The Nassau County Veterans Stand-Down is a countywide event that is jointly organized by the United Veterans Organization (UVO) of Nassau County and the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency (VSA). This event is staged in July and November each year. Present at each event are personnel from over two dozen agencies who provide valuable information on the services available to our homeless and needy veterans, as well as new clothing, sneakers, toiletries, non-perishable foods, haircuts and even flu shots right on the premises.
This year’s summer event was held on July 9 at the Freeport Armory at 63 Babylon Turnpike. In addition to the above provisions for homeless and needy veterans, the veterans were treated to a BBQ and cold refreshments, as well as live music provided by a volunteer DJ (member of the Sons of the American Legion). Over 200 needy veterans received valuable information and the volunteers were comprised of members of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, American Legion Riders, Vietnam War Veterans Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Jewish War Veterans, all of whom are affiliated with the United Veterans Organization (UVO). Additionally, there were volunteers from Elmont Girl Scout Troop 1334, AARP and students from W.C. Mepham High School.
Volunteers served by manning the food/clothing/shoes’ tables, signing people in, serving food at the BBQ, or escorting each veteran from table to table, to ascertain that each veteran receives valuable veterans’ services and benefits information to take with them and/or sign up for right on the spot, assuring that they do not miss out on well-deserved perks. All vets received a huge shopping bag to contain their collection of goodies.
The second time this event takes place (the Winter Stand-Down) is in November, occurring two days before Thanksgiving Day, and provides a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
—Submitted by Rosanne Spinner,
Nassau County American Legion Auxiliary
