Veteran Stand Down

  • Published
  • By TSgt Lynette Olivares
  • 133rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Ft. Snelling, Minn. --  The Annual Veteran Stand Down took place August 5th and 6th. The Boy Scout Base Camp on Ft. Snelling, Minn. was transformed into a make-shift medical clinic for any veteran to receive basic health care screenings.

More than a thousand veterans attended the event, with nearly 150 more attendees coming to the stand-down than last year. Between this year and 2013, the clinic saw more than 400 veterans who received basic health screening, such as glucose, HIV, dental and optometry exams.

"We register veterans that didn't know they had medical benefits and provided an impact, like identifying high blood pressure for one veteran," said David Adriansen, VA-Military Education Liaison.

Finding this kind of help for veterans is a critical piece to providing for their mental and physical health.

"This event offers many resources and education for veterans that affect their well-being directly," said Capt. Ann Feist, 133rd Medical Administrative Officer, "It is an opportunity for us to take care of those who have taken care of us."

During the event, one veteran in a wheelchair had an unfortunate fall which fractured hip and clavicle. Doctor Allan Boyum and military register nurses and medics responded to his care, until the ambulance arrived. Their medical expertise was significant in ensuring rapid and appropriate care was provided so no further harm to the veteran occurred.

This was just one of many ways veterans were giving back to veterans throughout the day. Blue Star Moms supported the event by giving away 300 free sunglasses and 380 free reading glasses veterans in attendance. Everyone was there for a main cause, to help veterans.

"Having military members involved offers the veterans a chance to reminisce a bit, talking to a current member about what is happening now and to share their stories about the past," said Feist. "It is a great way to honor them and their service and hopefully improve their health and well-being."

The Veteran Stand Down in Duluth, Minn is happening on Aug 22. At the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center medical personnel will help provide basic health screenings.