CLARKSVILLE, Tenn.- (CLARKSVILLENOW) Operation Stand Down Tennessee (OSDTN) will be hosting their first event in Clarksville, September, 13 and 14 at Daymar College, 2691 Trenton Road. The “Stand Down” event will offer services for local homeless, unemployed, at risk and disadvantaged veterans.

On September 13, the event will run from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and September 14 from 8 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Guest speakers will include Tennessee State Senator Mark Green, State Representative Joe Pitts, State Veterans Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder and local officials from Clarksville and Montgomery County.

Veterans are encouraged to pre-register for the “Stand Down” event by stopping by the Operation Stand Down Tennessee office at 400 Madison Street, Monday – Friday, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. On-site registration will be available during both days of the event from 8:00 am – 3:00 p.m.. Veterans are also asked to bring a copy of their DD 214, Member Copy 4

In the mean time, anyone wishing to make financial donations for veterans may do so in person at the OSDT office on Madison St. or online. Donated items like deodorant, tooth paste, tooth brushes, razors, bottled water and first aid kits are needed and can be dropped off at the OSDTN office.

Examples of services that will be available at the ‘Stand Down” event:

VA Benefits and Claims Information and Assistance
VA eBenefits Information and Assistance
VA Medical Center — Eligibility and Enrollment
Caregiver and Peer Support focused
Clothing (homeless only)
Counseling, mental health, including Retreats (e.g., Restoring the Warriors Heart)
Employment – Hiring Fair and Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, and Interview Attire information
Financial Services – Temporary Assistance and Planning
Food assistance – e.g., Tennessee Department of Human Services
Health, awareness, e.g., Montgomery County Health Clinic
Housing, emergency and government funded assistance
Personal Hygiene supplies (homeless only)
Recreation, including family focused events
Spiritual, including Retreats

OSDTN has hosted events in Nashville every year, beginning in 1993. In January of 2015, OSDTN opened an office in Clarksville at 400 Madison Street.

Since their inception Stand Down events have traditionally focused only on homeless Veterans. However, recent data shows a trend of significant increases in homelessness of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. This provides a unique opportunity for a pro-active collaborative effort among community partners to assist this demographic of Veterans in Clarksville and the surrounding area.

This event will provide wrap around services which may prevent issue development leading to a decrease in their quality of life. Therefore, this Stand Down Event will be open to all Veterans.

Tax deductible monetary contributions can be made online. Like them on Facebook or contact them by calling 931-896-2184. To learn more about the mission and services provided by OSDTN, please visit their website.