The event isn’t until Oct. 27 but it’s not too early to sign up and give back to our Veterans.
One of the great satisfactions of being affiliated with Brentwood News is that often things we write about end up becoming the catalyst for positive connections. Sometimes these connections lead to very positive outcomes.
Last month, we wrote about 21-year-old Jacob Kaplan who was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Angiosarcoma. Jacob is the son of the owners of Brentwood Vacuum in Brentwood Village.
As a result of that article, a doctor in the area, who happens to specialize in this very disease, is now jumping in to help Jacob. Someone else who also suffers from the same cancer read the article and is now in touch with Jacob, offering “we’re in this together” support. Hooray! Good luck, Jacob. Brentwood is rooting for you.
Now we have another opportunity to pitch in.
Village for Vets, the nonprofit organization formed in 2016 for the surrounding communities to support the WLA VA, is seeking 100 volunteers to help organize the Stand Down that will take place on the VA campus Friday, Oct. 27.
Stand Down is the term used when combat troops rest after battle.
Our homeless veterans in Los Angeles are given a Stand Down every year. Volunteers gather at the VA to welcome homeless veterans, offering services like haircuts, access to medical and dental work, food, information about housing, pet spaying and women’s services.
This year the VA is expecting 1,500 veterans and family members to attend.
Volunteers are needed to assist with the registration booth, determining eligibility, serving food, the information booth, non-ambulatory veterans, setting up the night before, tearing down after 6 p.m. on the day of the event, parking, the water station and providing women’s support.
Last year, Maria’s Italian Kitchen donated 300 breakfast burritos. Village for Vets volunteers served breakfast to the Vets.
Michael Johnson of the WLA VA is organizing the VA side of things. Brentwood residents Marcie Polier Swartz and Pam Dawber are hoping to connect with prospective financial donors and volunteers.
My wife and I have already pledged to volunteer at the event. Two down, 98 to go. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, email info@villageforvets.org. Donations can be made via the website: www.villageforvets.org
Hope to see you there!
