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To the Editor:

I am a 26-year active-duty retired veteran. I was born and educated in Hertford County. After graduating high school, I joined the U.S. Air Force – one of the best decisions of my life.

I currently reside in Hertford County.

The reason for my frustrations is two-fold, and I have used all my resources to remedy the problem with no success, thus resulting in undo harm to me. My frustrations involve two entities: (1) a signed contract with a licensed contractor, and (2) a building materials retailer.

In reference to the licensed contractor, he and I agreed to and signed a contract for a construction project at my home. After consulting with an individual employed by a “big box” retailer to create a construction plan and purchase materials, construction began as scheduled with no problems.

After completing approximately one-third of the construction, the contractor abandoned the project without cause or notice to me, thusly defrauding me by accepting payment without completing the construction.

I am forced to obtain an attorney, thus causing hardship due to the cost of an attorney.

In reference to the retailer, due to the complexity of the construction, a verbal agreement was agreed to (as I understood it) with a consultant at that place of business, the contractor, and me, inferring that excess unused materials could be returned with full credit. I learned a lesson that having a verbal agreement was a mistake. I have over $15,000 worth of materials warehoused at the retailer that has not been delivered to me. It is unused, with a very long, if not unlimited, shelf life.

When I informed the consultant that the contractor had abandoned the construction and wanted to return the undelivered, unused materials, they informed me that, although undelivered and unused, the materials could not be returned (the material was purchased in April of last year.

I am also forced to obtain an attorney to remedy this matter.

The two frustrations stated in this letter are just a small sample of the frustrations that have caused or continue to cause me, and other veterans, hardship. Far too many of my brother and sister veterans are experiencing far greater hardships, resulting in homelessness and suicide.

Speaking only for myself, it is troubling to constantly be lauded for your service and at the same time being taken advantage of.

Curtis M. Barnes

SMSgt, USAF Retired

Ahoskie