Old Natchez Country Club, 115 Gardengate Dr., Franklin TN 37069
The Mission Continues” organization seeks to connect veterans to under-resourced communities in their area by providing critical resources to take on service projects. Veterans at all grade levels and from all armed services come together to work with non-profits and community partners on solutions to the most pressing problems in the area. The non-profit’s vision is for all veterans with a desire to continue their service to be part of a movement to transform communities.
Dedicated veterans perform as members of a service platoon, which uses collective action to provide critical resources, capacity and team-based solutions to problems.
The Nashville First Service Platoon was recommissioned after the recent pandemic by Mr. G. Daniel Collins, Jr. and other dedicated veterans.
Mr. G. Daniel Collins, Jr. is a former United States Army Sergeant, who served as a Team Leader in various logistics positions. He supported Operation Enduring Freedom in a force protection position and supervised all levels of individual and team training.
He used the skills he acquired in the military to pursue success in the civilian world while promoting military interests. He served as Chairman of the UBS Veterans Network Nashville and Account Executive for FW Publishing LLC before sowing his entrepreneurial roots. He is the Founder of Whiskey Soldier, a lifestyle and apparel brand, and Founder/Principal of Wall of Fame Entertainment LLC. Besides managing these two growing brands, Daniel is also the Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of the Veterans Corporate Council and Nashville Service Platoon Leader for The Mission Continues.
MTC President's Letter
3/5/2023
The proverbial saying, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb” definitely came true earlier this month when fierce winds blew through the Middle Tennessee area. Hopefully, if you or your family experienced wind damage or electrical power disruptions, everything is returning to normal. Hopefully, the rest of the month will be tranquil as Spring approaches.
Our February luncheon was a fitting way to commemorate Black History Month by learning more about the United States Colored Troops and their role in the Battle of Nashville and earlier Civil War engagements. Mr. Richard White, Chief Curator of the Tennessee State Museum, delivered an insightful lecture to over 45 attendees. If you would like to learn more about the museum and see its wonderful exhibits, we have a group tour scheduled for Thursday, March 23, 2023, at 3PM. Sign-up information is included in the RSVP link for the luncheon.
The March luncheon will provide an opportunity to learn more about The Mission Continues and its Nashville Platoon Leader, Mr. G. Daniel Collins Jr. The Mission Continues is a non-profit organization which gives veterans opportunities to serve their communities. We will hear about the work of the Nashville Platoon and hear from Mr. Collins who was instrumental in revitalizing the non-profit in this area. Captain Larry Cotton, USN, Retired, will lead this month’s luncheon because I will be at a conference in Atlanta, Georgia.
Our chapter members certainly embody the high ideals of service in the local community. On March 4, 2023, six chapter members gathered at Matthew 25, a non-profit dedicated to helping homeless men regain hope and healing. We participated in the final 2022 MOAA Community Outreach Grant by providing career development advice to the residents. The men also received new computers, printers and supplies through a generous grant from the MOAA Foundation. We have submitted new grant proposals for 2023 and hopefully will hear good news in early May.
I would like to sincerely thank you for your support of me, as your Chapter President and of the chapter. We are maintaining strong membership numbers and embodying the MOAA mission to “never stop serving”.
Lt. Col. Karon Uzzell-Baggett, USAF (Retired)
President, MTC MOAA
Bagels & Business - Matthew 25
On March 4, 2023, six chapter members gathered at Matthew 25, a non-profit dedicated to helping homeless men regain hope and healing. We participated in the final 2022 MOAA Community Outreach Grant by providing career development advice to the residents. The men previously received new computers, printers and supplies through a generous grant from the MOAA Foundation. The members pictured at right met with eleven residents of Matthew 25 to complete our MOAA Outreach Grant activities by providing guidance and direction on resume development, interviw skills, general interview tips, and finishing with mock interviews.
MTC 2022 Impact Report
Vietnam War Veterans Day
March 29, 2023, marks the sixth observance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
This date was established by Presidential proclamation in 2017 to commemorate the day the last combat troops in Vietnam were withdrawn and the prisoners of war returned to U.S. soil.
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that there are 7 million U.S. Vietnam War veterans currently living in the U.S. and abroad, and our chapter has several.
On behalf of a grateful Nation and chapter, thank you for your service, sacrifice and patriotism.
2022 MOAA Surviving Spouse Liaison Excellence Award
Mrs. Patricia Bergquist, our Middle Tennessee Chapter Surviving Spouse Liaison, now has a well-deserved new title from MOAA National. In recognition of her tireless efforts, she is now the 2022 MOAA Surviving Spouse Liaison Excellence Award winner!! She was nominated by the Tennessee Council of Chapters and the award was presented to Patricia at the MOAA National Annual Meeting on 28 October 2022.
Please join me in congratulating her on this tremendous honor!
Karon Uzzell-Baggett, Lt. Col. (ret.) USAF
President, MTC MOAA
MTC Membership Updates
Welcome to the new members that have joined in the 2023 membership year:
