A Stand Down event for North State homeless veterans was held at the Shasta District Fairgrounds, Oct. 16-17.
The stand down event is one part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ efforts to provide services to homeless veterans. Food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling and referrals to a variety of necessary services, such as housing, employment and substance abuse treatment were held.
In spite of the rain on Tuesday, Don Boardman, the Point Man of the North State Stand Down, said that the veterans were fewer than last year, but stayed longer because of the rain.
On Wednesday the sun came out as the colors were presented at the Fairgrounds.
Tony Perez and Patricia Paternaster presented their flags and Jacque Rich sang as veterans saluted. Leo P Simon from AMVETS Dept. of California gave the Morning Prayer.
The Shasta Community Health Center had their “HOPE” van run by Clinical Director Rob Young. Doctors, dentists and nurses helped those who asked for assistance.
The Stand Down program, sponsored in part by grants from the Veteran’s Administration, American’s Helping Americans and the Calif. Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs, tries to feed, provide clothing and medical and dental checkups for the veterans.
Sgt. James Leedy, the chef from the Redding Holiday Inn, was given time off from work so he could cook meals in the field kitchen. Auxiliary members of the VFW Anderson Post 9650 and American Legion Post 720 in Shasta Lake assisted Leedy.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
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