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Service members step up for Veterans

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  More than 120 military members volunteered to help with the 7th Annual Homeless Veteran Stand Down operation Sept. 25 at First Baptist Church in Panama City.

The event, modeled after the 'Stand Down' concept used during the Vietnam War, provided a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations, where troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms and receive medical and dental aid, according to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.

"The main purpose for the event is to help those that need a little assistance for whatever reason that may be," said Senior Master Sgt. Lorene Kitzmiller, 1st Air Force first sergeant. "This event is about helping those veterans."

Volunteers helped set up booths and escort veterans during the event. Team Tyndall helped donate enough food for the ruck sacks given out to be filled up, Kitzmiller said.

"I was impressed and very moved that in such short amount of time, we were able to gather that much food," Kitzmiller said. "We had volunteers get back in line to escort veteran after veteran. I watched them pack their ruck sacks and carry their food for them. It was a very humbling feeling."

At the event there were more than 50 organizations helping and providing services to them. Free haircuts, hot lunches, employment services and medical services were all offered to the veterans.

"I was very overwhelmed by the response by Team Tyndall and the other service members that came out. I think it is beneficial for all military members who came out to volunteer," Kitzmiller said. "It is immediate gratification they get, and it shows them how they helped someone out during the event. They also got to talk to them and see how a connection can be made with those folks that have paved the way for us."
The vets enjoyed themselves, there is a common language in the military and an immediate connection is made, she added.

"It was a good event," said Stan Taylor, a homeless veteran who attended the event. "I got to see active-duty military members helping out vets who are in need. It's a heartwarming feeling to know we have support from the community."