5Th Squad

About the Organization

Organization category

Public Charity

Country / State

United States / Mississippi

Mission

At 5th Squad, our mission is to provide swift and effective financial assistance to Veterans in crisis primarily (but not limited to) through our Quick Reaction Funds (QRF) and our Back to the Barracks (B2B) programs. We are dedicated to supporting those who have served their country honorably by addressing urgent needs such as utilities, housing, and groceries, regardless of their military affiliation, era of service, service component, service branch, rank, sex, race, or ethnicity. Through our commitment to dignity, respect, and inclusivity, we strive to empower Veterans to overcome financial hardships and build resilience in times of adversity.

Programs or services

5th Squad is dedicated to providing holistic support for Veterans, ensuring they receive immediate financial assistance, emotional connection, community engagement, and opportunities for healing and transition support. Our programs are designed to address both the urgent and long-term challenges Veterans face, helping them avoid financial distress, isolation, and emotional hardship.
5th Squad’s eight core programs work together to provide well-rounded support for Veterans:
1. Quick Reaction Funds (QRF) – Immediate Financial Relief
2. Back to the Barracks (B2B) – Restoring Camaraderie
3. Echoes of Service Podcast (ESP) – Sharing Veteran Stories
4. Operation Send-Off Support (OSS) – Supporting Service Members and Families
5. Pack to Purpose (P2P) – Healing Through the Outdoors
6. Ready, Play, Give (RPG) – Gaming for Mental Health, Connection, and Fundraising
Each program plays a critical role in supporting Veterans, ensuring they are not alone in their struggles and have access to the resources and community they need to thrive.

Detailed programs

5th Squad is dedicated to providing holistic support for Veterans, ensuring they receive immediate financial assistance, emotional connection, community engagement, and opportunities for healing and transition support. Our programs are designed to address both the urgent and long-term challenges Veterans face, helping them avoid financial distress, isolation, and emotional hardship.
5th Squad’s eight core programs work together to provide well-rounded support for Veterans:
1. Quick Reaction Funds (QRF) – Immediate Financial Relief
2. Back to the Barracks (B2B) – Restoring Camaraderie
3. Echoes of Service Podcast (ESP) – Sharing Veteran Stories
4. Operation Send-Off Support (OSS) – Supporting Service Members and Families
5. Pack to Purpose (P2P) – Healing Through the Outdoors
6. Ready, Play, Give (RPG) – Gaming for Mental Health, Connection, and Fundraising
Each program plays a critical role in supporting Veterans, ensuring they are not alone in their struggles and have access to the resources and community they need to thrive.

Target Audience

Veterans and their families

Geographic Focus

United States, Mississippi (USA)

Current projects

**Current Organizational Priorities**

**New Headquarters Campaign:** Purchase and renovate a 7,000 sq. ft. permanent Veteran Resource Center in Pearl, MS. Complete financing, execute the grant, and develop The Barracks Veteran Lounge, Barracks Pantry, Veteran Disability Claims offices, commercial kitchen, event space, peer support areas, bunk room, and sustainable office rentals.

**The Barracks Pantry:** Launch a Veteran-only food pantry by establishing policies, securing grants and partnerships, recruiting volunteers, and reducing food insecurity for Veterans and military families.

**Quick Reaction Funds (QRF):** Expand funding and donor support to increase emergency assistance for rent, mortgage, utilities, food, transportation, and other critical needs.

**Back to the Barracks (B2B):** Grow Veteran peer support through regular events, family programming, improved engagement, and expansion into the new headquarters.

**Operation Send-Off Support (OSS):** Continue supporting deploying Soldiers through partnerships with WAYS Energy, Bougie Coffee, Herrin-Gear, and others, building on assistance provided to more than 2,500 deploying Soldiers.

**Veteran Disability Claims Assistance (VDCA):** Increase claims capacity through technology upgrades, dedicated office space, and expanded partnerships.

**Workforce Readiness:** Assist Veterans with employment through WorkKeys testing, resume assistance, career readiness, and employer connections.

**Pack to Purpose (P2P):** Promote mental wellness through hiking, backpacking, outdoor recreation, and Veteran mentorship.

**Ready, Play, Give (RPG):** Expand Veteran engagement through gaming, livestream fundraising, and online peer support.

**Major Events:** Continue planning and executing the 7th Annual Campbell Golf Scramble, Climb for the Fallen, Mission: Mulligan, Hangar Hangout, and other fundraising and community engagement events while expanding corporate partnerships and volunteer involvement.

Organization goals

n the short term, 5th Squad aims to secure and renovate a permanent Veteran Resource Center, expand emergency financial assistance, launch The Barracks Pantry, increase access to Veteran Disability Claims Assistance, and strengthen peer support, employment, and wellness programs. We also seek to grow volunteer engagement, corporate partnerships, and sustainable funding.

Long-term, 5th Squad's goal is to become Mississippi's premier Veteran resource organization by providing comprehensive, one-stop support for Veterans and their families. Through strategic partnerships, expanded programming, and permanent facilities, we will increase our statewide impact, improve quality of life, reduce barriers to essential services, and ensure every Veteran has access to the resources, community, and support needed to thrive.

Leadership

Lee Stringer – President & Co-Founder
Provides overall organizational leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, corporate partnerships, government relations, and oversight of all 5th Squad programs and operations.
Tiffany Stringer – Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Manages daily operations, grant administration, volunteer coordination, program execution, communications, events, and organizational administration.
Ronnie Hood – Chief Financial Officer (CFO)/Treasurer
Oversees financial management, budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, compliance, and organizational sustainability.
Stephen Pruitt – Vice President, Mississippi Chapter
Leads statewide chapter operations, member engagement, volunteer support, and chapter growth initiatives.
Michael Collins – Co-Founder
Provides organizational guidance, strategic planning, and leadership support while assisting with special projects and major initiatives.
Robert Filbert – Director of Grants & Director of Logistics
Manages grant research and applications while coordinating logistics, equipment, transportation, and operational support for programs and events.
Brent Terrell – Director of Human Resources
Oversees volunteer onboarding, personnel policies, organizational compliance, and member development.
Joshua Acey – Director, Pack to Purpose (P2P)
Leads outdoor recreation, hiking, mentorship, and wellness initiatives designed to improve Veteran mental health and resilience.
Daniel Truitt – Director, Ready, Play, Give (RPG)
Oversees the Veteran gaming community, livestream fundraising, online engagement, and digital peer support initiatives.
Shelton Todd – Information Technology (IT) Manager
Oversees the organization's technology infrastructure, website, cybersecurity, software systems, digital communications, and technical support for programs and events.
Trey Wade – National Sergeant-at-Arms
Supports organizational governance, event operations, member accountability, and cere

Strategic priorities

5th Squad's strategic priorities are centered on expanding access to essential services while building a sustainable organization capable of serving Veterans for generations. Current focus areas include:

Establishing a permanent Veteran Resource Center to serve as a statewide hub for services and community engagement.
Expanding emergency financial assistance through the Quick Reaction Funds (QRF) program.
Increasing food security through The Barracks Pantry.
Improving access to Veteran Disability Claims Assistance and benefits navigation.
Strengthening peer support, mental wellness, and suicide prevention initiatives.
Expanding employment and workforce readiness opportunities for Veterans.
Supporting deploying Service Members and military families through Operation Send-Off Support.
Growing volunteer engagement, membership, and statewide chapter development.
Strengthening corporate partnerships, grant funding, and long-term financial sustainability.
Increasing community awareness, advocacy, and collaboration to ensure every Veteran has access to the resources, support, and camaraderie they need to thrive.

Funding Needs

Grant categories you're seeking

Capital Funding, Community Services, Financial Assistance, Homeless, In-Kind Support, Nutrition and Food, Operating Support, Quality of Life, Substance Abuse, Veterans and Military, Women

Funding needs

5th Squad is seeking funding to expand critical services for Veterans and military families across Mississippi. Funding will support the purchase and renovation of a permanent Veteran Resource Center, creating dedicated space for peer support, emergency assistance, Veteran Disability Claims Assistance, workforce readiness, family programming, and community engagement.

Additional funding will strengthen our Quick Reaction Funds program, providing emergency financial assistance for rent, mortgage, utilities, food, transportation, and other life-sustaining needs. Support will also establish The Barracks Pantry to address food insecurity among Veterans and their families.

Investments will expand Veteran Disability Claims Assistance through technology, equipment, and dedicated office space while growing employment readiness, outdoor wellness, peer support, and gaming-based engagement programs that combat isolation and improve mental well-being.

Funding will also help sustain Operation Send-Off Support for deploying Soldiers, support volunteer recruitment and training, purchase program supplies and equipment, and expand outreach efforts that connect more Veterans with available resources. Every dollar invested directly strengthens our ability to provide immediate assistance, build lasting support networks, and ensure Veterans have access to the resources they need to thrive.

Impact & Recognition

Major funders

th Squad is supported through a diverse network of corporate partners, foundations, government grants, local businesses, civic organizations, and individual donors. Major funders and supporters include:

Lowe's Foundation (Community Impact Grant)
WAYS Energy
Milwaukee Tool
Keesler Federal Credit Union
Herrin-Gear Automotive Group
Outback Steakhouse
Walmart Spark Good Foundation
Sonny Montgomery Foundation
Lineage Foundation
Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas
Community Bank
Mississippi Widow Sons Masonic Riding Association
Southern Beverage
Independent Roofing Systems
ECO Outfitters
Kalora Golf
Bougie Coffee
Zaxby's of Pearl
Mac Haik Flowood
Numerous civic organizations, local businesses, community foundations, and individual donors throughout Mississippi.

These investments provide critical funding and in-kind support for emergency financial assistance, Veteran wellness programs, deployment support, facility development, workforce readiness, food security initiatives, and community outreach efforts that directly impact Veterans and their families.

Partnerships & Collaborations

5th Squad collaborates with a diverse network of corporate partners, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), military units, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and community leaders to maximize support for Veterans and their families.

Key partnerships include the Mississippi Army National Guard, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Lowe's, WAYS Energy, Milwaukee Tool, Keesler Federal Credit Union, Herrin-Gear Automotive Group, Outback Steakhouse, Bougie Coffee, Community Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, Walmart Spark Good, Sonny Montgomery Foundation, Lineage Foundation, Mississippi Widow Sons Masonic Riding Association, Commemorative Air Force, Mississippi Mud Monsters, local VFW and American Legion posts, law enforcement agencies, first responder organizations, civic clubs, churches, schools, and numerous local businesses.

These collaborations provide financial support, volunteers, donated goods and services, professional expertise, event sponsorships, deployment support, workforce development opportunities, and expanded access to resources. By leveraging these partnerships, 5th Squad is able to extend its reach, reduce operating costs, and provide more comprehensive, sustainable support to Veterans throughout Mississippi.

Get Involved

How can volunteers get involved?

Volunteers are the backbone of 5th Squad's mission. Individuals, businesses, civic groups, and community organizations can get involved by signing up through www.5thsquad.org to volunteer at fundraising events, assist with The Barracks Pantry, participate in community outreach, support Veteran peer support activities, help with deployment send-offs, organize donation drives, provide professional services, assist with facility improvement projects, mentor Veterans, or serve on committees and special projects.

Volunteers may also support administrative tasks, event planning, logistics, marketing, photography, technology, grant writing, fundraising, and skilled trades. Whether serving a few hours at an event or making a long-term commitment, every volunteer plays a vital role in helping 5th Squad fulfill its mission of Veterans Helping Veterans and ensuring no Veteran stands alone.

How can donors support your mission?

Donors can support 5th Squad by making secure online contributions through www.5thsquad.org, becoming recurring monthly donors, sponsoring fundraising events, providing corporate sponsorships, funding specific programs, making in-kind donations, or contributing planned and legacy gifts. Businesses can also partner with 5th Squad through employee giving campaigns, matching gift programs, volunteer initiatives, and community sponsorships.

Every donation directly supports programs that provide emergency financial assistance, food security, Veteran Disability Claims Assistance, peer support, deployment support, workforce readiness, and other critical services for Veterans and their families. Through the generosity of our donors and partners, 5th Squad continues its mission of Veterans Helping Veterans and ensuring no Veteran stands alone.

Are you seeking board members?

We are actively seeking Board members.

Website & Social Media