Stand Down 2023 will happen on October 19, 20, and 21st at the Shasta District Fairgrounds in Anderson, California.
What is it you ask?
“Stand Down” is a military command used during the war to describe the practice of removing combat troops from the field and taking care of their basic needs in a safe area. As Army Veteran Martin Glenn describes it, “Put your weapons down. Stop what you are doing. Cease hostility, no more fighting; wait.”
The North Valley Stand Down Association (NVSDA) has held this event for 17 years, with a short break in 2020-2022. It is primarily for homeless veterans, a significant number of whom have had little or no contact with the VA or other agencies. The intent of Stand Down is to offer “A Hand up, not a Handout.” Active-duty personnel, veterans, and their significant others are also welcome.
According to the NVSDA, since the first Stand Down in San Diego in 1988, Stand Downs have taken place in over 200 cities nationwide. Over 100,000 veterans and their families have benefited and these events have proven to be very effective in breaking the cycle of homelessness among veterans and their families.
The free community services available at this event include:
Temporary homeless shelter (for veterans and their families and pets), job services and unemployment insurance information, medical, dental, and eye services, Social Security, Shasta County Women Refuge, driver’s license and state ID card, information from DMV, drug and alcohol counseling, Veterans’ Administration Benefit information, general assistance/Calworks and Food Stamps, clothing and hygiene comfort kits, veterinary services, 3 meals a day, entertainment and much more.
This year Carolyn Glenn from the Cheula 92 American Legion Auxiliary in McCloud is the Registration Coordinator for the Volunteers. She works closely with the Registration Coordinators for the Service Providers and the Veterans under the leadership of Dave Cockrill (Post 197), Cindy Koop (Unit 746), and the NVSDA Board of Directors. The NVSDA consists of members from the Shasta County American Legion Posts, Units, and Sons, along with the Veterans Administration, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and other community organizations.
“I was a volunteer at the 2019 Stand Down and I realized what an important event this is. There will be military surplus clothing donated by the Department of Defense (DOD) as well as donations from people wanting to help. It is very satisfying to help veterans with even something so simple as helping them pick out boots or a jacket,” says Glenn. “Participating in a Stand Down is a lesson for people to understand the needs of the men and women who served our country and offer them a safe place. We haven’t had a Stand Down in Siskiyou County in many, many years, so I’d like Siskiyou County veterans to attend. I’m working with the new Siskiyou County Veterans Service Officer, Jay Brehm, to get the word out.”
Transportation is available, with pickups on Thursday and a return ride on Saturday.
The northern bus route starts at 0800 am Thursday at the Yreka Fairgrounds Armory, 2nd stop is at the Mt. Shasta Armory, 3rd stop is at Ammereiti’s in Castella, 4th stop is at the Chevron in Shasta Lake City, and 5th stop is at the VA clinic in Redding. There are other routes available.
NVSDA expects 400-600 to attend each day, including staff, providers, media, and dignitaries. This 3-day event requires dozens of volunteers working day and night to support all the activities and services that are offered. There are even volunteers for the 24/7 security detail for the homeless veterans staying overnight.
Anyone can volunteer, in advance or on the day of the event.
For more information, or to volunteer, call Beverly at (530) 737-8486 or Carolyn at (650) 224-7725. Find the NVSD on Facebook or write to P.O. Box 492093, Redding, CA. 96049-2093.
- Obituary: Joseph Damian DuerrWith broken hearts, we share the passing of Joseph Damien Duerr, who left this world far too soon on April 30, 2025 at the age of 44, after a courageous battle with addiction and mental health struggles. Joseph was born on February 5, 1981. He was one of a kind, loved by all who met… Read more: Obituary: Joseph Damian Duerr
- Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Arrest Blotter- Crimes and Arrests from May 5-12, 2025DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this report is derived from public records maintained by the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office. All individuals listed are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This report is provided for informational purposes only and does not imply guilt or criminal activity. Charges listed represent initial booking charges… Read more: Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Arrest Blotter- Crimes and Arrests from May 5-12, 2025
- About Face! A Multimedia Exhibit of Portrait Art at SAMSiskiyou Arts Museum (SAM) held a reception for their new exhibit, “About Face!” during May’s Second Saturday, which was a big draw. A popular comment from many at the reception was that this show was one of the more interesting examples of such a variety of expressions from 18 different artists on a single theme.… Read more: About Face! A Multimedia Exhibit of Portrait Art at SAM
- Sheriff’s Office Hosts Town Hall in Dorris, Addressing “Four W’s” of Community ConcernDORRIS, Calif. — The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office held a well-attended town hall meeting in Dorris on Thursday evening, the 9th of May. Where Sheriff Jeremiah LaRue and county officials addressed what LaRue dubbed the “Four W’s” affecting local residents: wolves, weed, water, and wildfire. Sheriff LaRue expressed frustration with state management of the growing… Read more: Sheriff’s Office Hosts Town Hall in Dorris, Addressing “Four W’s” of Community Concern
- Golden Eagle Charter School 3rd Annual Art Exhibit- May 15th at 5:30 pmGolden Eagle Charter School is having their 3rd annual art show exhibit at the Mossbrae Hotel in Dunsmuir. It opens on May 15th at 5:30 pm, and the entire school from grades 1st to 8th will be there. There are so many different themes in this exhibit that all the artwork from the students not… Read more: Golden Eagle Charter School 3rd Annual Art Exhibit- May 15th at 5:30 pm
