I'm posting this early because we will be looking for Volunteers and Service Providers in the near future. If you belong to a Service Organization, Club or are just a group of people that want to know about the Stand Down or Veterans Issues please see the contact information below. Thanks a bunch!!!

The Region 5 Job Service Workforce Centers (Miles City, Glasgow, Sidney and Glendive) in cooperation with Action for Eastern Montana, will be holding a Veterans Stand Down in September 2010 in Glendive, MT at the Dawson County Fairgrounds.

For those who are not aware of what a Stand Down is please read the following: In times of war, exhausted combat units requiring time to rest and recover were removed from the battlefields to a place of relative security and safety. At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment.

Today, 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. Homeless veterans are brought together in a single location for one to three days and are provided access to the community resources needed to begin addressing their individual problems and rebuilding their lives. In the military, Stand Down afforded battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health and overall sense of well-being. Today's Stand Down affords the same opportunity to homeless veterans.

Hundreds of homeless veterans are provided with a broad range of necessities including food, clothing, medical, legal and mental health assistance, job counseling and referral, and most importantly, companionship and camaraderie. It is a time for the community to connect with the homeless veteran population and address this crisis that affects each and every town, city and state in this country. The hand up -- not a handout -- philosophy of Stand Down is carried out through the work of hundreds of volunteers and organizations throughout the nation.

As of right now we are still working on some of the logistics of this event so please feel free to check back often for updates and I will post updates, including a call for volunteers, as they come along.

For more information contact Shannon Kadrmas, Glendive Job Service, at (406)-377-3314 ext 205 or Joesette Lindvold at (406)-232-8345; Ron Nemec (406)-232-8346 or the Miles City Job Service Office (406)-232-8340.

Thank you for your support of our Countries Vets!!

"All gave some, some gave all"

[This message has been edited by kaddy (1/29/2010)]

Kaddy,

I think that is terrific...few realize that many of our homeless folks are veterans, and likely Vietnam veterans. That's positively shameful. I intend to put this on my schedule as I am involved in issues regarding veterans. I will give Josette a call. Thanks for posting.

I have particpated and worked in several of these here in ND and they are worthwhile events. We had veterans from all wars and all services attending. It was great to see a Korean War vet swapping stories with Irag vet. Some came for food, clothing etc others for the brotherhood.

I would also like to organize a Veteran's Ride to Helena in June if at all possible. This would be the kickoff of several other events in Eastern Montana to raise awareness about Veteran's Issues. I think it would make a pretty powerful statement to have a group start in Glendive and a group in Glasgow (picking up up folks along the way)then meet in Helena at the Capital.

You wouldn't have to ride motorcycle or be a Veteran to participate. All would be welcome!! I also anticipate that the logo we have designed would be made into a vest patch and would be available for sale to help raise funds for the Stand Down.

I also have a Facebook Event page for the Stand Down if anyone is interested.

Thanks for the support and feel free to contact me: Shannon Kadrmas (406)-377-314 ext 205 with any questions!

Kaddy,

Do you plan on having the VA mental health outreach counselor attend? Ed Elhard is the therapist out of Billings who brings the van around eastern Montana to meet with veterans experiencing mental health issues. If the van were to come to the Stand Down it would bring more awareness to veterans and their families that this service is available. Just a thought and you may have already thought of it.

Kaddy,

More thoughts! Do you plan on having anyone from the mental health center? I know they work with veterans and mental health outreach is particularly important with so many soldiers returning, as well as the homeless who are experiencing mental health disorders.

You also might want to think about having the mental health programs officer for eastern Montana at the Stand Down, Antonia Klein. I know she is knowledgeable about services available as well as the problems veterans and their families experience.

milagros,

The Mental Health Folks are going to be invited as well as Medical. I was actually pondering who to contact but you saved me on that one! (Now I just need to find phone numbers for them)

Thanks, I appreciate it. As we are all newbies at this, ANY advice/suggestions are welcomed!!

Kaddy