Veterans Stand Down: October 31, 2014

The Rockingham County Veterans Coalition held their 4^th Annual Needy Veterans Stand Down on October 31, 2014 at the National Guard Armory in Wentworth, NC.

There were a number of free services provided that included:

• Dental Van and Vision Services
• Haircuts
• Legal services – NC Legal Aid for Veterans
• Help for the Homeless;  Red Cross;  VA Medical Center
• Blood pressure checks, blood glucose monitoring, flu vaccines
• Clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags
• Breakfast and Hot lunches
• Transportation to the Stand Down from cities within Rockingham County

The Cone Health Congregational Nurse Program provided services including blood pressure checks, flu shots, blood glucose monitoring, and health counseling advice.  We arrived at the Armory before 8 am to set up tables and prepare for the arrival of the veterans.  There were “staff” personnel wearing blue T-Shirts with STAFF in large letters across the front of the shirt with the Rockingham County Veterans Coalition logo.  Volunteers wore cream-colored T-Shirts with VOLUNTEER across the front with the same logo.

The event opened with the JROTC students from a local high school presenting the colors followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem.  Immediately following the opening, the volunteers walked to the entrance of the Armory and escorted a veteran into the auditorium for services.  One volunteer was assigned for each veteran and remained with that specific veteran throughout the event.  The volunteer walked with the veteran to each of the tables lined up against the walls for health services, haircuts, vision checks, etc. and  outside to the dental van as needed.  The volunteer stayed with his or her veteran during the meal provided for lunch.  They shared food, stories about the veteran’s experiences, and gathered information for future needs. 

My role in this service learning experience:

During this Veterans Stand Down event, my role included registration and documentation for the Congregational Health Nurse as she provided blood glucose screenings.  Ms. Rakestraw is a Certified Diabetes Educator as well as a Congregational Health Nurse.  She gave each participant counseling on healthy food choices, follow-up referrals as needed, and encouragement with individual health care needs.  One veteran had a blood glucose screening of over 400 mg/dl.  Ms. Rakestraw made an immediate referral to a local physician for the afternoon following the Stand Down event.

This program was such a humbling event and I have a new appreciation for the struggles of our older veterans as they face poor living conditions and a lack of resources we take for granted each day such as haircuts and hot meals. Each veteran received a sleeping bag, box of food, new clothes, blanket, and backpacks along with informational materials from the agencies participating in the event.  All of the congregational nurses took special care to say “thank you for your service” as veterans visited our tables.  Their smiles, stories of service, and gratitude made this event the highlight of my week and I am looking forward to the 5^th Annual Needy Veterans Stand Down – 2015!