The goal of The Rescue and Overwatch Foundation is simple, “It’s all about serving our veterans.”
The words are an introduction to the new organization’s website, and are echoed by Ken Brenneman who is chairman of the non-profit group.
“We’re not going to rush into this,” Brenneman said several weeks ago when he began talking publicly about forming the foundation. “We’ll start small and see where it goes.”
Where it goes will follow the needs of veterans for services ranging from something as simple as something to eat to dealing with mental health and job training issues.
Brenneman talked about how veterans need help navigating the Veterans Administration (VA) system. This includes signing up for mental health counseling.
Additionally “We might be able to help vets do different things just for therapy,” Brenneman said.
There is also a goal of finding ways to help veterans transition back from legal problems that have found them in the court system or even in jail.
Other goals for veterans in The Rescue and Overwatch efforts are shelter, transportation, job training and addressing individual and miscellaneous special needs.
Brenneman says there is help out there and the Overwatch foundation “has to grab it and pull it together.”
Brenneman outlines a one step at a time plan for the foundation based on the military system of organize, train and equip.
Setting up a call center, a “911 for veterans,” is the first step. This would serve to answer veterans’ questions and get them pointed toward help. It would get them “plugged in and signed up” for services, Brenneman said.
The call center would not have to be in a permanent space the organization hopes to find.
Brenneman foresees 10,000 square feet to house the call center, office space, a job training area that would include trade skills, and a transportation bay.
Fundraising is underway to help the foundation reach its goals. An initial campaign seeking donations from individuals and corporations began in June and will continue through September.
The highlight of this effort will be the Blue Ridge Classic golf tournament Tuesday, August 29, at Old Toccoa Farm.
The event will feature 72 teams in a two-person scramble format. The registration fee is $300 per team.
Teams will be divided into three flights; open, seniors and ladies. Shotgun starts will begin at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The event promises cash payouts, lots of prizes and gift bags.
Sponsorships are available.
For more information, contact Brenneman at 205-874-2265 or Mike Panter at 706-633-7914.