Airmen, community help vets

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Luke Johnson
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
MARYSVILLE, Calif. (AFNS) --  Beale Air Force Base volunteers teamed with partners from the Yuba-Sutter community to transform a shady patch of lawn at the River Bottoms Park here into a mini tent city used to provide assistance to veterans in need Aug. 20 through 22.

"It's good to help out and give back to them," said Staff Sgt. Keith Shipp, a medical logistics technician with the 9th Medical Support Squadron. 

"Some people don't respect them or realize how much they gave, and dismiss them," he said. "It's kind of like taking care of your own."

The encampment was part of the annual Yuba-Sutter Veteran's Stand Down and is designed to provide a refuge for former servicemembers who have fallen on hard times. 

Lt. Col. Michael Shea, the 9th Maintenance Group deputy commander, spoke at the opening ceremony Aug. 21 and the Beale AFB honor guard presented the colors.

Vernon Sorensen, a Vietnam War veteran and the director of the Yuba-Sutter Veterans Stand Down, expects an influx of homeless veterans to use the services provided at the stand down, such as the Department of Veterans Association on-site medical clinic, dental clinic and legal assistance. Homeless veterans also get a safe place to sleep, food, clothing supplies and even a free haircut.

"We provide a safe haven where they can actually sleep, eat, shower, relax and get themselves together if they want to get back into the mainstream of life," Mr. Sorensen said. "We deal with a lot of vets in the area that need services."

Last year's stand down helped more than 420 veterans and their families, and Mr. Sorenson said he expects the numbers to increase this year because of the economy and current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"We think it's going to be more with the economy and everything that is going on, and also some of the problems of the Iraq and Afghanistan vets are having," Mr. Sorensen said.

Beale AFB personnel have been involved with the stand down for eight years, and have also helped raise funds. Mr. Sorenson said he feels fortunate for the support he receives from the Airmen and other branches of the military.

Beale AFB and National Guard members donated tents, and provided about 15 volunteers per shift for two shifts a day.

"Without them, we could not do this," Mr. Sorensen said. 

Sergeant Shipp said it's a great place for veterans to get information and help.

"(The stand down) is good because people who don't have anything or are poor can come and get help, and even if they are in a good economic situation there is lots of good information and services that these people can get," Sergeant Shipp said. "There are probably benefits and things that are available to these vets that they don't even know that they can get."

Stephenson Harris, an Army veteran who served from 1989 to 1992 as a tank mechanic, said last year he benefited from all of the help offered from the various veterans groups.

"I think it's awesome for the people who need it," Mr. Harris said. "I am more fortunate this year than I was last year when used it. I think it's wonderful."

Mr. Sorenson said he is motivated to provide assistance to veterans because of the lack of support and assistance he received upon returning home from Vietnam in 1968.

"I have had my problems," Mr. Sorensen said. "I am diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. I am busted up from combat wounds. We don't want the boys and girls coming home now to what we came back home to in '68. The only way you can stop it is to do something about it."