Stand Down scheduled for April 29 | Military Appreciation Day

By Leslie Kelly • March 10, 2017 11:30 am
Stand Down scheduled for April 29 | Military Appreciation Day

The next Stand Down in Kitsap County is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 29, at the Sheridan Park Community Center, 680 Lebo Blvd., in Bremerton.

Hosted by the Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Program and Kitsap Area Veterans Alliance, the Stand Down will include free services for all veterans.

Complimentary services for veterans and their families will include vision screening, a dental van, veterans assistance, housing, employment, education, counseling and more.

Dean Herring, spokesman for the Kitsap Area Veterans Alliance, said they are expecting at least 145 veterans and their family members and friends to attend.

“We’re also hoping to have a medical agency there to check blood pressures and give blood sugar screenings for free,” Herring said.

Qualifying veterans and family members may also receive free clothing, sleeping bags, groceries, and personal hygiene items.

“Last year we gave out about 200 bags of non-perishable groceries to veterans,” he said. “Most veterans were able to have two, but those with larger families and more children were given up to four bags.”

The Stand Down, named for a military term that means “at ease,” is open to veterans and their families only.

Participants need to bring a DD214, military retiree ID card, or VA card. Unaccompanied family members must bring a DD214 and proof of relationship.

Active duty transitioning out of the military or retiring are also encouraged to attend to get information and resources to assist in their transition to civilian life.

“The whole reason we do this is to help our veterans,” Herring said. “We provide free services for veterans who need the help to thank them for their service.”

For more information, call 360-337-4811.

Leslie Kelly can be reached at lkelly@soundpublishing.com.

This story originally appeared in the Military Appreciation Day special section published by Kitsap News Group March 10, 2017. It appeared as a supplement in the Bainbridge Island Review, Central Kitsap Reporter, North Kitsap Herald and Port Orchard Independent.