Veterans get Multiple Services in One Location During a Special ‘Stand Down’ Day
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Veterans learned more about their benefits and the services available for them at a special "Stand Down" day.
It itook place at the Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Barbara Friday.
Different groups and non-profits specializing in veteran's services were in one place to answer questions and provide help in a collaborated way.
Many vets showing up looked for the outreach, a support group and to learn about and new benefits.
Some of their needs are clear and some are still coming to the surface. U.S. Army Veteran Matthew Nancarrow said, "you are living with it every day and it is good to see those guys actually getting the recognition."
Even though most of the veterans who came were aware of their benefits, there were some who came in and found out there were some new opportunities and signed up immediately.
"Just today, I've had two new faces that came in, that were not combat veterans but were in service and got injured in the line of service and didn't think they were entitled but they were here today and they got signed up," said Nancarrow.
Everyone who attended was treated to a free lunch.
This gives the veterans, many who know each other and some making new friends, a chance to bond and reminisce.
They plan to get together again later this month.
Nancarrow said, "so this is the big run up to the Memorial day services at our cemetery."
Santa Barbara County Supervisor Laura Capps stopped by.
Her dad the late former Congressman Walter Capps devoted his time in office and as a UC Santa Barbara Professor to veterans issues, care and overall wellness.
Capps said, "veterans have a strong sense of duty. I think we are missing some of that sense right now. That sense of duty that giving back to your country patriotism that we are in it for a larger collective good. Even when it's hard that's what veterans prove to us. That's why we don't forget."
Having activities for veterans is said to be vital. The Friendship Center was at the event with a list of daily events that are covered as a benefit.
Kim Larsen is with the Montecito and Carpinteria Friendship Center. She says, "any qualified veteran can attend our Friendship center five days a week. If they are not currently enrolled in the VA I will enroll them. We are bilingual so we have activities in Spanish and English."
Veterans will also be back together on Saturday May 17th for a Santa Barbara Salute to the Armed Forces at the American Indian Health Center on upper State street.
