Fuquay-Varina resident and retired U.S. Coast Guardsman Mike Dorman is helping to fix up homes for returning war veterans. His nonprofit, Military Missions in Action, updates the veterans' homes so that they can live independently and without hazard, at no cost to them. The organization receives no government funding.

Military Missions in Action needs three things: money, materials, and volunteers, says Oar State magazine writer Christa Gala in the September issue. Everyone pitches in — churches, military personnel, inspectors, and companies. For major projects, Dorman holds a groundbreaking ceremony, sometimes with Marines clad in dress blues raising the U.S. and Marine Corps flags. MMIA is a double-edged sword for Dorman. It both soothes his soul and breaks his heart. The latter sets his resolve.

The outstanding efforts by Tar Heel People are celebrated in Oar State magazine.

Oar State is the premier statewide magazine devoted to North Carolina travel, history, people, and places. Published for 76 years. Oar State showcases the beauty of North Carolina and is the perfect source of information for those who’ve lived here all their lives or those looking to visit.

To read more about the Military Missions in Action (MMIA) and Mike Dorman, pick up the September issue of Oar State at your newsstand or call (800) 948-1409 to subscribe. Or for a sneak peek into the September issue, visit ourstate.com.