By Natalie Zarowny
nzarowny@cbs4qc.com
The annual Stand Down event is a one–stop shop for veterans.
"Job searching, and clothing, and food," listed Ivory Justice a U.S. Army veteran.
Stand Down was originally created to help homeless veterans.
And that's not just folks living on the street.
"When I first got home from the service I didn't have a house, I didn't have an apartment, I went and lived with my grandmother for about three weeks, I was considered homeless, lots of these guys are in the same situation," said Mike Malmstrom, co-director of Stand Down
Today, Stand Down has expanded to any vet who needs care.
"It's a good deal, you know I'm service connected, disabled, so there are a lot of services down here for disabled," said Kevin Parson, a U.S. Army veteran.
Volunteers at Stand Down handed out free items, gave medical care, served food, and even had vouchers for clothes and haircuts.
One volunteer was there for the first time, handing out 'ditty bags,' army lingo for a kit of personal items.
"I think this is wonderful, I've met a lot of good people, and I'm very happy to be here," said Carol Ernherdt, a Red Cross volunteer.
For most of the vets at Stand Down, the best way to be helped isn't through charity.
They just want to be remembered for the sacrifice they've made.
"We wouldn't have some of the things that we have if it weren't for people that went overseas and fought these different wars," said Edmund Clark, a U.S. Army veteran.
Stand Down continues tomorrow at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island.
