Wyoming, Michigan –
Defense Logistics Agency employees leant their support to veterans in need through a Veteran Affairs Stand Down in Wyoming, Michigan, on June 15.
The event gave veterans the chance to learn more about VA and other resources they can use. Information tables were sponsored by a variety or government and private organizations like the Social Security Administration, the American Red Cross, veteran’s groups, local homeless shelters and a food bank. Military surplus property provided through DLA Disposition Services was offered to veterans after they visited with representatives from a number of organizations.
“We want to be sure they are aware of the resources,” said Amanda Briggs, VA social worker and organizer of the event.
Sleeping bags, boots, cold weather garments, fleece blankets, canteens and fanny packs were available. Briggs said she tries to gear requisitions towards veterans who may be living outside or perhaps staying in a shelter, possibly spending many of their days outside.
“We hugely appreciate the ability to provide our homeless veterans with military surplus,” Briggs said. “I order from everywhere. It can be difficult to gather enough of what I need, so I just go with whomever has the largest numbers.”
Among the DLA Disposition Services sites that provided items for the event were:
Columbus, Ohio
Fort Riley, Kansas
Kaiserslautern, Germany
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Norfolk, Virginia
Susquehanna, Pennsylvania
Warner Robins, Georgia
The items provided by DLA helped serve 195 veterans, which Briggs said was a significant increase from last year’s event. For more information on stand downs, please visit the VA website page at https://www.va.gov/homeless/events.asp which also offers details about future events.