Osborne Murray III joined the Army in 1984, working as a tanker and with the office of intelligence until 1991. He returned in 2007 as a counterintelligence analyst, serving as a recruiter.

“I needed to get myself back centered and I knew the best way to do it was back in the military,” said Murray, who valued the discipline and direction of military life.

He medically retired in 2012 after an accident that resulted in serious injury. Once recovered, he felt called to serve the homeless in Atlanta by providing clothing, food and supplies.

His organization, Calalus Charities, serves more than 400 individuals, including fellow veterans, each month.

“Veterans are the protectors of the country, not only soldiers but even when you come back home,” he said. “Once you put the uniform on, you are protecting this country and that is your continued duty.”