Rowan Public Library

SALISBURY — Rowan Public Library will host a Veterans Intel Exchange from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday at the headquarters branch, 201 W. Fisher St.

Vendors will include municipal and government agencies and nonprofit groups.

The free program will be in Stanback Auditorium and the Hurley Room. Veterans of all generations and service branches are welcome.

“Connecting Rowan County’s veterans at every age group and bringing them together with each other and with resources to improve their lives and the lives of their loved ones is what this event is about,” said Abby Hardison, the library’s adult services supervisor and coordinator of Veterans Intel Exchange. “We hope to show that we have a support network here and that Rowan County appreciates its veterans.”

One vendor, local attorney Greg McIntyre of McIntyre Elder Law, is a veteran himself. He’s participated in past library programs, speaking to local seniors about Medicare, wills and other concerns.

When Hardison discovered that McIntyre also provides information sessions on Veterans Affairs disability and retirement, she asked if he would be interested in participating in the Intel Exchange. She received an enthusiastic “yes.”

McIntyre’s presentation will begin at 3 p.m. in Stanback Auditorium.

Hardison also lined up other vendors. Comfort Keepers In-Home Care has a history of supporting veterans.

“It has been a pleasure to offer our services to veterans in Rowan County for the last 18 years,” said Melody Reed, client care coordinator for Comfort Keepers.

The Veterans Intel Exchange has garnered support from Rowan County Veterans Services, which will be represented. Director Justan Mounts has helped spread the word to local veterans who meet regularly at Thelma’s restaurant and elsewhere throughout the county.

Hardison is glad to see the Intel Exchange come together so easily. “There are many great resources for our veterans, and I hope this event will be useful for those attending,” she said.

The Rowan County Register of Deeds Thank-a-Vet program offers a discount card for more than 75 local businesses. Veterans who register their DD-214, a document that verifies military service, receive a complimentary Thank-a-Vet card. Veterans who don’t have a card can bring a picture ID and a DD-214 form to the Intel Exchange and register to receive a complimentary card.

Other groups represented include W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center, Veterans Benefits Administration, Goodwill Career Services, N.C. Works, Carolina Caring, Humana Military (Tricare), Operation Sidekick, Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, and Rowan County Honor Guard.

Powles Staton Funeral Home will provide a snack table.

For more information about the Veterans Intel Exchange, contact Hardison at Abigail.Hardison@rowancountync.gov or 704-216-8248.