Ceremony to be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Charles George VA. Events include keynote speaker, Warren Dupree, and readings from the Brothers and Sisters Like These Veteran Writing Group. This will be the first live Veterans Day ceremony since 2019.
Free Screening: Veteran's Battlefield
We are thrilled to host a free screening of the movie “Veteran’s Battlefield” at 6 p.m. on Nov. 16 at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave., Asheville. North Carolina is home to around 700,000 veterans – the eighth largest veteran population in the nation. And with the fourth largest active-duty military presence nationwide, it stands to reason that our state needs to pay special attention to issues impacting our service members. From starting new careers to navigating a complex process to obtain earned benefits, shifting mindsets and establishing homes, it can be just too much for a person to bear… mental and physical health suffers… unemployment and even homelessness ensue. Yet, hope and help are alive in our counties. Veterans service officers in our communities are devoted to doing what they can to make life after the military the best it can be for our veterans.
The showing is free, and no tickets are required. The snack bar will be open and all are welcome to attend.
Supportive Veterans Resources:
If you are a veteran or know someone who is, please check into these great local resources for assistance.
Buncombe County Veterans Services
6th Floor
40 Coxe Avenue in Downtown Asheville
Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM
(828) 250-5726
BCVS offers essential benefits assistance to Veterans and their families. Services include:
- Health Care
- Home Loans
- Life Insurance
- Education & Training
- Vocational Rehabilitation & Training
- Burial Benefits
- Dependent & Survivor Benefits
- Disability Benefits
Charles George VA Medical Center
1110 Tunnel Road in Asheville
Open 24/7 for your convenience
Main phone: 828-298-7911
Mental health care: 828-298-7911 x2519
The Charles George VA Medical Center offers comprehensive medical care to Veterans and their families, including mental health care services, urgent care visits, and clinical care scheduling. Visit their website for a comprehensive list of medical services and support services offered at the Charles George VA Medical Center.
Veterans Treatment Court
60 Court Plaza- 9th Floor
Buncombe County Courthouse
(703) 389-9918
Veterans Treatment Court is an alternative to the conventional criminal justice system in which Veterans who are struggling to acclimate back into civilian life and find themselves charged with an offense are met with the support, structure, and resources they need to settle into life after service.