5th Squad is a Pearl, Mississippi-based nonprofit founded in 2016 by members of the Mississippi Army National Guard’s 184th Sustainment Command. Named “5th Squad” because standard military formations consist of four squads—the 5th squad represents the supportive community and volunteers standing just behind the formation to help.
Over the last decade, 5th Squad has provided rapid, life-sustaining financial crisis support and camaraderie for military veterans. Now, thanks to a $200,000 Community Impact Grant from Lowe’s, the organization can finally create a permanent headquarters and veteran center.
“For the last three years, we’ve been leasing a building and have outgrown it,” shared founding member Lee Stringer. “Earlier this year, I applied for a grant with Lowe’s. And like a lot of grants, you apply without much expectation.”…