Shoshone VFW to host another stand down

OSBURN – After a successful event in May, Shoshone County VFW Post 1675 is hosting another stand down next week.

The Kellogg Elks have been an integral part of previous stand down events, using funds from Elks National Foundation to purchase and distribute coats, gloves, hats, socks, slippers, blankets, sleeping bags, hygiene items, first-aid kits and gift cards to attending veterans.

In May, the fraternal organization had $2,000 in gas and grocery gift cards that they were able to distribute along with the other items.

This time around, they have been able to purchase $5,000 worth of items to be distributed.

Blue Anchor RV Park also donated $1,000; $500 in gift cards for Yoke’s and $500 in gas cards.

Local VFW commander Chris Marker has organized service providers to be present for the event, including Idaho Department of Labor and Spokane Vet Center.

“The Spokane Vet Center helps with PTSD, sexual trauma and readjustment counseling and is strictly confidential,” Marker said.

Having representatives from the vet center is a big win for the small VFW post, not just because of services they provide on-site during the stand down, but also the connection that can be created between the organization and a population of veterans historically underserved for a laundry list of reasons.

The Spokane Vet Center offers vocational rehabilitation, employment programs, telehealth services, substance-use treatment, couples and family counseling and many other mental and physical health services.

The term “stand down” originally referred to a time and place in a war zone where combat units could rest and recover. Recently, the term has been repurposed to describe events that provide homeless or needy veterans with a broad range of necessities such as clothing, food and basic health services.

Since their inception, stand downs have become major events that offer a wide range of items and services to all veterans in need.

The Shoshone County VFW stand down will be Thursday, July 6, at 10 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Osburn.

Information: Carol Young/Kellogg Elks 208-659-7075 or Marker 208-752-4811.