Helping those who serve

COEUR d’ALENE — "Thank you for your service."

The words could be heard over and over again as hundreds of veterans received support from the community Saturday at the 23rd annual North Idaho Stand Down, held at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

"I enjoy the Stand Down for the simple fact that they help so many veterans," said United States Navy veteran Ron Hanko, adding it is especially helpful for homeless veterans who need the items most.

Hanko, along with his daughter and son-in-law, came from Spokane Valley to attend the event. He said it was his first time at the North Idaho Stand Down and he was not in search of any particular items or support services, but enjoyed the event nonetheless.

The Stand Down is a national event, with about 200 locations across the country, said Eric Swanbeck, veteran services coordinator with St. Vincent de Paul in Coeur d'Alene. Swanbeck said St. Vincent's took over organization of the event, previously under the guidance of the Department of Labor, about four years ago. He said it was a "natural move" because St. Vincent's already had a veterans program.

"The original mission of the Stand Down was to help homeless veterans," Swanbeck said. "Ours has expanded to include not just homeless veterans, but any vet who is struggling. Any relative, it doesn't matter whether it is a grandmother or kids, we try to help them in any way we can."

Eric VanMeer, of Post Falls, is a former U.S. Marine who was medically discharged in 2004. He was leaving with a bag of supplies Saturday morning, with his wife Tabatha pushing his wheelchair, though some of the stuff he needed is no longer available to him. He said the first time he attended the Stand Down, three years ago, he was able to receive some of the military surplus items he needed.

"You can't get the surplus anymore unless you're homeless," Tabatha said. "It doesn't matter how bad you are struggling, because they are not getting the donations in for it."

Surplus items include sleeping bags, shoes, clothes, coats, blankets, and more. Eric was discharged for an ankle injury and has had back surgery since, but he does not always use a wheelchair and said the boots he used to get from surplus at the Stand Down were good because they helped support his injured ankle when he walks.

About 60 service providers were at the Stand Down, providing information on health care, dental and housing. Second Harvest was at the fairgrounds with groceries; haircuts, massages and bike repair were also available. About 15 employers with immediate openings were available with representatives and applications to anyone in need of work. New additions to the Stand Down included a kids area with a camouflage bounce house for the little ones, and equine therapy was available as well, where veterans could pet and visit with horses in a therapeutic setting. Free, hot meals were available to everyone as well.

Swanbeck said in 23 years of operation, the Stand Down has served about 26,000 veterans, more than 1,000 per year.

The Stand Down event happens one day a year, but Swanbeck said it is not just a one-day program. Money and donations made to St. Vincent's that was not used during the event will help veterans in need throughout the rest of the year. He said they typically raise about $20,000 to help with housing and utility assistance, education, clothing, food or anything else someone might need.

Dee Sasse, commander of the American Legion Rathdrum Post 154, said the Stand Down demonstrates a camaraderie. She said so many people throughout the community, from the Department of Veterans Affairs to the "average Joe," are there to help, whether it is providing security for the event, giving a haircut, or simply a card that says "call this number" if a veteran is in need of help.

"People get isolated out there and they think nobody cares and nobody is here to help," Sasse said. "I think it shows that North Idaho really cares about their veterans and wants to do something to assist them if we can."