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The Stand Down: There for veterans

Appeal-Democrat - 8/21/2018

Aug. 21--For the last 18 years, the Yuba-Sutter Stand Down has made sure to take care of local veterans.

From hair cuts to new glasses to free medication, the event, which last year drew an estimated 1,200 people, aims to connect those who served with services.

The 19th annual rendition begins Thursday morning and runs through Saturday afternoon at Beckwourth Riverfront Park in Marysville.

Susan Downing of the Yuba-Sutter Stand Down said she's looking forward to seeing hundreds of veterans connect with providers to get necessary services they sometimes don't even realize they have access to.

"It gives us a chance to give back to the veterans, to let the veterans know what's available to them in the community," Downing said.

Around 60 providers will be present, including representatives for clothing, education, Social Security, veterans' benefits, vision, shelter and housing, and food. On Thursday, dental services will be available through Veterans Affairs, but Downing noted they only take about a dozen people.

Though a dentist is usually available on-site, on Friday the Stand Down staff will be transporting patients to Dr. Craig Reading of Yuba City, who will be volunteering his services all day. Those interested will need to make an appointment through Stand Down by calling 749-1036. Dental services are available strictly to veterans.

Spouses of veterans are welcome to attend the event and take part in other services.

Lunch and dinner will be served Thursday; breakfast, lunch and dinner served Friday; and breakfast and lunch will be available Saturday, with overnight housing accommodations available.

With construction being done at the Fifth Street Bridge and levees, the layout of the event will be a little different this year, Downing said. Opening ceremonies with words from local dignitaries will be Friday at noon.

Aside from the number of resources available, Downing said the event offers a chance for veterans to meet with other veterans -- some of whom only see each other once a year at the event.

"They kind of rub elbows with the old crowd," Downing said, "it's that camaraderie there."

Family members will need to be present with veterans to attend. Veterans will need ID to get inside: a DD-214, VA medical ID card, veterans' ID card or military retiree card will suffice.

For those who have attended in the last two or three years, there is no need to pre-register. For those new to the event, they are asked to pre-register online at: https://tinyurl.com/ybm55rx5.

The event garners not only a huge turnout of veterans and their families, but of volunteers, too, which Downing said shows how important the effort is to the community.

"It's letting veterans know what's there for them, and that we care enough to pull this together for them," she said. "It can really make a difference. It's amazing to me to see it happen."

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