"I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one Nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all."
We are yesterday
We are tomorrow
We are earth
We are sky
We are all things
But most of all
We are proud men and women
Today
Welcome to Tri-County Chapter #125, of the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS).
We are glad and proudly serving the veterans of: Carroll, Gallatin, Henry, Oldham, Owen, Shelby and Trimble counties of Kentucky. We serve all Veterans, spouses and children of veterans who are serving, with getting the benefits they are entitled to for their service and support of veterans. We also work with various community agencies on projects that honor and support veterans.
Kathleen Cursh-Gray was born June 15, 1953, in Oldham County, Kentucky. In 1971 she graduated from Oldham County Public School System. She went on to attend Western Kentucky University, University of Louisville and University of Kentucky - Jefferson Community College where she received an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Business.
Later, Kathleen received an Associate in Health Information Technology and a Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding. She retired from United States Army Reserve after 28 years as a Master Sergeant, E-8. Kathleen also retired from the United States Postal Service after 28 years.
Over the years Kathleen has establish several businesses. They include CRC Janitorial Service, CRC Lawn Care Service, SewEver SewGood and The Sewing School Inc., a non-profit operation. Presently Kathleen and son established a Home-based business called Hats and Much More, LLC.
Kathleen's proudest accomplishments are a Child and three grandchildren. She is the Commander of the Tri-County National Association of Black Veterans (NABVETS) and is a passionate advocate for Disabled American Veterans. Finally, Kathleen is a VA National Service Officer who assist veterans in filing and receiving earned benefits.
Joe E. Wright was born in June 1943. He attended Eminence High School and later, he attended Watterson Business College. He is a veteran of 2 years in the US Army where he attained the rank of SP4 and served in Italy. In May 1965 he was recognized - soldier of the month.
Joe's work and volunteer history include: Working at Eminence Key Market in Kentucky for 28 years.He started out as a Bag Boy and eventually became the manager. In 1985, he built a store in Louisville called, Key Stop 102. He also worked at Eminence Speaker Plant for 12 years and the Supervisor of Safety Kleen Corp for 10 years.
Even though Joe is retired he is a: Stone Mason, Kentucky Colonel, member of the Eminence Rotary Club member, member of Washington Lodge #1513 in New Castle KY where he serves on the Fund-Raising Committee, member of First Baptist Church, Eminence, KY where he is an usher and serves on the Trustee committee, and Vice Commander NABVETS Tri-County, Chapter 125.
Joe has two sons and one daughter, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
The National Association for Black Veterans is a recognized Veterans Service Organization and a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs claims representative for all veterans. We are a member organization with Members and Chapters throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. The organization is working in unity with communities to end homelessness and to Empower low-income Veterans and disadvantaged youth.
NABVETS was initially known as “The interested Veterans of the central City (IVOCC) and established by seven (7) Vietnam Combat Veterans. In 1969, this group was incorporated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and later reorganized in 1973 as National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. In 1989, NABVETS created the Center for Veterans Issues, Ltd. (CVI) to provide technical assistance to NABVETS for project implementation. CVI is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, administrative program development and technical assistance organization that provides service to minority, women and low-income Veterans Service Organizations. For over 40 years, NABVETS has led several campaigns to bridge the void for mainstream services to all Veterans.
The Mission of National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. is to provide administrative assistance to all Veterans, their spouses, children, widows/widowers, orphans and all NABVETS members and families. This organization commitment is to our Veteran Community in providing housing, VA counseling, identifying Veterans needs and assisting in the preparation of administrative requirements to obtain all allowable benefits due the Veteran that are rated under the law. The National Association for Black Veterans, Inc. mission is to help with the housing needs of the Veteran that will include Transitional to Permanent Housing. NABVETS works with Federal, State, and local agencies that can provide the resources that will help with the housing needs of ending homelessness.