Local Organizations Host Third Annual Military Veteran Stand Down Event
WARSAW — Dozens of local organizations and volunteers came together on Friday, Nov. 15, to host Kosciusko County’s third annual Military Veteran Stand Down event at Center Lake Pavilion.
At the event, veterans received access to VA administration, employment assistance, educational opportunities, free haircuts and personal items, and a warm meal for veterans and their families.
As of 11:30 a.m. Nov. 15, approximately 130 veterans had signed in at the event. Fifty vendors handed out items and informational packets to those in attendance. A tent was stationed outside for veterans to select free clothing items, food and drinks.
During the Vietnam War, a stand-down was a time away from the battlefield where soldiers could rest from combat and take care of personal hygiene, eat warm meals, receive medical and dental care while enjoying the camaraderie of battle buddies in a safe environment.
Today a stand down refers to a community-based intervention event that integrates, at one site and at one time, many resources and services that homeless or at-risk veteran and military families may need.