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“Stand Down” is a military term that means “A relaxation from a state of readiness or alert”. In days gone by, soldiers weary from battle were afforded an opportunity to renew their spirit, health, and overall sense of well- being in what was known as a “Stand Down.” Today’s “Operation Stand Downs” strive to do the same for those homeless veterans who “battle” the harshness of life on the streets.

All over the United States are groups of people who organize an “Operation Stand Down” for our homeless veterans. At The JayCee Building on Airport Rd and JayCee Way, on October 19th through 21st the 6th annual “Operation Stand Down Huntsville” (OSDH) event will be held. At this event, the veterans will get everything from showers, shaves, haircuts and fresh clothes to dental and medical care, spiritual advice, help registering for VA services and Social Security claims. When they leave the Stand Down they will take with them items such as food, sleeping bags, blankets, coats, boots or shoes and extra clothing.

OHSD will help any veteran who chooses to come and be a part of the weekend. There will be veterans from all over north Alabama who hear about it and if they can get here or the OSDH can arrange for transportation they are welcome to be a part of the weekend. At this one week-end a year event they are provided a safe and welcoming environment where they are feed, provided with cots to rest on, entertained as they learn about other life-improving services and opportunities that may be available through Federal, State, and Local agencies. Many of our vets are now in housing after finding out they qualified and are no longer on the street. Some of these vets come back to help as volunteers after they get on their feet.

For information on how you can help, contact. OSDH is looking for donations of money and time to help this be a successful event again this year. If you can volunteer for this year’s event, please contact erikakimball@yahoo.com. If you can make a monetary donation please send it to Operation Stand Down Huntsville, earmarked for the OSDH event at PO Box 7436 Huntsville, AL 35805.

Below find tentative opportunities to volunteer.

Friday, October 19
Operation Stand Down will begin at 7:00 AM. Young Marines are welcome to come after school. There will be a DJ there beginning at 5:00 PM for entertainment. Volunteers may play cards or checkers with the Veterans.

Saturday, October 20
Either Bob Jones High School or Madison Young Marines Color Guard will be at 10:00 AM for the opening ceremony. A lot of the Veterans will be watching the University of Alabama football game that afternoon. Young Marines are again welcome to attend. Young Marines may help entertain the Veterans by checkers, cards, etc. Other suggestions for entertainment are welcome.

Sunday, October 20
At 10:00 AM, breaking down will begin and packing up items not used will be placed in a storage building for later use. Parents, Young Marines, and Bob Jones AFJROTC are encouraged to help if possible. Trucks and trailers are needed to transport items to storage building.