12 June, 2013
VETERANS INC. to hold 8th Annual STAND DOWN to support homeless & in-need Veterans and their families
*Friday, June 14th and Saturday, June 15th, 2013*
SHREWSBURY, MA – Veterans Inc. in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S.
Department of Labor (Veterans’ Employment and Training Service), and other local agencies are pleased to
announce that the 8th Annual Veterans Inc. Stand Down will be held on 14 and 15 June 2013. The event will take
place at Veterans Inc., 59 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA and will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, and
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday.
More than 2,100 Veterans and their families have received assistance at Veterans Inc. Stand Downs since the
event’s inception in 2006. The event provides counseling & substance abuse referrals, employment & training,
healthcare services, housing resources, legal services, wellness activities, and a career fair. Veterans and their
families will also be able to receive FREE clothing, meals, haircuts, and personal care items. Raffle prizes and
giveaways will also be available.
“We could not host this event without the participation of service provider partners and the support of our
community leaders. They are a vital part of the event’s success” said Vincent Perrone, Veterans Inc. President &
CEO. “It shows these men and women that they have not been forgotten.”
“The Stand Down is a crucial part of our service offering,” said Denis Leary, Veterans Inc. Executive Director.
“Veterans can get many of the services they need all at the same place while recalling the sense of camaraderie
that they experienced while in the military which can help motivate them in their time of need.”
The Stand Down is open to homeless and in-need veterans and their families. All services and items are provided
free of charge. Veterans should bring a DD-214 or VA card as proof of veteran status. Those Veterans who wish
to pre-register may contact (800) 482-2565 ext. 125 or email standdown@veteransinc.org. Please visit the
Veterans Inc. website at www.veteransinc.org or The Veterans Inc. Facebook page for the latest up to date
information.
Stand Down is a term that originated during the Vietnam War used to describe the practice of removing combat
troops from the field and taking care of their basic needs in a safe area. According to the National Coalition for
Homeless Veterans, the Stand Down was “a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations” where
troops had access to clean uniforms, warm meals, medical and dental care, mail, and camaraderie, all in a safe
environment.
