Two decades of service to veterans
By TERRY BROWN, Staff writer
First published: Saturday, September 20, 2008
Organizers of the 20th annual Veteran's Stand Down in the Capital Region are continuing their tradition of service to veterans and their families in need next month.
Free help, including finding employment and shelter, food, clothing, medical screening, legal advice and Veterans Affairs advice regarding benefits, programs and services will be available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at one stop: the Colonie Elks Lodge at 11 Elks Lane, off Route 155 in Latham. Doors open at 7 a.m.
"We'll let the veteran tell us what we can do to help them have a better life," said Doug Williams, an Elks lodge member and an Stand Down organizer.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, state Division of Military and Naval Affairs, state Labor Department and the Elks lodge are organizing the Stand Down.
The VA, DMNA and Labor Department held stand downs at armories until the 9/11 terrorist attacks shut armories for public use because of security concerns. That's when the Colonie Elks stepped in to help, including providing a site.
Approximately 150 veterans were helped during the first stand down in 1988. Last year, 319 male and 19 female veterans were helped, according to Jim Aube of Latham, lodge spokesman. Most were Vietnam War and Persian Gulf War veterans, he said.
"When the veterans come through the door and register they will be greeted by 14 Albany Medical Center Hospital interns," said Williams. "The interns will ask each vet how are they doing. That gives each vet a chance to express any medical concerns that need attention."
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