Veterans receive help and financial guidance at annual event
State Representative James Beverly says it’s time the community steps in and helps war vets, and the third annual “Stand Down” event is the perfect opportunity.
“We kind of like, fall through the cracks, and it makes you want to give up,” Tommy Barron Jr. said.
He served in the Army for about 23 years, since then he says he’s been getting the run around on his medical and dental benefits.
“I’ve been fighting with Veterans’ Affairs for years and I’m still fighting with them now,” Barron said.
He and hundreds of former members of the military toured the third annual “Stand Down” event hosted by State Representative James Beverly.
“Veterans, I mean one of the things, they come home, they don’t necessarily know what their benefits are, and then they get here and say ok well what do I do next,” Beverly said.
Vets received food, haircuts, clothes, and also opportunities to get their financial lives back on track thanks to different sponsors and volunteers.
The state congressman says veterans have a tough time getting adjusted to life after they retire or leave service, and many times they’re left asking questions.
“How do I get into the workforce, how do I reacclamate myself to a system that I may have been away from three to five years.”
The event also gave Doctor Nicole Jackson a chance to give back.
The veteran is now a dentist and helps every year at the event.
“When we first started participating with the program we were just doing screenings. So I started to think about it and I realized there are more services that are needed,” Jackson said.
“The demand is there, so obviously what you see today is that demand for veterans who need service is now,” Beverly said.
Barron, who’s constantly checking the status on his benefits, says he isn’t giving up, but it’s frustrating.
“When people have never served in the military, they don’t know what it’s like for a former military member. We still go through a lot of pressure,” Barron said.
Beverly says since the “Stand Down” event began three years ago, sponsors and volunteers are stepping up even more to help out.
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