Stand Down to help area veterans

SANDPOINT — Members of the local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter know all about the sacrifices required from the nation’s servicemen and women.

This Saturday, they aim to return the favor from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a Veterans Stand Down. Held at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, the morning and afternoon will provide a huge range of services for attending veterans, from hair cuts to food and clothing provisions to medical attention.

According to Vietnam Veterans of America spokespersons Allen Hacker and Russ Fankell, the event has been in the works for months thanks to hard work from dozens of planners and volunteers spread over nine committees.

“We’ve been working since January on this, and working hard, too,” Fankell said.

All that effort has produced a full range of services available for veterans. Attendees can grab a hair cut, undergo a physical, receive medical advice and get a dental check up. Those who need more advanced dental

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help can even catch a ride to a clinic for more complicated procedures. Veterans can also access mental health professionals, employment counseling and Veterans Affairs claim-filing services. Meanwhile, attendees can grab a free lunch while they’re at it.

Perhaps best of all, the stand down will have tons of practical military surplus clothing and gear available to give away. To maintain contracts for new equipment with providers, the U.S. military gives away coats, jackets, boots, clothing, sleeping bags, sleeping pads and other essential items on a regular basis. That surplus equipment is typically of high quality and can be a huge boon to a veteran in need of warm clothing. According to Hacker, there will be no shortage of available gear. In fact, the combined value of their inventory probably tops $1 million.

“We’ve seen five huge semi-trucks come through with items so far,” Hacker said.

For the past several years, Sandpoint has boasted one of the largest veteran stand down events in the country. This year, veterans and their spouses, widows or widower are welcome at the stand down. The only requirement to receive services is some form of military identification.

“While extended families are no longer allowed to participate, we’re making every effort to respect and accommodate our veterans,” Hacker said.