With the U.S. Congress out of session on summer recess, congressmen and congresswomen are out all over the country visiting their districts.
On Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre, D-N.C., spent a portion of his day in Lenoir and Duplin counties. In the morning, he was in Pink Hill presenting a federal check for $42,250 to the Potter’s Hill Fire Department. The department will use the funds for 18 sets of Innotex turnout gear and equipment.
Mike Cherry, Potter’s Hill Fire Department Assistant Chief, said the money will be beneficial for the safety of the unit.
“This money is going to provide us with up-to-date gear and personal protective equipment,” Cherry said. “It will protect us better from heat and broken glass when it comes to wrecks.”
McIntyre, who represents the 7th Congressional District of N.C., said he respected the job Potter’s Hill had been doing as he signed the ceremonial check.
“What’s great about grants is they have to be merited,” McIntyre said. “Anytime we can get members of our emergency systems money, it means they’re being recognized for working hard and providing a great service to the community.”
The grant is also helpful for Potter’s Hill, which receives its financing strictly through small supplements, sales taxes and fundraisers.
“We’re one of the few fire departments in Duplin County that doesn’t receive a fire tax,” Finance Officer Lori Williams said.
During an afternoon visit to Kinston, McIntyre stopped to take a tour of the Woodmen Community Center and the N.C. Veteran’s Home
McIntyre was happy to see the Woodmen Center. During his last visit to Kinston in early 2012 the center had been under construction; now it’s fully operational.
McIntyre, who started a congressional caucus on youth sports, cited the Woodmen Center — a public/private venture — as a shining example of the good things that can be accomplished when people come together.
Throughout the tour, McIntyre stopped and talked to various workers and residents. Among them was Nicolas Frankfort, a senior at Kinston High School, who came to the Woodmen Center in an effort to get to know the congressman and with the hopes of receiving help in attending one of the armed services academies.
McIntyre, the No. 3-ranking member of the Armed Forces Committee, called it a privilege to nominate someone like Frankfort.
Frankfort walked away impressed with the congressman and confidence that he would receive the help he desired.
“It was an honor to meet him,” Frankfort said.
Throughout the day, when talking with residents, McIntyre stressed the economic opportunities that can be found in Lenoir County due to its location.
“You are surrounded by agriculture, military bases, by a thriving business community and you are not far from the coast,” McIntyre said.
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 or at Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Noah Clark can be reached at 252-559-1073 or at Noah.Clark@Kinston.com.