Editorial by Supervisor Jim Parks
The great philosopher Plato said, “Only the dead have seen the end of war.”
Unfortunately, centuries later, this statement still holds true. Accessing basic human services can be extremely difficult for returning veterans, especially those who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury.
The National Homeless Veterans Association estimates there are 1.4 million homeless and at-risk veterans currently in the U.S.
These veterans are a part of our community—Our friends, our family and our neighbors. Connecting homeless and at—risk veterans and their families with the services they need is a top priority.
This is one of the many reasons I’m proud to be a part of a large coalition of local public and private sector organizations that are organizing the 5th Annual Lance Davison Memorial High Country Stand Down. This year’s Stand Down will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday May 19 at the Flagstaff Armory.
The local coalition of heroes, in coordination with the Arizona Stand Down Alliance, works all year arranging services, planning logistics and coordinating volunteers for the event day. Hundreds of veterans from across northern Arizona are expected to attend.
During this event, veterans will be offered hot meals, hygiene kits, clothing, surplus, legal assistance, employment services, dental, vision and medical assistance, haircuts, Veterans’ Court and Notary services, and information on disability and survivor benefits.
The Lance Davison Memorial High Country Stand Down began over five years ago by the local veterans’ community and retired Coconino County Supervisor Mandy Metzger. They started the High Country Stand Down because they wanted to give back to those who fought for our nation.
The term “Stand Down” is used in the United States military to denote a time when military actions are temporarily halted to rearm, reassess, and renew the troops and the terms of engagement in the battle at hand.
I greatly value our returning soldiers and think they should have access to help and the opportunity to truly stand down. As a community, it is imperative we come together and support those who sacrificed their lives in defense of our freedom.
It is an honor, as a member of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, to help bridge the gap between veterans and the services they need during this celebration of their service. Please help me spread the word to veterans, their families and in your communities about the Lance Davison High Country Stand Down on May 19.