‘Stand down’ offers assistance and health services to veterans

Veterans in need can find some assistance Monday, whether it’s a haircut or a range of veterans’ benefits.

This year’s “stand-down” event will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday at Vancouver Elks Lodge 823, 11605 S.E. McGillvray Blvd.

It is open to all veterans in need, as well as their families.

Agencies and volunteers will be on hand to provide both short-term and long-range assistance.

Transportation will be provided from Vancouver to the Cascade Park site. A continuous shuttle route will pick up vets at the Vancouver Veterans Affairs campus, at Building 7.

This is the second year the stand down has been hosted by the Elks, after the 2009 event was held at Pearson Air Museum.

Immediate assistance includes hot meals, showers, haircuts, clothes and hygiene items.

Health-related services include diabetes testing, flu shots, and health and dental screenings.

For longer-reaching services, Veterans Affairs officials will be available to help with claims, benefits and VA health care registration.

Veterans can get help re-integrating into the community by talking with counselors and specialists in community housing and employment services.

In military terminology, a “stand down” is the period after a mission. It’s a chance to re-equip and recover.