By Kenny L. Hardin

For the Salisbury Post

There’s no large gathering in Rowan County for superhero fans who come together to meet and fawn over movie and comic book characters. There’s not a large convention like the one held in San Diego or the smaller one coming up in Durham in November where they interact and engage with imaginary heroes in capes and spandex. What I realized after attending the 7th annual free veterans lunch held Aug. 21 at the West End Plaza is that real superheroes don’t wear capes, they wear dog tags and wield a mighty DD-214.

Some in this room full of heroes were now slower than a speeding bullet, less powerful than a locomotive and unable to leap, let alone a tall building in a single bound. Many of the attendees were getting around with assistance from a cane, walker or on the steady arm of a companion, but you could still see the fight and determination that carried them through some of this nation’s toughest times militarily.

Troy Horton, who heads the Frontier Coffee Shop’s weekly lunch gathering of Rowan County Veterans at the Christiana Lutheran Church in Granite Quarry, completed his 4th consecutive year hosting the free veterans recognition lunch. According to his estimation, more than 400 military veteran heroes and invited guests attended the function. The lunch was a collaboration between the Frontier Coffee Shop, the Rowan County Commission and a Charlotte based organization, Veterans Bridge Home. VBH’s mission is to  “connect, lead, and advocate to ensure service members, veterans, and their families thrive by providing critical support through housing assistance, employment programs, mental health services, and community engagement.”  

The task of feeding the masses was undertaken by Matt Trexler, owner of the Salisbury based Creative Gourmet Catering, and he delivered a fantastic meal. Women from six different American Legion Auxiliaries prepared and served an array of sweet desserts. Drinks were provided by the Rowan Daughters of the American Revolution. Music and professional photos were artistically handled by Lee and Arroe Collins of the Charlotte based LA Productions. The Daimler Freightliner Truck Plant in Cleveland parked a special themed 18-wheeler cab honoring the Montford Point N.C. Marines at the facility entrance along with several authentic military vehicles provided by the Price of Freedom Museum located in China Grove. 

Sprinkled in the crowd sitting amongst the tables of heroes were aides for Congressmen Ted Budd and Dan Bishop, N.C. State Senator Carl Ford and Representative Harry Warren as well as Rowan County commissioners Greg Edds, Judy Klusman and Mike Caskey, who currently serves in the active reserves. A special recognition moment brought surprise to the recipient, who was unaware he was receiving the honor, bringing thunderous applause from the packed room. Horton asked Marine veteran Nick Darconte to come to the front of the room. As he approached looking a bit bewildered, Horton explained that back in April 1983, Darconte was involved in the Beirut Embassy suicide bombing where 63 innocent people were killed. Among the dead were 17 American embassy and CIA staff members, as well as several U.S. soldiers and one U.S. Marine Security Guard. At the time, a senior officer determined that the Marine didn’t qualify for a Purple Heart since he was not directly injured at the blast site. Forty-one years later, after constant lodging and persistent pushing of paperwork by Horton and others, he was awarded the medal and Horton presented it to him at the lunch.

Another round of loud sustained applause was given when Horton recognized two remaining members of the greatest generation. Ninety-six-year-old WWII Army veteran John Cauble, who served in the European theater, stood and waved proudly to the room. Additional strong applause was given when 101-year-old Army veteran Jim Deal slowly rose to his feet to wave to his fellow brothers and sisters. Deal served with the 737 Tank Division under the famed General George S. Patton.  

After the introductions concluded and the colors were presented by the Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard, Martha Corriher offered an a cappella rendition of the national anthem. As her voice wafted throughout the room, many stood tall saluting while others placed ball caps and hands over their hearts. The only time there was an air of quiet in the room was when a female veteran took to the mic. “Dana” appeared a bit nervous and although she had amplified sound, still came across in a somewhat muted tone. Regardless, when she detailed her experience of being a victim of sexual trauma while serving on active duty, she had the room silenced and captivated. It was evident that her experience still has a profound impact on her, which contributed to her initial hesitant demeanor. Horton was visibly impacted by her words and when asked to share his thoughts, he responded in a slightly angry and irritated tone, “The biggest mistake the government makes is telling these women to go home, take your uniform off and shut up about it. I encourage women to talk about it more. The more you talk about it, the better it will get.” 

In addition to great food and the wonderful camaraderie, 15 organizations lined the walls around the room to offer resource information, military apparel and literature. The Salisbury VA Healthcare System had a number of booths along with several other organizations from across the region. When asked to sum up the event’s success, Horton said, “Everyone enjoyed themselves so I’m happy with how it turned out. He added that he plans to continue the tradition next year, “God willing, I will be back. I hope more businesses will  come aboard and donate money, food and other resources.”

Kenneth L. (Kenny) Hardin is the founder of the Veterans Social Center located in the West End Plaza.