12:31 10/28/25
I have received some questions regarding what Charlie Mike will be. How it will help Veterans, and the community. Here are some of those details:
Charlie Mike will have 4 main programs to start
1. Brotherhood retreats - Quarterly retreats for all members. Doesn't have to be fancy, just get out of town for a weekend to handout with brothers (and sisters) in arms. Hunting, Fishing, ATV's, sports events, whatever the group wants to do.
Why? Because for a lot of Veterans (especially GWOT veterans) we don't get an opportunity to talk about our service. Not all, but many traditional Veteran organizations are filled with Veterans of other wars. They have the tight bonded experience of their wars, and the organizations themselves are built for those Veterans. My personal experience is that while I enjoy being a member and listening to these guys, they don't understand what the GWOT was.
2. Disaster Response team - Charlie Mike will have a Disaster Response team to react to SE Michigan during natural disasters, and any other potential disaster. There are many training resources in the state of Michigan as well as Federal Training.
Why? Because one of our greatest skills as GWOT veterans is our ability to function clearest in the Chaos. Controlling the Chaos. The ability to be on the ground to do search and rescue missions, or running a community supply distribution center, clearing debris. Even something as simple as dropping off generators after an ice storm to keep people warm. Those are extremely fulfilling missions, that the state of Michigan needs.
3. Community Projects - Charlie Mike will work with local officials to help with needed community projects. All types of community projects.
Why? Because we need a mission. We need something to be involved in. SE Michigan needs people that are ready to help make improvements in their towns and community. And again, we need a mission. We need to serve and see that impact.
These are my simple thoughts on what I would like Charlie Mike to be. I believe there is a large % of GWOT veterans that need something more in their lives. They need to serve, and to have a mission. Even with careers, and families, and hobbies, MANY GWOT veterans have a void. Its like something is missing. I think this a huge contributor of the rising Veteran Suicide rates. I think the 3 programs above is a start to adding some needed purpose into GWOT Veterans lives.
This non profit will be filed Jan 1 2026. I desperately want to find another 2 board members before filing. I want GWOT combat veterans to be on this board.
I am going to have a meet up on Saturday 8 Nov. That is 11 days from now. I am open to having the meet up anywhere in Genesee County. Preferably just a bar-restaurant. That way we can grab some food, maybe a drink and talk through the first year plan, what would be required of a board member, and any other questions you have.
If you are interested, please message me or shoot me a text
Kevin Riddell 586-251-9026
Also check out other Workshops in Flint, Sports events in Flint, Meetups in Flint.
