Serving Those Who Served: A Day at the Placer County Stand Down
- Neva Parker
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
In 1988, the first ever Stand Down was held in San Diego to support homeless veterans. It was created by Vietnam veterans Robert Van Keuren and Dr. Jon Nachison as a community-based intervention to provide rest, food, and services for homeless veterans. The term "stand down" refers to allowing active combat troops a time to rest, recover, and tend to basic needs.
The first time I volunteered for a Stand Down was several years ago in Sacramento, and at that time it served only homeless veterans. I volunteered for the fourth time today in Placer County, and the event has grown to include all veterans and their families, regardless of housing status. I do this because my dad is a Vietnam veteran, and many family members and friends are veterans themselves. I can't imagine them alone and without housing and support.
Several counties in our region host Stand Downs where veterans can get haircuts, see dentists and doctors, have their eyes checked, and receive help with employment counseling, housing, VA benefits, PTSD support, and mental health counseling. Veterans can also receive clothing and personal care items, and even have their pets cared for.
The event is entirely volunteer-run and spans two days, providing overnight accommodations, meals, and showers for veterans experiencing homelessness.
It is a wonderful event run by dedicated people, many of whom are veterans themselves. Over the years, I’ve volunteered in security, worked as a guide, and helped veterans get checked in. There are many other ways to help as well, and if you have a particular skill, like cutting hair, you can volunteer in that capacity, too.
I am always torn when I volunteer at a Stand Down because the experience is deeply emotional in several ways. On the one hand, it’s inspiring and heartwarming to see so many people come together to help those who put their lives on the line for our country. On the other hand, it’s infuriating and heartbreaking because these veterans sacrificed so much, and they deserve far more support than many of them receive. In a country as rich and prosperous as ours, no veteran should be without housing, or should have to fight for the benefits they were promised.
If you are interested in more information about Stand Downs, CalVet has a site to help you research, learn about, and locate Stand Down's in your area.
