Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Amanda Wherry
Date: April 30, 2002 Phone: (919)733-5612
EASLEY APPOINTS MEMBERS TO MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMISSION
RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley today appointed 15 members to the North Carolina Advisory Commission on Military Affairs,
which advises the Governor on protecting the existing military infrastructure in the state and promotes new military missions and
economic opportunities for the state and its citizens.
"North Carolina has long been home to the finest troops in the world who make up the backbone of the economy for many eastern
communities," Easley said. "It is vital to the well-being of our people and the economic development of our state that we do all
we can to protect and preserve our military."
Easley appointed Lt. Col. Robert C. Anderson of Fayetteville, retired after 22 years of active service in the U.S. Army; Jimmie
L. Edmundson of Goldsboro, Senior Vice President at the BB&T, Goldsboro, and former National Guardsman of 14 years;
Marta Jo Faircloth of Fayetteville, operator of a small business in the military community; Maj. David R. Green of Parkton,
retired after 22 years in the U.S. Army and current owner/administrator of Green Manor Rest Home and Evergreen Rehabilitation
Center; Joe Henderson of Jacksonville, President of Atlantic Construction; Dr. Ron Linglc of Swansboro, President of Coastal
Carolina Community College; Ronald McElheney of Jacksonville, CEO of Jones-Onslow Electric Membership Corporation and
Secretary-Treasurer of the North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation; Edward Graham Melvin, Jr. of Fayetteville,
Vietnam Veteran and president of Tire World of Fayetteville, Inc.; Maj. Gen. Hugh R. Overholt of New Bern, attorney at the
law firm of Ward and Smith and former Judge Advocate General of the Army; Troy Wendell Pate, Jr. of Goldsboro, a retired
bank executive; Daniel Merritt Roberts III of New Bern, president/owner of Innovative Marketing and Public Relations
Technology; Gen. Hugh Shelton, former Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff; Maj. Gen. Ray L. Smith of Jacksonville,
retired after 34 years in the Marine Corps and president of E-Tool Enterprises; Hal H. Tanner, Jr. of Goldsboro, publisher of
the Goldsboro News-Argus; Brenda K. Wilson of Havelock, owner/broker of Century 21 Home Realty, Inc in Havelock.
Gen. Hugh Shelton and Troy Wendell Pate will serve as co-chairs of the commission. Col. Franklin Douglas Phelps of Raleigh,
Director of Total Quality Management of the North Carolina National Guard, will serve as the Governor's advisor to the
commission.
The North Carolina Advisory Commission on Military Affairs advises the Governor on how to strengthen the state's relationship
with the military to protect the installations of North Carolina from the results of any future defense budget cuts or military
downsizing by providing a sound infrastructure, affordable housing, and affordable education for military members and their
families; develops a strategic plan to provide initiatives to support the long-term viability and prosperity of the military of this
state; studies ways to improve educational opportunities for military personnel in North Carolina; assists in coordinating the
state's interests in future activities of the Department of Defense; and promotes initiatives to improve the quality of life for
military personnel in North Carolina.
The commission is made up of 30 members who serve two-year terms. The Governor appoints 15 members, the Senate Pro-Tern
and Speaker of the House each appoint three members, and there are nine ex-officio members.
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
