MONTGOMERY COUNTY VETERANS COALITION

As we surpass 20 years of back to back deployments, our community must be better prepared. As soldiers exit Ft. Campbell, Ky, our area continues to grow, not only in our veteran numbers, but our disabled veteran numbers. Currently Montgomery County is the 2nd largest veteran population in the state, and the largest in 100% disabled veterans. Future veteran population predictions show our county having the largest veteran population within a few years. As these numbers grow the burden on the Veterans Coalition increases to ensure gaps in services are eliminated, a complete flow of information is established, easy access to resources is available, and veteran community issues are identified and solutions are created so the quality of life improves for our veterans and their families. Our Coalition’s commitment has ensured that the we became the local flow of veteran information, a portal for education, a resource locator, and ultimately a state leader in veteran advocacy and problem solving.
We have a coalition of over 275 members representing over 200 veteran organizations, non-profits, veteran owned businesses, governmental agencies, and churches. There is never a fee to join the Coalition. However, by joining, one agrees to make themselves available to another member with a client in need. This alone speaks to the strength and resources we have collectively. Our Coalition is blessed to have the backing and support of our local and state governments, as well as our community at large. We have strong connections with our leaders and have always been able to count on their support when the need calls for it. We have a dedicated Executive Board, who each brings years of experience and their own areas of expertise.
As an umbrella organization, we work to problem solve and create solutions for our members, our veterans and our community. The MCVC approach is unique in that we are inclusive. Everyone who wants to help the veterans of our community, are invited to the table. It is this diversity and collective impact that makes us successful. We work behind the scenes to ensure our organizations have the resources and support needed, to identify gaps in services, and to advocate for veteran needs at every level.
Here is an example of MCVC’s collective impact on the community:
Through our monthly meeting, social media, and email
• A collaboration of 275+ members representing 200 non-profits, governmental agencies, veteran organizations, businesses, and churches.
• Organizational Facebook had over 700,000 organic reaches in 2019 and emails that reached Fort Campbell; Tennessee Counties Chattanooga, Davidson, Houston, Montgomery, Dickson, Rutherford, and Stewart; Christian County, Kentucky.
• Created a previously non-existent vehicle to serve as a flow of veteran information
• We have as many as 60 representatives attending our monthly meetings
• Each month our meeting provides a presentation or class, networking, resourcing, and an open discussion to identify and create solutions for veteran issues and gaps in services.
• Created a true helping alliance.

Veteran’s Day on the Hill
• Partnered with the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) over a 3-year period to host 650 veterans for an advocacy day at the state capitol building.
• Worked with legislators to create and pass 7 out of 8 pieces of legislation in areas of employment, mental health, education, property tax, and state veterans’ homes.
• Brought together state veteran organizations to fall under one umbrella group to advocate for chosen veteran legislation throughout the legislative session. This group of 12 veteran specific organizations, Tennessee Veterans (TVET), is now an independent organization whose creation filled a gap in services.

Community Education, Networking, and Presentation Events
• We work with community partners to create and host community education events on topics relevant to our community with up to 100 attendees.
• Actively submit articles in local media on relevant veteran topics.
• The Coalition hosts networking events for Coalition members, those wanting to help veterans, and veteran owned businesses. These are hosted at various veteran owned businesses.
Resource Directory
• Includes member list, organizational list, and a 270 page resources directory.
• MCVC Executive Director will assist members with resource needs, if the required information is not found in the directory.
• While direct service is not our specific mission, we do not turn a veteran family away. For complicated cases requiring multiple organizations or difficult to locate resources, the MCVC Executive Director will offer assistance.
Veteran Business Project
• We join with community partners to provide veteran business specific education events.
Welcome Home Celebration
• Annually partner with Visit Clarksville and AARP for a 5-day Welcome Home Celebration. Hosting 45,000 veterans in a 3 year period.
Coalition Outreach
• The Coalition works to establish and support Coalitions in our surrounding counties. (Currently established in Dickson, Houston, Madison, and Stewart).
Through boards, community projects and committees
• create solutions to help organizations improve the mental and physical health of the veteran community.
• Executive Director represents veterans interests and serves as a veteran voice in multiple committees and Boards in community and state. Examples include, Matthew Walker Sexual Assualt Services Advisory Board, Clarksville Suicide Prevention Alliance, TN State Recovery Court Advisory Board, Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Policy and Planning Council Region V, and United 4 Housing.
• Ensures community workers, veterans, and their family members have knowledge and access to veteran specific education to prevent risk factors that diminish mental and physical health and lead to suicidal ideations.