This year's event will take place on Friday, Sept. 18, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the State Veterans Home, 287 West St., Rocky Hill. More than 40 government agencies and private organizations will be on hand to offer services and assistance to help veterans regain their independence in the community.
Stand Down began in 1992, according to Deputy Commissioner John T. Wiltse, of the state VA. There was a break of five years at one point, but otherwise it's been an annual event, he said.
"Over the last few years, we've seen the number in attendance double," Wiltse said. "Last year was the first time in anyone's memory we had 1,000 veterans and family members show up. The year before it was about 550 to 575," he said. "We're planning for at least 1,000 this year."
It's all ages, he noted, "we get a mix - not too many from World War II, but we get some from Korea and Vietnam," as well as younger vets.
"Stand Down" is a term used during the Vietnam War, referring an area behind the front lines that was safe and that afforded battle-weary soldiers a place to relax and attend to personal needs such as showers, haircuts, hot meals and minor health care issues, Wiltse explained.
"We encourage pre-registration but we do not require it. It speeds them through the registration tents, they go into a separate line, and it helps us plan the transportation needs if we know it's going to be x number of people from each town," he said.
At the Rocky Hill Veterans Home campus, federal and state agencies, along with community organizations, will set up under tents to their provide services. Among the many programs available will be the following:
* The U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans Services Division, will have a One Stop Career Center to connect veterans with job training and employment opportunities. State of Connecticut Department of Labor personnel will be on hand too.
* The Judicial Department will set up court on site for the day and Superior Court judges work with state prosecutors and public defenders to work through misdemeanor offenses and other legal matters for homeless and indigent veterans.
* The Department of Social Services and the federal Social Security office will have counselors on site to help veterans apply for disability and other state and federal benefits.
* The Department of Veterans' Affairs Office of Advocacy and Assistance will assist in applications and appeals for federal and state veterans' benefits.
* The Motor Vehicle Department will have staff who can reinstate drivers' licenses or clear problems for nominal fees.
* Volunteers from the Yale School of Medicine, the University of Connecticut Dental School and Connecticut Lions, and other heath care professionals, will offer health screenings, treatment of dental needs, and eye exams.
"Our most popular services depend on community volunteers who prepare and serve meals, provide haircuts, offer clothing and personal supplies, and most of all, give their thanks to those who have served," Wiltse said.
It takes a lot of volunteers to put on Stand Down - about 150 to 200 this year, he said, adding that community groups that want to get involved or support the event financially can contact Cathy Cook, state VA director of community affairs, at (860) 721-5826.
According to a statement Wiltse issued about Stand Down 2008: "On that one day, over 1,600 meals were served, 1,300 coats were distributed, volumes of clothing were collected, sorted and given out. Forty-one veterans received financial assistance from donors to defray the $125 fee to restore their drivers licenses."
"The court processed 115 cases, ranging from clearing of fines and misdemeanors to adjudication of child support and other matters. Three hundred veterans learned about the benefits they have earned and 110 received specific assistance with their claims to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. One hundred eighty-four veterans received medical services, including immediate transportation to the Newington VA Hospital for urgent treatment."
"Over 100 dental screenings were completed. Eighty-seven veterans were screened for glaucoma and received vision care and free reading glasses from the Connecticut Lions Clubs. Twelve veterans moved off the street and started the process for admission to the Connecticut Veterans Home."
Stand Down is important "not only for the one day of services and support it provides, but also as the avenue of communication to reach homeless and needy veterans so they know who to call at any time of the year," he said.
Veterans in need, or those who are assisting them, can pre-register and find out more information by calling 1-800-550-0000, ext. 5831, or by visiting www.ct.gov/ctva.
Businesses, veterans' service organizations or individuals interested in contributing resources to help support Stand Down 2009 can call 1-800-550-0000, ext. 5826.