Homeless Veterans Relax and Reboot at Stand Down
Dec 04, 2020 12:00AM ● By By Elise Spleiss
Rancho Cordova American Legion Post 709 First Vice Commander Daniel Ribeiro (left) and Chaplain Amy Goodwin-Solem (right). Photo provided by Commander Max Baumgartner
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) – Even amidst a global pandemic, there is one sector of our community who can count on having at least one day a year to completely regroup and ‘recharge their batteries’ thanks to the Sacramento Stand Down Association.
On November 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. veterans from all over Sacramento County gathered at McClellan Park, formerly McClellan Air Force Base at the Sacramento Standdown warehouse for the 29th year. Strict COVID safety guidelines were adhered to throughout the day. Due to the pandemic, a one-day event took the place of the usual two or three days.
The term ‘stand down’ is an historic military term for a relief point behind the front lines where troops were sent to take a break from the fighting. According to their website the purpose of the Sacramento Stand Down is to “provide a safe environment for veterans to connect with others who have their shared experiences and whose only goal is to help nurture hope so veterans can rebuild their lives. This belief is embodied in their goal of providing a hand up, not a hand out.”
Participants at this year’s event were provided a warm, dry place to spend the day with meals and other services available to them. Services were at a minimum due to the pandemic. Attendance was also down with about one quarter of the usual number of veterans, both men and women, attending. Although there were fewer participants, those who attended were very appreciative of the services they received.
Janet Payne, president of American Legion Auxiliary Post 383 volunteered at the event and shared her experience as a volunteer with this reporter in an email. “Arriving at the Sacramento Standdown we parked and entered the large warehouse wearing masks and ready to serve. Kim, the person in charge explained what needed to be done with military issue supplies to be separated by size: long under shirts, long johns and jackets, some with plush lining. There were also boots, sleeping bags, sleeping pads to go under the sleeping bags and blankets.
Outside there was a medical station where the veterans could get their vitals done and receive flu shots. The Veterans Administration (VA) was there to ensure every veteran was signed up with VA medical services. Medical students and a physician were available to answer any questions or concerns the veterans had. Citrus Heights Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Volunteers of America (VOA) were also present with booths. “We passed out hand warmers, scarves and hats that were crocheted by volunteers. We served approximately 80 veterans,” said Payne
Other services included dental and vision, mental health and drug and alcohol counseling, housing, employment, and other essential services. A veterinarian was available to care for the veteran’s pets so they could enjoy a well-deserved break.
According to their website, “Sacramento Stand Down a nonprofit homeless Veteran service provider has served the community of Sacramento for over 30 years. Our organization brings together State and Federal agencies and fellow nonprofit service providers, who work together to create a comprehensive support network that encourages and assists homeless Veterans in addressing the multiple problems they face at one time and in one location.”
For more information on their services and events, go to sacramentostanddown.org