Hello, everyone! My name is Markezious “Keze” Washington, and I am currently located in Augusta, Georgia, near Fort Gordon, with strong roots in South Carolina. I am an active-duty United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant with 17 years of service. I joined the Marine Corps in 2009, served in Afghanistan, and plan to retire after completing 20 years of service in 2029. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to lead Marines, manage teams, solve complex problems, and learn the importance of service, accountability, mentorship, and taking care of people. Outside of the military, I am an entrepreneur and real estate investor. I own Washington & Friends LLC, operate a growing vehicle-rental business, and am building a real estate portfolio focused on creating long-term income while also making a positive impact in the community. I am currently investing in the Augusta area and exploring ways to develop affordable, supportive, and sustainable housing opportunities for veterans. My passion for veteran housing is personal. My father was also a Marine, and before he passed away in 2020, he lived in a veterans’ home where I saw areas in which veterans deserved stronger support, accountability, advocacy, and quality of care. That experience stayed with me and helped inspire my long-term goal of developing housing where veterans are treated with dignity, respect, structure, and genuine concern for their well-being. I joined VetMentors Housing University because I want to learn how to build veteran housing programs the right way, not simply provide rooms, but create safe communities that help veterans regain stability, independence, purpose, and a sense of belonging. I am especially interested in veteran shared living, affordable housing, supportive housing programs, HUD-VASH and community partnerships, real estate development, government funding, grants, and sustainable business models. My long-term vision is to acquire and develop properties that provide quality housing for veterans while partnering with the VA, local organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, and other community leaders. I would also like to create pathways that help veterans move from temporary or shared housing into permanent housing and homeownership whenever possible.

📚 Homework Assignment College of Veteran Housing Solutions Due: Friday (or ASAP if you already know the answer) Welcome to your first homework assignment. As Chancellor of VetMentors Housing University and a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on veterans housing and homelessness for Mission Roll Call, I want you to begin thinking like a housing problem solver—not just someone who knows the resources. Your assignment is to read the following articles and critically analyze each veteran's situation. Required Reading 1. The Veteran Has Income — So Why Are They Still Homeless? https://missionrollcall.org/veteran-voices/articles/the-veteran-has-income-so-why-are-they-still-homeless/ 2. When the System is the Barrier: One Veteran's Search for Help https://missionrollcall.org/veteran-voices/articles/when-the-system-is-the-barrier-one-veterans-search-for-help/ 3. When the System Misses the Veteran: Where SSVF Is Breaking Down—and How We Fix It https://missionrollcall.org/veteran-voices/articles/when-the-system-misses-the-veteran-where-ssvf-is-breaking-down-and-how-we-fix-it/ 4. Words Matter—But Definitions Shouldn't Delay Help https://missionrollcall.org/veteran-voices/articles/words-matter-but-definitions-shouldnt-delay-help/ ---BONUS --- (1 Book to the best solution) 1. The System Says Yes but the Door Stays Closed: The Ongoing Fight of Sgt. Marlene Wolf https://missionrollcall.org/veteran-voices/your-stories/the-system-says-yes-but-the-door-stays-closed-the-ongoing-fight-of-sgt-marlene-wolf/ 2. Watch these Youtube Videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JdWREdLs5g&t=137s

I was trying something new. WIth the help from @Keziah Nduro Army, Realtor and Educator. Foudnding Members can find products on the site. More will be coming as we progress. https://vetmentors.printify.me/

HOMEWORK 📚 (please respond in the comments below) The power of AI has allowed me to share print and video. Read and watch. One of many recommendation letter I received over the years. Investors who listens LEARNS Investors who LEARNS, EARNS And change LIVES! What stood out most to you about what George Michaels said? How did he and I partner? What was our collaboration? How did we get PAID? Watch this one ⏬⏬⏬ https://youtube.com/shorts/ASHC_-6h0Ck?si=zL_Dwco8HBomNeAc Watch this one ⏬⏬⏬ https://youtu.be/y35mHGbreCU?is=wMespbka0nxgyGmz Watch this one ⏬⏬⏬ https://youtube.com/shorts/oTJzqfY6Tok?si=m86kNQy495L8Jp3t Open LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/recommendation-letter-video-series-yvette-jones-swanson-m-a--br2ac?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&utm_campaign=share_via

Congratulations and welcome! You are now part of VetMentors Housing University—a first-of-its-kind educational community dedicated to creating housing solutions for veterans, strengthening organizations, developing housing leaders, and expanding opportunities through education, collaboration, and action. Whether you’re a veteran, Realtor®, investor, nonprofit leader, social worker, case manager, housing provider, lender, developer, government professional, or community advocate, you belong here. Your First Assignment Please visit the Introductions tab and tell us: - Your name - Your City & State - Who you are - Why you joined VetMentors Housing University - What you hope to accomplish - How you hope to contribute to the community Your introduction is more than saying hello—it is your first networking opportunity. Someone in this community could become your next mentor, business partner, referral source, employer, client, or lifelong collaborator. New Student Checklist ✅ Introduce yourself in the Introductions tab. ✅ Complete your SKOOL profile. ✅ Read the Community Rules. ✅ Download the SKOOL app and turn on notifications. ✅ Begin engaging with posts by commenting, asking questions, and supporting other members. ✅ Welcome at least three new members to help build our community. Level Up to Unlock Opportunities At VetMentors Housing University, engagement unlocks opportunity. This is an active learning community—not just a place to watch videos. As you participate, you’ll earn experience points, level up, and unlock access to courses, classroom discussions, resources, and other exclusive learning opportunities. Please Note: Students who remain inactive and do not level up will not unlock classroom access. Our goal is to build a community of engaged learners who are committed to growing together. Our Mission Together, we are building one of America’s leading educational communities focused on: - Veteran Housing Solutions - Ending Veteran Homelessness - Homeownership - Government Contracting - Real Estate - Business Development - Nonprofit Leadership - Community Collaboration - Economic Empowerment