Service members returning home from active duty — becoming a veteran — can be a daunting challenge, U.S. Rep. Brad Knott, who represents the state’s 13th District, said during a recent veterans’ event in Lillington. Knott’s district covers much of Harnett County.
Knott’s grandfather, now 100, served in World War II. As a federal prosecutor, Knott worked with veterans throughout law enforcement.
“When you become a veteran, it can be an unbelievably daunting challenge for a myriad of reasons,” said Knott, a Republican. “But let me just encourage you that you are the best of the best.”
Knott’s message to veterans came July 11 as part of a two-day Veterans Resource Event designed to help veterans navigate government systems and expand access to essential services and resources for veterans and their families.
Knott’s office, Harnett County Veterans Services, Campbell University and the Department of Veterans Affairs partnered for the event, held at the Harnett County Resource Center and Library.
The drop-in style event offered on-site claims assistance with veterans service officers and Veterans Affairs; mental health screenings; dental screenings and oral health services for veterans, provided by Baptist Men’s Association; as well as health screenings provided by Campbell University and students in the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine.
Student doctors Sana Chopra and Isabella DeNardo, sitting in a tent in the shadow of one of Campbell’s mobile clinics, were among the Campbell students ready to offer health screenings and guidance to veterans.
“Being able to get out into the community and talk with people is a big thing,” said DeNardo, who is entering her second year in the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.
Resource booths representing veterans’ groups were lined up along the walls inside the center.
“We have the tools to help, and we will be the beneficiaries when the veterans that I know and have gotten to know are up on their feet and are serving the community like we know that you can,” Knott told veterans in attendance.
“Being able to connect you all with the people that are surrounding this room is one of the great privileges of my office.”
