Voice of the veterans Article

WestCare

OPERATION STAND DOWN

(15th Annual) FRESNO'S OPERATION STAND DOWN

September 19-21, 2008 (310 "G" Street Fresno, CA 93716)

"Stand Down" ia a military term used when battle fatigued troops relieved from active duty for a period of rest and relaxation. Operation Stand Down offers a respite to those disadvantaged veterans engaged in a fight for survival of themselves and their families. Stand Down is an intervention that was conceived from the ground up specifically for veterans. It is designed to transfrom the despair and immobility of homelessness into the momentum necessary to get into recovery, to resolve legal issues, to seek employment, to access health services and benifits, to recconnect with the community and to get off the street. A verytall order for a three-day event.

Yet year after year we have witnessed many successful transformations of down trodden veterans returning to society with new purpose to their lives.

We are greatful to have the continued support of the Fresno Rescue Missions. Their facilities have provided a perfect Stand Down Site.

"It is a tragedy that any American should be forced to live on the street: It is a travesty and insult when those who fought the wars to preserve this nation's freedom are forced to do so." --- written by Boston Globe

"Serving those who have served"

Approximatley 1/3 of total homeless are veterans (compared to 13% of the general population)
89% Honoably Discharged
47% Homeless Veterans are Vietnam Era
67% Served 3 or more years
85% Have high school or higher educations
39% Report some form of mental stress or illness
46% Report chronic health conditions such as high blood preasure, diabetes, or cancer

Community involvement is paramount to a successful event.
Details on this year's event will be posted here as they become available.
The following is a partial list of last years participants.

Sober Living Inc.
185th ARNG
USMC Wing Support Squadron
144th FW ANG
State of CA E.D.D.
San Joaquin Valley Veterans (sjvv.org)
Cal Vet Loan and Housing
CA Department Motor Vehicles
Socail Security Admistration
The Salvation Army Canteen
Lyles College of Beauty
Fresno County DA
Superior Court Services
West Care
VACCHS
Dawny Reb Shipley
Military Order of the Purple Heart
County Veteran Service Officer
CC Legal Support Services
Fresno Chapter 933, VVA

Contact Veteran Community Programs, Inc. for more information (559) 287-3456 or E-mail us at Eaglesupport@comcast.net

The staff of San Joaquin Valley Veterans would like to thank all of our troops currently in battle and all who have served for their dedication and sacrifices.

We hope you've enjoyed your visit here at sjvv.org and we sincerely wish you well. If you have any comments or stories that you would like to share, Inspired by our Heroes or otherwise Veteran Related please Contact Us. Thank You!