Veterans 4 Life (V4L)

​“Stand with us, not behind us”.
 
That’s the slogan for the new organization in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina, Veterans For Life (V4L).  A few years back, I was fortunate enough to befriend a veteran by the name of Dennis Cave. Every generation of Dennis’ family has been in the military…. From his great grandfather to his nephews. When Dennis was only 17 years old, he volunteered to join the United States Army, and served for over 14 years between the Army and National Guard. 

Commander of V4L, Dennis Cave at the Carolina Field of Honor

If you’re a veteran in the Triad, you’ll find Dennis highly involved in veterans activities all over the community. Though Dennis was honorably discharged from the United States Army in July of 1975, he never stopped serving. Not only is he a member of AmVets, Disabled Veterans and the American Legion, but he has gotten V4L off the ground as a new organization, and now serves as the commander.
 
I am always touched when I see veterans helping other veterans. There is a sense of brotherhood that I constantly hear about from every generation of service men and women. It’s an family-type bond that happens instantly with just an introduction, and seeing the kindness flow back and forth between those who have served is truly breathtaking. 

The V4L Slogan, "Stand with us, not behind us"

If you know of a veteran who needs anything, (yes LITERALLY anything), that’s what V4L is all about. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping their fellow brother and sister veterans. In monthly meetings, veterans and associate members discuss the needs of veterans in the community as well as personal veterans they know, and plans and connections are made to assist those needs. Dennis and the other members of the V4L board make it their job to get in touch with organizations who help veterans such as Goodwill, Saving Grace K9s, Horses that Heal and countless others so that when a veteran comes to V4L with a need, they can immediately make an introduction that might help them out… or even in some cases even save their life.

Members of V4L: Howard Watson, myself, Dennis Cave, Sandy Jolley & Don Timmons

For anyone who wants to get involved with V4L or for any veteran who has a need, you can contact them through facebook at https://www.facebook.com/V4LPiedmont/. You don’t have to be a veteran to be a member, and you can truly make a difference from anywhere in the world.
 
Commander Dennis Cave always writes these words at the end of each post to his followers and members: “Always thank a veteran, tell your family you love them and remember to be humble and kind”. If you do that today, you certainly can’t go wrong.  –Erinn xoxoxox