GREAT FALLS, Mont.—The local Vets4Vets veteran organization will hold its 18th Vets4Vets Stand Down in the Mercantile Building at the Montana ExpoPark September 15-16, 2023. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
A dedication ceremony will open the Stand Down Friday to honor the eight fallen members who had served the Vets4Vets organization from its inception.
The annual event was originally designed to assist homeless veterans, but now all veterans and active-duty military members are welcome to attend the two-day event.
Vets4Vets Chairperson Wally McManigle said his organization has been able to connect with and assist the veterans.
“A lot of veterans may be hesitant to go to the VA and ask for help, like they do with us,” he said. But McManigle added representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Montana Department of Military Affairs Veteran Affairs Division would be available during the Stand Down to assist veterans needing help.
This year 62 different providers are volunteering free services to the veterans.
Medical services and health screenings will be available to veterans, including dental, vision, hearing, blood pressure, and blood glucose checks.
Veteran service officers from the Disabled American Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion, and Social Security representatives will be on hand to assist veterans with their claims. Veterans can also receive assistance with job searches during the Stand Down from Job Service representatives. In addition, professionals will be available at tables to offer legal, financial, and family services advice to veterans attending the event. Veterans can also find psychological and addiction counseling assistance offered at the Stand Down.
Veterans attending the Stand Down can also receive physical therapy consultations, chair massages, and haircuts during the event.
This is the first year a car show will be integrated into the event. The vehicle display will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday and members from a variety of car clubs will attend.
The classic rock and country western band Risky Business will also be performing live music on Saturday afternoon.
A free lunch consisting of buffalo and beef burgers, hot dogs, salads, chili, desserts, and beverages will be available for the veterans and their families to enjoy while they attend the Stand Down.
McManigle said the Vets4Vets organization is proud of helping our nation’s veterans in need.
“Any veteran we help that wants to take advantage of the services we offer and be successful, we’re there to help them,” he said.
For more information on the Great Falls Vets4Vets organization, please visit their website: https://vets4vetsmt.org
