News 'Stand Down' offers helping hand to vets in El Paso

News 'Stand Down' offers helping hand to vets in El Paso

By Chris Roberts / El Paso Times
Article Launched: 09/26/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT


EL PASO -- David Barker looked through the olive drab T-shirts on a table set up at the Hondo Pass Texas National Guard Armory on Thursday.
He was surrounded by tables where he could get shaving kits, blankets, health screenings, and information on federal veterans benefits, and could find out about employment training and housing opportunities. Tables in the next room were used to serve hot breakfasts and lunches.

The two-day event, named the "Veterans Stand Down," was put together by an informal group of representatives from federal agencies and local veterans organizations. Set up to help veterans who are struggling with homelessness and other problems, it continues through Friday at the armory.

"It's helpful," said Barker, a Vietnam veteran who was displaced from his home in Galveston by Hurricane Ike. "When I left, I only had two changes of clothes and two bottles of water and my medicine."

Among the agencies involved are Veterans Affairs, Texas Veterans Commission, El Paso Homeless Coalition, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion.

"It's just a group of people working together as a team," said Harry Tenney, with DAV Chapter 187, one of the organizers. "There are too many posts and chapters (contributing), so I'm not going into that."

Also among the volunteers were 1st Armored Division soldiers from Fort Bliss, who had agreed to help work the tables and kitchen both days of the event.

"They were in the military like we are," said Spc. Samuel Thornton, who was handing out kits with personal items that included toothpaste, skin ointment and Band-Aids.
"So basically, we're here to provide the care they need."

Chris Roberts may be reached at chrisr@elpasotimes.com; 546-6136.

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