'Project Respect' to offer dinner and a show to Vietnam-era veterans
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on October 18, 2017 3:13 PM
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Desiree Autrey, right, recalls visiting V.A. hospitals through the years with her father, Don Autrey, and the impression it made on her. She decided to pay tribute to the Vietnam-era veterans express appreciation for their service, resulting in "Project Respect," a dinner and show to be held on Nov. 4.
Desiree Autrey wants Vietnam veterans to get the respect they deserve.
It's 40 years overdue, she says.
"My father served at Seymour Johnson from 1967 until 1971, and he is a disabled veteran," she said. "By going with him to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals in Durham and Fayetteville through the years, I have encountered so many veterans from the Vietnam era and I felt compelled to give back in a way I can.
"My mother knew several people who lost their life in the Vietnam War, and I grew up listening to stories about her memories all the time."
Her mom, Deborah Jo Hines Autrey, died in April.
But that only strengthened her resolve to do something for the veterans who received less recognition than some of their counterparts who served in other wars.
Her passion resulted in "Project Respect."
"Project Respect is a dinner and a show and an idea I came up with in the last year," she explained. "I wanted to do something for our Vietnam-era veterans and say thank you to them. They, in my opinion, didn't receive the respect and recognition they deserved, but I am excited to host this event."
The owner of Desiree Autrey's Academy of Performing Arts says that Project Respect will be held Sat., Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. at Pikeville-Pleasasant Grove Church in Pikeville.
It will feature a variety show, with entertainment from such local performers as Miss Spivey's Corner Karen Stallings, Miss Pickle Festival Katie Stallings, Rev. Barry Stallings, Scottie Hines, Rev. Jim Willoughby, Blair Sarvis and Queen of the Fair Kourtni Gerken.
"All veterans who served in the Vietnam era and one guest (each) are invited to join us for the event," Autrey said. "We can only serve 100 people so they will need to contact us by Nov. 1."
Call 919-738-8443 or e-mail desireeautrey18@aol.com. There is also a Facebook page, projectrespectvets.
The entire project is volunteer-generated, she said, with donations being sought to make the evening a big success.
"We are doing a pig picking with sides and desserts and we have had someone graciously donate the pig and a few side dishes but we do need help acquiring more food, paper items, drinks and ice," she said. "We are also looking for door prizes to give away to the veterans and family members."
In addition to the above-mentioned items being donated, volunteers are needed to greet and serve food. Deadline for responding is Nov. 1.
Autrey said she is also working on a memory wall and is seeking photos in memory of those who served in Vietnam. Deadline for email submissions is Oct. 31.