Greetings Camp Centurion Family,
In the journey to support our brave veterans who have faced the challenges of homelessness and poverty, it is essential to remember the profound impact we can make together. Every step we take is a step toward restoring dignity and hope to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. The road ahead may be long, and at times, it may seem daunting, but the resilience and courage of our veterans inspire us to press forward with unwavering determination.
Our mission is more than just providing shelter or a meal; it is about creating a sense of belonging and community for those who have served our nation. It is about showing our veterans that they are not forgotten, that their struggles are seen, and that we are committed to walking alongside them as they rebuild their lives. Each act of kindness, every resource we provide, and every smile shared can light the way for a veteran seeking a fresh start.
We must continue to harness the power of collaboration, drawing on the strengths of our community, partners, and supporters. Together, we can build comprehensive programs that address not only the immediate needs of our veterans but also pave the way for sustainable, long-term solutions. Let us celebrate each success, no matter how small, and use it as fuel to drive us forward. By fostering a network of care, support, and opportunity, we can help our veterans rediscover their sense of purpose and belonging.
As we move forward, let us hold on to the belief that change is possible and that our collective efforts can and will make a difference. Our veterans have shown us the true meaning of service and sacrifice; now it is our turn to serve them with the same spirit of dedication and compassion. Together, we can create a world where every veteran has the opportunity to thrive, knowing that they are valued, supported, and loved.
Joel Dalton
President, Board of DirectorsCampcenturion.org
👔 From Our Outgoing Director
Dear Camp Centurion Family,
As I prepare to embark on a new journey, I am filled with a profound sense of thankfulness, humbleness, and gratitude for the incredible experiences and relationships that have defined my time here at Camp Centurion. It has been an honor to serve as your director, working alongside a team of passionate, dedicated individuals who share a common vision of making a meaningful impact in the lives of our veterans. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones and touched countless lives, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
Reflecting on our journey, I am humbled by the unwavering commitment and resilience each of you has demonstrated. From the countless hours of hard work to the heartfelt interactions with our veterans, your efforts have been nothing short of inspiring. Our collective achievements are a testament to your dedication, compassion, and unwavering belief in our mission. It has been a privilege to lead such a remarkable team, and I am forever thankful for the trust and support you have shown me.
As I move on to a new role where I will continue to serve and advocate for our veterans, I take with me the invaluable lessons and memories forged here. This organization has been a cornerstone of my professional and personal growth, shaping me into a better leader and individual. I am excited about the new opportunities that lie ahead, yet I am also comforted by the knowledge that our paths will continue to intersect. My commitment to our mission remains steadfast, and I look forward to finding new ways to collaborate and contribute to Camp Centurion's ongoing success.
To our partners, donors, and volunteers, your generosity and unwavering support have been the lifeblood of our work. Your belief in our cause has enabled us to make a real difference in the lives of veterans, and for that, I am eternally grateful. The impact we have made together is a testament to the power of community and shared purpose. I am confident that with your continued support, Camp Centurion will reach even greater heights.
Finally, to the veterans we serve, thank you for your courage, resilience, and trust. Your stories have been a source of inspiration and a constant reminder of why our work is so vital. It has been an honor to stand beside you, to listen to your experiences, and to be a part of your journey. As I transition to my new role, my dedication to serving you remains unwavering. I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in your lives, both through my new position and ongoing involvement with Camp Centurion.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Ken Heavner
✝️ Chaplain’s Corner
In the summer of 480 BC, the invading Persian army of Emperor Xerxes I approached the narrow coastal pass of Thermopylae. At approximately 300,000 strong, they greatly outnumbered the 7,000 Greek defenders under the command of Leonidas, King of Sparta. Yet, the Greeks had the advantage of terrain. The Thermopylae pass was so narrow that Xerxes could not make use of his superior numbers. The valiant Greeks held the pass until they were betrayed by a local resident, named Ephialtes, who showed the invaders a small path, which allowed them to get behind the Greek lines. Leonidas became aware of the betrayal and sent most of his forces away, while he remained behind, with 300 Spartans, as a rear guard. Of course, Leonidas and the 300 were overwhelmed and died defending their freedom. In the 2007 movie 300, depicting the battle of Thermopylae, Ephialtes urges Leonidas to surrender. Being faithful to Spartan law, Leonidas does not surrender and he responds to the traitor by simply saying, “May you live forever.” This was a terrible curse; meaning that Ephialtes should live eternally, with the burden of his treason and with no hope of redemption.
For many years, when I thought about the story of Adam and Eve being driven from the Garden of Eden, I pictured God as an angry father kicking his children out of the house as punishment for their rebellion. Now I see Him as a loving Father, protecting His children. Consider Genesis 3:22 (ESV) “Then the Lord God said, ‘Behold, the man has become like one of Us, knowing good and evil; and now, he might stretch out his hand, and take also from the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.’” They had not been forbidden to eat from the Tree of Life and, had they stayed in the garden, they could have done so and spent eternity in their fallen state, without hope of redemption, under the curse of sin.
Galatians 3:13 (ESV) tells us “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.’” and Romans 8:1 (ESV) tells us “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...”
Jesus broke the curse of sin that we may live forever…free.
Chaplain Bud
📅 UPCOMING EVENTS & DONATIONS
Volunteer Workday at Camp Centurion
- Date: July 27th
- 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 utilizing the links below and 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: Scan the PayPal QR code to become a one-time donor or a monthly recurring donor! We could use your support!
- 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.
🤝 Veterans United Event Highlights
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible volunteers, dedicated staff, supportive vendors, and the wonderful team at Veterans Bridge Home for making our Veterans United event a resounding success. Your collective efforts, hard work, and unwavering commitment ensured that the event ran smoothly and provided a meaningful experience for all our veterans. Each of you played a vital role in creating an atmosphere of support and community, and your contributions have made a lasting impact. Thank you for your dedication and for coming together to honor and support those who have served our country.
Robert Padgett, a Veteran housed at Camp Centurion, speaks to bring awareness to the invisible society which is homeless Veterans. Big Rob, as we call him in the home, shared some of his journey and how Camp Centurion has helped him over the past seven months.
Media Coverage (Wise News Network):
- VETERANS STAND DOWN, CAMP CENTURION STEPS UP
- VETERANS STAND DOWN: MEET NC’S VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS
📸 Event Photos & Captions
- Bud Strope, a founding member of Camp Centurion, speaks about the inception of the organization several years ago.
- Volunteers prepare to serve during the Veterans United Event.
- Former Camp Centurion Board President Bud Strope (left) and current Camp Centurion Board President Joel Dalton (right).
- The Veterans Community Alliance Team.
🛡️ Camp Centurion Mission
Veteran Support:
Personalized individual support plans to help veterans become stable, and productive members of the community.