The last three days I helped out at the stand down*.  There were over 400 veterans there to take advantage of medical, dental, legal and social services. They were bused in from areas around the bay. I met one veteran who hitch-hiked from Sacramento.

They got a chance for hair-cuts, showers, new clothes and shoes, listened to some great music and had some terrific chow. They had access to assistance from the DMV, Social Security Department, the court system and the VA.

For me it was lots of fun. I met many volunteers, some I am sure I will see again at other events. I had a chance to talk with many of the veterans there who were having hard times. That in itself was good therapyfor me. Many service organizations were there, like the Red Cross and over 1,000 volunteers. We also had volunteers from all branches of the military – what a dedicated bunch they were.

The East Bay Stand Down is the only four-day Stand Down in the United States, and offers the most comprehensive array of services and largest number of supportive volunteers to be found anywhere.

Stand Downs have proven to work to help break the cycle of homelessness. Our participants earned this help by virtue of their heroic service to our country in a time of need. They have proven they can complete tough assignments under difficult conditions. East Bay Stand Down is here for our valiant veterans today, to help them remember and reconnect with that time of service and rediscover the strengths within them to make a lasting difference in their lives.

The stand down here in the east bay is held every 2 years. I hope to see some Sprinter/SMB volunteers there in 2012!

*Stand Downs were named in Vietnam for the relatively safe times following battle when combat troops could get a shave, shower, clean clothing and other comforts. The term was used again twelve years ago by the Vietnam Veterans of San Diego to describe a way to help displaced vets. Since that time, there have been hundreds of Stand Downs held throughout the country.