Operation Wedding Gown

Zina Thornton, from left, and sister Cherrelle Thornton look on as employee Sara Alenduff helps their friend Diana Song, from Fayetteville, NC, choose a wedding gown during the 2nd Annual Brides Across America Gown Giveaway at Poffie Girls bridal and formal boutique in Gastonia on Sunday November 18, 2012.

Forty two brides who serve in the U.S. armed forces or are marrying a service member received a free package of a designer dress, tiara, veil, shoes and one piece of jewelry with a combined retail value of over $2,000.

Service With a Smile

Sgt. Monika King, left, of the U.S. Army 849th Quartermaster Company and Erma Lucas, Retired U.S. Navy, share a laugh on Nov. 10 during a dinner at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Rocky Mount. The Joint Veteran's Committee of Nash and Edgecombe Counties hosted the event as a send off for the 849th, who will be deployed to Afghanistan on February 4 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.