Dr. Jim Bowling and Commander Larry Burkhart from the American Legion Post 253 in North Webster.

WARSAW — Wednesday, Nov. 8, the Department of Veterans Affairs and other local organizations hosted a Military Veteran Stand Down event at Center Lake Pavilion in Warsaw.

Veterans who attended the event received access to VA benefits administration, Social Security counseling, educational opportunities, legal, dental, employment and housing assistance, health screenings and more, as well as free personal items and a free lunch provided for veterans and their families.

During the Vietnam War, a stand down was a time away from the battlefield when soldiers could rest from combat, attend to personal hygiene, have warm meals, receive medical and dental care and enjoy the company of comrades in a safe environment.

Today a stand down refers to a community event that offers multiple resources and services that homeless or at-risk veteran and military families may need. Veterans received free personal care items, free clothing, care kits and backpacks.

Goodwill, the Veterans Administration, the Department of Labor and more than 30 organizations took part in the event.