FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The Community Veteran Stand Down event always carries an emotional charge, but this third annual installment seemed to hit everyone a touch harder – from participants to organizers alike.
“It’s just a good day to reflect, to know why we signed up. It’s about freedom and those core values we learned in the service,” said Chris Deery, Veterans Service Director for Cass County. “It’s a way to express yourself, a way to get your feelings out there.”
There were some notable upgrades made in year three, be it in the quality of the free food or the variety of the free services, like eye exams, flu shots, and haircuts.
“We were so lucky and fortunate – we got a Department of Labor grant, and we got $7,000, so we got to buy things we normally wouldn’t have,” explained Deery.
Veterans face many difficulties in their post-services lives, but perhaps the most acute issue in the Fargo-Moorhead area right now is housing.
Last year, Cass County Veteran Services estimated 40 vets were experiencing homelessness. This year, that number has jumped to almost 75.
Still, those who stopped by Broadway Square on September 10 were grateful for the immediate assistance – and happy, for the morning and afternoon, to feel that bit more connected and supported.
“Once you walk through those registration doors – this is just a wide variety of those earned benefits for you,” said Deery. “You signed that dotted line, and we want to take care of you, and that’s what the whole day’s about.”
If you are a veteran in the F-M area looking for help with a specific issue, Chris wants you to reach out by emailing deeryc@casscountynd.gov.
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