""Whatever their circumstances are, we welcome them. We opened it to families as well because they too are entitled to benefits, and sadly most of them are caregivers," Escalante told San José Spotlight. "The Stand Down ... is a way of providing that support that so many veterans need when they transition from service to the civilian world. ... We have never forgotten the sacrifice they've made. We are here to support them.""
""These people understand what the hell that means," he told San José Spotlight. "It means people putting together their benefits. It means a mobile dental unit where they can get thousands of dollars of dental work done free. VA medical offices are here.""
The annual Stand Down at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds offers free housing and employment assistance, medical and dental screenings, mental health resources, legal aid, groceries, clothing, showers, haircuts and hot lunches for veterans and their families. The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and provides free VTA transportation to and from the site without requiring ID. Stand Downs originated after the Vietnam War to aid veterans, especially those experiencing homelessness, and now welcome all veterans and family caregivers while providing on-site VA medical services and mobile dental care.
Read at San Jose Spotlight
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