WARSAW — During the Vietnam War, a Stand Down was a time away from the battlefield when soldiers could rest from combat and take care of personal hygiene, eat warm meals, receive medical and dental care and enjoy the camaraderie of battle buddies in a safe environment.

Today a Stand Down refers to a community-based intervention event that integrates, at one site and at one time, many resources and services that homeless or at-risk veteran and military families may need. 

On Nov. 15, a Stand Down is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Center Lake Pavilion, 119 East Canal St.,
Warsaw.

Goodwill has organized employment and housing opportunities, information pertaining to the Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, health care, dental care as well as free personal care items, including clothing, care kits, backpacks, legal assistance, free dinner and more.

To receive these benefits please bring a DD214, Veteran ID or a Military ID. Families are welcome to attend.

Giveaways from Our Partner, Disabled Veterans National Foundation, will include clothing, blankets, care kits and more.

New this year is an opportunity for veterans to pre-register. Packets can be picked up at the express check-in table the day of the event. Contact Jill Powers at (574) 400-5487 for more information or go to https://forms.gle/S4mwVTYETjWNVc1cA to register.

For More Information, contact Jill Powers, Veterans Program Manager, by phone at (574) 400-5487 or by email at [email protected];  or Kelly Friend, Director of Career & Business Engagement, by phone at (574) 472-7300 or by email at [email protected].

Community Partners inlcude:
United Way of Kosciusko County, Disabled Veterans National Foundation, VA Suicide Prevention Specialist, 2-1-1 (United Way), Brightpoint Family Development, CareSource, Express Employment Professionals, Groups: Indiana Legal Services, Inc., Military Assistance Project, Ivy Tech, KGPCO, Kosciusko Community Senior Services, Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice, Local Veteran Service Officer, MDWise, Spine and Joint,  Medication & Dental Assistance, Humana, Northern Indiana Food Bank, Office of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, Office of Senator Mike Braun, Red Cross, South Bend John Auten Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Camp, The Beaman Home, Vet Center, VFW  #1126 Warsaw, WorkOne, Operation Job Ready Veterans, Vocational Rehabilitation, 2020 U.S. Census Bureau, Four Winds Casino, Elwood Staffing, Indiana Wesleyan College, Lake City Place, Duval Estates, American Legion Post #253, EROS Wholesale and the Veterans Administration.