Operation Stand Down in Nashville
Helps Homeless Veterans
![[Photo 1: Bill Burleigh at the podium]](hgv-picw-tn-2003-11-12a.jpg) |
Operation Stand Down's Executive Director Bill Burleigh opens
the event with a Color Guard... |
![[Photo 2: Veterans standing for the Pledge of Allegiance]](hgv-picw-tn-2003-11-12b.jpg) |
...and the Pledge of Allegiance. |
From October 31 through November 2, Nashville HUD employees joined
forces with many other organizations at Nashville's annual Operation
Stand Down (OSDN), a health and wellness fair for homeless veterans.
Stand Downs are one part of the Department of Veterans Affairs'
efforts to provide services to homeless veterans, and are typically
one- to three-day events featuring health screenings, VA and Social
Security benefits counseling, and referrals to other services, such
as housing, food, clothing, employment, and substance abuse treatment.
More than 30 Stand Downs nationwide are planned this year so far.
They are collaborative events, coordinated between local VA offices,
other government agencies, and community agencies that serve the
homeless. Governor Phil Bredesen recognized this occasion, dedicated
to the memory of Bob Hope, for the aid given to those who have served
our country in times of crises.
Some 40 vendors and 300 veterans attended this year's event. New
vendors representing Nashville's faith-based community were there,
including Camp Samaritan, a Veterans Restoration Ministry in Nolensville,
Tennessee. So was Nashville Cares, a health-advocate agency promoting
education related to sexual health. More employment agencies attended
this year than before.
This is the second year for the Nashville HUD Office. Three veterans
from HUD were there: Field Office Director Dr. Ed Pringle, Joe Purcell,
and William Dirl. The Office's Homeless Coordinator, Terry Livingston,
coordinated the event with OSDN. "We wanted to show the Vets
we really care, so we planned a special tribute for them,"
said Livingston. On Friday evening, Clinton Johnson, a member of
HUD's Office of Community Planning and Development, played his soulful
sax rendition of Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art. "While
the veterans ate their meal, Clinton really exemplified the meaning
and reason for the whole event."
OSDN Executive Director Bill Burleigh (Lt. Colonel, US Army, Retired),
wholeheartedly thanked the Office for their contributions. In March
2003, OSDN received funding classified as additional 2002 Continuum
of Care funds from HUD for an employment counselor position.
Local, state and federal public agencies and non-profits provided
assistance to each veteran. The generosity of Nashville is in evidence
every year as medical volunteers, food vendors, clothing, products
suppliers, and a variety of homeless and supportive service agencies
assist OSDN and the veterans. The spirit of friendship and caring
helped our veterans to feel "at home" for just a little
while.
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