Marcus Lamar Brown, founder and president of Veterans 5-9, will speak to Jewish War Veterans (JWV) Post 619 on Sunday, October 20th. He will explain how Veterans 5-9 helps veterans after hours. The organization provides critical support to veterans during evenings and weekends when other services are unavailable. The meeting will be held in Bradford Room A at Oakwood Country Club, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd, Sun Lakes. A free “Meet & Greet” with lox, bagels, coffee, and doughnuts begins at 9:30 AM, with the speaker at 10:00 AM. The event is open to the public.
After-hours support for veterans in crisis
Veterans 5-9 helps veterans after hours by offering support to those reintegrating into civilian life. This includes those still serving or transitioning from incarceration. The organization provides help with mental health, substance abuse, housing, food, and transportation. Brown explains, “When the clock hits 5 PM or the weekend begins, many services close their doors, leaving veterans without help. Veterans 5-9 steps in during those off-hours.”
Immediate assistance and long-term stability
Veterans 5-9 partners with community organizations to ensure veterans receive immediate assistance. “Our goal is to stop the crisis right away and then build a path for long-term stability,” says Brown. The organization follows up with veterans to make sure they receive continued support as they rebuild their lives.
A real-world example of Veterans 5-9 in action
Brown shared a story to show how Veterans 5-9 helps veterans after hours. “I got a call during a spring training game from a constable about a veteran facing eviction. I left the game, put him and his pet in a hotel room, and the next day helped pay his eviction fees. He got back into his apartment right away. That’s the kind of immediate help we provide.”
A legacy of service
Marcus Brown, a Marine Corps veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, founded Veterans 5-9 based on the principle of never leaving anyone behind. His continued dedication reflects a larger trend of veterans helping others after active duty. In an AMVETS Magazine article, Marine veteran and police sergeant Roy Waugh explained how service members bring their commitment to civilian life. Brown’s work follows this tradition, providing help when traditional services are unavailable.
About JWV Post 619
JWV Post 619 meets monthly from September to June. It is open to veterans of all faiths. For more information on JWV activities or membership, contact Arthur Uram at 702-884-4175 or [email protected].