Organizers were pleased with the first veterans “StandDown” event for International Falls on Thursday, as nearly 25 participating organizations were kept busy with visitors wanting to know more about the services available to them as veterans and as community residents.
The Kerry Park Arena floor was filled with tables and representatives of various agencies and organizations to help.
Paul Pedersen, community outreach coordinator with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans Duluth office, said the event was going great, from the setup in the morning, to the welcome from Falls Mayor Shawn Mason, to the color guard and overall atmosphere of “open learning.”
Pedersen said he was pleased to have Itasca County Veterans Service Officer Randy Carlson, along with Koochiching County Veterans Service Officer, Allen Kruse. He called both officers the best first contact for any services that veterans may need. They can either help them or know the appropriate referral and assist them along the way, he added.
State Sen. Tom Saxhaug and State Rep. Tom Anzelc were present. The two agreed that the clearinghouse event was an ideal setting to match veterans with services and would like to see it repeated at least annually.
Lynn Tomczak, a volunteer, wanted to help out as a fellow veteran. She served in the U.S. Navy in Iraq for a year, and said she was proud to take part in an event that honors veterans while connecting them with services.
Joanne Bratland, American Legion Auxiliary, came up from Shakopee to distribute free socks and said it makes a difference when someone is just there to listen. She said the haircuts and attention given to people who say they have no one else to talk to goes a long way in helping people gain back self-respect and some direction.
Soldiers Angels was also distributing clothing.
Ross Peterson, a social worker and counselor from the Duluth Veterans Center, was present to speak with veterans about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the other emotional and psychological issues that returning veterans may want to discuss with someone who understands the experience.
Staff of Rainy River Community College were there to inform veterans of the opportunities there for financial aid and a veterans center to help in the adjustment to school.
Kootasca Community Action staff were present with crisis housing and service information.
Diane Windsnes, senior coordinator, said that she was pleased with the number of elderly veterans that came to her to find out about Senior Linkage and other veterans about heating assistance social and homeless programs and other benefits.
The Minnesota Workforce Center was present with representatives to note that the RRCC office is open to everyone, including veterans. The center has job service and training resources and staff to discuss options and opportunities.
Tom Telando and Don Douglas, two board members of Veterans on the Lake, a resort for disabled veterans in Ely, fed the crowd a barbecue dinner. They wanted all veterans to know that even the most disabled can enjoy the outdoors at the unique resort.
The MACV StandDown offers an open and friendly environment for veterans to interact informally with the same agencies. Pedersen said the office cubicle is not always the most comfortable place for veterans to share personal information with officials.
