I am a retired U.S. Marine who, due to my college degrees, conduct research dealing with local history within southeastern North Carolina.... I have been the subject of southeastern newspaper and magazine articles. In addition, received numerous awards for preserving various histories focusing on 19th and early 20th African Americans of southeastern North Carolina.... Until recently I had been locating old "endangered" cemeteries, some dating to pre-1800. I cleaned the over-growth of foliage, document cemetery sites for protection, and maintained each cemetery the best that I could with a limited budget. I presented my findings to the general public to educate individuals.... Over 125 veterans (many African American) from the American Civil War to Vietnam have been rediscovered and properly recognized for their sacrifices. Over seventy former slaves have been identified. Veterans laid to rest within these and other yet to be found cemeteries need to be properly recognized.