Lee Stringer is fundraising
Help Us Build the Barracks — Veterans Helping Veterans
For over 10 years, 5th Squad has answered the call when Veterans needed someone in their corner.
Sometimes that call comes from a Veteran facing eviction or struggling to keep the lights on. Sometimes it's a family that needs groceries to make it through a difficult month. And sometimes, a Veteran doesn't need financial assistance at all—they simply miss the camaraderie, friendships, and sense of belonging that came with serving alongside others.
That's where Bernie's comes in.
Bernie's is the headquarters and gathering place for 5th Squad. It's where Veterans, currently serving Service Members, families, volunteers, and supporters come together. It's where we host Veteran events, provide resources, connect Veterans with assistance, build friendships, plan missions, welcome community partners, and continue the simple idea that started 5th Squad:
Veterans Helping Veterans.
Since November 2023, we've operated Bernie's from a leased location in Pearl, Mississippi. That space has helped us grow, serve more Veterans, and prove just how valuable a dedicated Veteran community space can be.
But our lease is ending, and now we have an opportunity to take the next step.
We want to purchase a permanent location for Bernie's.
Not a residential facility. Not a shelter.
A permanent headquarters and community center built around Veterans, Service Members, their families, and the people who support them.
We envision a place where Veterans can gather for Back to the Barracks events, receive help through our programs, get assistance navigating VA disability claims, participate in activities and events, volunteer alongside fellow Veterans, meet with community resources, or simply pull up a chair and spend time around people who understand military service.
It will also give 5th Squad the permanent operational base we need to continue growing our programs and serving Veterans throughout Mississippi and beyond.
And we have an extraordinary opportunity to make it happen.
5th Squad has been awarded a $200,000 Lowe's Community Impact grant dedicated to renovating and improving our future facility.
That's a tremendous investment in our mission—but first, we have to secure the building.
That's why we're asking for your help.
Funds raised through this campaign will help us secure the property and cover the costs necessary to make the next Bernie's a reality, while allowing 5th Squad to continue putting our existing resources toward what matters most: serving Veterans.
We don't want to build Bernie's by taking money away from emergency assistance, peer-support programs, outreach, and the other missions Veterans already depend on.
We want to build it together.
Whether you give $25, $100, $1,000, or simply share this campaign with someone who believes in our mission, you become part of what we're building.
This isn't just about purchasing a building.
It's about giving Veterans Helping Veterans a permanent place to happen.
Help us build Bernie's 3.0.
Built by the community. Built for the Veteran community. Built to serve for generations.
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