PORT ANGELES — The 12th annual Veterans Stand Down will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at the Clallam County Fairgrounds, 1608 W. 16th St.
Free transportation to the event will be offered by both Clallam Transit and Jefferson Transit. Riders need only identify themselves as veterans to receive day passes.
The event is open to all veterans spanning World War II to Iraq in all branches of service and to their immediate dependent family members.
Proof of service is requested but not required.
Volunteers will serve free hot breakfasts and lunches. Counselors will offer employment services, information on veterans benefits, housing assistance and legal aid.
Professional providers will supply free medical and dental screenings. Free clothing, hygiene kits, bedding and outdoor equipment also will be available.
The Stand Down — military parlance for relief from combat readiness — especially targets needy and homeless veterans.
The first Stand Down was organized in San Diego in 1988.
Thousands of veterans have attended the events since Stand Downs started in Clallam County in 2004, organized by the Voices for Veterans group following the first Point In Time census of homeless people in the county.
Since then, the Stand Downs have spread to Forks and Port Townsend. The next Forks Stand Down will be May 5. The next event in Port Townsend will be July 25.
For details on Thursday’s event, call 360-797-1791, 360-640-0296 or 360-302-1285.35.
