“Salute the Troops”

The Businesses and Friends of Veterans in Martin County had an “Armed Forces Day” event to “Salute the Troops” yesterday. The purpose was to honor all Martin County Veterans and active duty soldiers.





It was held at the Farmers Market. It was a beautiful evening when I drove up to the Farmer's Market in Williamston.







At the entrance they had military vehicles and a number of current military personnel to tell people about their duties.






Inside they had military speakers, patriotic music and most especially BBQ.







This was not a political event, only to honor all our veterans on “Armed Forces Day", but was organized by the Martin County Republican Party.





The people that were most important are the soldiers who are currently serving us in this time of war. This war against Islamofascism is a long term war and there is no question it will go on for decades. This will test our nation's strength and commitment to freedom as much as any war we have ever fought.




To start the event, local Boy Scout Troop #29 provided the color guard and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Scout Zack Bennett.




Mrs. Ruth Bake led the singing of the National Anthem.




Dr. David Brown, Minister of First Christian Church of Robersonville gave the invocation.




The crowd was very polite and no one moved to start eating until all of the opening comments were finished.


Through an open door at the back of the large room it was fascinating to watch the horses in a field at Martin Community College which is behind the Farmer's Market.




Master of Ceremonies, Dwayne Baker, Chairman of the Martin County Republican Party, started the speakers portion of formal ceremonies after all had a chance to eat.




First action of the evening was reading letters from our elected officials. Betty Jo Shepheard (below) read a letter from Senator Richard Burr.




Lareo Reddick read a letter from Congressman G.K. Butterfield.




Mr Reddick also presented the Republican Party with a flag flown over our nation's capital from Congressman G.K. Butterfield to thank them for holding the event to honor our troops.




Rachel Baker read a letter from our senior Senator, Elisabeth Dole.




Theodosia Robinson, Martin County Office of Veteran Affairs then presented some heartfelt remarks, about the services of her office, and her personal appreciation for the troops. She ended her comments with a powerful poem in honor of our troops.




Next was Sam Bullock, Post Commander of American Legion Post #131, from Hamilton, NC for his tribute to the troops.




A couple of highlights from the evening were the moving patriotic songs of local star Lori Wynne.




When she started "Stand up America", everyone stood up.





Keeney Teeter, Post Commander of AMVETS of Williamston came next, for his tribute to the troops.




The troops that were present were clearly moved by the outpouring of appreciation and paid attention to everything being said.







Dot Williford, former Republican Chairman of the 1st Congressional District, gave the introduction of the evening's keynote speaker, Colonel Nelson Leggette (retired), U.S. Army Air Corps, who served in World War II.




Colonel Leggette shared a number of stories and anecdotes, including one discomforting story about a sixth grade teacher who attended a recent event. She walked up to him, looked at a sign that announced him as a World War II vet, and asked, "What is World War Eleven?"

Most of his stories were much more uplifting and he ended his presentation with a listing of all the wars our nation has fought. It is a long toll of conflicts that have repeatedly made the difference between being free and living under the rule of others. Our freedom is ours, solely because of the willingness of some to fight for us all.

God Bless America's Soldiers.

Joe McLaughlin Opposes Walter Jones

Joe McLaughlin started a two day tour through the 3rd Congressional District of North Carolina to launch his candidacy to represent that disctrict. Joe will oppose Walter Jones, the incumbent, in the Republican Primary next year.





Joe's first stop was in Greenville, at the Veterans Memorial in the Town Park behind the Courthouse, and the pictures included here are from that stop. Other locations inclulded New Bern, Beaufort, Moorehead City, Jacksonville, Wilson and Goldsboro.

Rumors of the growing opposition to Walter Jones have been rampant in recent weeks. Some of the reasons were covered in the speech Joe McLaughlin gave at the various stops.

Joe McLaughlin, "I'm here today to tell you . . . that I am officially announcing my candidacy for the United States Congress. "

"I seek the Congressional seat currently held by Walter Jones. This has been a tough decision . . . . . but the man we sent to Washington over 13 years ago is someone I no longer recognize."

"Walter Jones' willingness to vote with the liberals against virtually every major anti-terror piece of legislation has made him a poster boy for the left. In fact the liberals justify their positions by pointing to our own Congressman."

"In recent weeks, Walter has again sided with the left by voting to deny reinforcements for our troops in combat, to establish a schedule for surrender and to override . . . [the] veto of this declaration of defeat."

My own frustration with Walter Jones started because he keeps touting his dedication to Christianity, something that he always puts in every speech. However it is starting to wear thin for those of us who think Christianity in our nation is important. Someone who keeps having to remind us that he is a Christian is perhaps forgetting that such bragging was an act that Jesus himself spoke against. I don't trust Walter Jones any more. I don't know how anyone can.

If you have any questions, you can contact Joe McLaughlin by calling (252) 723-8958.

Joe McLaughlin Bio

Joseph R. McLaughlin was born September 16, 1954 in New York City where his father was serving in the United States Coast Guard. Joe spent his youth traveling while his father’s duties as an officer carried him to several East Coast ports.




Joe has been married for 24 years to the former Sherrill Ann Baucom of Charlotte, NC, who is a Registered Nurse at Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville. They have 3 children, with son Matt being a recent graduate of N.C. State and daughters Colleen and Caitlin, both attending White Oak High School.

Joe received a Presidential Appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Joe graduated from the Academy and, due to vision requirements to fly, volunteered for a commission in the United States Army. His first duty assignment was the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. Over a decorated military career, Joe served in a wide range of command and staff assignments in infantry, airborne and mechanized units in Georgia, California, Korea and Washington, D.C.

Joe also earned a Master of Science from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California and was a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College in Leavenworth, Kansas. Upon his retirement in 1994, Joe settled in Jacksonville, NC where he works as a financial advisor.

Joe is currently serving in his second term on the Onslow County Board of Commissioners and is now seeking the Republican nomination for North Carolina’s District 3 Congressional seat.