Verified Veteran Supporter

06/03/2025

https://chng.it/LH9rjDY8kn

A Petition for the Veterans Parenting Act: Safeguarding Families, Honoring Service

06/03/2025

I SUPPORT

Regardless of who walked away. Regardless of others threatening me with DSS to try and stop me from doing what’s right. Regardless of those who couldn’t stand to see a loving parent raising a child with values, respect, and compassion. Regardless of the laughter, the name-calling, the doubters—I will continue to stand strong. I will continue to do what many said I couldn’t or shouldn’t—because it’s the right thing to do.

Yes, I stand in unwavering support.
_______________________________________

INTRODUCING A PROPOSAL IN SEEKING A RESOLUTION AMENDMENT AND OR A BILL

“THE VETERANS PARENTING ACT”

Reforming Child Abandonment and Neglect Laws

“A Blueprint for Accountability, Stability, and Hope”
________________________________________

In North Carolina:

• “Abandonment” is often interpreted as no contact and no support for six consecutive months.
• There is no clear enforcement mechanism or penalty for violating this condition unless the custodial parent files a formal court petition.
• Willful abandonment is hard to prove and rarely results in termination of parental rights unless extreme harm is shown.
• Minimal contact — such as a single text or sporadic financial deposit — can reset the clock and be used in court to deny abandonment claims.

Nationally, laws vary widely. However, there are states that allow faster intervention, while others follow similar patterns of inaction.

Few provide protections for veterans, disabled parents, or parents at risk of financial or emotional collapse due to abandonment.
________________________________________

The Public Cost of Private Pain

This is not just a personal crisis — it is a public burden. Every time a noncustodial parent vanishes:
• Mental health services are stretched as children deal with anxiety, depression, or behavioral problems.
• School systems face difficulties addressing trauma-related issues.
• Courts and DSS are overloaded with custody disputes and emergency support filings.
• Taxpayers fund programs to support families that could be more stable if one parent had not simply walked away without consequences.

And the custodial parent — the one showing up every day — is often punished emotionally, legally, and financially for simply staying and doing the right thing.

To be continued.

10/23/2024

Veterans' Access to Food Assistance During a State of Emergency

I am writing to share my recent experience and concerns regarding the denial of food assistance during a declared State of Emergency.

As a disabled veteran and single father, I applied for disaster food stamps. The next day, when called to follow up, I was informed that my application had been deleted. “My question was, why was my application deleted. I was asked to reapply, which I did, but during the process, I was not able to account for the extra money I had to spend at the restaurants for food while the grocery stores were closed. I lost ALL my food, ALL OF IT due to power outages and lack of water. Despite my efforts, I was denied food assistance.

The denial felt totally unfair, especially as I struggled to provide for my child. Had I not fed my child during this emergency, I likely would have faced consequences, and being labeled an unfit parent, [WHICH I AM NOT].

As someone who has spent tens of thousands of dollars supporting our men and women in uniform, fellow veterans, firefighters, law enforcement, and other essential workers, I am deeply troubled by this outcome. Veterans, who have made significant sacrifices for our country, should [NEVER EVER] be denied basic needs like food or water during a time of crisis.

This is why I am urging action on a larger scale: No veteran should NEVER be denied food assistance during a declared State of Emergency.

I highly recommend that the Department of Veterans Affairs be given the authority to regulate food assistance for veterans in such situations, ensuring that they receive the SUPPORT they deserve when it matters most.

Congress the Senate and President should vote and sign into LAW immediately to give the VA this responsibility so that future crises can be addressed swiftly and efficiently.

Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter. I look forward to seeing meaningful steps toward ensuring that veterans, like me and many others, are NEVER forgotten or left behind in times of disaster.

IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERANS OR CARE ABOUT OUR VETERANS OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS PLEASE SHARE.......

OUR VETERNS SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO GO HURGRY OR HOMELESS.

Sincerely,
Jeff Powell
Founder, Books4Veterans

10/20/2024

A Message to Our Community in the Wake of Hurricane Helene

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have tirelessly worked to protect and serve our community—our local and state officials, medical staff, law enforcement, and firefighters. Your dedication, bravery, and strength during such a devastating event are inspiring.

While I understand there has been some criticism of what could have been done differently, I believe that every man, woman, and child did their absolute best during these trying times. It’s important to remember that no one can control nature, and after such a catastrophe, it becomes nearly impossible to live by the same standards we had before the storm. We were all affected, whether it was losing water, power, or basic utilities. As frustrating as those moments were, they weren’t anyone’s fault—they were simply the reality of disaster recovery.

Rather than focusing on what went wrong, I encourage us to pray more, inspire one another, and uplift our elected officials and neighbors instead of tearing each other down. Now, more than ever, we should offer a helping hand when we can and show compassion for the struggles we have all faced together.

We have survived this storm as a community, and together, we will rebuild stronger, filled with gratitude for those who worked to keep us safe.

Thank you for your continued resilience, strength, and unity.

Sincerely,
Jeff Powell

10/19/2024

linkedin.com/in/jeff-powell-65648019

Hello, I'm Jeff Powell.To me, serving the community is a state of mind, a lifelong commitment strengthened by the kind of passion that carries you day-to-day, and that is what drives me every day throughout my journey.When I was stationed in California, my...

10/17/2024

Proposal for a Phased Return to Education for the Children of Buncombe County

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, I would like to recommend a safe and gradual return to schooling for the children of Buncombe County. As a community voice deeply invested in the welfare of our children and families, I believe this approach will provide much-needed educational stability while ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone involved.

Proposed Plan - Distance Learning Schedule:

Begin distance learning on Monday, November 4th, for three days a week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday if permissible.

Continue this schedule for three and a half weeks, leading up to the Thanksgiving holidays. This will help children resume their education without immediate concerns over potential risks from unsafe conditions.

Post-Holiday Schooling:

After Thanksgiving, return to school on Monday, December 2nd, continuing until one week before the Christmas holidays.

This phased approach balances educational needs while giving the community time to recover and ensuring children's emotional well-being.

Additional Safety Considerations - Weather and Unstable Conditions:

In addition to the ongoing recovery efforts, the weather poses an additional risk. Crews are working tirelessly to restore stability by addressing damaged trees and powerlines. However, we must be mindful that further bad weather, such as heavy rain, snow, or high winds, could lead to additional safety concerns.

The unpredictability of the weather could further destabilize the environment, affecting power and transportation, which is why distance learning provides a safer, more flexible solution.

Caution Against Rushing Water Solutions: I also advise against rushing into water drilling or hasty solutions that could prove unstable. A careful and deliberate approach will ensure that the infrastructure is secure for all residents.

Let’s prioritize our children’s education while considering their safety and emotional recovery. This phased distance learning plan will allow families time to recover from the devastation, while maintaining the continuity of their education. Please make this a priority for Buncombe County's future.

With Kindness Love and Respect,
J. Powell

10/16/2024

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, a few days ago I posted GoFundMe campaign that did not provide all information.

Please revisit my GoFundMe page at

Help Support the Children of Buncombe County and Surrounding Areas This Holiday… Jeff Powell needs your support for Brighten Holidays for Buncombe County Kids

10/16/2024

https://gofund.me/e790b3d8

Help Support the Children of Buncombe County and Surrounding Areas This Holiday… Jeff Powell needs your support for Brighten Holidays for Buncombe County Kids

10/15/2024

anyone who have to means can always pay for entertainment but they can not buy love

10/12/2024

Suggestion for Improving FEMA Housing Distribution

I’ve seen some people express that they don't need FEMA-provided housing or hotel vouchers after a disaster, while others who truly need it are left waiting. A possible solution would be for FEMA to implement a system—via phone or email prompts—where individuals can easily accept or decline housing assistance. This would streamline the process, ensuring that those who need emergency shelter can receive it more quickly without unnecessary delays.

It’s all about getting the right help to the people who need it the most, as efficiently as possible.

Jeff Powell - JP
Founder, Books4Veterans

10/12/2024

Yes, I'm still up.