Camp Centurion’s mission is to provide veterans experiencing homelessness and related challenges with safe shelter, essential support, and a mentored path to long-term restoration. Through structure, guidance, and compassion, we walk alongside each veteran as they rebuild their lives with strength, purpose, and renewed hope.

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About Camp Centurion

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

Camp Centurion envisions a world where no veteran is left behind. We strive to build a community where every former service member finds safety, belonging, and purpose. Our vision is not just shelter, but a starting point for transformation, where veterans reclaim their dignity and rebuild their lives with strength and honor.

Board of Directors and Staff

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.
Michael Howard
Treasurer
Entered NC Army National Guard January 1988 in the aviation branch and after a break in service, reentered the NC Army Guard 1997, trained as a 13F (artillery forward observer), then serving the remainder as an Army medic with HHB 1/113th FA, deployed with the 30th Brigade to OIF 2 from 2003 to 2005 at Camp Caldwell and Forward Operating Base Bernstein as a line medic with Troop E 196 Cav and awarded the Combat Action Badge. Later progressing in ranks and assignments from section leader, medical instructor to 1SG with the 1/113th FA, 163 Area Support Medical Company twice E-5 and as last 1SG in 2016, 113 Sustainment Brigade, 139th Regional Training Institute, Joint Force HQ, and deployed with the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade to Kuwait 2017-18 as brigade medical NCO. Finishing Army career in the Army Reserve Individual Augmentee Program from 2019-2025 serving on active duty from 2020-2024 as the senior medical noncommissioned officer at 5th BN (psyop school), 1st Special Warfare Training Group at Fort Bragg/Liberty. Became jump qualified at age 50 in 2021 and has 20 jumps as of December 2023. Served 30 years as a civilian paramedic with a bachelor's in emergency medical care with a concentration in wilderness medicine.Highest rank held: 1SG, retiring as MSG in April 2025.
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.
Evan Leonard
Board Member
Dr. Evan Leonard, a clinical anatomist with a doctorate in medical science from Lincoln Memorial University, has academic degrees in biology, anatomy, and medical science from the University of Miami, Barry University, and Nova Southeastern University, respectively. A former Marine Corps reservist, Dr. Leonard has practiced internal and emergency medicine at the University of Florida and published peer-reviewed research. He continues to teach as a professor at various universities.
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.
Aaron Belk
Board Member
Aaron enlisted into the North Carolina Army National Guard in 2005. Throughout his career, he has held multiple Field Artillery MOS's and is currently serving as a Battalion Senior Supply NCO for 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery. He deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009 and to Kuwait in 2019 in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Aaron also spent a lot of time in his early years as a volunteer for groups such as the Knights of Columbus and coaching with the Special Olympics. His love for volunteer work and his dedication to fellow veterans will continue to fuel his support of Camp Centurion. He lives in Charlotte, NC and has a 12 year old daughter named Bella.