Tri-Stars & Stripes Council 2025–2028 Strategic Plan

Overview

The Tennessee Tri-Stars and Stripes Council for Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families (SMVF) coordinates statewide efforts to improve outcomes for those who serve or have served.

Created under Executive Order 102, the Council unites state agencies, private partners, and nonprofits to strengthen support for the SMVF community.

This 2025–2028 Strategic Plan outlines the Council’s mission, vision, values, and measurable goals that position Tennessee as a national leader in serving military-connected communities.

Mission

To make Tennessee the best state in the country for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families to live, work, and thrive, both during and after military service.

Vision

The Tri-Stars and Stripes Council serves as the coordinating body for military and Veteran initiatives in Tennessee, promoting collaboration among agencies, partners, and nonprofits to expand opportunities and resources for SMVF.

Core Values

  • Honor: Commitment to serving with integrity and respect
  • Trust: Building reliable, transparent relationships
  • Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in service delivery and collaboration

Strategic Framework

The plan is guided by five lines of effort designed to achieve long-term impact:

  • Efficiency – Create greater efficiency through advocacy and policy alignment.
  • Collaboration – Remove silos across state government to coordinate services.
  • Outreach – Expand outreach to reach all generations of Veterans.
  • Partnerships – Build public-private partnerships to extend access and impact.
  • Outcomes – Establish measurable, achievable results for continual improvement.

Goals and Objectives (2025–2028)

♦ Launch the Veteran Coordination Portal as a single point of access for SMVF resources.

♦ Promote the Veteran Ready Business Recognition Program and Veteran entrepreneurship.

♦ Partner with local chambers and encourage participation in Veteran-focused hiring events.

♦ Consolidate and maintain a statewide directory of SMVF resources.

♦ Create a unified SMVF brand identity with clear messaging and statewide marketing.

♦ Increase outreach participation across regional coalitions and councils.

♦ Collaborate with the Department of Military to refine and promote the TN STRONG program.

♦ Launch a secure online portal for TN STRONG benefits.

♦ Expand Purple Star School designations across Tennessee.

♦ Encourage training for higher education staff on military cultural competency.

♦ Strengthen efforts to reduce homelessness and food insecurity among Veterans.

♦ Promote statewide suicide prevention best practices for SMVF.

♦ Establish a Veteran endorsement within the Certified Peer Recovery Specialist program.

♦ Enhance outreach and services for women, rural, minority, and disabled Veterans.

Implementation

Council Leadership oversees plan implementation and evaluates progress annually through 2028.

Each year, objectives and action steps are reviewed to ensure Tennessee continues to lead the nation in supporting Service Members, Veterans, and their Families.

Download the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan (PDF)

Download the full document to view goals, objectives, and performance indicators.