History & Milestones
It has been over five years since three military veterans met, at a restaurant, for a cup of coffee and for the purpose of discussing the plight of homeless veterans[cite: 2]. All three, Mike Cloy, Mike Meeks and Bud Strope, were involved in various aspects of meeting the needs of veterans and all agreed that one of the primary needs was housing[cite: 2]. For, if a veteran has no home, it becomes much more difficult to meet his other needs[cite: 2]. The result of that meeting was a vision to create a home where veterans, transitioning out of military service could live, with other veterans, in a secure environment, while reentering civilian life[cite: 2].
On February 29th, 2020, a group of 30 volunteers, ranging in age from teenagers to octogenarians, came together for a cooperative event known as Demo Day[cite: 2]. We demolished the interior of the home, that is now Camp Centurion, to prepare it for complete renovation and to bring it up to county building code requirements[cite: 2].
On Monday, February 13th, 2023, Camp Centurion Incorporated was inspected by the Gaston County building inspector[cite: 2]. He noted two minor items that are now taken care of, and we have received our certificate of occupancy[cite: 2].
This would not have happened without veterans' organizations, volunteers, individual donors, and corporate sponsors working diligently to achieve the goal[cite: 2]. I must also mention, there were times when I was discouraged and went to the Lord in prayer and He always answered[cite: 2].
Current Needs & Work Day
There are still some items we need including[cite: 2]:
- A washer & dryer[cite: 2]
- A wall-mounted TV for the rec room[cite: 2]
- A basketball goal[cite: 2]
We will also have ongoing expenses such as insurance, electrical power, property maintenance, and food[cite: 2].
Tomorrow, February 25th, we will be installing the computer lab, cleaning the inside of the building, spreading gravel on the driveway, extending and repairing the culvert pipe at the entrance, and spreading some soil for the landscaping[cite: 2]. This work will be done by volunteers who are all active-duty Army NCOs[cite: 2].
Grand Opening
We are almost there and, on Saturday, March 25th, we will have our grand opening[cite: 2].
- Time: Drop-in from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM[cite: 2]
- Activities: Food, music, and a tour of the facility[cite: 2]
Please mark the day on your calendar and please drop in and see what a difference your volunteer work and your donations have made[cite: 2].
There is absolutely no way I can thank our volunteers, donors, and corporate sponsors enough for what you all have done[cite: 2]. Please come by on Saturday, March 25th, and I will be there to shake your hand[cite: 2].
Please visit www.CampCenturion.org
and give generously[cite: 2]. Thank you[cite: 2].
Bud Strope
President, Camp Centurion[cite: 2]
Camp Centurion, Inc. is a North Carolina, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) corporation[cite: 2]
Camp Centurion | Post Office Box 6187 | Gastonia, North Carolina 28056[cite: 2]