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Hank Gotard |
| Atlantic Beach to Honor Korean War Veterans | |
| The
Town of Atlantic Beach reports that as an official Department of Defense Korean War
Commemorative Community, it will co-host with American Legion Post #46 of Morehead City an
Independence Day Event honoring and paying tribute to our Korean War Veterans, their
families, and all U.S. Veterans. The event will be held on the Atlantic Beach Circle on
Sunday, July 2, 2000. The program will commence at 7:30 PM with a brief history of the Korean War, the "Forgotten War", given by Lt. Commander Bill Donnelly, Jr. USNR (ret) who participated in the September 15, 1950 amphibious assault on Inchon, Korea. His presentation will be followed by a concert given by the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band from Cherry Point. A fireworks display will begin at 9:00 PM and will be followed at 9:30 PM by the "Holiday Band" playing beach music favorites until 12:00 Midnight. On behalf of the Town of Atlantic Beach and American Legion Post #46, may I extend an invitation to all our readers to join them on this Independence Day Weekend celebration, honoring our Korean War Veterans on the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War. STATUS OF NC TAX REFUNDS FOR FEDERAL RETIREES In a continuing effort to keep federal retirees informed regarding their NC tax refunds, Ira Schwarz the Administrator for Class Action Settlement Counsel recently published a Status of Refunds Report to give all some idea of what one might expect for the rest of this year. Highlights of his update follow:* Approximately 93% of the qualified recipients have received their first refund check. * 17,000 claimants are still awaiting their first refund check. Many of these remaining claims involve estates and the complexities of the associated issues make the going slow. The Group anticipates the first go around will be completed in October. * The second round of payments will take approximately 30 to 60 days so the Group is unable to promise payment before the fourth quarter of this year. * One uncertainty was removed by the NC Supreme Court and that was the issue of when interest was to be paid by the State on the initial $400 million appropriation that was to be paid to the retirees. The date set was July 1st rather than October 9th, 1998. This adds an additional $7.5 million to the funds that have to be distributed. * The allocation between state and federal retirees for the second refund payment is still a question that needs to be answered by the presiding judge. Although the final figures are not available, current estimates reflect a $258 million payout in the first refund round. Making the assumption that this figure is accurate, there would remain a minimum of $463 million for the second refund. For answers to further questions on the refund, federal tax related issues, and the status of your personal refund claim, contact the Administrator at 1-877-TAX CASE (829-2273) between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. If you would like a copy of the aforementioned summary, contact Veterans Services at (252) 728-8440. NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL With the World War II Memorial ground breaking scheduled for November 11th, 2000, questions are often being asked concerning how to contribute and also in regard to the Memorial Registry of Remembrances. Mail donations to:American Battle Monuments Commission You may also make a donation or request information by calling 1-800-639-4WW2. An operator will take your call at any time. Concerning the WW II Registry of Remembrances, it will list the names of individual Americans who participated in the war effort, to be recorded for all time in the annals of history. The Registry will be at the WW II Memorial site on public display so future generations will always remember the sacrifices of America's WW II generation. Regarding eligibility for the Registry, anyone who served in the armed forces during World War II and any civilian who helped on the home front is eligible for the Registry. Home front activities include working in defense related industries and more. For an application to register your own name, or that of a family member or a friend, contact Veterans Services (728-8440) and they will provide you with a copy and will gladly assist you with the application if desired. VA HEALTH CARE OPPORTUNITIES Whether a veteran spent one year or thirty on active military duty, was service connected or non-service connected for a disability, and regardless of personal income/assets, he/she should look into the opportunities for VA Health Care. For details on this important entitlement, a good resource is the Carteret County Veterans Services Office located at 613 Cedar Street in Beaufort. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, telephone (252) 728-8440, email address ccvso@coastalnet.com. |
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