Provisions4Patriots is working to help our Nation’s Bravest who are in need of assistance. Founded in 2015 our mission is, “No Veteran Left Behind.” The birth of Provisions4Patriots is not an accident. Al Kennedy, founder is a Navy Veteran. His father, also Al, was a Korea War Army Medic, and his son Liam, is also a Navy Veteran. Participating in veteran events, joining veteran organizations, and becoming educated on the tragedy of veteran homelessness drove Al to start this Non-Profit organization. We are a registered 501(c) 3.
Our focus, related to our mission statement, is to help our brothers and sisters, who are facing difficult times and need a “hand up instead of a hand out.”
Provisions4Patriots accepts clothing, hygiene items, footwear, outerwear, household goods, monetary donations, and the like items. Provisions4Patriots believes a veteran should not have to worry about clothing, a home, or transportation. We continue to work with local, state, and veteran organizations aligned with our mission.
Our Board of Directors comes from distinct backgrounds. Their consultation allows Provisions4Patriots to remain focused on mission centric opportunities.
Board of Directors
Al Kennedy
Founder
Al started Provisions4Patriots in 2015 in an effort to provide outreach and assistance to the homeless veteran community.
Al is a United States Navy veteran serving from 1986-1994 and his son Liam served in the Navy from 2012-2018.
The mission is personal.
Al has been in transportation and logistics since 1999 holding various roles and responsibilities in all aspects of the industry. Currently residing in the greater Savannah, Georgia area, Al is a member of the American Legion, VFW Post 660, the Chatham County Veterans Council as well as the Knights of Columbus.
Al graduated from Montclair State University in 1998 with a BA in Communication Studies, Cum Laude.
William “Bill” Madaras
Strategic Planning & Outreach
Bill attended Rutgers University with a focus on Psychology. He currently works in the import division and off-shore footwear sourcing for Madaras International, Inc. He is a Gold Star Father, having lost his son PFC Nicholas A. Madaras who was KIA in Baqubah, Iraq on Sept. 3, 2006.
In November 2006, he started the Kick for Nick Foundation, which provides soccer balls to underprivileged children across the globe.
In 2007, by way of a donation from the Homeless Veterans at Homes for the Brave, Bill was introducted to the ABRI-
Applied Behavioral Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. From 2007-2011, Bill and his wife, working with ABRI, set out to establish a “residence” for Homeless Female Veterans by way of the “Female Soldiers / Forgotten Heroes” program His wife led the fundraising efforts, while ABRI applied for a grant, and being in Real Estate, my wife arranged a house for the program. The ribbon was cut on October 21, 2011, what would have been Nick’s 25th birthday. The home is named the – Nicholas A. Madaras Home for Homeless Female Veterans, and can accommodate up to 4 Veterans with young children. In 2018 he and his wife were awarded the American Legion’s Americanism Award for Connecticut for their work with the Homeless Veterans & the Kick for Nick program. Bill is also an honorary member of the James B. Whipple American Legion Post-86 in Wilton, CT
Scott B. Andrews
Military Outreach
Scott is a veteran with over 31 years of service and three combat tours. He enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1989 and after completing Army Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training he deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Storm. While in the Army National Guard he was hired as an Indiana State Trooper where he served for 6 years. He was then offered a position with the Purdue University Police Department, where he dealt regularly with homeless persons, to include many Veterans. After tours in Afghanistan and Iraq he was hired into the full time force (AGR) where he continues to serve.
“I was very honored when Alan Kennedy asked me to serve on the Board of Directors for Provisions4Patriots. I have known homeless veterans, and it absolutely breaks my heart. One of my own soldiers, I found out later, had been homeless and living in his car for over a month. When I asked him why he didn’t reach out to any of us from the platoon, he told me that he was just too embarrassed. That really brought it home for me.”
Michael Helmstetter
Outreach, Grants, & Finance
Mike is a Financial professional with several decades of experience managing financial accounting and reporting, financial systems implementation, budgeting, inventory reporting and variance analysis in the Consumer Products Industry. Mike has been employed with Resources Global Professionals since 2007. MIke is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and received his Master’s in Business Administration from Seton Hall University.
Mike has been married to Marianne since 1992 and has two daughters, Maureen and Maggie. Mike has volunteered for various civic and church organizations in New Jersey and is grateful for this opportunity to help the Veteran community.
Advisory Board
Kyle Kennedy
Events
Kyle is a graduate of Indiana University with a bachelors degree in Tourism Hospitality, and Event Management. In the early start of his career, Kyle has been involved as an Event Management professional on a couple different higher education campuses. Currently, Kyle is surrounding himself with Sales & Marketing for a very fast growing company. His passions and motivation derives from the commitment to providing flawless client and customer experiences through the production of high level events. Kyle has been involved with Provisions for Patriots since its birth and continues to be involved. This is due to his belief that inclusive environments and services should be provided to all individuals, especially those who have committed their lives to the protection of this country.”
Deacon Lou Santore
Outreach & Grants
Lou has been a Deacon in the Catholic Church for 23 years and have been involved in many outreach programs in the three parishes to which I have been assigned. Currently assigned to St James Parish in Savannah and have responsibility for Christian Outreach for the Parish. The most important outreach programs are:
-Prison Ministry (lead a group of parishioners to provide spiritual development programs to inmates at the Coastal States prison and the Chatham County facility)
-Career Networking (assistance to people seeking new employment opportunities)
-Care Giver Support (organize volunteers to help caregivers with some daily tasks which eases the burden of caregivers)
-Hospice Savannah Helpers (organize parishioners to volunteer at Hospice Savannah)
-Catholic Charities Human Development Committee (currently a member of this committee of Catholic Charities of Southeast Georgia. The focus of the Committee is to try to break the cycle of poverty for people in our area.)
Associated with the Social Apostolate who serve the poor and homeless in Savannah.
Currently a new board member of the Inner City Night Shelter
Before my retirement I held the position of Managing Director of Global Commodity Operations for three major commodity trading firms during the last 30 years. The three firms owned, stored, blended, and shipped various energy and agricultural products throughout North and South America, Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.
Married for 50 years and have three adult children with two grandchildren.
Hold a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Science in Administration
Robert Kane
Outreach
Robert is a litigation attorney serving as Senior Counsel within the Travelers Insurance staff counsel organization. He has been employed with Travelers for 15+ years. Robert received his BA from Fairfield University and his JD from Emory University School of Law.
In his current role, Robert is accountable for managing facets of the firm’s litigation clientele in addition to mentoring less experienced attorneys. He has developed a reputation amongst his professional colleagues and the Judiciary for integrity and sound legal analysis with attendant conflict resolution acumen. Robert has been involved with national as well as local efforts within Travelers, serving on the Travelers National File Review Team and in its Disability Network. He recently was part of a three member team of attorneys from different parts of the country which provided a company wide presentation on litigation management during the COVID pandemic.
Robert is married to his wife of 25 years Patricia (Patty) and has two sons, Dylan and Trevor. Outside of his family life, Robert’s passions are related to service within the community. He is currently a religious education teacher alongside Patty. He has volunteered his time to civic efforts as well as religious and sporting activities in the town in which he resides. Robert is a supporter of Wounded Warrior Project.
Veterans | Provisions4Patriots 