The local VFW Post 2948 will sponsor the area’s second annual StandDown Wednesday to help veterans get assistance with services they may be lacking.
“The slightest needs are still severe,” local VFW Commander Terry Randolph said. “A veteran looks after their own ... It’s part of the training that we have.”
“I’m sure that we can help somebody,” he added.
The StandDown, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bob Walls Memorial Union Hall on Third Street, will allow veterans to meet with representatives of companies and organizations that can offer assistance with basic necessities.
Services available include state and federal VA veterans benefit assistance, legal and tax assistance, housing and employment referrals and information, information on public benefits, haircuts, medical supply information, and even help with utility bills or food.
According to Randolph, there are more than 1,200 veterans in Koochiching County, many of them with some sort of need, or even questions about services offered.
“The only way you’ll find out (about services) is to ask somebody or try,” he said.
Representatives from more than 30 organizations will be on hand to offer information and help. In addition, Randolph said that veterans in need can get items such as clothing and hygiene kits.
“There’s something for every veteran,” Randolph said. “If nothing else, stop by, have a cup of coffee and shoot the breeze.”
Randolph noted that, “this is part of the healing process for a lot of people.”
He said that for him, and other Vietnam War veterans, this is a chance to do better than was done for them.
“We want to make sure that no veteran receives the same treatment that we did,” he said.
In addition, the StandDown is a chance for local veterans to speak to public officials about issues that are important to them. Randolph said that invitations have been sent to local and state officials.
The StandDown is a service of the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, which has also coordinated with many of the assistance organizations that are coming to International Falls.
A free lunch will be offered at 11:30 a.m. For faster registration, the VFW asks that veterans bring proof of service.
Randolph said that 70 veterans came to last year’s event, and he hopes to get a similar, or better, turn out this year.
The word StandDown and the idea for the nation-wide event comes from the military practice of providing areas and times for respite including personal hygiene, hot meals, medical and dental care, and enjoying the camaraderie of others.
For more information, contact the MACV Duluth at 218-722-8763 or the local VFW at 283-8777.
