'This is their day'
DEVIN WEEKS/Press Korean War and U.S. Army veteran Wayne Brewer, 88, of Rathdrum, makes Air Force wife Stephanie Offermann of Sandpoint smile as he tells her he made the Texas Roadhouse coleslaw fresh that morning during the 25th annual North Idaho Veterans Stand Down, Saturday at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.
Air Force veteran Robert Spaulding of Plummer closes his eyes as Sport Clips Haircuts manager Alexiah Vaage gently trims a little off the side Saturday morning in the Jacklin Building of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds during the North Idaho Veterans Stand Down. About 500 veterans and their loved ones came through the Stand Down, which has served more than 25,000 veterans since it began 25 years ago. (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)
COEUR d’ALENE — At 88 years young, Korean War veteran Wayne Brewer of Rathdrum still serves his country and his fellow vets, including the youngsters who came after him.
He helped serve breakfast and lunch to hundreds who came through the 25th North Idaho Veterans Stand Down at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on Saturday, a volunteer opportunity he wouldn't miss.
"I’ve been here since 6 o’clock this morning handing out silverware," Brewer said as he prepared to dish out coleslaw. "I enjoy it."
Brewer joined the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army in 1948, as proudly stated on his ball cap. He said when he joined, he was paid an extra $50 a month hazard pay on top of his $80 monthly salary.
He continues his service to others because of his dedication and "my flag," he said, tapping his chest right over his heart.
"My flag."
Roughly 500 veterans and their loved ones attended the Stand Down, which annually provides meals, haircuts, assistance with benefits and health care, dental exams, veterinary care and other resources at no cost to the veterans and their families. This year's event featured 55 service providers as well as 15 employers with immediate job openings.
Air Force veteran Robert Spaulding of Plummer couldn't help but grin as he felt inches of his hair neatly trimmed away by Alexiah Vaage, a manager of Sport Clips Haircuts.
"Well look at it, isn't it great or what?" he said. "They do a great job. Alex did my hair last year."
Eric Swanbeck, who in his sixth year of coordinating the North Idaho Veterans Stand Down, said this event has served more than 25,000 veterans since it began a quarter of a century ago. The Stand Down is a program of St. Vincent de Paul and supported by numerous community businesses and organizations.
"It's amazing to conceptualize how involved this community is in helping the veterans," he said. "I get people who come here from other communities who go, 'Wow, there is nothing like this in our community.'"
He said about $20,000 is collected for the Stand Down all year, 100 percent of which comes from the community and goes right back to the veterans.
"We're pretty proud of that fact," he said.
In the military, "stand down" refers to a necessary mental and physical break from combat, a time to be in a safe place to rest and recover before returning to the fight.
As well as a day for rest and recuperating, Swanbeck said the Stand Down serves as a day of appreciation for all veterans.
"This is the day where we really get to identify the homeless, the families who are struggling, the ones struggling with mental health issues and we have all the services right here that we can direct them to," Swanbeck said. "Our attitude is, 'This is their day.'"