Veterans and others took a moment of silence then listened to "The Star-Spangled Banner" sung at the event which included an opening ceremony and the opportunity for homeless veterans to receive goods and housing, legal, medical and social services.
Eye exams were conducted by the Indiana University School of Optometry and volunteers were on hand from the Indiana University School of Dentistry. Louise Loyd, on the HVAF of Indiana board of directors, and called "The Sock Lady," handed out socks to veterans. Veterans walked away with bags of free items including bus passes. Also, shoes and clothes lined tables and many veterans received crocheted hats from the American Legion Post 497 Ladies Auxiliary.
The event was sponsored by HVAF, AMVETS Post 99, Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, Roudebush V.A. Medical Center, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the Women Marines Association.
View the slideshow from the day.
Media coverage included:
Slideshow on the Indy Star website by photo journalist Kelly Wilkinson
http://www.indystar.com/media/cinematic/gallery/15460843/veterans-stand-down/
FOX59 http://fox59.com/2014/09/11/911-event-helps-homeless-veterans-get-back-on-their-feet/
What is a Stand Down?
Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) organized the nation's first Stand Down in 1988. The meaning of “Stand Down” comes from the idea that, "You don't leave anybody outside the wire. If you've got wounded outside the wire, you go get them, regardless of the cost." ~Stand Down Founders Robert Van Keuren and Dr. Jon Nachison Today, Stand Down refers to a community-based intervention program designed to help the nation's estimated 200,000 homeless veterans "combat" life on the streets. Since the first Stand Down, the program has been widely replicated nationwide. Today, more than 200 Stand Downs take place across the country every year.
