No Vet Left Behind to hold stand down in Ansonia

ANSONIA - No Vet Left Behind, Inc., a nonprofit that assists veterans in navigating the Veterans Administration bureaucracy and helps find housing for them, will host a Stand Down from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 15 at the National Guard Armory, 5 State St.
All service organizations are requested to participate in this event, said Derby resident George Porter, co-founder of the organization. 

He said the original Stand Down for homeless veterans was modeled after the Stand Down concept used during the Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations.
 
At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment. 
Stand Down afforded battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health and overall sense of well-being.

That is the purpose of the Stand Down for homeless veterans, and achieving those objectives requires a wide range of support services and time.
The program is successful because it brings these services to one location, making them more accessible to homeless veterans.

Any volunteer or veterans organization interested in participating is encouraged to contact No Vet Left Behind, Inc. President Mary Porter, 203-906-0533.

George Porter added, "It is important for us to be the leader and make a contribution to our community. For the past five years No Vet Left Behind, Inc. has provided for our veterans summer, spring, and fall, and with your help we can continue this great tradition of giving back to those who have given so much for all of us to be free."

 This information was taken from a press release from George Porter.