“Stand down” is a military term that was used when soldiers returned from combat and needed a safe place to recover and regroup before heading back into battle. They were provided warm meals, showers and clean uniforms.
The first stand down for homeless and at-risk low-income veterans was hosted in 1988 by the Vietnam Veterans of San Diego. Robert Van Keuren was a Vietnam veteran who saw many homeless veterans and their struggles, and he wanted to help them. He created an event like the military stand downs to offer hope, direction and support to the many homeless veterans in his community. Many were apprehensive about getting any help, so he created an environment that was safe, encouraging and uplifting.
As a result of his efforts, stand downs are held each year across the country to help homeless and at-risk veterans regain their self-esteem and direct them in a positive direction, in a caring way, away from the struggles and hardships they have been carrying around for so long.
Stand downs can last from one to three days. They provide immediate relief and short-term or long-term assistance, depending on the needs of the veteran.
The services provided may include, but are not limited to, showers, warm meals, haircuts, drug and alcohol counseling, medical and dental care, employment counseling and referrals, warm clean clothing, help with legal and tax problems, VA benefits counseling and assistance, housing services and counseling.
The annual Four Corners Veterans Stand Down is an opportunity for the community to come together to support these men and women who gave their all to protect our way of life and to show them the resources and support available to them in their communities.
We are seeking volunteers to provide resource tables for the veterans this day. For more information about this event or how you can help, contact The Veterans Outreach Center at 426-4499 or Jana at 749-1673 or email them at standdowndurango@gmail.com.
Richard Schleeter is the veterans service officer for the La Plata County Veterans Service Office. He can be reached at 759-0117 or schleeterrs@co.laplata.co.us.
If you go
What:
Four Corners Veterans Stand Down.
When:
8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Oct. 4.
WHERE:
La Plata County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, 2500 Main Ave.
For more information
The La Plata County Veterans Service Office provides information and assistance to veterans and their families. For more information, visit the county website at www.co.laplata.co.us and type “veterans services” in the search window. The Veterans Service Office and the Durango VA Clinic are located at 1970 East Third Ave. The office phone number is 759-0117. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except holidays. Appointments are encouraged. To schedule an appointment, call 382-6150. For clinic appointments, call 247-2214.
Help for vets
The Veterans Crisis Line offers free, confidential support to veterans, family and friends. Call (800) 273-8255 and press 1. You also can text professional responders at 838255 or chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net.
Health care van service
Disabled American Veterans is running a VA health care van from Durango to Albuquerque on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from Farmington to Albuquerque on Mondays and Wednesdays. If you want to use the DAV transportation network, contact DAV coordinators at:
Durango area – 442-0149
Cortez area – (970) 676-1116
Farmington/Aztec – (505) 793-1782
