GREENVILLE – Boots To Beyond Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving Mississippi Delta area veterans, will host its annual Stand Down event on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the Washington County Convention Center, 1040 South Raceway Road, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Stand Down is the largest of its kind in the state. All veterans, their families and caregivers are encouraged to attend this free event.
In military terms, a “stand down” means to pause active duty or military activities. In the case of this Stand Down event, while active duty may be paused or ended for these veterans, services and resources to support them are not.
“Our regional veterans don’t always know where to go for support after their military duty has ended, and there are so many resources available for them,” said Kenneth Magee, President of Boots To Beyond. “Our goal for organizing this Stand Down is to bring all those resources to one place, so our veterans can get the help they need.”
The keynote guest speaker slated to attend is Command Sergeant Major CSM Silvester Tatum, a senior enlisted soldier with the Mississippi National Guard.
Over 50 different agencies are expected to be represented at the event including the Mississippi Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals in Memphis and Jackson to help with enrollment; the VA regional reps to assist with claims; VA Women’s Center and Social Services, the local VA Greenville healthcare clinic, Together With Veterans suicide awareness, the VA Mobile Unit, Employment Services, VA Mental Health, Vocational Rehab and Employment agency, and Amazon will offer job opportunities.
Additionally, organizations will be offering free supplies to veterans including clothing, hygiene items, sleeping bags, boots, gloves, duffle bags, and more. Lunch will be provided by UNFI – Indianola.
