North Idaho Veterans Stand Down is Saturday

COEUR d’ALENE — The 25th North Idaho Veterans Stand Down will be held on Saturday, May 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, 4056 North Government Way in Coeur d’Alene. The annual event was a program created by St. Vincent de Paul as a means to assist veterans and their families in Eastern Washington and the five Northern Idaho counties.

In the military, Stand Down refers to a necessary mental and physical break from combat. Military personnel would spend time in a safe place to rest and recuperate before returning to the front lines. Today, Stand Down is an event that provides a safe place for veterans and their families to engage with veteran community resources.

Veterans will have the opportunity to meet personally with VA healthcare and benefits representatives. Organizations that provide medical, dental, counseling, housing, clothing, clothing repair, food assistance, haircuts, and bike repair will also be available. Additionally, employers with job openings will be accepting applications and interviewing candidates. Breakfast and lunch will be served to all attendees, volunteers, and service providers.

The Stand Down goal is to reach veterans who are homeless or at risk of being homeless as well as all veterans and their families. Through the work of volunteers and local organizations, this one-day event provides veterans and their families’ invaluable information and resources.

To volunteer, request more information, or for veterans’ assistance, please contact Eric Swanbeck, Veteran Services Coordinator at St. Vincent de Paul, 208-664-3095 or email at eric@stvincentdepaulcda.org.