It was Graduation Day at Stand Down!  

This Sunday morning's breakfast was pancakes with ham steak and scrambled eggs.  

Making pancakes for 1350 people

Veterans had their final opportunity to receive any services they needed before the closing ceremonies and graduation which was schedule in the afternoon.

Just one of the many services available to veterans

Many were able to find temporary housing through various Veteran Village outreach programs.

Active Military very supportive of the homeless and/or injured veterans

In the early afternoon, there was an open mic which allowed many participants to express their feelings about the three day respite from the streets or some who had housing chose to reveal how many years they have been sober thanks to Stand Down.   chose to sing a song.  One man wrote a poem about his experience at Stand Down and read it to the crowd.  It was all very emotional.

Doug Curlee interviewing David for a later broadcast on KUSI News

The graduation was displaying of the colors and carrying the flags from each squad tent. As each squad was called, a bagpipe played as the graduates marched across the field to the stage to receive a Stand Down 2012 cap, handshakes, hugs and goodwill wishes from the organizers, other veterans and active military personnel.

There were many in our squad who requested that we should all return next year and share the same squad tent once again.  That is my plan.

Services offered to veterans at Stand Down are amazing and varied: they can have their court cases heard at Homeless Court, obtain prescription glasses made onsite, join any number of the twelve step programs, apply for housing through the V.A., blood glucose monitoring, podiatry care just to name a few.  So many sponsors and organizations are there to serve the troops.  The Medical Tent was very appreciative of the Glucose Monitoring units and supplies taht were donated on Friday by Edgemoor Hospital in Santee. 

Reps for Aspire House.  Destined to accomodate 40 wounded vets

Inside ECHO tent

The Galley

Delicious TriTip Roast being readied for the evening meal

Bob Filner instrumental in securing the grounds at San Diego High School 25 years ago 

San Diego Chief of Police addressing the troops

After attending a support group meeting this afternoon, I realized just how important this annual event is to so many people on so many different levels.  

I have been witness to the full spectrum of our human emotions.  I saw fear, anger, dread, suspicion, and doubt being exchanged for politeness, gratefulness, respect, affection and in so many cases love for one another as human beings. 

Today was the big day and it began at 1:00 am.  My dog Chili woke me up to let me know he needed to go outside, but little did I know it was with the intent of chasing a skunk.  At 1:30 am, I was in driveway removing the stench from Chili with a combination of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, Dawn dish soap and the garden hose.  Chili was placed on quarantine in the garage.  By 2:15 am I took a shower. Since I needed to be up at 4:00 am, I just dosed off in a chair.

I arrived at the Stand Down site on time, but certainly somewhat bleary eyed.  I was assigned to the ECHO tent along with three other people who were also first timers.

ECHO TEAM

Our Tent Leader, Dave

Dave was able to stop taking drugs when he attended the Stand Down in 2010 and now is no longer homeless.  These veterans are referred to as "Stand Down Babies".  

The most emotional part of the day was when many "Stand Down Babies" went up on stage to be recognized for their years of sobriety.  Each veteran standing on the stage thanked Stand Down, because this event was the catalyst for them in stop drinking alcohol and/or taking drugs.  Each one was a inspiration to all of those participants who had not yet started and those who had just taken their first step to sobriety.

Volunteer Rally held at the site today at 17:30.  The setup crew has spent the week preparing for tomorrow morning.  Every tent has been made ready for 1000 veterans.  The organizers and the Medical personnel were introduced  There are twelve (12) hours to go.  Many more homeless veterans have arrived to spend the night on Park Blvd.

Camp Stand Down

Center stage where many important events will happen

Dr Jon Nachison, Stand Down Director introducing his core team

Phil Landis CEO of Veterans Village gives thanks to all the volunteers

It is two days before the Stand Down and the field is setup with tents and netting.  Already veterans are lining up near the entrance.   This is to ensure that they will be among the 1000 homeless veterans who will have a place of safety to stay for three days beginning when the gates opens at 06:00 on July 13th.   There were two dogs with one of the veterans.  Several more dogs are expected.  Special accommodations will be made to care for the animals over the three day period.

Veterans camping out on Park Blvd near the entrance to the Stand Down entrance

Signs posted near the entrance gates to Stand Down

Kennel area in the Stand Down Camp

Approximately 34 tents that will accommodate at least 30 veterans each are made ready

Stand Down Balboa Park 2012

What is a Stand Down?  In times of war, exhausted combat units who needed time to rest and recover from the battlefield were removed to a place designed to provide shelter, security and safety.  Today, Stand Down refers to a community-based intervention program designed to help homeless veterans who "combat" life on the streets. For three days, beginning July 13^th over 1000 homeless vets, their families and some pets will be provided a place to rest, eat and bathe.  Homeless veterans will receive clean clothes; dental and medical care as well as legal assistance, housing and potential employment.

Last year, I volunteered one day in providing Healing Touch in the Alternative Medicine Tent along side people who usually provide care to the frail elderly and chronically ill.  This year, I will be volunteering as a Tent Leader all three days from before sunup to after sundown.

The field that will be the staging area for Stand Down

Park Blvd where veterans will begin lining up perhaps 2 days in advance

The Veterans Village of San Diego organized the nation's first Stand Down in 1988. Since then, the program has been widely replicated throughout the nation that reaches over 200,000 homeless veterans. Today, more than 200 Stand Downs take place across the country each year.

The VVSD Stand Down's philosophy is a hand up, not a hand out. This event is made possible each year through volunteers and numerous sponsors. 

Volunteer Orientation and Training

On Monday July 2, the Veterans Village of San Diego held a training class for all volunteers who want to serve as Tent Leaders.  A room that holds 50 was overflowing with standing room only.  Among the volunteers were at least 8 former homeless vets who accepted the "Hands Up" at previous Stand Downs and now are leading productive lives.  They are choosing to serve as volunteers at the upcoming Stand Down to provide inspiration to other homeless vets.