Appoximately 40 vendors assisted hundreds of Sioux Falls area Veterans in need Friday at the Veterans Stand Down event at the VFW on Minnesota Avenue.

Stand Down is an official military term that refers to soldiers who have been on the front lines being replaced by fresh troops. While away from the battlefield, soldiers need a safe and secure environment which allows a better chance to recuperate.

Candace Cummings does outreach with homeless Veterans says the personal touch is important for those who are looking for help. Volunteers take the time to be a guide through the process. “They meet the people first of all and they take them around to where they need to go. There was a lady that left with a box that was so full that she had to drag it out because she has children. She has a lot of needs and was able to get those needs met.”

In one of those one thing leads to another moments, Cummings says some Veterans get additional services which they weren’t expecting. “The DAV van was able to bring them up to the dentist and have emergency dental (work) done. Dental is a difficult thing overall for people to have access to.”

The goal of the Stand Down is to alert Veterans that help is available and people are willing to step up to meet those needs. Plus the focus is to help with a hand up and not a hand out.

 

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