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Location change announced for 6th annual Veterans Stand-Down

Sun Journal - 12/31/2019

Dec. 30--Due to an unforeseen issue, the location for the upcoming Veterans Stand-Down in New Bern has been changed from the National Guard Armory to the West New Bern Recreation Center.

According to Veterans Stand-Down Executive Director Lovay Wallace-Singleton, organizers found out last week that the National Guard Armory will be renewing their sewage lines and will not be done with the renovation until April.

"We then contacted New Bern Parks and Recreation and we have booked the West Craven Parks and Recreation site for the stand-down," said Wallace-Singleton.

The 6th annual Veterans Stand-Down is set for Friday, Feb. 21 in New Bern at the West New Bern Recreation Center, located at 1225 Pinetree Drive, and Saturday, Feb. 22 in Havelock at Cherry Point Baptist Church, located at 201 Church Street. The event will be held both days from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sponsored by the NC Veterans Employment Base Camp and Organic Garden along with NCWorks Career Center and Cherry Point Baptist Church, the event serves homeless and disadvantaged veterans as well as family members of veterans and active duty personnel.

The Veterans Stand-Down will primarily benefit homeless veterans in Craven, Pamlico, Jones and Carteret counties but is open to veterans of all eras, active duty personnel, family members and caregivers.

All services and items will be provided free of charge. Veterans should bring a DD-214 or VA card as proof of veteran status.

Services provided will include: veterans benefits counseling, homeless prevention, suicide prevention, recovery and mental health, housing resources, VA claim services, women vets-specific services, educational programs, employment opportunities, veteran services organizations, former offender resources, senior services, service dog information, haircuts, and military surplus. Lunch will be provided during the event.

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. According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, the Stand-Down was "a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations" where troops had access to clean uniforms, warm meals, medical and dental care, mail, and camaraderie, all in a safe environment.

According to Veterans-Stand-Down Executive Director Lovay Wallace-Singleton, as many as 200 veterans are expected to attend this year's event.

"Through this stand-down and partnership with the local civic and veteran organizations, we will be able to provide needed intensive resources from federal, state, county and city agencies to homeless veterans or those in danger of becoming homeless," said Wallace-Singleton.

The Veterans-Stand-Down has received "great support" from the City of New Bern, noted Wallace-Singleton. The outreach event benefits the city by promoting it as a place where veterans can be provided services on a federal and state level and receive updated information about education and employment opportunities, she explained.

"There's a variety of things that maybe Craven County veteran providers would not have that we're able to bring in," she commented.

For more information or volunteer opportunities, contact Reeshema Walker, NCWorks Career Center manager, at 252-514-4828 ext. 235 or email: reeshema.walker@ nccommerce.com

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