Stand Down wraps up its 4-day event for homeless veterans

East Bay Stand Down wraps up its 4-day event as homeless veterans head back to where they were
Group's goal at Fairgrounds event was to provide needed services, a bit of cheer 
by Jeb Bing
Pleasanton Weekly Staff

Hundreds of Bay Area homeless veterans are back to wherever they were a week ago after four days of special care during the East Bay Stand Down at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.

The more than 450 veterans left by bus for their home destinations at noon yesterday with roast beef sandwiches and more, possibly their last full meal of the day.

By early afternoon, the giant tent city where they lived, ate and received care also was gone, emptying the space that had been provided free of charge by Fairgrounds director Rick Pickering and his staff.

While here, the veterans were offered a wide range of services not readily available where they're living. These included medical exams, legal advice, haircuts and even special care for the pets they brought along.

The pets, by the way, included even a parakeet and a snake, said former Judge Ron Hyde, who supervised Saturday night's dinner for the homeless men and women.

Hundreds of volunteers donated their services. Among the favored free services were free hot showers and plenty of food.

The East Bay Stand Down organization also offered all new clothing, boots and other basic needs. Through the support of local dentists, it offered free oral health care, as well as follow-up care after the event.

Starting in 2000, the group has put on the event every two years. It is aimed at breaking the cycle of problems facing many Bay Area vets.
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I made this video in 2007, so the numbers have changed but you'll get the message.

About the Video: They are veterans everyday, not just one, for the rest of their lives. Some of them ended up homeless and forgotten. Most of them have PTSD but were never treated to heal. Next time you see a homeless veteran, think about how they became that way.