Members of the 177th Fighter Wing Medical Squadron take vitals during Operation Stand Down 2003 at the National Guard Armory at Cherry Hill. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Declan Callan, NJDMAVA/PAO.

By the Veterans Journal Staff

On Sept. 24, beginning at 8:00a.m., the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) and Stand Down of South Jersey, Inc., will be co-hosting Stand Down 2004 at the National Guard Armory at Cherry Hill.

DMAVA, along with many volunteers and civic organizations is holding the Stand Down to provide homeless veterans with access to healthcare, mental health screening, substance abuse counseling, social services availability, religious counseling, a hot meal, a haircut and winter clothing. Stand Down’s ultimate goal is to show disenfranchised veterans that someone still cares and to assist him or her in bringing their homelessness to a close.

This is the fourth Stand Down to be held at the Cherry Hill Armory. Last year 137 homeless veterans and their families attended the Stand Down. In years past, Stand Downs have been held at Fort Dix and Naval Weapon Station Lakehurst.

On any given night there are 341,000 veterans estimated to be homeless, up from 274,000 in 1995. About one-third of the homeless in the United States have served in the Armed Forces and the number of homeless Vietnam veterans exceeds the number of service members killed during any given conflict. There are currently 7,500 homeless veterans in New Jersey.

To donate goods for the Stand Down or to become a member, please contact Kim Castner at (800) 624-0508.

Table of Contents
Governor’s Letter
Deveraux Appointed
Old Glory Grand Opening
NJ Korean Service Medal
Stand Down 2004
Retirees Get Pay Increase
SAA News
Veterans News You Can Use
Veterans Get Priority Care
Veterans History Project
VSO Listing
General Information

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