For Santa Clara County officials and advocates, their message to local military veterans fighting the challenges of civilian life is clear — we have your back.
Veterans and their families were welcomed home at the county’s fourth annual Stand Down. Named for a military time of rest and recovery, Stand Downs started after the Vietnam War to offer resources and care to those who served. The Nov. 5-6 event at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds provided veterans with housing information, employment and legal assistance, medical and dental screenings, mental health resources, clothing, food and even a haircut. A “claims clinic” helped veterans expedite access to their benefits.
There are nearly 40,000 civilian veterans living in Santa Clara County, according to U.S. Census data.
The sacrifices and service of veterans will never be forgotten, Darlyn Escalante, director of the Santa Clara County Office of Veterans Services, said during the opening ceremony.
“These two days are about service, connection and community,” Escalante said. “Most importantly, it’s about honoring those who served our nation.”
Pointing to a remembrance table honoring prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action, Col. Ray Watts, president of the Military Officers Association of America, said the single red rose represented the blood they shed to ensure America’s freedom, and the sprinkled salt symbolized their family’s tears, while the lit candle reflected the light of hope and illuminated the way home.
Veteran Carine Ndifon, who served in the Navy, appreciated the camaraderie of the Stand Down. For Ndifon, transitioning into civilian life has been difficult. She said she’s had a hard time finding a community of veterans.
“It’s beautiful to be in a space like this and hear the speeches … recognizing that part of our lives and that sacrifice. It’s not always easy to come back and talk about,” she told San José Spotlight. “I met a lot of people that are homeless and are veterans that could benefit from something like this. I’m just grateful some people are willing to support us.”
Escalante said through the Stand Down, homeless veterans find housing and learn about benefits they never knew existed.
“The goal of the Stand Down is to connect veterans to resources, to people … so they know they’re not alone,” Escalante told San José Spotlight. “Over 100 organizations are here to support them. That’s the message I want to show veterans: ‘We’re all here for you. This is truly your community and this is where you’re going to find support.’”
Daniel Little, director of the Santa Clara County Social Services Agency, said many veterans become homeless or struggle with food insecurity while they’re entitled to services to prevent this.
“We have tens of thousands of veterans in our community,” Little told San José Spotlight. “To see them so vulnerable … knowing that they have services and supports that are owed to them, and there’s just red tape stopping them … That’s why to me this is really important.”
Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Otto Lee, who served in the Navy, said the county must ensure veterans receive housing, healthcare, mental health support, jobs and the benefits they’ve earned. It’s unacceptable for veterans to be 3.5% of the homeless population, he said.
“We’re looking for a new space for (the Office of Veteran Services) to expand,” he told San Jose Spotlight, “because serving 60,000 veterans is no small thing.”
Veteran Mike Roosevelt had the opportunity to connect with other veterans he’s met before and appreciated the range of services.
“It’s great to have everything all in one location and not have to run around,” he told San José Spotlight. “I’m waiting for a blanket. I got a haircut. And I went through the medical and updated everything.”
Veteran Thomas Bui attended the Stand Down to receive assistance with his benefit claims.
“Everybody out here has been very helpful,” he told San José Spotlight. “I’m enjoying this with my fellow veterans. It’s been great just being here.”
Contact Lorraine Gabbert at [email protected].
This story originally appeared in San Jose Spotlight.