Camp Centurion, Inc is a North Carolina Tax Exempt, 501(c)(3) Charitable Corporation.
Case
Many veterans are able to make a successful transition back into the civilian world after they are discharged from military service. For these veterans, the training and experience they received, in the service, helps them excel professionally and thrive personally when they return to civilian life. However, for others, the road home can be long, difficult, and filled with problems and pitfalls. Some veterans suffer from physical disabilities or the emotional scars of war resulting in financial crises, legal problems and homelessness, which make "coming home" almost impossible.
Vision
Many veterans are able to make a successful transition back into the civilian world after they are discharged from military service. For these veterans, the training and experience they received, in the service, helps them excel professionally and thrive personally when they return to civilian life. However, for others, the road home can be long, difficult, and filled with problems and pitfalls. Some veterans suffer from physical disabilities or the emotional scars of war resulting in financial crises, legal problems and homelessness, which make "coming home" almost impossible.
Your donation today can help us serve those who served.
Board of Directors and Staff
Laura Hamilton
Secretary
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.
Michael Meeks Sr.
Board Member
Mike entered the U.S. Army in 1969 and served at Ft. Knox, KY and Bamberg, Germany before being honorably discharged in 1971. Mike is very active in local civic affairs and is Chairman of the Gaston Veterans Council, President of Bessemer City Crisis Center, Board Member of Bessemer City Boys & Girls Club, past President and board member of the BC Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of BC Weekend Backpack Program, past member of BC Economic Development, member of the Bessemer City ABC Board, BC Hope 4 Gaston volunteer, BC Delivery Meal on Wheels, member of Gaston County Honor Guard, member of the CaroMont Hospital Advisory Committee, the CaroMont Transition Committee, CaroMont Veterans Committee and CaroMont Faith and Health Ministry. Mike has received the Humanitarian Award from Purple Heart Homes, the BC 2013 Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and the 2015 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Legacy Award.
Greg Dimmer
Board Member
Greg Dimmer, a dedicated general contractor and community advocate, founded Dimmer & Sons Construction, Inc. in 1995. After serving in the Marine Corps from 1989 to 1994, he channeled his discipline and leadership into building a reputable construction firm. Greg is married to Shelli Dimmer and extends his commitment to community service through significant contributions. He has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Gaston County, building homes and serving on its board. Additionally, Greg has held positions on the Belmont YMCA board and the Gaston County Home Builders Board, underscoring his dedication to community development and support.
Mike Cloy
Vice-Chairman and Founder
Mike Cloy served our Nation for 27 years as a Commissioned Army Infantry Officer leading and commanding Soldiers at the tactical, operational and strategic levels in both peace and combat operations where he has witnessed firsthand the valor of our Nation's sons and daughters. He graduated from the Army’s premier leadership schools which are the U.S. Army Special Forces School, U.S. Army Ranger School, and the U.S. Army War College. He currently serves the Veteran community as the Mentor Coordinator for the Catawba County Veterans Treatment Court. He holds advanced degrees in the fields of counseling, fitness, strategy, human services and Bible and theology. He serves as a Ruling Elder at Landis Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Marion, NC and is active on several denomination and presbytery committees.
Will Johnson
Staff, Program Director
Mike Cloy served our Nation for 27 years as a Commissioned Army Infantry Officer leading and commanding Soldiers at the tactical, operational and strategic levels in both peace and combat operations where he has witnessed firsthand the valor of our Nation's sons and daughters. He graduated from the Army’s premier leadership schools which are the U.S. Army Special Forces School, U.S. Army Ranger School, and the U.S. Army War College. He currently serves the Veteran community as the Mentor Coordinator for the Catawba County Veterans Treatment Court. He holds advanced degrees in the fields of counseling, fitness, strategy, human services and Bible and theology. He serves as a Ruling Elder at Landis Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Marion, NC and is active on several denomination and presbytery committees.
Ivan "Bud" Strope
President
Bud joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965 and served in Vietnam, as a rifle squad leader, in 1966 and 1967. Bud returned to Parris Island where he served as a rifle coach and as NCO in charge of the BOQ. He was honorably discharged in 1969 with the rank of Sergeant. Bud worked in the field of combustion engineering and traveled extensively engaged in international sales. He retired, from an engineering consulting firm, in 2013 and became active as a veterans' advocate. Bud is currently Pastor of Veterans Ministry at Journey Fellowship. Bud is a life member of the VFW, American Legion, Marine Corps League, Disabled American Veterans and Mensa.