CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) Close to 200 people came together Thursday for the Operation Stand Down Tennessee (OSDTN), 2017 Heroes Breakfast. OSDTN works to help veterans and their families be self-sustaining and better connected to the community.
The nonprofit organization offers a long list of programs of support including financial assistance, benefits counseling, legal support, employment help, transitional housing, transportation, along with personal care items and basic needs just to name a few.
Executive Director, John Krenson said OSDTN began in Tennessee in 1993 as a crisis response and a reaction to the problem of the large number of homeless veterans in the state. The organization started serving Clarksville-Montgomery County on a part time basis in 2013 and opened an office here in 2015.
Guest speakers at the breakfast included Tennessee State Senator Mark Green, State Representative Joe Pitts, and State Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Many-Bears Grinder. All three praised the work of OSDTN as well as the public support shown for veterans in Clarksville-Montgomery County.
Two local veterans, Elena Hall and Aubrey Privette, who have benefitted from the support of OSDT also spoke and shared their testimonials at the breakfast on how much the organization helped them. Privette talked about what the help meant to her.
“They provided me everything while being able to maintain my dignity and pride as a veteran and as a mother. So it was amazing to be able to have that experience with them and have that backup.” Said Privette.
You’ll find the Clarksville office of Operation Stand Down Tennessee is at 400 Madison Street. They are open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Friday 1-4 p.m. Call them at 931-896-2184 or visit www.osdtn.org.