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By Erin Smith
A Stand Down event was held at the National Guard Armory in Elizabethtown on Thursday. The event helped veterans and their families to learn about various types of services they are eligible to receive.
Ann Garrett said the Bladen County Veterans Day Committee partnered with the NC Works Veterans Representative Renee Deramus, to bring the event to Bladen County.
The Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy presented the colors to open the event. Michael Dorman, with Military Missions in Action, spoke briefly and welcomed all of the veterans and their families to the Stand Down.
The guest speaker was Sgt. Maj. Paul A. Berry (retd). He recognized all of the veterans in attendance and thanked the veterans for their service.
As he recognized the veterans who served in Vietnam, Berry said, “I want to take a moment and welcome you home.”
“Stand Down” is a term used in the military, which signifies a time for rest and renewal for exhausted soldiers. The Stand Down event attempts to give veterans a time of rest, and to help them learn about resources that are available to help them in their civilian life.
The event offered vendors from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Elizabethtown Massage R & R, Thomas Law Firm, Ft. Bragg VA, American Legion, Legal Aid of North Carolina, NC Works, NC Housing Finance, NC Serves, The Disabled Veterans Chapter 99, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8062, Vocational Rehab, VA Chaplain, Endeavors Inc., Military Missions in Action, VA Regional Office, Social Security Administration, NC Department of Public Safety, Healthcare for Homeless Vets and the VA Mobile Van and the NC Works Mobile Van.
As veterans and their friends and families walked through the booths, they were presented with an array of materials from insurance options to legal services and medical screenings. They were also offered haircut vouchers.
Veteran Oliver Gause said, “It’s good for the veterans to come out and we’ve got the resources here to help them.”
Veteran Wally McQueen echoed Gause’s thoughts, saying “It’s good they’re doing this.”
Veterans could be found at all of the various booths; gathering information, taking time to rekindle friendships and make new friendships.
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