Governor Stein Proclaims Ask Me NC Campaign

Ask Me Nc Campaign

2025

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, North Carolina has a proud military history and is home to approximately 618,846 veterans, making it the state with the eighth-largest veteran population in the United States, representing nearly eight percent of the state's total population; and

Whereas, as of 2025, North Carolina hosts approximately 94,805 active-duty service members across all branches of the United States Armed Forces, ranking it among the top five states for active-duty personnel; and

Whereas, North Carolina is also home to approximately 20,612 National Guard and Reserve members who serve in both federal missions and state emergency response roles, contributing to the safety and resilience of our communities; and

Whereas, North Carolina proudly supports seven major active-duty military installations - Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Stations Cherry Point and New River, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City, and Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point - which together contribute significantly to our national defense and state economy; and

Whereas, the North Carolina National Guard, organized into six major commands with units stationed across the state, along with multiple Army Reserve units and additional Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserve components, ensures readiness and support across all branches of the United States military reserve forces; and

Whereas, in 2023, 288 North Carolina veterans died by suicide, a solemn reminder of the urgent need for proactive outreach, community engagement, and life-affirming support for those who have served; and

Whereas, the Ask Me NC Campaign is a statewide initiative designed to identify and support service members, veterans, and their families by encouraging healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and community partners to ask, "Have you or someone you know ever served in the military?" and connect individuals to the resources they have earned; and

Whereas, the Ask Me NC Campaign is proudly endorsed by the Governor of North Carolina as a call to action and a vital step toward saving lives, strengthening communities, and honoring the service of our military-connected residents;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November 8, 2025, as “Ask Me Nc Campaign” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-eighth day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-fifth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.