(This was my view yesterday afternoon from the desk looking across the camp as the sun got ready to set)And now.. for something completely different.... a sort of.. blogging public announcement.Here in our California town I was lucky enough to be able to volunteer for the Stand Down for homeless vets this weekend. There are many going on all over the country the next few weeks. As a Navy veteran myself, I am always glad to help out my fellow vets any chance I can. It was my past Master who went last year and told me about it for this year. We were both Airdales in the Navy.. even worked on the same birds during the same years but on different coasts.Anyways.. for those that don't know what a Stand Down is.. I am posting this because it happens all across our country, and these guys and gals can really use our help. Cold weather is coming, and they need our help to get ready for it. Find below the national link for it and a quick quote...http://www.nchv.org/standdown.cfmThe original Stand Down for homeless veterans was modeled after the Stand Down concept used during the Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations. At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment. Stand Down afforded battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health and overall sense of well-being.
That is the purpose of the Stand Down for homeless veterans, and achieving those objectives requires a wide range of support services and time. The program is successful because it brings these services to one location, making them more accessible to homeless veterans.
In July 2002, the founders of Stand Down – Robert Van Keuren, Dr. Jon Nachison and Vietnam Veterans of San Diego – asked the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) to become the “keeper of the flame” and provide national leadership for the movement. Since the first Stand Down in San Diego in 1988, the program has become recognized as the most valuable outreach tool to help homeless veterans in the nation today.
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I got to work the Community Services desk. which was very very rewarding. Lots of legal folks volunteer for Stand Down also, and as well as getting a place to sleep for a couple nites and some winter clothes, getting their legal issues delt with is a big deal. We had two judges that came out to hear cases and assign community service time to them, and then we assigned them jobs around camp and in the community and we and their off site supervisors kept track of their hours. More then a few guys spent the nite on their feet doing security service's and cleaning up themselves at the same times. It was... well. beyond gratifying to see the relief in a homeless veteran's eyes who got a $300 ticket for eating on the metro and instead was able to spend a few hours working it off. And almost everyone worked way past the hours that they needed. A guy who needed 4 hours, did 24 and a half cuz he saw the need of his buddies and didn't want to stop keeping the camp clean. When our dear DOD (Department of Defense) messed up and we didn't get the cots and sleeping bags we were supposed to on Fri night, the ones in better shape gave up their beds and bedding for the even less fortunate among the already unfortunate. And it was a chilly nite. That desire to help each other out is a real inspiration to everyone there. Out of over 350 troops.. I'd say there was a prob with maybe 5 people. And they all handled it pretty well amongst themselves.It was also great the way that anyone who was getting upset was handled.. and there was some upset due the mess up on sleeping bags was fairly quickly calmed down. The other vets would quickly gather round any having a problem and take them for a walk it off... and be sure that there were no altercations. And thru it all, was the esprit de corps of the brotherhood of vets. Although there is lots of good natured ribbing among the different branches.. the marine I was working with kept wanting to add zero's to their required hours. 'Oh no.. not four. you misunderstood. the judge said FOURTY'... and some of them did a double take. and wasn't sure if he was serious or not.. a quick glance at me seemed to reassure the and I'd shake my head and say 'you know them grunts.. good at killing, not so good at counting'.. and he'd laugh. And I did have on my Navy veteran ball cap, to make sure they knew I wasn't just another 'chick' out there. Helped me for sure when a few of the guys wanted to argue with the civilian helping me out. Or they wanted to steal a garbage bag, and we were very very short on them. Told the folks who wanted them for their clothes they didn't have a high enough security clearance for one and that I was sure they wouldn't pass the retina scan.. that made them laugh and seemed to break the occasional tension.Being on site for the past four days (started sorting clothes after work on Thur and the Community Services desk the last 3 days) was very very much like being back in the service. The sound of taps being played at dusk, and saluting the flag as it lowers, or was being raised. The amazing courtesy of the vets.. never heard so many yes and no Sir's and Ma'am's since my time in the service. Ton's of thank you's also to everyone that was giving them a hand. My Knight came and volunteered too, and we stayed until almost 10 last nite to make sure that the guys could get as many community service hours in as possible.. and we were back there early this morning to sign in the those that had worked security through the night, and some hours needed in the morning. The goal was to get all legal issues taken care of before they left camp today. And it was a closed camp.. participants that came in on Fri had to stay on site till this morning. Many a vet stopped by our table on their way out of camp at 8am this morning, to thank us again, and say how wonderful it was to get things cleared up. The weight off their shoulders was palpable. We smiled, hugged and wished them well.. and hoped to see them back as a volunteer next year, not a participant.As our troops return from their battles and duty stations, they will need us, all of us, more and more. And agree or disagree with the current politics and such, they are the young folks who rose up after 9/11 to serve us all the best they could and can. And our Viet Nam vets are still out there.. the most challenging group to get services too says the local head honcho. The younger ones, are easy to get schooling and retraining. The older, lots of services and SS for.. but the early to late 50's group is the hardest to figure out what to do for and how to help. Now.. back to our occasional blog post...As always, pet and I were in touch throughout, except for on Fri nite when my phone died and i wasn't able to txt him. My great excitement for pet mounts as his day of oath taking nears! Soon, we won't ever have to worry about him being deported or returned back to (what I consider) his semi barbaric country. I guess I've never worried or even dared think about him not being able to stay here. He''s been here half as long as he's been alive now, and it will be a great relief to us all that this will be a done deal after this week.As always.. he is of great support and a constant star of guidance and joy. ... one more quick commercial note....Please.. if any of you will, take the time to check into your local area and see if you can volunteer or donate something to help your local Stand Down. This can be the step that helps our vets get out of homelessness.Two of the top guys flew in from over 2000 miles away to be here because some 15 - 20 years ago, a Stand Down, helped them get off drugs and alcohol and rebuild their lives. Its the connection of vets helping vets, and the community reaching out to support and help them rebuild their lives.. and yes.. some want to stay where they are on the streets... but many, many of them just want a hand up, not out. And they, have already given us their all too.. so please.. take a moment to do more then just think about them on Veteran's or Memorial Day.. do something to help them NOW.. as winter approaches. http://www.nchv.org/standdown.cfmBest to all..Mystress
