Spokane Veteran Stand Down connects with Veterans
Today when the percentage of Veterans among us gets smaller throughout society, some of our Veterans find themselves in need of connection. That connection can come in many ways. We as Americans are making an effort to Thank our Veterans for their service to us and our Country and the personal sacrifices that they made on our behalf. But what else can we do for our Veterans? Thanking them for their service is important, but many still need to find that sense of connection that they left behind in service to America.
On January 25th, at the West Central Community Center, Spokane will host a Veteran Stand Down to make this needed connection. This event will be a chance to connect with another Veteran or be connected to resource that will assist them with challenge they may be facing.
The weather may have turned cold and dreary outside, but the Stand Down will be anything but cold. It will be filled with warmth and fellowship. There will be lots of opportunities for our Veterans to connect with each other and receive services that they may need, all in one place. This will be a great opportunity for our Veterans to have a hot meal and share stories of their common bond that helps fill that need for a sense of connection.
This Stand Down is also a great opportunity for our Community to support our Veterans and show Spokane’s gratitude in a very personal and tangible manner. This event is a great opportunity for our homeless Veterans or those at-risk Veterans to connect with resources that they may need, all in one place. General George Washington once declared, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”
You see in a soldier’s world, there is more truth in what people do, than in what people say. Our Veterans surely did whatever was required of them. Is sharing a little of your time or treasure too much to ask of you? After considering the General’s words, this writer believes if we do not do our best, the consequence’s maybe we as a Nation could find one day, we are unable to field an Army? The world is a dangerous place, we all need to Stand Together to survive! One first small step could have profound effect. A life just might be saved, another life could be turned around, Our Nation’s Future Liberty could be on its way to being preserved because we Once Again Stood Together. This is a day for Spokane to Shine!
General Washington was right then and is still right today. Are we doing all we can to show pride in, and appreciation for the many sacrifices each of our friends, neighbors, sons, and daughters have made to preserve our liberty?
Please get involved, join us or support our efforts with this Spokane Veteran Stand Down on January 25th, from 10 am – 3 pm at the West Central Community Center.
Dave Lucas, USMC (Ret) and Joe Havens USA (Vet)