RSSGetting word out about vet event
Organizers hope to boost turnout for Stand DownYakima Herald-Republic
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YAKIMA, Wash. -- For nearly 10 years, Yakima Valley military members and veterans have had an annual opportunity to learn about housing, medical and other services available to them.
But attendance at the Stand Down event has been on a downward slide in recent years, despite the ongoing wars in the Middle East.
Organizers blame that on a lack of advance publicity, a trend they hope to reverse this year with an extended outreach campaign.
"We wish that we could have a big readerboard on every corner," said Jessie Santos, who works at the Yakima Vet Center and serves on the organizing committee for the Stand Down.
Attendance peaked at 1,500 the one year the event was held at Legends Casino near Toppenish; last year, the crowd dipped below 450, Santos said.
Service providers want to help military members as much as possible.
"It's just one more hand up for the veteran," Santos said.
This year, representatives of government agencies and private service providers will again arrange booths at the Yakima Armory to provide information on a wide range of services available to veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
Services include enrollment in the federal Veteran Affairs hospital system, counseling referrals, flu and pneumonia shots, haircuts, dental and medical screening, pension assistance, disability claim management, vocational rehabilitation resources, employment assistance, home loan information, Social Security assistance and more.
Hot food will also be available.
Those attending will need to present military identification, such as a hospital card, Form DD214 or certificate of discharge, in order to receive services.
Other questions about the Stand Down or services available to veterans may be addressed by calling the Vet Center at 509-457-2736.
If you go
* What: Stand Down 2009
* When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
* Where: Yakima Armory, 2501 Airport Lane, off 26th Avenue, north of Ahtanum Road.
* Getting there: Transportation is available. Call the Vet Center at 509-457-2736 before the event or 509-469-4638 on Saturday.
* Mark Morey can be reached at 509-577-7671 or mmorey@yakimaherald.com.
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