Former Lt. Governor Jim Gardner (L) accepts the VLC Flag Day Award from VLC Exec Director John Turner.

Jim Gardner has been named 2015 Flag Day Volunteer of the Year by the Veterans Leadership Council of North Carolina – CARES. In recognition of the honor, he was presented the “Flag Patch Plaque” – so-called because it contains a real U.S. Army Flag Shoulder Patch worn by a combat soldier in Iraq.

The annual award was given in recognition of Mr. Gardner’s “Resolute leadership and distinguished service to The Veterans Life Center and the cause of homeless and at-risk veterans.”

In presenting the award, VLCNC Executive Director John Turner said, “Mr. Gardner has given tirelessly of his time and talent in organizing efforts to raise the funds necessary to design and develop the program for the Veterans Life Center.”

The Veterans Life Center, a project of the VLCNC, is currently in the design and engineering phase on the campus of the John Umstead hospital complex in Butner. When completed, it will provide transitional housing and rehabilitation services for homeless and at-risk veterans from throughout North Carolina.

Funding for the design and construction of Phase I of the project is being covered by a HUD Community Development Block Grant administered by the State of North Carolina. VLCNC is raising money from private sources to cover the up-front cost of developing and administering the rehabilitation program once the center is completed.

Mr. Gardner is a North Carolina businessman who opened the first Hardees restaurant in Rocky Mount, NC in 1961 and led the company in its early years. Gardner later served as a Member of Congress and as Lt. Governor of North Carolina.

The Veterans Leadership Council of North Carolina – CARES was formed in 2009 to fight homelessness, suicide and other serious problems faced by Veterans in North Carolina.

FOR RELEASE JUNE 16, 2016
CONTACT: JAY BRYANT
919-803-5516
info@vlcnc-cares.org