The VA Black Hills Health Care System is hosting a Veterans “Stand Down” at Rapid City’s Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. The event offers veterans and their families an opportunity to access information on everything from VA benefits to home ownership from more than 30 community organizations.
The first Stand Down took place in San Diego in 1988. VA spokesman Jamison Hild says the term “Stand Down” dates back to the Vietnam War.
“Back during Vietnam the guys were coming in from the front lines,” explains Hild. “It was a type of respite from… from the combat. So…they’d come back and they’d get hygiene…clean uniforms…get a warm meal…stuff like that.”
The Stand Down gathers community and VA resources, non-profits and social services as a “one-stop shop” for veterans. Initially focused on the homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless, Jamison Hild says the VA now invites all veterans to attend the Stand Down.
“Because we have so many services there,” Hild observes. “And we want to provide all veterans the opportunity to come in and get any need or and concern met while they’re there.”
Goodwill of the Great Plains will provide a meal for veterans and their families.
Besides representatives from 12 VA departments the Stand Down also includes information and assistance from Pennington County Housing, the Cornerstone Rescue Mission, Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, Habitat for Humanity and the Red Cross
Free haircuts and surplus military items like warm weather gear are also available for all those interested.
Jamison Hild notes that more than 200 veterans and their families attended last year’s VA Stand Down.
Note: The VA Black Hills Health Care System's Veterans "Stand Down" takes place on Thursday, November 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rushmore Hall C & D. The event is open to all veterans and their families.