RALEIGH -- Governor Cooper declared May 2017 Military Appreciation Month in North Carolina. Throughout the week, Governor Cooper and Secretary Larry Hall of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will participate in events honoring members of the armed services, veterans, and military families.

“The brave men and women who serve in our military are the best of us,” said Governor Cooper. “The people of North Carolina are fortunate to have thousands of dedicated and talented servicemembers, veterans and their families call our state home. As Governor, I’m committed to maintaining North Carolina's status as the most military-friendly state in the nation."

Today, Governor Cooper and Secretary Hall will tour the Coast Guard Base in Elizabeth City this afternoon. This evening, Secretary Hall will kick off the Valor Games Southeast, and on Thursday he will convene a meeting on the effects of the opioid crisis on North Carolina's veteran community.