Shoshone VFW to host another stand-down event

OSBURN –– After a successful event in May, the local Shoshone County VFW Post 1675 is hosting another stand-down next week.

The Kellogg Elks have been an integral part of previous stand-down events, using funds from the Elks National Foundation to purchase and distribute coats, gloves, hats, socks, slippers, blankets, sleeping bags, hygiene items, first aid kits, and gift cards to the attending veterans.

In May, the fraternal organization had $2,000 worth of gas and grocery gift cards that they were able to distribute along with the items they had.

This time around, they have been able to purchase $5,000 worth of items to be distributed.

The Blue Anchor RV Park also donated $1,000 – $500 of it in gift cards for Yoke’s, and the other $500 in gas cards.

Local VFW commander Chris Marker has also organized additional services to be present for the event – these services include the Idaho Department of Labor and the Spokane Vet Center.

“The Spokane Vet Center helps with PTSD, Sexual trauma, and readjustment counseling, and is strictly confidential,” Marker told the News-Press.

Having representatives from the Vet Center is a big win for the small VFW post, not just because of the services that they can provide on-site during the stand-down, but also because of the connection that can be created between the organization and a population of veterans that has been historically underserved for a laundry list of reasons.

Along with the services Marker listed, the Spokane Vet Center offers vocational rehabilitation, employment programs, telehealth services, substance abuse treatment, couples and family counseling, and so many other mental and physical healthcare services.

The term “Stand Down” originally referred to a time and place in a war zone where combat units could rest and recover. recently, the term has been reimagined to include an event that provided homeless or needy veterans with a broad range of necessities such as clothing, food, and basic health services.

Since their inception, stand-downs have become major events that offer a wide range of items and services to all veterans in need.

The veterans that attend each stand-down are able to receive referrals for health care, employment, substance abuse treatment, mental health assistance, and other vital services.

The Shoshone County VFW Stand-Down will be Thursday, July 6, at 10 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Osburn.

If you would like to make a donation, please contact Carol Young with the Kellogg Elks at (208) 659-7075 or Chris Marker at the VFW at (208) 752-4811 with any questions.