Marquette’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps was one of many local organizations that took part in a Stand Down rally to support homeless veterans on Milwaukee’s north side Saturday.
The term “stand down” refers to a military procedure of the same name that removes soldiers from the field of combat for rest and recreation, according to Wisconsin Veterans Stand Down, the event’s organizers.
The rally, which was held at the Army National Guard Armory at 4108 N. Richards St., is designed to “provide a helping hand” to Milwaukee’s homeless and at-risk veterans, said 2nd Lt. Jesse Lewis, of Marquette’s Army ROTC unit. The ROTC cadets assisted in setting up the rally and provided security for the event.
Such rallies have been held twice annually in Milwaukee since 1993, said Kathy Hawkins, secretary of the board of directors of Wisconsin Veterans Stand Down and an administrative assistant in Marquette’s Department of Social and Cultural Sciences.
Dozens of tables arranged on the vast armory floor represented an equally vast array of donated goods and services. Land’s End donated boxes of new clothes for the event. Underwear, cold weather garments and personal care packages with shaving kits, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes were also available.
Employment service representatives provided references and bus tickets for veterans’ use in getting to interviews. Dental and medical professionals examined veterans and issued vouchers to those who needed additional attention. Veterans also received identification cards with emergency contact information. Barbers provided haircuts. American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars volunteers served lunch and breakfast.
Hawkins said the rallies were first organized in Milwaukee by Vietnam veterans who perceived a need for such services. Her husband Robert is a Vietnam veteran and vice president of the group. Most who attend Stand Down events are Vietnam veterans, she said.
Getting homeless veterans to the rally is not as difficult as it might seem, Hawkins said. Volunteers from Vets Place Central, a local homeless shelter, participate in many outreach programs and put up fliers in locations where homeless veterans spend their time. Other volunteers operate shuttles to the Stand Down events for those who are interested in the services provided. The most recent rallies, including Saturday’s, attracted between 150 to 200 veterans, she said.
The ROTC presence at the Stand Down was also very valuable, Hawkins said.
“They are so good about interacting with these vets,” she said.
Amber Reding, a College of Arts & Sciences junior and an Army ROTC cadet, said volunteering at the Stand Down rally was a great opportunity for outreach and a chance to “give back to the community that’s given us so much.”
Reding also said the experience put into perspective the tribulations veterans face upon returning to civilian society.
“(ROTC members) will become officers and have pensions, but a lot of these veterans were drafted and got a battle wound and that was it,” she said.
