Homeless veterans from throughout Louisiana are being invited to Hammond to participate in “Stand Down 2007,” Louisiana’s first statewide event to provide them with medical and social services.
And organizers need your help to make sure every vet who wants to attend the May 23 event can get there.
“It is very important that every homeless veteran in our state have access to this event,” said Patrick Sullivan, state veterans’ employment representative with the Louisiana Department of Labor.
“We are asking for anyone who may be able to help with transportation for these veterans to contact us. This is an opportunity to give something back to those who have given so much to us through their military service.”
“Stand Down 2007” will assist homeless veterans from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 23 and Thursday, May 24 at the VFW Hall Post 3652 at 15800 DeMarco Lane.
The event is co-sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Labor, VFW Post 3652, Louisiana Army National Guard 205th Battalion, Quad Vets, AM Vets and the American Legion.
In times of war, a “stand down” occurs when a combat unit is temporarily moved out of the field and back to base camp for rest and rehabilitation. Homeless veterans are in some ways comparable to soldiers in a war zone – living exposed in the field, enduring extreme conditions and surviving with limited rations.
The first “Stand Down” for homeless veterans was organized in 1988 by a group of Vietnam veterans in San Diego, Calif. Since then, “Stand Downs” have been used as an effective tool in reaching out to homeless veterans throughout the U.S.
Participants in “Stand Down 2007” will have access to dental, vision, hearing and medical screening, information about job services and job training programs, VA benefits, Social Security benefits, grooming services, gift packs, a hot meal and more.
Efforts are underway to provide transportation for homeless veterans from all areas of the state to attend the event.
For more information or to offer transportation or any other assistance, contact Quad Vets at 1-800-639-7823.
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