CLARKSVILLE, Tenn (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Local businesses came together with veterans at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on Thursday, February 6, for Operation Stand Down Tennessee’s (OSDTN) fifth annual Heroes Breakfast.
This year’s breakfast had almost 500 in attendance and raised over $71,000 in sponsorships, ticket sales and donations. This does not include other pledges and foundational giving.
“We started out in a basement with thirty people, and now we’re in the Wilma Rudolph Center with 500 people,” said OSD office manager Daniel Moore “We continue to grow each year with the support of the community. We are happy to still be here and serve the veteran population.”
Mayors Joe Pitts and Jim Durrett spoke at the event, recognizing members of the community for their part in supporting local veterans.
This year’s keynote address was delivered by Lieutenant General Ronald L. Bailey (retired). Bailey served as a U.S. Marine for 41 years. He currently serves as Austin Peay State University’s Vice President of External Affairs, and takes a particular interest in mentoring students who have served in the U.S. military. Bailey discussed the importance of community in supporting our nation’s veterans, inviting everyone to take time and offer support where they can.
“Why did Operation Stand Down move into an office here in Clarksville? We know it’s a veteran community, everyone knows that. We have three driving factors to bring us here and that’s Fort Campbell itself. We have a huge veteran population, and then I think Austin Peay is another great reason we are here in this community” said Moore. “Here in Clarksville we are ideally placed to affect change for those that are transitioning from Fort Campbell and staying in the area so we can help the start the next chapter of their lives.”