The Second Annual Eastern Montana Stand Down for veterans will take place at the Sidney Fairgrounds Event Center on Sept. 17. The Sidney Job Service along with the Miles City, Glendive, Glasgow and Wolf Point Job Service Offices are hosting this year’s event.
During last year’s event in Glendive, more than 129 veterans were served; of those, 15 were confirmed homeless. The event was a huge success at the Glendive location. That is a 300% increase over previous statistical data for Eastern Montana. It is anticipated this year’s event in Sidney will be even bigger.
The Stand Down will kick off with breakfast at 8 a.m. and the opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Throughout the day, services such as benefits assistance, health care, dental screening, counseling, clothing, showers and hot meals will be provided. The day will end with supper being served at 5 p.m.
What is a Stand Down?
In times of war, exhausted combat units requiring time to rest and recover are removed from the battlefields to a place of relative security and safety. Troops are able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy a warm meal, receive medical and dental care and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment. Today a Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation’s estimated 200,000 homeless veterans “combat” life on the streets.
Why have a Stand Down?
It is evident that many of the homeless are falling through the cracks in Eastern Montana. It is believed the number of homeless identified is severely undercounted. Many do not identify they are considered homeless i.e. living with friends or family. Further, many soldiers are returning home from deployment with injuries including traumatic brain injury, making it difficult for them to retain employment, thus, putting even more at risk of homelessness. The stand down is a preventative measure for them. All the services a soldier may need are brought together in one location.
For more information contact Vernette Torgerson at 433-1204 or e-mail [email protected].
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