VOICE OF THE TOWNSHIP
Veterans Day, November 11, is fast approaching. I am pleased to take this opportunity to thank all of our Veterans and their families for the many sacrifices they have made for our Country and to wish them a happy Veterans Day.
Here at the Trustee’s Office we work hard to make sure Veterans get the help and services they deserve. We have partnered with Allen County to provide a Veterans Services assistant for the County Veterans Affairs Office.
Our investigators have been trained by the Veterans Affairs Office to identify Veterans who might be eligible for services. When Veterans needing help are identified, we refer them to the Veterans Affairs Office located in the City-County Building only two blocks from our office. There, the Veteran clients or their families can sign up for the State or Federal benefits for which they are eligible.
We also work with the Homeless Veterans Office at the VA, which assists homeless veterans to find housing and works with them to resolve the problems that caused them to be homeless. The VA has a number of new programs to help our Country’s Veterans
Another way we help Veterans at the Wayne Township Trustee’s Office is through our recent Health Fair and Veterans’ Stand Down. Our Health Fair and Stand Down this year was October 23 at the Trustee’s Office. We partner with the Healthy Cities Committee and the Veteran’s Administration to host this large event.
The Stand Down concept dates back to the Vietnam War. Stand Downs provided a safe retreat for soldiers returning from combat. At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care and enjoy the camaraderie of friends.
We provide similar activities at our annual Health Fair and Stand Down. A special area is set aside for Veterans where they can obtain warm clothing and boots. Veterans also are provided with Counseling Services through the Vet Center and VA. Along with the other participants at the health fair, Veterans are provided with free medical services and a hot lunch.
Many Veterans, and numerous other persons too, took advantage of the services and activities offered at the Health Fair and Stand Down this year. It takes many volunteers and donations to put on an event of the magnitude of our Health Fair and Stand Down, normally attended by over 600 persons.
I want to thank everyone who helped, including my staff, for the great job they did making this year’s Health Fair and Stand Down another great success
An article appeared recently in The News-Sentinel about a formerly homeless veteran who was helped at the Health Fair and Stand Down at our office last year. He is one of many who have been helped at this annual event. But, if only one person is helped, it still is worth our office hosting the Health Fair and Stand Down.
Richard A. Stevenson, Sr.
Wayne Township Trustee
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