This week, Fox 46 Charlotte and the Shelby Star reported on a troubling incident of an American flag that was stolen during the funeral service of Hugh Hunt, a 97-year-old World War II prisoner of war veteran. After Senator Tillis saw the story, he sent the family a flag that flew over the U.S Capitol, in addition to two certificates and a hand-written note to Hunt’s family.
“Our nation has an obligation to fulfill the promises to the brave men and women who have defended our freedoms, and one of the greatest honors I have as North Carolina’s senator is offering constituent services to our veterans,” said Senator Tillis. “My staff and I always try to move heaven and earth to assist any veteran having issues with a federal agency, and I am proud we’ve closed thousands of cases on behalf of North Carolina veterans.”
If you or a veteran you know needs assistance, please contact Senator Tillis’ office at 919-856-4630 or at tillis.senate.gov.
Other cases Senator Tillis’ office has successfully closed include assisting a former U.S. Army Drill Sergeant who had been working with Senator Tillis’ office for years on issues with the VA. After being diagnosed with a terminal illness, the veteran thought he would never accomplish his lifelong goal – becoming a Marine. While he loved training recruits for the Army, he always felt the Marines “didn’t play around.” After hearing his story, Senator Tillis’ staff contacted the Marines at Parris Island to set up a two-day, behind-the-scenes visit to the infamous Marine training facility. Working with the Greensboro Rotary Club and the non-profit Angel Flight, the veteran was able to fly down to Parris Island to experience the training program first-hand. He was even awarded the Tan Belt in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of dozens of people, this veteran was able to serve his country once again.
Another veteran Senator Tillis’ office was able to assist was a 96-year-old WWII Purple Heart veteran who contacted the office in need of a VA pension with aid and attendance benefits and assistance with a service-connected disability claim. The veteran and his family had previously been unsuccessful in getting the claims resolved with the VA. Senator Tillis’ staff immediately went to work, obtaining military records to be used in support of his claim. The staff then contacted the VA and were successful in scheduling an expedited exam for the veteran. Following the exam, the VA gave him a favorable decision for his pension claim with aid and attendance, awarding him over $18,000 in back pay. Due to the veteran’s age and health, Senator Tillis’ staff also requested that he be able to utilize the VA Choice program to receive care quickly and locally. The VA approved the request, and he soon began care with local health care providers.
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