Table of ContentsSUMMER 2015EMPOWERMENT

MAGAZINEPromoting Financial, Community & Self Awareness

EMPOWERMENTMAGAZINE

Contributors:Antionette Kerr

Founder & C.E.O.

Jill BurgessRosetta Clark

Miriam EsquivelThomasville Housing Program Coordinator

Tori HouserRyan Jones Ken Lack

Kassaundra S. Lockhart Josh Monk

Designed by Emily Kepley Moss

LHCDC Staff

Antionette Kerr, Executive Director

Margaret Strickland, Bookkeeper

Olivia Gaddy Fisher, Housing Program Director

Keith McCurdy, Construction Coordinator

Jimmy Cox, Director of Repair

Lexington Housing Community Development Corporation

lexingtoncdc.com(336) 236-1675 p • (336) 236-9408 fax

The Lexington Housing Community DevelopmentCorporation’s Empowerment Magazine will serve asa resource of knowledge, information and empow-erment for Davidson County. The magazine will fea-ture articles and briefs such as but not limited tohousing, financial literacy, community development,revitalization, foreclosure, education, self improve-ment, community champions and upcoming events.We will seek to always provide the citizens of David-son County with the most current and accurate infor-mation that is available.

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3A Salute to

Our Veterans

4CommunityChampion

Bruce Cross

5Tees for Keys Golf Tournament

6Tribute to American Legion

Post 255

7A Parade of Honor

8A Collection of Resources 9

Vets can benefit from DC resources10&11

Veterans Resource Event

12Ladies for Liberty

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Several years ago a client and current board member of LexingtonHousing Community Development Corporation approached ouragency about social services and housing needs for veterans.

Mr. Robert Curlee, who is also a Vietnam veteran and now com-mander of American Legion Post 255, wanted to ensure that other

veterans in our community were connected with services and assistance. He and the posthelped our staff to understand the special needs of the population and alerted us to the factthat most veterans are unaware of the services available to them.

Since then, we have assisted several veterans and their families through our homeownershipand home repair programs. We have made homes more accessible to disabled veterans withwheel chair ramps and we have connected veterans with VA home loans.

We hope that this issue of Empowerment will provide help, resources and informationfor veterans and their families. As the daughter of an Army veteran of the Korean War, Itruly understand the sacrifices that the men and women of the military make in order toprotect our freedom.

I would like to express my appreciation for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, the Amer-ican Legion and the Lexington Area Community Foundation for helping us honor thosewho have served with this edition of Empowerment.

Empowerment Magazine | SUMMER 2015

“Poor is the Nation that has no heroes, but beggared is the Nation that has and forgets them.”

-Veteran’s Administration Secretary Robert A. McDonald

A Salute to Our Veterans

If you have lived in Lex-ington long enough, youknow Bruce Cross hasdone it all. Well, almost.He has served on theboard for LexingtonHousing Community De-velopment Corporation,Lexington Housing Au-thority, the City of Lex-ington Planning Boardand Utilities Commission,and he currently serves on

the City of Lexington Redevelopment Commission, justto name a few. As evidenced by those few tidbits, it is clearto see that service is at the heart of who Cross is.

This value was engrained into the fiber of Cross as ayoung boy. A native of Lexington, Cross graduated fromDunbar High School in 1967 and entered the U.S. AirForce in 1968. In 1972, he was honorably discharged.Soon after, his call to service led him to join the Air Na-tional Guard where he served until 1999.

In the Air National Guard, Cross served under a tem-porary duty status which allowed him to fulfill his require-ments to his country anywhere from one week to a monthmultiple times a year. As a first sergeant, Cross was re-sponsible for coordinating the arrival of troops in areasembroiled in conflict.

Since 2013, Cross has served as the commander ofBanks Miller American Legion Post 255. While talkingwith him, it is easy to pick up on his excitement and pridethat he has for the post. Cross has been a member for 14years and served in many capacities before becomingCommander.

“One of the things I wanted to do was (focus on) up-keep of the post,” said Cross. “We’ve had the postpainted. We’ve put signs out in the front. We brought innew coolers, a new stove and refrigerators.”

Not only has upkeep of the post been a major initiativefor Cross, educating his fellow veterans has also been atthe forefront. “We’ve held seminars for veterans. We havebrought people in who take claims for veterans. Some ofthe veterans were eligible for claims through the (VeteranAdministration) after submitting,” explained Cross.

In the midst of serving his country and community,Cross also managed to carve out some time for a career.After stops at PPG and the world of self-employment,Cross found his niche working at ABC 45/48, rising tothe position of senior account executive before retiring in2009.

Despite being retired, Cross continues to stay active inhis community. A man of faith, Cross enjoys spending hisfree time serving the members of his place of worship,First Baptist Church, Village Drive, where he is the chair-man of the Trustee Board. Regardless of how heavily in-volved in the community he is, Cross’ number one priorityremains his family. He has been married to the formerRobbie Neely for 44 years. The couple has two children,Bruce Cross Jr. and Kenye Pierce along with one grand-son, Preston Pierce, whom Bruce Cross admits to spoilingevery chance he gets.

In the rare instances where Cross manages to find freetime, he enjoys traveling. His time spent in the Air Na-tional Guard honed his love for traveling. Through serviceto his country, he was able to travel to numerous countiessuch as Belgium, Amsterdam, Japan, Guam and Panama.A licensed travel agent, one of his favorite travel escapadesis going on cruises. “I do cruises every year,” said Cross.“I try to take a group some place. I’ve been doing it forthe last seven years.”

Cross’ love for his community keeps him constantly onthe go. However, you will not hear Cross complaining be-cause he truly enjoys serving.

“I try to stay involved in the community and in activitiesbecause I believe in doing stuff for the community. I be-lieve in helping as many people as I can. I enjoy it,” saidCross, excitedly.

I think it is safe to say that for the foreseeable future,Bruce Cross will not be slowing down anytime soon.

Community Champion

Bruce Cross

SUMMER 2015

VETERAN CONTINUESLIFE OF SERVICE

By Kassaundra S. Lockhart

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Corporate Sponsors:City of Lexington – UtilitiesLaw Office of Michael SwannMarc Lamoureaux Construction & DevelopmentMountcastle InsuranceParrott Insurance & Benefits

Silver Sponsors:Best Realty – Harvey DickCarolina Drawers, Inc.Carolina Investment PropertiesHomeTrust BankLexington Civitan ClubJoni Walser/GE FoundationSandy & Terry Reynolds

Bronze Sponsors:Drs. Charles & Kevin HooverChrista & Harry GrierG. W. Smith Lumber CompanyHanes Paving CompanyMasterwrap, IncorporatedRobert L. CurleeSylvia & John WalserWoodforest Bank

Empowerment Magazine | SUMMER 2015 5

Winning Teams:

Al Armstrong – Disc Jockey ServiceBank of North CarolinaByerly Shoaf & Co. LLCBunce BuildingsCharles Harp II PCCindy McNeillClassic MetalsDavidson Funeral HomeDavidson Sash & DoorDavidson Speed PrintingEdward Jones – Varner, Jackson, Parsons, Dasch & SchoonmakerFacility Logistic ServicesFrank CallicuttGayle & Jim Burke

Grace Episcopal ChurchHabitat for Humanity – LexingtonHaven Redevelopment GroupHugo & Sue HodginJerry Laws, DDSJohnson Electric CompanyJeff Moorefield & Sandy WalkerJo PeoplesKaren & Sid BieseckerKelly Office SolutionsKen G. Auman DDSLake Front PropertiesLanier HardwareLeonard Craver Realty Inc.Lexington Chiropractic & WellnessLexington/Davidson

Association of RealtorsMelinda & Guy Smith Miles CleckleyOrrell’s Food ServiceRives & AssociatesSara & Bill DeLappSimrel PlumbingSim & Marie SiceloffSII Dry KilnStewart Physical TherapyTastings Wine and BeerTeen & Tim TimberlakeThe Candy FactoryThe Glass ShopThe Write Folks

Hole Sponsors:

2nd Place-Parrott Insurance-

Mac ParrottSkip TusseyLeon RivesJim Nance

3rd PlaceJeff Matthews

Larry LinkMichael

HolshouserJim Holshouser

1st Place-Masterwrap, Inc.-

Richard Goff Lee CrispMarc Frye Scott Bauer

11th AnnualHarvey H. Dick Tees for Keys Golf Tournament

11th AnnualHarvey H. Dick Tees for Keys Golf Tournament

Banks Miller American Le-gion Post 255 is a corner-stone in the AfricanAmerican community. Af-fectionately known as “thehut,” Post 255 opened inthe early 1950s as the firstAmerican Legion in David-son County that AfricanAmericans could join.

The post was originallynamed Dorie Miller Post in

honor of Miller, who served as a cook in the U.S. Navy. Miller wasaboard the USS West Virginia during the attack on Pearl Harbor. De-spite not having the proper training, in an effort to save his fellowcountrymen, Miller successfully shot down a plane during the attack.For his efforts, Miller was hailed as a hero throughout the AfricanAmerican community and the naming of the post reflected his impact.The post later added the name Banks in honor of Lexington native,Richard Banks, who was killed during the Vietnam War.

Decades after its opening, Banks Miller Post 255 continues to serve asa gathering spot for local African American veterans. As is the trendwith most posts, Banks Miller has seen a decrease in their membershipnumbers due to the fact that the desire of veterans to belong to an or-ganization that is connected to their service is not as prominent as itonce was. The post is seeking younger members who can carry on itsrich tradition and heritage. A membership fee of $26 a year helps thepost serve not only veterans but the community as well.

As with many organizations that have been in operation for decades,the post has thrived under the leadership of numerous veterans. Pastcommanders include: Sam Franklin Young, Pop Bradshaw, George Sin-gleton, Shando Michael, Clarence Anderson, Delos Marshall, John O.Neely, Leon Craven, Alonzo Gill, LM Lockhart, Tony Henderson,Sylvester Holt, Walter Ford, Robert Henderson, Ray Richards, HermanCarr, Jr. and Lewis Hargrave.

As part of our initiative to highlight veterans in this issue of Empow-erment Magazine, we asked members of Banks Miller Post 255 to an-swer a few questions regarding their experience as a member of thisorganization.

Banks-Miller Post 255 Members

Alvin Hoover : Air Force & Army, Vietnam War Veteran

Foster Ter ry: Marine Corps, Vietnam War Veteran

Herman Carr : Army, Vietnam War Veteran

John E. Medley: Army, Korean War Veteran

Robert Curlee: Army, Vietnam War Veteran

Dwight Talber t : Army, Vietnam War Veteran

Bruce Cross: Air Force

How long have you been a member of BanksMiller American Legion Post 255?

Hoover : Eight yearsTerry: 11 yearsCarr : 13 yearsMedley: 14 yearsCurlee: Six yearsTalber t : Two yearsCross: 14 years

Why did you join Banks Miller American Legion Post 255?

Hoover : To give back to the community and help other veterans.Terry: Because I am a veteran. Every veteran should belong to a post.Car r : I wanted to be a part of post 255.Medley: I always wanted to join. Curlee: I wanted to serve my community.Talber t : A friend asked me to join.

What do you enjoy most about being a member ofBanks Miller American Legion Post 255?

Hoover : Fellowshipping with other members and veterans.Terry: Serving the community.Car r : Working with veterans.Curlee: Getting involved in community activities.Talber t : It gives me something else to do.

What would you like for people to know aboutBanks Miller American Legion Post 255?

Terry: The history of the post.Car r : The work we do for fellow veterans.Curlee: That it is a community-oriented post.Talber t : Post 255 is a very good post to belong to.

Do you have any suggestions for how citizens inthe community can better serve veterans such asyourself, who fought to ensure our freedom?

Hoover : Support veteran organizations worldwide.Curlee: Support post functions.Talber t : Help out more.Cross: Say thank you more often.

We are grateful for the veterans of Banks Miller American LegionPost 255, who have unselfishly put their lives on the line in the nameof freedom. Your sacrifice is worthy of daily gratitude. From us toyou, thank you.

By Kassaundra S. Lockhart

Kassaundra S. Lockhart is an Independent PR/Marketing Consultant.

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A Tribute to American Legion Post 255

Empowerment Magazine | SUMMER 2015 7

I still remember the anticipation and excitement I felt as achild knowing there was going to be a parade in my town. Ialways looked forward to seeing the men and women in uni-form holding flags and marching in straight lines, all withoutskipping a beat. I didn’t know much about them at the timebut I knew I admired them for their ability to walk confidentlywithout ever looking down. I remember they held their headsup high, looking straight forward as if their feet were trainedto take steps on their own.

As I grew older, I learned the important role that these menand women play in our society and in our country and it mademe gain even more respect for them. Knowing that becauseof them we are a free nation made my admiration for themgrow deeper. Still to this day, I look forward to attending theparade that honors the many heroes who paid the price forour freedom.

I never knew what it took for a parade to be so organizedand successful until I was given the opportunity to meet Mr.Joe Leonard, a well-respected Veteran who happens to be theevent coordinator for the annual NorthCarolina Memorial Day Parade andCeremony in Thomasville. I explainedto Mr. Leonard that I was always curi-ous as to how things come together forthis parade and he was kind enough toextend an invitation for me to be aguest during one of the Memorial DayParade and Ceremony Committeemeetings to discuss the planning of the28th annual parade. I was pleased to ac-cept the invitation and enjoyed beingable to see what it takes. Let me tell you,this organization runs a tight ship andthey work extremely hard to make sureeverything sails smoothly so that wecan all enjoy this special celebration.

Hundreds of volunteers and countless hours go into mak-ing this memorable event happen. During the meeting, Ilearned that Thomasville’s Memorial Day celebration is notlimited to just the parade. The committee also works hard to

put together a golf tournament that happens early in May.The festivities begin on the Saturday before Memorial Daywith the “Gathering of Eagles” reception. Dinner and a me-morial service follow on Sunday evening along with live en-tertainment for families to enjoy.

On Monday morning, a service is held at the N.C. VietnamVeterans Memorial wall. This includes paratroopers jumpingfrom helicopters at 3,500 ft. in the air to present the familiesof our fallen heroes with awards and special recognition.

The N.C. Memorial Day Parade is usually the final event ofthe celebration and in my opinion is one of the most impres-sive parades I have ever been to. Every year I look forward toshaking hands with the men and women who continue to gifttheir time and dedication, not only to our community but toour country as a whole.

During a conversation with Mr. Joe Leonard, I asked, “Whatis it that keeps the Veterans going as an organization and whatdrives them to continue bringing us this celebration everyyear?” His answer:

“For most people, Memorial Day rep-resents the beginning of spring and mostpeople look forward to family vacations,personal celebrations and a day off fromwork. Those are all great things, but wealso want people to remember theAmerican lives that were the price paidfor our freedom and because of those he-roes, we are able to do all of those greatthings freely. It is the gratitude and ap-preciation of the people that keep usgoing. The hugs, the handshakes andthe love we receive in return.”

Next time you are in the presence ofone of our American heroes, make sure

to demonstrate gratitude and display face to face appre-ciation. A short “thank you” and a handshake can go along way for those who gave all, those who gave some,and those who keep on giving.

By Miriam Esquivel

A Parade of Honor, Respect and Memories

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Not a day goes by that I do not receive a call from some-one asking me about loans from the Department of Vet-erans Affairs (VA) and how they work. Given that I havebeen providing these loans to my clients for two decades,I decided to write up a summary that will help answersome of the most frequently-asked questions and help ourveterans on the path to homeownership. As a loan officerwith Peoples Home Equity, Inc., I am always available toanswer questions not covered here. I can be reached atJBurgess@PeoplesHomeEquity.com.

What is a VA loan?VA loans are home loans for the purchase of a primary resi-dence available to consumers who have served or are presentlyserving in the U.S. military. While the VA does not directly lendmoney for loans, it backs loans made by private lenders suchas banks, savings and loans associations, and mortgage com-panies to veterans who qualify.

Who is eligible for a VA loan?VeteransActive-duty personnelReservists/National Guard membersSome surviving spouses

What are the benefits of a VA loan? The following information is taken directly from www.va.gov

No down payment required (unlessrequired by the lender or if the pur-chase price is more than the reason-able value of the property)

Buyer informed of reasonable value

Negotiable interest rate

Ability to finance the VA fundingfee (plus reduced funding fees witha down payment of at least 5 per-cent and exemption for veterans re-ceiving VA compensation)Closing costs are comparable withother financing types and may belower in some instances No mortgage insurance premiums

An assumable mortgageRight to prepay without penalty

A warranty from builder and assistance from the VA to ob-tain cooperation of builder for homes inspected by the VAduring construction

VA assistance to veteran borrowers in default due to tem-porary financial difficulty

How can veterans get VA loans?Veterans can apply for a VA loan with any mortgage lenderthat participates in the VA home loan program, but will firstneed to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the VA to proveto the lender they are eligible. Lenders can also obtain certifi-cates on behalf of their clients.

How to apply for a Certificate of EligibilityEligibility requirements are available at benefits.va.gov/homeloans

How much can a veteran finance with a VA loan?According to the VA there is no max-imum that an eligible veteran may bor-row using a VA-guaranteed loan.However, there are calculations to de-termine the VA’s maximum guarantyamount for a particular county. Gen-erally, an eligible veteran may obtain aloan for up to $417,000 with no downpayment but in some areas with ahigher cost of living veterans mayqualify for up to $1,094,000.

A Collection of Resources

from loan officerJill Burgess

Details for the Veterans Hotline:

Veteran LegislativeUpdates: 202-225-7475

Veteran Casework Assistance:VAHelpNC12@mail.house.gov

Local veterans can benefit from

DC ‐ based resource

In late May, U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, D-12th, an-nounced a hotline for veterans throughout NorthCarolina’s 12th Congressional District. Accordingto a press release, the hotline features a telephonenumber that veterans can call dedicated to provid-ing legislative updates, as well as an email addressthat veterans can use to request casework assis-tance. The hotline will be operated by the congress-woman’s staff.

“Our veterans have sacrificed and put their liveson the line to protect our freedoms and to keep ussafe,” said Adams. “We owe it to them to ensuresupport and resources are easily accessible andreadily available. I come from a family of veteransand they will remain a priority for me in Congress.I encourage every veteran in North Carolina’s 12thDistrict and their family to use my veterans’ hotlineif they need assistance or want to learn more aboutCongressional issues impacting them.”

There are more than 37,000 veterans in NorthCarolina’s 12th Congressional District. Adams’ vet-erans hotline is available for veterans who need helpobtaining benefits, fixing their military records orneed assistance with other issues that concern theDepartment of Veterans Affairs. The hotline willbe available during normal office hours.

Empowerment Magazine | SUMMER 2015 9

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Veterans Resource Event 2015

Sponsored by The Lexington Area Community Foundation

11Empowerment Magazine | SUMMER 2015

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The 1940’s-inspired band, Ladies for Libertycame to the North Carolina Memorial Day Pa-rade and Ceremony in Thomasville to helpbring us back to the era of World War II. Anaudience of around 300 veterans and theirfamilies along with citizens from Thomasvillecame out to enjoy this wonderful performance.The group’s name was chosen by bandfounder, Wanda Martin, because she wanted to

focus on patriotic, Andrew Sisters-style music to keep alive the spirit and styles ofthe World War II era.

The singing troupe was represented in Thomasville by three of their 12 members,all of whom travel internationally to provide nights full of remembrance and thank-fulness through hair styles, period-appropriate costumes, and vocals reminiscentof the 1940’s. The Ladies for Liberty sent three groups to perform at various loca-tions during Memorial Day weekend.

Member Danna Ashley of southern Indiana stated that the goal of Ladies forLiberty, founded in 2008, is to “honor both fallen and active veterans and celebratemusic from the 1940’s and, in particular, World War II.” Ashley, a Mrs. Indiana pag-eant winner, recently joined the group after a friend asked her to audition. She hasbeen a singer all her life and holds a degree in music.

Ashley shared that honoring those who gave their lives in battle and helping sur-vivors reminisce is the most meaningful part of performing. She wants to ensurewe never lose sight of all the freedom our country has because of the bravery ofpast and current veterans. She enjoys meeting veterans from all over the countryin her travels and hopes she can help them remember good memories they hadfrom a very hard time in their lives.

The Ladies for Liberty program included songs such as, “Don’t Sit Under theApple Tree,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “America, the Beautiful,” “God Blessthe USA,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” The audience clapped and sangalong; some even danced during the performance, proving the crowd both knewand enjoyed the songs.

The Memorial Day program opened with an introduction of dignitaries as wellas recognizing members of the audience who had served in the Army, Navy, AirForce, Marines, National Guard and Coast Guard. Not only were these veteransexcited to attend the program but a few of them came dressed in their uniforms.They also recognized the service of military veterans from Thomasville who areno longer with us.

The three Ladies for Liberty performers stayed after their show to sell and auto-graph CDs, pose for photos, and speak to members of the audience. Each bandmember took time to answer all questions and let audience members reminiscewith them.

Ladies for Liberty help Thomasville

celebrate Memorial Day

Tori Houser is a sophomore at West Davidson High School & an intern

for Empowerment Magazine

By Tori Houser