Region – Veterans Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor, and other local agencies, announced the 15th annual Veterans Inc. Stand Down will be held Friday, Aug. 28. The outdoor event will take place at the Worcester Headquarters of Veterans Inc., 69 Grove St., and will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Stand Down” is a term that originated during the Vietnam War, used to describe the practice of removing combat troops from the field and taking care of their basic needs in a safe area.
Thousands of veterans and their families have received assistance at Veterans Inc. Stand Down since the event’s inception in 2006. Services available include, but are not limited to, a career fair, counseling and substance abuse referrals, employment and training services, health and wellness services, housing resources, and legal services. Free items and services available to veterans at Stand Down include clothing, food and refreshments, personal care items, and much more.
“It is our hope to get our veterans in front of as many job opportunities and other services that could normally take them months all in one day,” said Vincent J. Perrone, Lt. Colonel, USAF (retired), president & CEO of Veterans Inc.
Stand Down is open to homeless and in-need veterans and their families. All services and items are provided free of charge. Veterans should bring a DD-214 or VA card as proof of veteran status.
“It is an honor for us to not only provide this amazing day of service-delivery, but also to say thank you to all of our veterans in a meaningful and practical way,” said Executive Director Denis Leary.
Corporate sponsors of this year’s event include Boston Scientific, National Grid, Spectrum, Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, Eaton Corporation, Serve with Liberty, and Fallon HealthCare, as well as the many service providers who will be on-site during the event to provide goods and services to veterans. Sponsorships and donations for the event are still being sought by the organization.
For more information, veterans may contact Veterans Inc. at 800-482-2565 or highly encouraged to pre–register at www.veteransinc.org/events/stand-down. For Stand Down sponsor opportunities, visit www.veteransinc.org or email [email protected]. Please note COVID-19 guidelines will be in place, including masks and social distancing.
