Embracing Change
Greetings Camp Centurion Family,
Change is an inevitable part of life, and for homeless veterans, it can be a daunting challenge. However, embracing change is often the first step toward a brighter future. At our nonprofit organization, we believe in the power of transformation and the resilience of the human spirit. By providing comprehensive support and resources, we empower veterans to adapt and thrive in new circumstances, fostering a sense of hope and possibility.
For many homeless veterans, the journey to stability begins with small but significant changes. Access to safe housing, healthcare, and job training can make a profound difference in their lives. Our programs are designed to meet veterans where they are and guide them through the necessary steps to rebuild their lives. By embracing these changes, veterans can regain their independence and dignity, creating a foundation for lasting success.
Community support plays a crucial role in this process. When veterans see their communities rallying around them, offering encouragement and practical assistance, it strengthens their resolve to embrace change. Our organization works tirelessly to engage local businesses, volunteers, and partners in this mission. Together, we can create an environment where veterans feel supported and valued, making it easier for them to take the necessary steps toward positive change.
Ultimately, embracing change is about recognizing the potential for growth and improvement. For homeless veterans, it means believing in a future where they are no longer defined by their past struggles but by their courage and determination to overcome them. Our nonprofit is dedicated to being a catalyst for this change, providing the tools and support needed to help veterans transition to a better life. By working together, we can ensure that every veteran has the opportunity to embrace change and build a brighter future.
Ken Heavner
President, Board of Directors
👔 Introducing our new Director
Joe Willy Dunn – Director
A native of Stanley, Joe Willy Dunn began his military career in 1994 in the Army National Guard as a Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic and Cannon Crew Member, serving with Alpha Battery 1-113th Field Artillery. Joe served two tours in the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom before transitioning to Active Guard Reserve in 2011, where he served as a Training NCO with additional duties as Master Resiliency Trainer, Suicide Prevention and Awareness NCO, and Unit Prevention Leader for the Army Substance Abuse Program. Joe retired from the Army National Guard in December of 2020 after 26 years of service.
📅 UPCOMING EVENTS & DONATIONS
Volunteer Workday at Camp Centurion
- Date: October 26th
- Time: 09:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Details: We have an incredible opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of our homeless and low-income veterans, and we need your help! Join us for our upcoming workday where we will come together to provide essential support and services to those who have bravely served our country. Your time and effort can help create a brighter future for our veterans, offering them the hope and stability they deserve. Let's unite as a community and show our veterans that we care. Every hand helps, and your participation will make a significant impact. See you there!
HELP US REACH OUR $50K GOAL!!!
We aim to raise $50,000 for our operating budget for 2024. These funds will cover the basic costs of what we do here at Camp Centurion. Please consider becoming a donor.
How to Donate:
- By Mail: Send a check or money order made payable to Camp Centurion Inc. to:
PO Box 1008, Bessemer City, NC 28016 - Online / QR Code: Utilize the PayPal QR code on our materials to become a one-time donor or a monthly recurring donor!
- Amazon Wish List: We are in need of several items for the home. Here is the link to our Amazon Wish list if you are willing to help us out in these areas: https://a.co/5idsFwm. Otherwise please contact me if you wish to purchase items a different way.
🏛️ Introducing our Newly Elected Officers & Board Members
President – Ken Heavner
Ken Heavner entered the North Carolina Army National Guard as a Traditional Guardsman at the age of 17 as a Junior at West Lincoln High School in May of 2000. He served in the Active Guard Reserves of the North Carolina Army National Guard for the past 21 years as an Enlisted Soldier and an Armor Officer, Infantry Officer, Adjutant General Officer, and Field Artillery Officer until his recent retirement in 2023. Ken has a Bachelor's Degree in Human Development from Amridge University, a Master's Degree in Leadership and Management, and a Dual Master's Degree in Professional Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from Amridge University. Ken served as the Director of Camp Centurion July of 2023 to June of 2024. Ken currently serves Gaston County as the Veterans Treatment Court Manager.
Vice President – Tommy Hughes
Tommy Hughes began his military career in Charlotte, North Carolina, serving in the 1-113 Field Artillery before transitioning to Cyber Command in 2013. Over 19 years, he has been deployed to the Middle East three times, demonstrating adaptability in field artillery and cyber roles. Outside the military, Tommy is the Director of Recruiting and Marketing at Waffle House Inc. in Charlotte, where he leads brand and college engagement, manages recruitment, and offers career counseling. He plans to use his experiences to support fellow veterans through the Centurion Veterans Organization, aiding their transition to civilian careers.
Treasurer – Adam Sides
Adam Sides began his career in the North Carolina Army National Guard in 1999 as a Field Artilleryman. In 2006, he transitioned to an Information Technology Specialist, establishing two new units providing Wide Area Networks and communications support. By 2012, Adam joined the Engineer Corps, excelling in leadership roles such as First Sergeant and Senior Operations NCO. His career highlights include orchestrating successful disaster responses for Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, and leading key operations during OPERATION SPARTAN SHIELD. Adam holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University and an Associate's Degree in Applied Science Networking Technology from Catawba Valley Community College. Currently, Adam is the Interim Director of Operations at HKY4VETS, where he supports transitioning military personnel and their families in the Hickory Metro region. His dedication to service and extensive experience drive his commitment to positively impacting his community.
Secretary – Cory Hinkle
Cory's distinguished 21-year military career began in 2002 as an engineer and a human resources specialist. He deployed to Iraq in 2005 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, focusing on route clearance and crater repair, and again in 2011, working in Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Qatar with a brigade personnel office. Retiring in June 2023, Cory owns King's Legacy Transport, a nationwide company specializing in time-sensitive and specialized loads. He lives in Cliffside, NC, with his wife, Rachel, and their two daughters, Stella and Lyla.
Board Member – Laura Hamilton
Laura spent 7 years in the Marine Corps in the late 80s and early 90s in the aviation side of the Corps. She then worked for Gaston County for 30 years. She likes to hang out with other veterans and wants to help them as she is able to. She is part of the Marine Corps League, Gaston County Honor Guard, and now with Camp Centurion.
🛡️ Camp Centurion Mission
Veteran Support:
Personalized individual support plans to help veterans become stable, and productive members of the community.
🙌 Volunteer Recognition
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the incredible volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to our Camp Centurion workday. Your hard work and unwavering commitment have made a significant impact on the lives of the veterans we serve. The smiles, the teamwork, and the collective spirit of generosity were truly inspiring. Your efforts in organizing, cleaning, and improving our facilities have created a more welcoming and supportive environment for our veterans. We are deeply grateful for your support and look forward to sharing more moments like these. Please enjoy the photos capturing the spirit of the day and the positive change you've helped to bring about. Thank you for making a difference!
✝️ Chaplain's Corner
The slogan "Once a Marine, always a Marine!" is credited to MSgt Paul Woyshner in 1917. However, it was in use for some years prior and it first appeared in print in the Galveston (TX) Daily News (Pg. 23, Col. 7) on April 14th, 1907. Although its origin is lost in antiquity, this slogan remains in use today. The meaning is simply this: I am no longer in the Marine Corps but the Marine Corps is still in me. Regardless of their branch of service, this statement is true for most military veterans. For, when we raise our hands and take the oath, we are in military service and, by the time we complete our tour of duty, our branch of service is ingrained in us and we are a Marine, Sailor, Soldier, or Airman for the rest of our lives. How that experience affects us is subject to what we believe about our experiences, about ourselves, and about God.
Passages referring to and similar to, being in Christ, or Christ being in us, appear 242 times in the epistles of Paul and John. Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in [of, from] the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me" is a passage which embodies both concepts. "I have been crucified with Christ..." tells us that we were placed in Christ at the cross, where we died with Him. "...and it is no longer I who live..." tells us that we are in Christ at the resurrection where we are raised with Him. "...but Christ lives in me..." tells us that the new life we received, at the resurrection, is His life. "...and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me..." tells us Christ in us gives us the power to live by faith in Him.
When we are discharged, we are no longer in the military. However, Ephesians 1:4 (NKJV) "...He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him..." tells us, the Father chose us in Christ. This is an act of God's grace and no one can undo what God has done. Therefore, we can never be "discharged" from being in Christ. Finally, Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV) "...He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you...'" assures us that Christ was the first to promise to...leave no man behind.
Chaplain Bud