Gov. Perdue Announces N.C. National Guard and AmeriCorps programs to participate in joint
9/11
service event in Craven County
RALEIGH - Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that North Carolina AmeriCorps members and North
Carolina National Guard annories have united in a service project to honor military families for the
United We Serve’s National Day of Service and Remembrance on Sept. 1 1 . The governor also signed a
Sept. 1 1 proclamation to thank military men and women and applaud the state’s community service
efforts during the campaign.
'‘Through this United We Serve project. North Carolina’s AmeriCorps members and National Guard have
shown that it only takes a small effort to give something back to their communities,” Perdue said. “By
serving — we honor those who lost their lives on
9/11,
and we build strong families and strong
communities all over North Carolina.”
The National Day of Service and Remembrance, sponsored by the Corporation for National and
Community Service, is an effort to honor the victims of
9/1
1 and their families, as well as rekindle the
spirit of service. The day also encourages others to join AmeriCorps or volunteer in their communities.
This year’s theme is “Little Heroes Family Connection,” and members are collecting assembling and
delivering packages that match the project’s mission.
These items include stamps, stationery, notebooks, cards, blank tapes, CD's, DVD’s, disposable cameras,
writing utensils, ink -stamps and other items to help children create a message for deployed parents or
family members. The packages also will include a thank you note written by an AmeriCorps member to
the child. The AmeriCorps members will deliver the Connection Packages to local National Guard
Armories after the packages are assembled.
"Since September 1 1 , over 15,000 N.C. Guardsmen have deployed around the world. Today there are
nearly 4,200 Soldiers and Airmen serving the nation and the people of North Carolina on active duty,”
said Maj. Gen. William E. Ingram Jr., adjutant general of the N.C. National Guard. “Numerous
individuals and organizations have continued to support our men and women in uniform, truly making
North Carolina the most military friendly state in the nation. By helping our littlest heroes connect with
their Soldier or Airmen, they are directly helping the ones that protect the rest of us. I would like to
express my deepest thanks to everyone who takes part in this effort."
“As advocates of public service, AmeriCorps members wish to recognize and give tribute to the soldiers
and families who sacrifice so much for our nation,” said Rosanne Niforos, AmeriCorps member of N.C.
Literacy Corps. “We hope to see that dedication to community and civic involvement renewed again this
year as we honor and serve our troops abroad.”
• Project Heart: The program runs from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Aug. 1 2 - Sept. 1 0. The program has
partnered with Pitt County School System, Pitt County Parks and Recreation, Martin County
School System, Nash-Rocky Mount School System, West Craven High School, Lenoir County
School System and Boys & Girls Clubs of Pitt County. Members will deliver packages to the
National Guard Armory in Rocky Mount, and Craven, Martin and Pitt counties. Please contact
Program Director Dr. Betty Beacham at 252-328-1849.
AmeriCorps, a national service initiative funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service,
is designed to increase volunteering and civic engagement in America. Since 1 994, more than 5,000
individuals have participated in AmeriCorps programs in North Carolina.
