Governor Josh Stein inducts five veterans into Order of the Long Leaf Pine

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Wednesday, Governor Josh Stein joined North Carolina Central University’s Veterans Day observance program and inducted several people, including five veterans, into The Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Honorees in Attendance:

• Dr. Tyrone Baines, Durham County – Former North Carolina Central University Chief Operating Officer and civil rights activist
• Pastor Kenneth Dula, Durham County – Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient
• Dr. Stephanie Freeman, Durham County – Former Director of the Arts and Humanities Program at North Carolina Central University and U.S. Air Force spouse
• Retired Gunnery Sgt. Henry Grange, Columbus County – U.S. Marine Corps Montford Point Marine, Vietnam War veteran, and Congressional Gold Medal recipient
• Retired Gunnery Sgt. Robert L. Thomas, Durham County – U.S. Marine Corps Montford Point Marine, Korean War veteran, and Congressional Gold Medal recipient
• Governor Stein also honored Montford Point Marine and WWII veteran Oliver Diggs of Lenoir County as a Long Leaf Pine recipient.

North Carolina is home to more than 600,000 veterans and the fourth-largest military presence in the nation, including the most populated military base in the nation.

“North Carolina’s veterans have courageously served our country, and we owe them a debt of gratitude,” said Governor Stein. “Today we honor their service, recognize their lasting contributions, and rededicate ourselves to helping veterans and military families build a strong future in our state.”

This week marks the one-year anniversary of Governor Stein and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services launching the statewide AskMeNC initiative and website focused on improving the lives of North Carolina’s veterans, service members, and their families through services including health care, housing, employment, and family support to name a few.

The initiative utilizes the existing NCServes coordination system to connect users with trusted, community-based providers across the state.

Last month, Governor Stein joined the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at the Unlock the Veteran & MilSpouse Advantage Roadshow in Wilmington, the last of a statewide series connecting employers, workforce leaders, and community partners to explore how hiring from the military community strengthens North Carolina’s workforce, businesses, and economy.

In May, the Governor signed an executive order that directs all cabinet agencies to designate a Military Affairs Coordinator to coordinate shared efforts supporting servicemembers and recommend strategies for addressing opportunities and challenges in supporting military communities.