The Warsaw Military Veteran Stand Down is 4 to 7 p.m. July 23 at the Warsaw Municipal Airport, 3000 Airport Road.
Goodwill’s Veterans Resource Network (formerly Vets’ Community Connections) and its community partners have organized employment and housing opportunities, information pertaining to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, free personal care items, care kits, backpacks, a meal and more, according to a news release from Goodwill.
Stand Down is a concept that was created during war time. It was time away from the battlefield when soldiers could rest from combat and take care of personal hygiene, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care and enjoy the camaraderie of battle buddies in a safe environment.
Today the goal of a Stand Down is to help veterans and their families as well as prior service and currently serving military in Kosciusko County and the surrounding areas who may be experiencing life's hardships outside of the military, or who simply are looking for the opportunity to connect with the veteran community. For some, it is a time to receive a warm meal and clothing. For others, it is a life-changing event.
The community partners include WorkOne of Northern Indiana, Ivy Tech Community College, Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, Brightpoint, Indiana Wesleyan University, Humana, The Country Caterers, Infinity Speaks/Neurolumen, The Vet Center, VA Healthcare Northern Indiana, Indiana Tech, Indiana Legal Services, the Military Assistance Project (MAP) and more.
This is not a drive thru event. Veterans will be able to walk around and talk directly with the organizations who attend. Goodwill encourages veterans to pre-register. Upon arrival, remain by your vehicle. Volunteers will come around to check veterans in or complete their registration if they were not able to pre-register.
If you would like to volunteer or make a donation, contact Jill Powers at JPowers@Goodwill-NI.org or 574-400-5487.
The veteran registration link can be found at https://forms.gle/jy9WipES5A7CKA4h7.
For more information, contact Jill Powers, veterans and military families program manager, at 574-400-5487 or email JPowers@Goodwill-NI.org.
This event is sponsored by Goodwill’s Workforce Development Services.
