Korean War vet honored for 60 years of Legion service

ROCKINGHAM — Comrade Gurney R. Kindley Jr., a Korean War veteran, was recognized last Friday for 60 years of continuous membership with the Rockingham-East Rockingham American Legion Post 147. Commander Carlton Hawkins presented Kindley with a certificate honoring his decades-long commitment during the Legion’s monthly meeting.

“This recognition made possible by the unwavering support of our members, highlights our profound appreciation for his steadfast dedication to American Legion Post 147 Rockingham-East Rockingham,” said the American Legion in a statement.

Kindley, known to many simply as “G.R.,” has been instrumental in the Legion’s growth over the years. Parliamentarian Jeff Joyner praised his long-standing contributions and personal generosity.

“G.R. is a big supporter. When I’m trying to scrape up a dollar or two for a new chapter or something, I usually go by him and see and he helps support it,” said Joyner.

Joyner also highlighted Kindley’s hands-on role in shaping the Post’s future.

“He built this building. He was the general contractor that built this for us back when we built it,” he said. “You may hadn’t seen him out this long, but we’ve had a long relationship with this American Legion and G.R. and we thank you.”

“I’m ready to help you in any way I can,” Kindley responded.

The meeting also included updates on upcoming events. Adjutant Robert Steele announced that the Post will host its annual Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday, April 20, at 3 p.m. The JROTC Awards will be held on April 11 at the Cole Auditorium, where Commander Hawkins will present awards to students.

Joyner also shared some personal news, announcing that he was recently appointed to the North Carolina Veterans Affairs Commission by the governor.

“First of all, I want you all to congratulate me. I got an appointment from the governor, I’m on the North Carolina Veterans Affairs Commission. I’m so proud of that, but I haven’t had any meetings. I served as an advisor a few years back,” he said.

The meeting also focused on veteran mental health support. Reginald Waldon, a Hamlet native and military liaison for Holly Hill Hospital, addressed the importance of mental health services for veterans. Waldon, who served 22 years in the Navy and has worked in veterans’ services for nearly 15 years, shared insights on the challenges many face after service.

“We treat active duty Am Veterans in mental health, mental health disorders that’s PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, detox and also bipolar,” he said.

“A lot of deployees come back from war having experienced traumatic events that have caused them to have some mental health issues and it isn’t just combat, just the stress and rigors of serving— we take those scares with us after we discharge and sometimes we just need a little help,” Waldon added. Holly Hill Hospital offers both inpatient and outpatient care for veterans.

Waldon also emphasized the protections in place to ensure veterans receive critical care during crises.

“With the Compact Act, a law that was passed a couple of years ago, that any veteran that reports to any hospital and they’re in crisis, they may be suicidal, by law, they have to be treated. So that is a right that we’ve earned throughout blood, sweat and tears service to this country,” he said.