The Rally Point
Free evening veteran socials at breweries, restaurants and VFW posts across East Tennessee. 29 were held in 2025, serving more than 1,000 veterans.
What we do
Rocky Top Veterans Foundation has grown into a direct veteran care organization. Everything we do for veterans is free, and everyone who runs it is a volunteer.
Quick answer
Rocky Top Veterans Foundation runs free Rally Point socials and veterans breakfasts, free QPR suicide-prevention training (FIRE-TEAM Tennessee), the Veteran Safe Place business certification, the Sustained Valor recognition campaign, assisted-living visits and Christmas gifts, and Wreaths Across America support, across East Tennessee.
Veteran Breakfast
Free veterans breakfasts with the United Veterans Council of East Tennessee (opens in a new tab) and Knoxville DAV Chapter 24.
Vet Talk and QPR training
Free suicide-prevention training for anyone, taught through lecture and role play. 191 people were certified in 2025.
Veteran Safe Places
Free certification for local businesses whose staff train in QPR. 18 were certified in 2025.
Sustained Valor
We honor individual veterans, whether one we meet in passing or one living in local assisted living, with a handshake, a thank-you and a specially designed "Veterans only" T-shirt. About 2,500 as of May 2025.
Assisted living and Christmas
Visits, needed items and Christmas gifts for veterans in local assisted living facilities, every year since 2020.
Operation WHOLE HEALTH
A free one-day care event with Trinity Dental Clinic in Maryville (first held April 17, 2026): dental assessments, Veterans Service Officers, the Knoxville Vet Center, massage, haircuts and lunch.
Wreaths Across America
Donations and volunteers to place wreaths on veterans' graves each December, funded in part by Casino Night. Plus the CELEBRATE YOU! Veteran Picnic, PINS with Patriots bowling and 50 named flags in Alcoa for America's 250th birthday (WVLT, July 2026 (opens in a new tab)).
“We want this to be a one-stop shop for veterans.”
“They usually believe that a man or woman who has served their country is taken care of by the government or the VA in particular. As you know, that is not always the case.”
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Questions people ask
Does the Foundation give veterans money?
Not as cash. In our founder's words: "It just depends on the need… We don't give them money. We just assist them." Help depends on the need, from benefits navigation to connecting a veteran with the right services. Call (865) 659-1001.
Do you offer counseling or medical care?
No. We connect veterans to the people who do, like the VA, the Knoxville Vet Center and Veterans Service Officers. If a veteran is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1.