Amplify Partners Show Up To Support Veterans

MUSICAL GUEST

Peter Borne, shared his gift of music, opening the evening with a song titled “Swear Words” written about his friend’s experience as a Marine. He closed out the evening on ukulele inviting the room to sing along to the familiar Bob Marley tune “Three Little Birds.” 

GUEST SPEAKER

Eric Geesaman, shared his personal experience as a Marine with vulnerability, illuminating the many challenges Veterans face including substance abuse, mental health issues, and PTSD.

After two tours in Afghanistan, Geesaman started noticing symptoms of PTSD creeping up while working as a Recruiter. “I was staying out late, drinking, and trying to do my job in the ways I thought I could, but it progressively got worse.”

It was during the process of deploying for the third time that Geesaman “snapped.” He landed in treatment for mental health and was medically discharged from the Marines shortly after.  

While things were starting to look up for Geesaman, he experienced an intense period of feeling lost. “I went from the strict routine and rigor of the Marines to stocking shelves at my local store. The complete loss of identity and loss of purpose led to me being charged with domestic assault. I thought I was on the road to improvement, but there I was in jail.”

Knowing he needed a new path forward, Geesaman recognized that “giving back to Veterans was going to help me.” Through a few connections, Geesaman found his way to Every Third Saturday (ETS) where he completed the Warriors Return program. Today he works as part of the ETS team in a position where “I get to make an impact on people’s lives.”

He closed with a message of gratitude, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here tonight, for the opportunity to do the work I do, and I’m grateful for finding my way back to Christ.” 

MINISTRY IMPACT UPDATE 

Our partner impact story came from Joe Kirk, who shared about the purpose and meaning he has found in serving at Amplify.

PRESENTING MINISTRIES

Tom McKenna, founder of Every Third Saturday (ETS) shared his encounter with a homeless Veteran on the side of the road which sparked the beginnings of ETS. Now seven years later with a new beautiful building in Minneapolis, ETS serves over 3,000 veterans each year. 

McKenna invited Amplify partners to help rework the internship program at Rick’s Coffee Bar to address a $4,000 monthly gap between income and expenses, while maximizing the program impact.  

Tim Murray, Director of Bravo Zulu House shared compelling and heartbreaking statistics about the substance abuse and suicide rates among Veterans. Working to “declare war on PTSD,”, Murray outlined his plan to build the first all-military sober house, giving veterans the support they need coming out of treatment, with a “band of brothers” camaraderie they are accustomed to. 

With just over 50% of the needed funds raised to open the home, Murray invited business leaders to brainstorm how to increase awareness through digital campaigns to quickly reach the fundraising goal. 

Amplify partners then rolled up their sleeves and got to work, sharing ideas, connections, and expertise to help each ministry overcome the barriers presented and reach new levels of impact. 

Julie Eide, President of Amplify wrapped up the evening by sharing a preview of our keynote speaker, Bob Goff, who will be joining us in September for our annual fundraising event.

Eide also announced her plans to retire at the end of 2024, sharing her time leading Amplify, “has been one of the greatest joys of my professional and personal life.” Her news was met with a standing ovation from partners in the room who thanked her for her service.