ELIZABETHTOWN — A Stand Down Event, occurring in Bladen County, is taking a stand for veterans.
On Thursday, July 19, there will be a Stand Down event at the National Guard Armory in support for veterans.
The event will provide opportunity for veterans to receive medical, dental and mental health screenings.
“This is important for veterans, because they might not know what they need medically until they come to a Stand Down,” explained Renee Deramus, organizer of the Bladen County Stand Down event. “Some veterans may be eligible for free medical care without knowing it.”
Veterans will be able to have help finding jobs through the NCWorks Career Center.
“Some veterans are living on the street and may not know how to reach out for help,” ventured Deramus. “Our job is to reach out to the veterans so they do not have to.”
Also, they will have the opportunity to file a VA claim to receive compensation and may also have the opportunity to receive payment help for education through a G.I. Bill. There will also be donations of apparel, medical and dental screenings, employment and job counseling, legal services assistance, chaplain services, and benefits assistance.
“Stand Downs are really helpful, because everyone is under the same roof,” explained Deramus. “I will feel successful in helping the veterans and knowing they went home with everything they need.”
The event will also have speakers and will feature guest speak Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Paul A. Berry. Prior to his retirement in 2016, Berry served in the military 30 years, most recently as the senior enlisted advisor for Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. In this capacity, Berry was in command of six installations in five states, supporting more than 160,000 personnel.
Stand Down is open to all veterans, as well as to the general public. The event will take place at the National Guard Armory from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The National Guard Armory is located at 1001 W. Swanzy Street in Elizabethtown.
Additional information about the event may be obtained by calling 910-618-550, Ext. 232.
Rachel Horrell is a summer intern at the Bladen Journal and can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.