Col. Truman Parmele, who served in the Air Force for 30 years, became hooked on veterans’ outreach after attending a stand down in South Carolina hosted by MOAA.

“I’ve always been one that likes to help people and give back to people.”

“I’ve always been one that likes to help people and give back to people,” said Parmele, who worked many jobs in the Air Force, from administrative officer to public information officer to military intelligence.

Through a team effort, Parmele said MOAA’s Grand Strand Chapter offers emergency relief supplies for veterans and their families, whether they need emergency funds to cover late rent or car payments or help making medical appointments.

“What we’re really known for is stand downs,” Parmele said. The chapter receives donations and gives them to veterans in need. In the past six years, they’ve helped 1,400 veterans receive items such as clothes, blankets, backpacks, and sleeping bags. They also collect and distribute MREs.

“You might not like them, but they’re filling,” he said.

The chapter also connects monthly with a council of other veterans’ organizations in the Myrtle Beach area to discuss priorities for local veterans, including help with VA benefits claims. They also help veterans in Georgetown County with home repairs, education, and training.

There is a local Native American tribe with a 20-acre tribal ground where Parmele’s chapter holds stand downs.

“The best time to go is when they have their annual powwow, which is their fundraiser,” he said, adding that there are about 650 members in the tribe and about 150 are veterans.

The chapter has also secured two scholarships for graduating ROTC students and veteran dependents who are not attending a four-year college.

“The goal is to spread it across the whole state of South Carolina,” Parmele said.