ROA’s Department of Tennessee hosted their annual meeting in Franklin on August 24, led by Doug Gilbert, president of the department.
Judi Davenport, former ROA national president, provided an update on ROA’s international programs, highlighting upcoming events, including the United Partnership of Reserve Officers Associations (UPFORA) meeting scheduled for October in Lima, Peru.
ROA’s National Director of Operations Trey Criner, presented a brief emphasizing key chapter and department initiatives such as the 22 Days of Service campaign, enhancements to the ROA Academy Toolkit, efforts to promote the organization via social media, and the introduction of newly designed term and life member lapel pins.
The meeting featured several guest speakers from various military and veteran organizations: Mike Ware represented Veteran’s Last Patrol, shared insights on their mission to befriend, honor, and support veterans receiving hospice care.
Rory Thompson from the Tennessee Valley Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care Facility’s Veterans Experience Office also attended, offering updates on their services for veterans. Additionally, Alecia Grady, representing the Chief of the Army Reserve’s Private Public Partnership (P3) office, provided valuable information on initiatives aimed at strengthening connections between the military and private sectors.
This gathering underscored ROA Department of Tennessee’s commitment to serving both its members and the broader veteran community, while fostering collaboration with other organizations dedicated to supporting military personnel and veterans.
The Department of Tennessee held their annual meeting in Franklin, Tenn on August 24. Guest speaker Alecia Grady (above left) shared her presentation on the Army Reserve’s Public Private Partnership program, and Mike Ware (above right) presented information on the Veteran’s Last Patrol organization. ROA’s Director of Operations Trey Criner (bottom right), was also in attendance to present the new life member lapel pin to Tennessee President Doug Gilber (bottom left).
