In 2011, Steve Haynes, Kent Sharp and Bill Williams were semi regular attendees at a military veteran networking group that met for breakfast, monthly, at a well known restaurant inside the perimeter near Buckhead. The group did not have an agenda and would seat 3 to 4 veterans in separate booths so it
was inconvenient to meet other veterans and develop relationships. Tiring of the trip in rush hour traffic, Steve, Kent and Bill decided to start a veterans networking group of their own. Initially, the thought was just to attract men and women of similar mindsets who shared the experience of military service to assist with business referrals and making other helpful contacts. We selected the name of VetBuds, similar to the other group but different enough to be distinct. Early on, we decided to print business cards and Steve set up a basic website.
From a breakfast of only three, spreading mostly by word of mouth, the group rapidly attracted new members. We added Paul Romanick to our leadership group early on and one particular morning while we had a table of 4-6, veterans kept walking in saying they’d heard about us and wanted to learn more. We kept adding tables and chairs and suddenly had at least 12 sharing in fellowship. The Uptown Café in Johns Creek, graciously offered their banquet room so VetBuds could meet as a group with some privacy. Today, the “Mother Ship” attracts 30 or more regulars to breakfast and camaraderie on the third Wednesday of each month.
A habit was quickly established of going around the table, offering each individual a minute or two to introduce themselves, briefly relate their military experience and making known any needs they might have, gradually an informal meeting agenda evolved. We’ve always tried to “keep it simple” but adding a national flag and standing for the Pledge of Allegiance soon followed. We also began to “pass the hat or in our case a steel pot helmet from WW 2/Korea/Vietnam eras” for contributions to assist veterans in need. Our fundraising expanded to holding an annual raffle the weekend prior to Veterans Day with on site ticket sales held at the former Sharpshooters gun range. We also benefited from contributions from St. Benedicts Knights of Columbus annual golf tournament. With additional funding VetBuds is able to donate a modest financial award to a student veteran from one of the Georgia State University campuses several times a year. Additionally, with the great assistance of Christian Brothers Automotive repair along with Patriot Towing we’ve donated numerous vehicles to veterans in need of reliable transportation at no cost to the recipients.
VetBuds has always functioned as a non profit group and in early 2024 we became an official 501(c)(3) organization. No officer receives any compensation for their time, our funds are used to assist veterans and cover costs for website, promotional materials and logoed merchandise for resale. Jason Robbins serves as president, Bill Williams as vice president and Kent Sharp as treasurer.
In addition to the North Fulton group, (The Mother Ship) we have a very independent group that meets in West Cobb and another fast growing group in Cherokee County meeting for lunch on the second Wednesday of each month. Please check our website for times and locations.
What is the future of VetBuds? We hope to see the group continue to grow, attracting new members, adding sub groups, create new fundraising events and continue to be a positive voice and force in the community, Veterans helping Veterans.