As a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Watermark understands firsthand the sacrifices, costs and difficulty associated with serving in the nation’s armed forces and has always been a strong proponent for supporting American veterans. Today, Watermark’s workforce comprises of about 85% veterans, and members of the company have helped dozens of veterans find jobs with other companies through networking and direct referrals.

What a lot of people don’t know about Watermark is we are also a proud supporter of a couple of veterans’ charities, including Fairways for Warriors. This golfing charity was founded in 2011 by Tom Underdown, whose father was a veteran and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fairways for Warriors is dedicated to providing hope, healing and camaraderie for combat-wounded veterans and their families by playing golf, while reducing the impact of post-traumatic stress from military service.

“My father served in the Army as a NCO for 28 years, and fought in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam wars,” Mr. Underdown said. “He suffered from what we now know as PTSD. As PTSD began to affect all areas of his life, he looked for refuge at the bottom of a bottle to deal with the trauma of combat. My father died way too young from what I call a slow suicide — he drank and smoked himself to death. He loved golf, and if there had been a program to help incorporate this therapeutic sport into his journey towards healing, l think his life story would have had a dramatically different outcome.”

Two of Watermark’s employees participated in the October 21 golf tournament, and Watermark also donated funds to the group. Watermark’s President, Kevin Hodges, said, “It’s an honor to support the men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day. Although we can never repay veterans for their sacrifices, we can help and sustain them by showing our gratitude by supporting organizations such as Fairways for Warriors, offering them and their families an opportunity to experience fellowship, relaxation, and healing through sport, socialization and friendship.”

Fairways for Warriors held their first golf clinic for combat wounded veterans and their families in January of 2011. The charity is adaptive to veterans with disabilities and focuses on healing the entire family, not just the veteran. Fairways for Warrior’s ensures 93 cents on every dollar donated goes directly to the veterans they support. The charity also has programs to combat veteran suicide.

To find out more about this program, and/or donate to this worthy charity, please visit the Fairways for Warriors website at: https://fairwaysforwarriors.org/.

Working with Watermark

Risk Management

It can be challenging to see the “big risk picture.” We can help. We provide asset identification; threat vulnerability and risk assessments; strategic planning; security system specification; and security force design.

Training and Education

Training, education and follow up are the most effective way to drive change. We design and deliver training and education programs that make a measurable difference.

Organizational Optimization

Need to drive more efficiency in your processes? Grow your business? Transition a new contract? Increase your margins?

Government Services

Watermark has been providing subject matter expertise and program support across federal, state and local governments since our very first year.

After acquiring deep, hands-on experience in antiterrorism, critical infrastructure protection, physical security strategies, and risk management, Matt went on to develop executive government and business leadership and management skills that enable him to formulate strategy for Watermark’s clients.

Matt retired as a Colonel after serving 22 years in the U.S. Air Force. His military assignments included assignments as the senior U.S. government security official responsible for security oversight of our nation’s nuclear weapons program and as the senior security officer for the US Air Force Special Operations Command.

After retiring, Matt created and grew the integrated security consulting service division at a Fortune 500 company; within 3 years it was yielding >125% annual growth. He left that position to become VP/Chief Security Officer at Brinks Inc., one of the world’s largest risk-management companies. After establishing Watermark, he served for two years as Chairman of the Board and CEO of one of the largest security services companies in the U.S. At Watermark, he is responsible for overall business strategy, growth, and customer satisfaction.