Salute: Cave's commitment to fellow vets prompts action
Dennis Cave, left, smiles with a fellow vet. {Contributed photo}
An Army veteran concerned about the well-being of his fellow vets has taken matters into his own hands. Dennis Cave created a network of resources aimed at helping his brothers and sisters in service when a need arises. It’s called Veterans 4 Life (V4L).
The idea was birthed when Cave noticed something concerning.
“I started seeing how all war veterans, men and women, were being treated and not getting the help they need. I said enough is enough so I started V4L.”
The concept is simple: “veterans need help.” Cave said this includes assistance from Veteran’s Affairs and the community. He believes citizens can play a major role in ensuring former service members are connected to resources.
Cave, who served a little over 14 years in the military, enlisted in the Army in 1968. His service included training as an Infantryman and Tunnel Rat in Fort Polk, LA. Additionally, he received instruction as an Armor Crew Member, Calvary Scout and a wheel and track mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1975. After six years of civilian life, Cave joined the National Guard in 1981; discharging in 1991.
Notating the life skills he acquired in the armed forces, Cave is utilizing them for his passion project.
“I learned a number of skills - respect, honor, courage and leadership from leaders who taught us things to keep us alive.”
On Saturday, November 13, V4L held an event at the Davidson County Rescue Squad headquarters on W. 9th Ave. Before a roundtable discussion took place, lunch was served to all in attendance by One Step Catering.
The purpose of the gathering was to bring together multiple organizations to discuss their ability to assist veterans. Present at the discussion were representatives from Hospice of Davidson County, Davidson-Davie Community College, Davidson County Senior Center, Dignity Memorial, Family Service Center, Life Center of Davidson County and Dotties Home. Also attending were V4L board members: 1st Vice Chair, Joe Moon, Financial Officer, John Fortune, Cpt. Derrick Barcombe, Pow/MIA Officer, John Arsenault, Troy Horton, Advisory Committee, and Ray Roth, Advisory Committee.
“Our attendees gave out a lot of information for our brother and sister veterans. We discussed some items V4L is working on for the upcoming year. Projects include stockpiling handicap items, school supply drives along with toiletries for VA hospital veterans, giving out challenge coins to veterans that are in hospice, veterans appreciation day, tiny homes for the homeless and more.”
Going forward, Cave, who has lived in Davidson County since 1988, said he his has high hopes for accomplishing many goals.
“We’re starting to collect handicap items such as walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, bathroom seats, etc. At V4L, we take pride in all veterans. We want to see our community get more involved with helping veterans get the help they need.”
