Members of the Atlanta Chapter of the BVA Georgia Regional Group proactively serve others rather than wait for others to help them, continually extending themselves the past few months to remain active in their urban community. 

Back on June 24, the Chapter completed its spring sock drive for the Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency (ACSS), which serves homeless veterans and those at risk for homelessness as one of its most important functions. Bravid Harris, the Center’s Veteran Outreach Specialist, was on hand to receive the donation of 297 pairs for the veterans ACSS serves. It was the second project on which the Atlanta Chapter had partnered with ACSS.

On Independence Day, Chapter Secretary William Jackson and Wayne Lawson put their preparation and conditioning to the test by completing the Atlanta Journal Constitution 10K Peachtree Road Race. Accompanied by guide Doug Smith, USAF (Ret.) and Naeemah Lawson, Wayne’s daughter, the duo completed the race in just under two hours (see accompanying photo and caption).

“There are many things blinded veterans may not be able to do, but we can all maximize what we can still do, and walking is something Wayne and I can still do,” said William following the event.

The two plan to make participation an annual event and invite all Georgia Regional Group members, families, and friends to join them.

On October 28, the Chapter closed its fall blanket drive. Victoria Hilliard and Bravid Harris of the ACSS Veteran Outreach Team accepted the 94 blankets, 28 coats, and ten pairs of socks collected during the drive.

“We want to give a special thanks to the Chapter’s family members and friends who assisted us in this endeavor,” said William. “Their support made all the difference.”