About Us
OUR Mission
To end veteran homelessness by using an Ecosystem approach and create opportunities within our communities to redeploy veterans onward to success.
Our vision
Eliminate homelessness among veterans by 2029
Join us in making a lasting impact by supporting unhoused veterans with the housing and holistic services they need to rebuild their lives.
Our approach includes the following:
Employment
Train veterans for local job opportunities
Housing
Provide veterans with a free home
Training
Teach veterans Next Gen farming to address local food deserts
Wealth Building
Provide veterans with the knowledge to start their businesses and create generational wealth
Program Management Team
RAV Leadership
Jimmy Plater
CEO/Founder
Jimmy Plater retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 in Army after a distinguished, 30-year career in the U.S. Army. CW5 is the highest rank for warrant officers serving as master-level experts in the specialized field of Logistics. Mr. Plater spent the last 15 years of his career in Special Operations. In 2015, he founded Extension Enterprise Group, LLC (E2G), an integrated facilities management services company providing business solutions across a variety of industries, with a focus on customer service excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement. E2G is based in Fayetteville, NC, home of Ft. Liberty (formerly Ft. Bragg). The company is committed to providing veterans with job opportunities and helping these individuals navigate the next chapter of their post-military journeys. The consummate problem-solver, Mr. Plater, and the RAV team are on a mission to end veteran homelessness and provide holistic support services to veterans in need. He has a Master of Business Administration in Global Supply Chain Management from Portland State University, a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Campbell University, and a master’s degree in international relations from Webster University.
Jerome McNair
Vice President
Jerome McNair is a distinguished retired U.S. Army soldier with an impressive 30-year career, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4). Transitioning after his military career Mr. McNair held the position of Project Officer for Forces Command for five years, showcasing his leadership and strategic planning skills. He was also assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group as a Senior Logistics Management Specialist, where he deployed on several occasions: demonstrating his expertise in logistics and operations. Mr. McNair’s legacy is one of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his country.
Amber Baker
Assistant Director
Amber Baker is the Assistant Director at Redeploying American Veterans (RAV), where she assists in outreach, program coordination, and community partnerships to support veterans transitioning out of service. A former U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer, Ms. Baker brings a deep understanding of the military experience and a personal commitment to service. That same heart for helping others recently took her on a mission trip to the Philippines, where she worked alongside a local church to support underserved communities. Ms. Baker’s leadership reflects her belief that everyone deserves purpose,
stability, and a place to belong; values she brings to every aspect of RAV’s mission.
Cory Lamkins
Program Manager
Cory Lamkins is the Program Manager for Redeploying American Veterans (RAV). He leads initiatives focused on supporting military veterans through reintegration, career development, and community engagement. With a strong commitment to service, Mr. Lamkins brings a depth of leadership experience and compassion to his role, shaped by over 13 years of honorable service in the United States Army. Prior to joining RAV, Mr. Lamkins served as the Shelter Coordinator for Manna Dream Center, where he oversaw critical support services for individuals facing homelessness. He also held the position of Director for Fayetteville Cares, a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the urgent needs of local families and veterans in the Fayetteville community. Throughout his career, Mr. Lamkins has demonstrated a consistent dedication to uplifting underserved populations and fostering collaborative partnerships across the public and nonprofit sectors. His military background, combined with extensive experience in social services and program management, informs his strategic approach and steadfast leadership.
Steve Lamar
Director of Development
Steve Lamar is an entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in construction, real estate development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He is the owner of Forward Planning and Solutions, which specializes in DEI Consulting, Construction Services, and Construction Inspection Services. Previously, Mr. Lamar served as the President of ARGO Systems, a Maryland-based General Contractor. He has also served as the Director of Diversity for National Facilities Services (NFS) for Kaiser Permanente (KP), driving the strategy and annual direct spend of diverse vendors, including minority, veteran and women owned businesses. Mr. Lamar is a LEED accredited professional and a green building advocate. He has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Temple University in Philadelphia and is a graduate of the Ross Program for Real Estate and Development at USC’s Lusk Center.
Beverly Norman-Cooper
Strategic Advisor, PMO
Beverly Norman-Cooper is the President/Owner of Reimagining Economic Regeneration Strategies, LLC, a Black, woman-owned strategic and management advisory and consulting firm based in Baltimore, MD. She is the former Executive Director of National Supplier Diversity at Kaiser Permanente, where she oversaw increased spend with certified women- and minority-owned companies from approximately $1.3 billion when she took the role in 2015 to more than $2.3 billion when she retired from the healthcare company in 2018. Ms. Norman-Cooper earned her MBA from Columbia University in New York City. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (ABJ) from the University of Georgia.
Our Commitment
Veteran Dignity and Respect
We will treat every veteran with the utmost dignity, compassion, and respect, recognizing their service and unique challenges as we work toward empowering them with the tools and resources for a stable and fulfilling life.
Veteran Centered Care
We will ensure that every veteran we serve receives personalized, comprehensive support that addresses their unique needs, from housing and health to career development and well-being. We will approach everyone with respect, dignity, and empathy.
Accountability and Transparency
We will communicate clearly with our stakeholders, including veterans, donors, and partners. Our operations will be transparent, and we will regularly provide updates on our progress toward eliminating veteran homelessness.
Collaborations and Partnerships
We will actively engage in partnerships with community organizations, health providers, educational institutions, and employers to deliver coordinated, impactful services that maximize support for veterans and create a robust ecosystem of care.
