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Tuesday, 04 November 2025
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Written by Sheila D. Barker
The Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity’s annual Veterans Build is a heartfelt community tradition that brings together veterans, active-duty military personnel, students, civic organizations, and local businesses to support those who have served our country. Each year, this initiative focuses on building or repairing homes for local veterans in need, ensuring they have safe, affordable, and dignified places to live. The 2025 Veterans Build is particularly special, as it honors one of Habitat’s own—Army veteran and longtime volunteer, Ms. Phyllis McCroskey.
Ms. McCroskey served proudly in the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1993, achieving the rank of Sergeant (E-5). Her military career included two tours in Honduras during the 1980s, as well as assignments in Hanau, Germany, and right here at Fort Bragg. In addition to her military service, Phyllis represented the Army as a basketball player, merging her lifelong passion for the sport with her dedication to service. She fondly describes herself as a “career student,” having studied at both Fayetteville State University and Fayetteville Technical Community College, and she continues to nurture her love of learning through gardening, volunteerism, and community engagement.
For more than two years, Phyllis has been a faithful volunteer with the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity, lending her time and skills to numerous Veteran and Women Build events, as well as general construction and painting projects. She’s also a familiar face at the Habitat ReStore, where her support continues to make a difference. After lending countless hours to help other veterans, Phyllis was encouraged by fellow volunteers during the 2024 Veterans Build to apply for home repair assistance through Habitat. Nearly two years later, that encouragement has come full circle—she is now the deserving recipient of the 2025 Veterans Build.
The project focuses on much-needed repairs and improvements to Ms. McCroskey’s home, including replacing rotted trim boards and fascia, upgrading electrical fixtures, performing yard work, painting, and repairing her deck. Work began on Oct. 24–25, with teams completing chimney reframing, installing new light fixtures, upgrading outdoor electrical outlets and security lights, repairing deck boards, and repainting key areas. The final phase, scheduled for Nov. 14–15, will include finishing the chimney with new cement and siding, rebuilding the back deck railing, completing the painting, and replacing the remaining light fixtures.
This labor of love is made possible by the generous contributions of local volunteer groups and businesses. Among this year’s participants are the Liberty Point Rotary Club, Delta Sigma Theta FAC, Habitat Partner Families, Fort Bragg soldiers, Fayetteville State University’s Agents of Unity community club, and the Cape Fear Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, along with many Army veterans and their spouses. Volunteer vendors include Swatt Electric, All In One Repairs and Renovations, and Karcher Roofing & Construction.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Habitat’s mission, and the organization welcomes additional help for the November build dates. Two shifts are available each day—8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Interested volunteers can contact Kelly at 910-593-1618 or email
fcr@fayettevillenchabitat.org. Businesses or organizations wishing to sponsor the event can reach out to Ashley at 910-593-1971 or
marketing@fayettevillenchabitat.org.The Veterans Build not only transforms homes but also strengthens community connections. With nearly 2.5 million veteran-headed households aged 55 or older—and nearly a quarter facing housing cost burdens—initiatives like this are crucial. Female veterans and single mothers are particularly vulnerable, with nearly half spending more than 30% of their income on housing. For veterans of all eras, safe, affordable housing remains essential to stability and well-being.
Through Veterans Build, Habitat for Humanity aims to bridge those gaps—by repairing homes, renewing hope, and building bonds between those who serve and those who support them. As Ms. McCroskey’s story shows, giving back often comes full circle. This year, the hands that once lifted hammers for others are now surrounded by a grateful community returning the favor.
(Photo: Volunteers from the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity help with repairs on Ms. Phyllis McCroskey's house in Oct. McCroskey, a veteran, has been a long time volunteer with the organization, and is the recipient of the 2025 Veterans Build. Photo courtesy of the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity)
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Tuesday, 28 October 2025
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Written by Jamie Bishop
The engines will rumble to life at Legends Pub on Saturday, Nov. 8, as riders, veterans, and supporters gather for Run for the Fallen, a community motorcycle poker run honoring the men and women who served and sacrificed. The event, hosted by the U.S. Military Vets Motorcycle Club North Carolina Chapter 1, begins at noon at 4624 Bragg Boulevard and culminates in an afternoon of music, food, and remembrance.
What started years ago as a modest charity ride has evolved into one of Fayetteville’s most heartfelt veteran-centered gatherings. Proceeds from the event fund the placement of holiday wreaths on the graves of fallen service members this December — a small but powerful gesture that speaks to enduring gratitude.
“This is more than just a ride,” said Holly Whitley, owner of Legends Pub, the host venue. “It’s a reminder that every name, every story, and every sacrifice deserves to be remembered.”
The Run for the Fallen follows a poker run format, a favorite among motorcycle clubs for its blend of camaraderie and competition. Riders will make several designated stops throughout Cumberland County, collecting a card at each before returning to Legends Pub. The participant with the best poker hand at the end of the ride wins a prize, but organizers say the real reward is knowing that every mile ridden helps preserve the memory of veterans who can no longer join the road themselves.
For those who don’t ride, the event still offers plenty to experience. Legends Pub will host a silent auction, raffle prizes, and a post-ride social, where supporters can gather, bid on donated items, and share stories with veterans and their families.
While the motorcycles are a focal point, the day is designed to include everyone. Families often line the route to wave flags, and even non-riders stop by the pub to contribute. The air hums with energy exhaust mingling with the sounds of laughter, music, and connection.
The proceeds from Run for the Fallen directly support the annual wreath-laying ceremony scheduled for Dec. 13, when volunteers will place hundreds of evergreen wreaths on veterans’ graves across the region. Each wreath represents a promise kept — that those who served will not fade into history.
The motorcycle club behind the event, composed largely of veterans, views it as a personal calling. Many members have stories etched into their service, brothers and sisters lost in battle, or friends whose memories live on through these rides. The act of fundraising and remembrance brings them a sense of purpose that extends beyond the open road.
“Every wreath we place tells a story,” Whitley said. “It says to that veteran, and to their family, that Fayetteville remembers you. We see you.”
Organizing the event takes months of coordination, from securing routes to gathering volunteers. Local businesses have stepped forward with donations, offering everything from gift baskets to gift cards for the auction. The turnout has steadily grown in recent years, reflecting Fayetteville’s deep connection to its military identity.
The ride has also become a space for reflection and fellowship. Veterans often find themselves swapping stories with younger riders or civilians eager to listen. For many, the conversation is as healing as the ride itself. The combination of noise and nostalgia — engines roaring alongside quiet gratitude-- creates an atmosphere that feels sacred in its own way.
At the end of the day, as the last bike rolls in and the raffle winners are announced, there’s an unmistakable sense of community accomplishment. Flags flutter in the cooling air, the crowd thins, and volunteers begin packing up. What remains is a shared pride, the kind that binds a town to its veterans in more than words.
Fayetteville, known as “America’s Hometown” for its close ties to Fort Bragg and the U.S. Army, has long celebrated its military legacy. But events like Run for the Fallen take that legacy beyond ceremony; they put gratitude into motion. The roar of each motorcycle becomes a tribute, the wreaths a message of remembrance, and the faces of the volunteers a reflection of the community’s enduring respect.
As one of Fayetteville’s most veteran-friendly establishments, Legends Pub has become a natural hub for events like this. Its walls are lined with service memorabilia, and on any given weekend, the crowd includes both active-duty soldiers and retirees swapping stories. Whitley says the goal is to keep that spirit alive, one event at a time.
“We’re just proud to be part of something that brings people together,” she said. “Whether you ride or not, everyone can take part in honoring those who gave everything.”
Registration for Run for the Fallen begins at noon on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Legends Pub, 4624 Bragg Blvd. Riders can register on-site, and non-riders are encouraged to attend the auction and festivities. Proceeds will fund local Wreaths Across America for veterans’ graves to be placed in December.
The event is open to the public. For more information or to donate, participants can contact Legends Pub or visit the U.S. Military Vets Motorcycle Club North Carolina Chapter 1 social media page for updates.
In a city built around service, gratitude still rides loud.
Visit https://facebook.com/events/s/run-for-the-fallen/787109897548965/ for more information
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