This is our core, our beginning, and a very important part of what we do! It will always remain the heart of our organization. Below describes what is experienced at the Annual Operation Stand Down Event which takes places every year during the Fall season.
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The 16th Annual Operation Stand Down Event has been scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 17, 18 and 19, 2008 at a location to be determined. It will either be back at the NG Amory or at the TN State Guard Facility where it was held last year. There is still construction going on at the NG Armory. A decision will be made in July on the event location. Set up will be Tuesday through Thursday, October 14 - 16, 2008 . This is the annual, community-supported three-day event that provides outreach, information and social services to this area's veterans who are homeless. For more information, please call (615) 321-3919.
Don Samuels , Assistant Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs, and Bill Burleigh, Executive Director for Operation Stand Down Nashville, Inc., are the Co-Chairs for this year's event. In preparation for the event, the Event Committee will be meeting on the following dates. If you would like to support the event and be on one of the committees, please call Bill at (615) 321-3919 or Don at (615) 741-4790. All meetings are open to the public. All meetings will be held in the Community Room of the I. W. Gernert Tower located at 12 th Avenue South and Edgehill Avenue . The Community Room is located behind the Operation Stand Down Nashville, Inc offices. Each meeting is on a Thursday, will begin at 2 PM and will end no later than 3:30 PM .
Meeting Dates are as follows:
June 26 |
July 17
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August 7
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August 21
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September 11
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September 25
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October 9
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Event Days: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 17, 18 and 19, 2008
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Dates will also be added to the Web Calendar.
More Information can be found by Clicking Here.
16th Annual Commemorative Program Advertising Request (printable pdf form). Selling ads for our Annual Commemorative Program is a key source of funds that support this award-winning event. 100% of your donations provide direct support for veterans and for the event. Your purchase of an ad is fully tax deductible to you or your business in accordance with IRS rulings. |
The Operation Stand Down Experience
REGISTRATION
Although Operation Stand Down does not officially begin until 7:00 AM, veterans start gathering just after dawn. Volunteers offer hot coffee and doughnuts to greet them. Many attending have been pre-registered to facilitate check-in and provide on-site availability of medical and legal documents for service providers.
COMFORT AREAS
After registering and getting their tent assignments, one of the first services many veterans seek is the new clothing, towels, and hygiene items available.
BARBER SERVICE
There is nothing like a hot shower, a haircut, and the friendly conversation that fills the barber area to make participating veterans start to feel at home with Operation Stand Down. Many of the first real smiles you see happen here.
VA BENEFITS
Counselors from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the US
Dept of Veterans Affairs and the TN Dept of Veterans Affairs are available
throughout the Event to discuss benefits and assist in filing a claim with
the VA.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Representatives from many community service agencies are on hand to help veterans access such programs as social security benefits, voter registration, food stamps, income tax preparation, and many other services that are often taken for granted but needed by the homeless.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Attorneys with Metro Nashville's Public Defender's Office, Legal Services of Middle Tennessee, and General Sessions Court Judges join forces to actually set up a General Sessions Court to review legal issues ranging from traffic tickets to criminal offenses. Minor offenses may be cleared through community service work. Follow-on court dates are set as needed. Legal advice is also provided.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Almost all veterans take advantage of the free medical, dental, hearing screening exams, and immunizations offered. Many seek care for chronic skin and foot problems common to the homeless population. Appointments for follow-up medical care at the VA Medical Center are scheduled as needed.
COUNSELING
Social workers, chaplains, psychologists, certified substance abuse counselors, and 12 Step program representatives offer on-site assistance, 12-Step Meetings, individual counseling, and arrange follow-up care through community resources.
EMPLOYMENT
Employment specialists from several organizations provide advice on all areas of employment and employment training. Follow-up appointments are made to get veterans involved in employment training opportunities.
RECREATION
Books, playing cards, games, and movie tents are available as a way to take a break from official Operation Stand Down activities, relax, and enjoy the company of others, or be by themselves. It is also a great area for casual conversation between veterans and volunteers.
MESS HALL
More than 3,000 meals are served to participants and volunteers during the three-day event. These meals are planned, prepared, and served by caring Veteran Service Organizations and their Auxiliaries. Food and drinks are available at all times throughout the event. 
ENTERTAINMENT
Friday and Saturday evenings, as the official activities of the day begin to wind down, local musicians take the stage to entertain Operation Stand Down participants and further seal the sense of community and trust that has steadily been building since Friday morning. Veterans then retire to their tent area for a rare night of safe and peaceful rest not possible when living on the streets.
Sunday Memorial Service
A memorial service is held Sunday morning to pay respect to those homeless veterans who have died during the last year. The service is very humbling.
Clothing
The veterans who have stayed all weekend have an opportunity to receive clothes and a winter coat Sunday morning.
