About Us
Our mission
The West Tennessee Veterans Coalition brings together the community to share information, knowledge, support and resources in order to become a unified voice in advocating for veterans in our community by identifying issues and creating solutions, without the duplication of services
Our Values
- We will value the opinions and contributions of all members with no single member’s voice or effort carrying more weight than others.
- While there is an administrative leader of the Coalition, that leader is held accountable by every member.
- It is our privilege and duty to serve our veterans as they have served us.
- We believe a unified voice will enabled us to create change.
- We will value each other and treat each other with dignity and respect at all times, and remember the Coalition exists to serve veterans and each other.
- We believe that collaboration will result in each member‘s organizations growing stronger.
Our Board Members
Larry Newsom Chairman / V.I.C. Board Chair
Megan Holt Co-Chair and VIC Cmte Chairman
Megan Holt Co-Chair and VIC Cmte Chairman
US Army Veteran
CW5 Newsom spent 33 years as a helicopter pilot and Aviation Safety Officer, and in his retirement is an active member of the Sons of American Revolution along with Quad A and several other veteran organizations.
Megan Holt Co-Chair and VIC Cmte Chairman
Megan Holt Co-Chair and VIC Cmte Chairman
Megan Holt Co-Chair and VIC Cmte Chairman
Megan has been an active volunteer with military support programs since age 18, she now works full time providing resourcing, crisis intervention, and family support programs for Tennessee National Guard soldiers.
Ed Cookenham Security / Adjutant
Megan Holt Co-Chair and VIC Cmte Chairman
Ed Cookenham Security / Adjutant
US Navy, SCPO (E8) Retired
34 total years of service, Ed also serves in the American Legion and VFW.
Marianna Lewis Treasurer
Megan Holt Co-Chair and VIC Cmte Chairman
Ed Cookenham Security / Adjutant
Widow of 2 veterans, grandmother to actively serving soldiers, active member of Daughters of the American Revolution, Marianna brings 30 years of experience in banking and finance.
Our Support Staff
Mary Ross Fundraising / Parade
William Cothron VIC Cmte. Co-Chairman
William Cothron VIC Cmte. Co-Chairman
Spouse of a US Navy veteran, Mary brings years of experience in sales and event planning. She works full time as the Sales Manager at the Doubletree Hotel.
William Cothron VIC Cmte. Co-Chairman
William Cothron VIC Cmte. Co-Chairman
William Cothron VIC Cmte. Co-Chairman
US Army Veteran
Sergeant First Class (Retired), a 21-year Army and Tennessee Army National Guard combat Veteran and currently serves as Director of the Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at Parkers Crossroads. He is an active member of the American Legion and VFW and remains engaged in Veteran and community initiatives throughout Tennessee.
Joshua Poole I.T. / AV
William Cothron VIC Cmte. Co-Chairman
Joshua Poole I.T. / AV
USMC Veteran
Josh enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in January 2010. After Recruit training and completion of SOI, he completed his MOS school of 0627 Satellite Operator and Maintainer school in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Josh was sent to 1st MARDIV HQBN COMM CO on Camp Pendleton, CA for his first duty station. Josh deployed with
USMC Veteran
Josh enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in January 2010. After Recruit training and completion of SOI, he completed his MOS school of 0627 Satellite Operator and Maintainer school in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Josh was sent to 1st MARDIV HQBN COMM CO on Camp Pendleton, CA for his first duty station. Josh deployed with 5th MAR REG in August 2011 – August 2012. After service, Josh began helping and assisting veterans through transition from the military into civilian life. Josh has and currently assists various non-profit organization in veteran engagement. He also serves for the Marine Corps League and The American Legion.
Hillary Poole I.T.
William Cothron VIC Cmte. Co-Chairman
Joshua Poole I.T. / AV
Spouse of a USMC veteran, Hillary brings many years of experience in social media editing and content creating. She also servers for the Marine Corps League.
