Dorman, a well-decorated Chief Warrant Officer, retired, served in the U.S. Coast Guard for 20 years.

Dorman’s life changed completely as the call to another type of service filled his thoughts.

“I couldn’t think of a better, more deserving group of people to help than those who serve for the cause of freedom,” Dorman smiled as he recalled that day. Veterans helping veterans was the idea that gave birth to Military Missions in Action, an organization dedicated to giving back to disabled veterans.

On returning to his hometown of Fuquay-Varina, Dorman set to work researching, developing and praying for the plan to get MMIA off the ground. Driven by his strong faith, all that he needed in the way of office space, equipment and insurance was provided.

Dorman organized the Memorial Day Project. On Friday, for the second year running, he, along with several volunteers, visited six local cemeteries to honor fallen veterans. They began their tour at Wake Chapel Christian Church Memorial Gardens on N.C. 55 in Fuquay-Varina, by placing 12-inch by 18-inch American flags on the gravesites of veteran-marked headstones. The flags remained throughout the Memorial Day weekend and were removed on Tuesday.

Dorman conducted a brief service consisting of a prayer of thanks. In all, approximately 450 flags flew at cemeteries in the towns of Fuquay-Varina and Holly Springs.

“Military Missions in Action is strongly committed to helping those who have selflessly given to their country and have returned home with serious disabilities and injuries by assisting men and women in all branches of the Armed Forces,” Dorman explained.

His pride is evident when speaking of the almost two-year-old non-profit, non-partisan organization. “We have completed 16 projects; the first veteran and his family to be helped were located in Whiteville, North Carolina,” Dorman said.

Since then, volunteers for MMIA have performed projects locally and throughout the state. Dorman raises awareness by speaking to church groups and businesses.

MMIA’s major focus of interest is embodied in five specific programs:
• Encouraging independent living — providing wheelchair modifications, ramps and the installation of visual and hearing impaired equipment.
• Home maintenance — repairing structural and electrical safety hazards.
• Community “Give-Back” — recruiting volunteers and soliciting groups and individuals to donate material for each endeavor and participating in fundraising.
• The Everlasting Military Memorial — offering a Web site for remembering loved ones.
• “Fill the Footlocker” Program — coordinating corporations, churches and schools to collect items that are sent to those who are hospitalized and, or actively serving in combat zones.

Dorman’s attention is now drawn to MMIAs future. “It is my goal to be part of the southeastern United States region, supporting the needs of veterans and their families in Virginia and South Carolina down to Florida at the end of year three. My long-term goal, between years five and seven, is to be recognized nationwide,” Dorman stated with conviction.

Dorman emphasized that MMIA would not turn anyone away who needs help. “We got our first referral from the VA in Fayetteville and continue to receive referrals from them, the VA in Durham, American Legion and Red Cross. We also get self referrals.”

To continue the work, fundraisers such as barbecues, fish fry nights, bingo and cell phone recycling are ongoing.

“Receiving donated building material and private contributions have been our mainstay. We are filled with gratitude,” Dorman said.

Check the Web site for opportunities and the June 14 Flag Day event at militarymissionsinaction.org.