Veterans Day in Atlanta

Nov 16, 2018

We hosted our inaugural Commitment To Service Breakfast in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium AMG Lounge, with approximately 90 in attendance.  

The venue was wonderful and attendees had the opportunity to tour the stadium and get a glimpse of the Falcons Practice!

John Tien our Board Chair kicked off the event with a welcome; Steve Cannon and our president, Spencer Kympton, had a “coffee side” chat;  we recognized two of our platoon leaders, Kimia and Kareem Flournoy, who shared their personal journey, as well as Joshua Dickerson from Bellwood Boy’s and Girls Club, which was our first community partner in Atlanta.

The Service Project

The event was part of Operation Westside Atlanta, focusing on neighborhood revitalization. As part of this operation, the project’s goals were to assist in reopening of YWCA Phillis Wheatley Branch; strengthen relationships with AMB and Home Depot Foundation Staff; and strengthen relationships in the community. 

We painted nearly 70% of the first floor of the facility. We also did major yard work, which included clearing a playground covered by overgrown trees, shrubs, and weeds.

Part of our commitment to the country as veterans was to serve the community and every opportunity to serve is worthwhile and it enriches your life.

Umar Nadir, Atlanta 2nd Platoon Member

Over 60 people participated, including Angela Blank, the Director of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.  Here is what Angie had to say about the project:

“I love what The Mission Continues does.  I love that they bring veterans and other non-veterans together to do projects in the community and this particular project at the YWCA in Atlanta has been around since the 1920s and has had a lot of historical figures in it.  I’m honored and proud to be a part of this project and thank you to The Mission Continues for all of the work that you do.”  

The YWCA Phillis Wheatley branch is located in our area of operations on the Westside of Atlanta. This YWCA branch has been in the community for close to a century, and it has immense historical value. However, the building is in disrepair and is currently closed.

We’re working to help restore it as an asset to the community. The YWCA’s goal is to reopen the facility in November 2019, and our work is supporting this goal. 

I signed up to serve originally and now I’m serving again, and it’s a great way to build a sense of community and it helps bring us together. 

Mike Cuddy, Atlanta 2nd Platoon Member