Newport hosting vet 'stand down'

More than two dozen veteran support organizations, businesses and volunteers will come together in Newport to support regional veterans with a Stand Down on July 27.

In military vernacular, “stand down” refers to a necessary break from combat operations – a safe place to rest and recuperate. This Newport Stand Down will provide a safe place for veterans and their families to engage with supporters and find the resources they need.

Event planners expect to have hundreds of Washington and Idaho veterans. Recent combined statistics in West Bonner County, ID and South Pend Oreille County, WA say there are more than 4,100 veterans in these communities. Among them, 13% live in poverty and more than 40% qualify for VA disability claims. Veterans from other local counties are also welcome.

These veterans will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with federal, state, and county agencies, as well as businesses, nonprofit organizations and local veteran service organizations. The coordinator of this event is Brad Hanson, a veteran, volunteer firefighter and nonprofit manager in Newport.

“We’ve worked for several months to make this happen. Our team has worked hard to make sure that the veterans in this area can get the resources they deserve,” Hanson said. “If organizations and individuals want to join this effort, they can contact us at (509) 671-3585 or (202) 384-7186.”

To participate, veterans must provide a military or VA identification card, or a DD Form 214. Family members are welcome to participate, although some services are only available to the veteran.

The Stand Down will be held at the Newport High School at 1400 Fifth Street in Newport, Wash., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided to attendees, volunteers, and service providers.