This announcement ensures continued treatment next year for "Priority Group 7" veterans, the lowest in a seven group listing of veterans that was developed last year under a nationwide VA enrollment system. "Priority Group 7" veterans do not have service connected disabilities, or their incomes exceed a threshold level.

The Secretary stated, "It is my intention to serve as many veterans as possible under the law and give them access to a full range of services they need." This decision assures veterans in all priority groups that they are eligible to enroll and to be treated during fiscal year 2000.

The new VA enrollment program was established by the 1996 Veteran Health Care Eligibility Reform Act, which was implemented in 1998. It requires most veterans to enroll to receive health care at VA Medical Facilities. Veterans can apply at any time, by mail, or in person. Veterans who fall into the following categories are not required to enroll.

*Veterans who have received VA health care since January 1, 1996.

*Veterans who are service-connected for a disability with a rating of 50% or more.

*Veterans seeking care for a service connected disability.

*Veterans discharged from military service for less than one year for a disability that was determined to have been incurred/aggravated while in service, but not yet rated by the VA.

While not required to enroll these exempted veterans, they are still encouraged to enroll, to be counted so the VA can more effectively identify their health care requirements.

Under the enrollment program, the VA offers a wide array of health care services from preventative care to primary care to inpatient and outpatient services, to name a few. The Program includes drugs and pharmaceuticals in conjunction with VA treatment. To obtain more information from the VA on this program, call 1-877-222-VETS(1-877-222-8387) or call County Veterans Services at (252) 728-8440.

Grand Marshalls will be Major General Nyland, USMC, Commanding General of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing and Major General Braaten, USMC, Commanding General of all Marine Bases on the East Coast. A very special guest will be Harvey Gray, one of our World War I Veterans. Participating in the event will be many elected state, county, and local municipal officials, POWs, and the military commanders of many of our area units.

Bands will be from the Second Marine Aircraft Wing, Croatan High School, East Carteret High School, West Carteret High School, East Carteret Junior Mariners, and the Band of Young Marines. Angela Baker will be present and will sing.

There will be color guards and military equipment from the five active services, the Army Reserves, North Carolina National Guard, and from numerous and varied veterans organizations.

Also participating will be the Havelock High School ROTC Unit, Young Marines from Cherry Point, Girl and Boy Scouts, Brownies, Cub Scouts, Girls & Boys Club of Carteret County, and the Newport 4H Club.

It wouldn’t be a parade without Shriners and our county units are scheduled to perform and the Local Antique Military Vehicle Club and Antique Car Club will also have many priceless vehicles riding in the parade. The list of participants goes on and on.

It’s not too late to play a part in the event. All are welcome. Call Tex Cavett

All are invited. We believe it will be spiritually rewarding.