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New Book Series Features Triad Veterans

October 18, 2012 | Keri Brown

Nearly 50 veterans across from North Carolina are featured in a new book series.

Unsung Heroes of America tells the personal stories of veterans of America’s wars. First in the series will be the Unsung Heroes of the Tar Heel State. The Veteran Memorial Foundation in King is collaborating with A-Argus Book Publishers in Kernersville for the project.

"These veterans are family people. Their wives, their husbands, kids and grandkids have no idea on who they are and so that's why I want to stress and have this as educational also a healing process, so they can get this out. It's a burden that they carry and they need to get rid of it," says Henry Lee Grider, President and Founder of the Veteran Memorial Foundation.

Grider reached out to several American Legion members to share their stories. A picture of each veteran is also in the book. Grider himself is an Army veteran. He says he became homeless after he left the military in 1982.

"It was a veteran that got me out, got me on my feet and it's basically paying it forward. If we can reach a veteran, or two veterans, or three veterans to say here is their story and they are going through the same thing that you are going through or went through the same thing. Let us help you," says Grider.

Three years ago, Grider started the Veterans Memorial Foundation, a non-profit that assists Triad veterans with their needs.

He says proceeds from the book will help support the Veterans Memorial Foundation.

"What we want to do is open up something small like a t-shirt shop or something where we can get our veterans back to where they are doing something in society. Where we can say these were made by veterans in the USA.  Give them a hand up instead of a hand out," says Grider.

He added, "We are also looking at finding a couple of acres so they maybe the veterans can come in and raise a garden. We are letting them know that they are still appreciated and they can take care of themselves," says Grider.

Grider is also recording some of the interviews. He hopes to work with other veterans in the Triad to create a documentary about their stories.

Unsung Heroes of the Tar Heel State will be released on Veteran’s Day, November 11.

For more information www.thevmf.org


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