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Uniting Veterans, Youth, and Business Leaders in Charlotte

On November 6, 2025, the city of Charlotte will undergo a transformation on Veterans Day as it emphasizes not just remembrance, but active participation and service. This year, the event is set against the theme of collaboration, bringing together veterans, students, corporate leaders, and community volunteers to showcase a united front aimed at community betterment.

Hosted by ZeroMils, a social impact organization led by service-disabled veterans, this day of action—dubbed Uniting in Service Military Thriving Charlotte—is a culmination of a nationwide campaign impacting nearly 8,000 underserved families in cities like Dallas, Washington D.C., and Minneapolis. Unlike traditional observances of Veterans Day which often solely focus on honoring the past, this initiative seeks to empower veterans to leverage their leadership skills actively within their communities for a lasting impact.

Embracing Leadership
Kevin Schmiegel, founder of ZeroMils and a retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel, emphasizes that the goal is to not only commemorate veterans for their service but to rejuvenate their roles as leaders in society. “We believe the best way to honor Veterans is to empower them with opportunities to serve again,” Schmiegel states. “Veterans Day shouldn't be a day we simply look backward — it should be a day to recommit to leadership, purpose, and unity.”

Volunteer Spirit Takes Center Stage
The day’s events will kick off with a Circle of Remembrance and Letter Writing session organized by the initiative wear blue run to remember. This segment pays tribute to fallen service members and Gold Star families, encouraging reflection and gratitude in a no-pressure environment. Following this, a diverse group of volunteers, including veterans and students, will come together to prepare 2,500 weekend meal kits targeted at local children who deal with food insecurity.

The main aim of this event is not just to serve food, but to foster meaningful interactions between generations, promoting collaboration and leadership amongst participants from various backgrounds. Sean Passmore, the Head of Military Veteran Initiatives at Wells Fargo, shares, “Veterans bring unmatched leadership, resilience, and commitment to mission. When we invest in Veterans as leaders, we invest in the future of our communities.”

Transforming the Narrative Around Veterans
While narratives surrounding veterans often portray them as vulnerable or struggling, ZeroMils breaks away from this stereotype. Their Military Thriving model celebrates veterans as adept problem-solvers possessing unique skills, resilience, and focus on missions that can tackle community issues head-on. “We're here to show what's possible when we stop asking, 'How can we help Veterans?' and start asking, 'How can we empower Veterans to help America and communities thrive?” declared Schmiegel.

A Call for Change
The Uniting in Service event arrives at a crucial time when the U.S. is experiencing a decline in military enlistment rates and a growing distrust toward civic structures. In 2023, recruitment goals fell short by over 41,000 individuals. This trend has generated concern, particularly among younger generations feeling alienated from traditional service paths. Research indicates that a staggering 70% of youth feel underserved by available leadership and community opportunities.

The Charlotte initiative is designed to inspire youth alongside veterans, reshaping their perceptions of service both in uniform and as civilians. By fostering opportunities for the two groups to work hand-in-hand, the program aims to shift mindsets about leadership, allowing for collective community thriving.

The culmination of the day will consist of closing remarks from community leaders and participating youth who will highlight the invaluable benefits of engaging in purpose-driven service. This event not only adapts the focus of Veterans Day from remembrance to action but positions veterans and youth alike as pioneers for future change in their communities.

Event Details:

• - Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
• - Location: PINE, 4100 Raleigh St, Suite #113, Charlotte, NC 28206
• - Schedule of activities:

- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Circle of Remembrance with wear blue run to remember
- 1:00 PM: Volunteer Check-In
- 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Service Project with Blessings in a Backpack to assemble food baskets
- 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Closing Remarks

To register or learn more about this impactful event, visit ZeroMils.

By fostering hands-on involvement from veterans, community members, and youth, Uniting in Service champions a proactive approach towards leading impactful change, setting a precedent for future observances and community actions moving forward.