Stand Down
Saturday
September 20, 2008
0700 to 1500 at the Richards Street Armory

Next Meeting Date
June 3, 2008

Wisconsin Veterans Stand Down, Inc.
Meeting Agenda
June 3, 2008
 

Wisconsin Veterans Stand Down, Inc.
MINUTES
May 6, 2008
Meeting called to order by President Greg Jacobs.  The following committee members were present:  Mike Malloy,
Gwen Sheppard, K’uu Wamubu, Ray Christensen, Bruce A. Campbell, Jesse Torres, William Sims, Robert Hawkins and Kathleen Hawkins.

Reports
Treasury looks good.   All the bills may not yet in for the February Stand Down.
A couple more donations have come in.

Insurance – Through CVI.  No issues.

Security/Amnesty – Mike Malloy coordinated Amnesty and it worked well.  Deputy Al Moe from the Sheriffs Dept.
will be retiring soon but he did bring someone that will continue to provide security and that worked out well.

Barbers – MATC provided hair cuts and as usual did an excellent job.
Certificates have been sent and well received.

Dental – Dr. Santilli was there and vouchering was done for dental work.  We need to discuss and adjust the system
for vouchering so we don’t miss the vets that are eligible for grants.  Some are going up in $$
in large numbers so we really  need to be aware of this.

Optical – We had our usual screening for glasses and things worked out well. We did have a couple with late vouchers
for services, they do have a cut off date.  Not all followed through on the vouchers they received either which is a bit of a concern.

ID Cards – No issues.

Transportation – Our new contacts from DAV were at the meeting from DAV Transportation, that is Bruce Campbell
and Ray Christensen.   We need to work out structured pick up times at the locations which will help.  The library does
not yield us any takers anymore but we want to check whether St. James (across the street) will let us use that site.
We will most likely need 3 DAV vans and one from vets place (they only have 1 driver).
K’uu will coordinate all this with the DAV.

Job Service – Stan Kogutkiewicz coordinates this. A lot more vets see job service because they not only get backpacks
but also have to go to Job Service to be able to go to the clothing room.  It was suggested that not only the backpacks
but the clothing vouchers be handed out here and then everyone knows they have been to see Job Service (a real important
reason to come to Stand Down).  We need also to check our supply of backpacks and see if more need to be purchased.

Food Service – VFW and American Legion provided our usual wonderful breakfast and lunch.
Vets Place cooks the steaks for us and the Prime Minister provides the lunch meal.  We need to check with the VFW and
see if it would help them out if we provide a couple of volunteers to work with them at breakfast.  The DOL Grant from the
American Legion helps provide the extra lunch.  The grant will be administered by Post 448 in the future per discussion
with State Adjutant by Greg.  The steaks will be paid for out of the grant also.

The bag lunches always go over well.  We do though need to get a few more/different items for them with a little more sustenance.
We already have the volunteers that will be doing the bag lunches.

Service Providers – There was a strong showing by our Service Providers with positive results. The providers seemed to stay longer this time.
The changed layout seemed to work very well.

Toiletries – It is time to restock all our items, esp. toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant.  We always need razors, soap,
shave cream & powder, toothpaste, small Kleenex, and toothpaste (all regular sizes).  We seem to have a lot of toothbrushes
right now.  We need to remember that a majority of our vets are male and get those types of items.  We need to find out
where the form is from United Way so when they have their distribution, we get the items we need.

Intake – Worked very well – no issues.

Legal Assistance – Jesse Torres coordinated this.  Judge Chavez & Mosley provided.  Judge Chavez stayed until the end
and took care of a lot of issues.  Justice 2000 is also a great help.   It will be the same group for the next Stand Down with
Judge Mosley being there only part of the time.  Hopefully, we can have someone there from the Driver’s License
reinstatement program and if we can’t have as much information as possible there.

Set-Up/Tear Down – Bob Hawkins and K’uu Wamubu coordinated this.  An excellent job by all those that helped out.
Hopefully we can get Great Lakes to come down and help again with tear down.  Don’t know how we could have done it without them.
We need to purchase about 20 more tables and we should be good.  We can coordinate
with Colonel Schroeder for them to be delivered at the armory.

Volunteers – Kathy & Bob Hawkins work with the volunteers.  We still have at times too many volunteers but that is
getting better as volunteers now know they should ask first and see if we have places for them.

Nomination of Officers was held.  Elections to be held at the next meeting.
Here are those that were nominated:

President:  Gregory Jacobs by Gwen Sheppard
Vice President:  Robert Hawkins by Mike Malloy
Secretary:  Kathleen Hawkins by K’uu Wamubu
Treasurer:  Renee Krueger by K’uu Wamubu
Board of Directors:

Jesse Torres
K’uu Wamubu
George Martin
Karyl Richson (all returning to the board)
New to board:
Mike Malloy
Gwen Sheppard

Clothing – The voucher for the clothing will be moved to Job Service and opening the room after Assembly was an
excellent idea and works well.  VPC takes care of the clothing room and the National Guard picks up the clothing at
Lands End and delivers.  We need to make sure the tags from now on are cut out of the Lands End clothing since some
have tried to return them.  This has to be done on Friday (due to time constraints) so we have to have plenty of volunteers.
The American Legion DOL Grant is also helping us supplement with shoes and other items we need.  There is also a need for
Large Sizes (2XL to 4XL), not only at Stand Down but for VPC.
We are encouraging the clothing donated to be new or just gently used.  This will help all concerned if we can do that.

The briefs, t’s and sock sets and hats and gloves or scarves are provided and coordinated via AMVETS.  These always need
to be refilled after every stand down.  When the storage unit is inventoried, we will know what we have.
The sizes are M thru 6XL.

We do need to move on getting another storage unit close to the first one.  People keep donating items
or we keep getting items and have no where to go with them.

Medical – Worked well as usual.  The new location did not pose any problems.  We talked about perhaps
adding audiology screening and a podiatrist in the future.
These seem to be two of the issues that the veterans could really use help with.

WDVA – Worked with DSO Office assistant vets with claims and paperwork for ANV grant.
Just need to pay closer attention to who is eligible for this grant.

The date for the next Stand Down is September 20, 2008.

Next Meeting Date is Tuesday, June 3 at 3:00 p.m. at the Armory.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathleen A. Hawkins, Secretary
Thursday, May 08, 2008
kathleen.hawkins@marquette.edu
 
 

Stand Down
Veterans Helping Veterans

Media Release         For more information contact:
Film Opportunity 10 to 11 am          Greg Jacobs:  (414) 902-5729
Meeting the Needs of Newly Returning
Iraq and Other Veterans

Stand Down for Homeless Veterans
Saturday     September 20, 2008     7 am – 3 pm
Richard’s Street Armory    4108 N. Richards

As in previous wars, newly returning Iraq veterans have served well in under the most dangerous situations leaving them
with battle related issues beyond physical injury and disability such as Post Traumatic Stress and other psychological disorders.
Their service may have fostered other issues such as self-medication, alcohol and drugs, relationship and family problems.
Returning home, possibly facing unemployment, especially with non-transferable job skills, and these other barriers -
that veteran may be living homeless in Milwaukee.
Stand Down is a military term for soldiers resting from battle, Saturday homeless veterans will be brought from the streets of Milwaukee
County to begin recuperation through a wide variety of services provided by the Wisconsin Stand Down Committee: emergency housing,
medical, dental, optical, psycho-social, post traumatic stress, legal, employment and training, alcohol and drug treatment, clothing, toiletries,
barbering, federal, state, county and community based veteran specific services, great breakfast served by the Veterans of Foreign Wars
who are being honored for their many years of service to homeless veterans, and a hot and nutritious lunch provided by the American Legion & Auxiliary
Stand Down’s theme is “Veterans Helping Veterans.” Volunteers from these organizations
will be helping provide a “Hand Up-Not A Hand Out”:
WI UAW Veterans, Amer. Legion & Auxiliary, Alcoholics Anonymous, AMVETS & Auxiliary, Amer. Liver Foundation, Center for
Veterans Issues, Veterans of Foreign Wars & Auxiliary, Disabled Amer. Veterans & Auxiliary, US Army Reserve, WI National Guard,
Milw. Area Technical College, UWM-Vets Upward Bound, Catholic War Veterans, Milw. Health Department, Milw. Municipal Court,
Milw. NCO Council, Milw. Vet Center, Vets Place Central, Nat. Assoc. for Black Veterans, Social Security, VA Domiciliary,
VA Medical Center, VA Regional Office, WI Indian Veterans Assoc.-Oneida Chapter, Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club,
Vietnam Veterans of America, WI Dept. of Veterans Affairs, WI Job Service, Milw. County Veterans Service Office,
WI Vietnam Veterans Inc., Military Order of the Purple Heart, Jewish War Veterans, Milw. County War Memorial Board,
Lands End, Internal Revenue Service, Marine Corp League of Wisconsin, the Ride to the
Wall Foundation, Paul Revere & the Raiders and Citizen Volunteers.

“Veterans Helping Veterans.”
Volunteers from these organizations will be
helping provide a “Hand Up-Not A Hand Out”:
WI UAW Veterans, Amer. Legion & Auxiliary, Alcoholics Anonymous, AMVETS & Auxiliary, Amer. Liver Foundation,
Center for Veterans Issues, Veterans of Foreign Wars & Auxiliary, Disabled Amer. Veterans & Auxiliary, US Army
Reserve, WI National Guard, Milw. Area Technical College, UWM-Vets Upward Bound, Catholic War Veterans, Milw.
Health Department, Milw. Municipal Court,Milw. NCO Council, Milw. Vet Center, Vets Place Central, Nat. Assoc. for
Black Veterans, Social Security, VA Domiciliary, VA Medical Center, VA Regional Office, WI Indian Veterans Assoc.-
Oneida Chapter, Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club, Vietnam Veterans of America, WI Dept. of Veterans Affairs, WI Job
Service, Milw. County Veterans Service Office, WI Vietnam Veterans Inc., Military Order of the Purple Heart, Jewish
War Veterans, Milw. County War Memorial Board, Lands End, Internal Revenue Service, Marine Corp League of
Wisconsin, the Ride to the Wall Foundation, Paul Revere & the Raiders and Citizen Volunteers.

----------------------------------------------------------------
Web Site:   http://www.war-veterans.org/Stddwn.htm

Next Stand Down: September 20 , 2008
Next Meeting Date: (May 6 , 2008) 3PM @ Armory.
 

Web Site
http://www.war-veterans.org/Stddwn.htm
 

2008
Board of Directors
President > Greg Jacobs
Vice President > Bob Hawkins
Treasurer > Renee Krueger
Secretary > Kathy Hawkins

Board of Directors
Karyl Richson
Dave Kurtz
Dan Cadotte
Jesse Torres
George Martin
Kuu Wamubu
Mike Malloy
Aubrey James

Wisconsin Veterans Stand Down, Inc.

<Stand Down February 23, 2008
<Break out of intake data>
Total Veterans Registered at Intake: 108

Gender:   Male: 101  /                Female: 07

Transportation: Came in by van: 32         /Walk-in: 76

Racial Breakdown:
Black: 88/   White: 19/     Hispanic01/       Native American-01/        Other:  0

Marital Status:
Single: 52     Married: 11/   Divorced: 32/  Separated: 09/      Widower04

Housing:
On Own: 25 /    VA/VPC:06     Friend/Relative: 41    Street: 08/       Shelter28

Employment:
Unemployed: 95/   Working:  13 /    Looking for work: Yes: 52 /        No: 56

Education Level:
GED/HS Grad: 84/        Less than HS: 06       /2YR Deg.: 11         /4YR Deg: 07

Number of Stand Downs Attended:
First Stand Down: 56     Second Stand Down  14 /       Attended Three or More Stand Downs: 38
On Disability:
SCD under 30%: 05/   SCD over 30%:16 /      Pending: 08 /          NSCD: 29/       Int. in Filing for SCD: 30

Branch of Service:
Army: 71   /Marines: 19 /    Navy: 10   /Air Force: 08/     Coast Guard: 0
Service Era:
WWII Era: 01 /  Korean Era: 04 /   Vietnam Era: 57 /   Gulf War Era: 05/     Peacetime:  41

Total Non-Veterans:  09
Gender: Female: 05   Male: 04
Spouse of Vet Served: 03/  Child of Vet Served:03/   Relative of Vet : 02    Guest of Vet Served: 01

Data from Stand Down
February 23, 2008
Total Number of Participating Volunteers Registered:  256

Clinic Report

Eligibility and registration, mental health screening section ---65
Unique SS# seen @ Stand Down ---08
Blood Pressure Screening----32
Blood Glucose Readings-----30
TB Tests given ----37
TB Tests Read------35
TB Tests w/positive reading ---- 0

Medical

Eye exams done @ Stand Down ---- 43
Veteran Vouchers for glasses: -----16
Veterans provided reading glasses @ Stand Down: -----30

Dentist

Dental Screenings done @ Stand Down ---31
Veterans Vouchers for dental work -----21

Job Service Report

# of Veterans that received services by Job Service Vet Staff at Stand Down 64
# of Veterans that were registered in a Job Center office that had not seen Vet Staff 11
# of Veterans not registered with a Job Center that were provided job search information 39
# of job referrals at Stand Down  04
# of bus tickets passed out at Stand Down for Veterans to get to Job Service 27

Legal
Veterans seen by judge @ Stand Down----36
Veterans’ Warrants “lifted” by judge @ Stand Down-----08
Commitments withdrawn by judge @ Stand Down------02
Veterans given referrals to Justice 2000 Court Alternatives Program for follow up----07

Social Security

Veterans requesting other benefit information----20

MATC Barbers

Haircuts given @ Stand Down-----47
 
 

STAND DOWN WISH LIST
(ON GOING)
All new items

Personal Care Item
Shampoo-Deodorant-Soap-Shave Cream-Toothpaste
(Should be large sizes and not travel sizes)
Please remember, the majority of veterans we see are of the male gender

Small Kleenex packages-Disposable Razors-Combs-Toothbrushes

Wash Clothes-Reading Glasses (Different strengths)-Eyeglass cases

Undergarments (male)
(Sizes needed Medium to 4X)

Briefs-T shirts-Socks

Undergarments (female)-On a much more limited basis and assorted sizes

Briefs-Bras-Socks

Other
Backpacks-4 or 6 foot White (light) tables
Folding chairs-Walkie Talkies
 

Milwaukee Stand Down
Official Web Site:
http://www.war-veterans.org/Stddwn.htm

Wisconsin Veterans Stand Down, Inc.
Post Office Box 170307
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217-8026

Dear Comrades and Friends;

     It's that time again, as you can see by the flyer enclosed it is once again time for our semi-annual
"Stand Down" here in Milwaukee.  I promised that I would notify you of the event-- consider yourself notified.
 

     We have experienced many successful recoveries from the plight of homelessness as a result of services
obtained at "Stand Down" such as legal services provided by the volunteer lawyers of the Justice Department,
or the Municipal Court Judge who donates his time and services in the form of granting amnesty to individuals
with issues like traffic and civil violations allowing these veterans to return to society.  It was reported that do
to the services provided by an IRS agent this past February as much as $40,000 was saved and refunded to
veterans that would have not known they had money coming.  Combined with other services offered through
"Stand Down" these veterans re-establish themselves in the work force and once again provide for themselves
and their families in much the same manner as you and I often take for granted.
 

     Thank you in advance for your interest and involvement in this program of service to our less-fortunate
comrades in their time of need.  Wisconsin Stand Down, Inc. is a non-profit organization registered in the state
with no paid staff.  All the staff and service providers at 'Stand Down" are volunteers so any and all tax-deductible
contributions go directly to the veteran in need, and when combined with the services and supplies that are donated
provide maximum service at minimum costs.  If you can provide a service that would be needed at "Stand Down"
and would like to participate as a volunteer, or would like to attend the "Stand Down" as an "observer" let us know.
If you are unable to attend but would like to financially contribute to this cause your donations will be greatly
appreciated and put to good use to purchase some of the items we do not get donated such as eyeglasses,
dental work, toiletry articles and bus tickets etc.

Thank you again for showing that you indeed do:

"Care Enough to Make a Difference!"

Sincerely yours in appreciation;

Greg Jacobs, President

Wisconsin Veterans Stand Down, Inc.

Weekday phone: (414) 902-5729

Evenings/Weekends: (414) 527-1271

Fax: (414) 902-5403

DO YOU KNOW A HOMELESS OR "AT RISK" VETERAN?
WISCONSIN VETERANS
Stand Down Rally
Wisconsin National Guard Armory
       Where?  4108 North Richards Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211
Saturday
     When?  September 20, 2008
7:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Veterans Helping Veterans
A Hand Up - Not A Hand Out

-Federal and State Veterans Information-
-Drug and Alcohol Treatment Information-
-Employment Information-

Together Then - Together Now

For more information contact:
WI Stand Down Voice Mail (Greg Jacobs):  902-5729
Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office: 382-1727
Vet's Place Central: 342-5000
Wisconsin Dept. of Veteran Affairs  (Fernando Rodriguez): 382-1756
Veterans Job Service Representatives:
Milwaukee Northside: (Stan Kogutkiewicz)  438-2019
Milwaukee Southside:  (Greg Williams)  389-6293
WISCONSIN VETS STAND DOWN WEB PAGE: http://www.war-veterans.org/Stddwn.htm
(Donated & Maintained by Jeff (Doc) Dentice)
_______________________________________________________________________
Veterans Pick-up Points
Milwaukee Public Library- 10th & Wisconsin Avenue
 -South11th/Mitchell-South16th/National
 -Teutonia & Capitol- Burleigh & 27th Street- Atkinson & Capitol- North Ave & FonDuLac- North Ave & Martin
Luther King Dr- Silver Spring & Green Bay Rd- Burleigh & 24th Street(Moody Park)
Pick-up Only from 7:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

Wisconsin Veterans Stand Down, Inc.
Post Office box 170307
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217-0307
What is a “Stand Down”?

     Many of our friends and comrades have been asking this question in the Milwaukee area in recent years so
we will try to shed some light on the most recent application of the term.
     During a “Stand Down” soldiers are removed from the field of combat for rest and recreation.  Homeless and at-risk veterans in this
country are not unlike soldiers in combat, living in the field (streets), surviving by their wits with limited rations and enduring very unfavorable
living conditions.  Every day they must continue to do battle.  Their adversaries are lack of housing, unemployment,
physical and emotional hardships and hopelessness.
     Today’s version of a “Stand Down” is designed and intended to bring a wide array of pre-existing specialized resources together
at one location and to provide a comprehensive therapeutic program to homeless and at-risk veterans that integrates employment,
housing, medical, legal and a broad range of social services.
     Studies have concluded that veterans appear to be at-risk of homelessness for much the same reasons as other Americans.
Socioeconomic structural factors have largely been responsible for the increased numbers of homeless people.
Personal vulnerabilities such as poverty and mental illness have influenced the type of individual that becomes at risk of homelessness.
These studies also estimate that as many as 40% of the homeless men in America are combat trained veterans.

  The current “Stand Down” concept has six basic goals:

1.   To provide a “hand-up”, not a “hand-out” for immediate relief from the trauma and stress of homelessness.
2.   To provide access to services and assistance in the area of employment, clothing, matters of hygiene, medical/dental exams etc.
3.   To provide access to longer term solutions like Department of Veteran Affairs benefits, employment opportunities, medical /legal assistance and other social services.
4.   To build and maintain strong long-term interagency and community working relationships.
5.   To continue to raise community and state awareness of the plight of the homeless and at-risk veterans to develop long term solutions.
6.   To encourage and aid in the replication of this program in our community and other cities across the state.

     Now that you have a better idea of the current application of the term “Stand Down” we are hoping that you will join us in educating
the public and help lessen, if not eliminate the plague that is infecting veterans and their families in our community.

Wisconsin Veterans Stand Down Inc.
Post Office box 170307
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217-0307

Dear Friends and Comrades:
     On behalf of the Wisconsin Veterans Stand Down committee we are seeking your financial support for the funding of our on-going
services to homeless and at risk veterans in our area.  At our two Stand Down’s held in 2006 we helped to provide aid and
comfort to over 350 veterans in the Milwaukee area.  This was just a small segment of the homeless veteran population in our city;
there is a much larger population of veterans that are at risk of becoming homeless if something is not done now.  Our last “Stand Down”
was held on February 24, 2007 at the Richards Street National Guard Armory 4108 North Richards Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
At this Stand Down we served nearly 150 needy veterans, providing various services including providing eyeglasses and dental services
for homeless or at-risk veterans.  In addition to the aforementioned services we fed over 300 participants and volunteers through the
generous donations given to our program by concerned individuals and organizations like you throughout the state.
     We are currently in the planning stage for our next Stand Down to be held September 22, 2007 once again at the Richards Street
National Guard Armory in Milwaukee.  We are still in need of financial assistance so that we can provide hot and nutritious meals,
toilet articles, eye exams, glasses, much needed dental work, work boots and other items such as bus passes to get to job interviews etc.
It is our hope that you, your organizations, members and friends will be able to help us in this important endeavor.
     We are deeply grateful for whatever assistance you can provide.  If you have any questions please feel free to call me for further details.
Sincerely Yours in Comradeship;

Greg Jacobs, President
Weekday phone: (414) 902-5729
Evenings/Weekends: (414) 902-5403
E-MAIL Address:
 jacobg@dwd.state.wi.us  (or) jacobg3@aol.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please complete and return this form and your tax deductible check to:
Wisconsin Veterans Stand Down Inc.
PO box 170307
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217-8026

From: _________________________ Contact Person: ___________________________
Address: __________________________ City: _____________ State: ____ Zip: ______
     Yes, we would like to help.  Here is our check for:
(   ) $20   (   ) $30    (    ) $40    (   ) $50    (   ) $75   (   ) $100    (   ) other $__________
Thank you on behalf of the Stand Down Committee and needy veterans of our community.

Wisconsin Veterans Stand Down, Inc.
Post Office box 170307
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53217-8026

What is a “Stand Down”?

        Many of our friends and comrades have been asking this question in the Milwaukee area in recent
years so we will try to shed some light on the most recent application of the term.
     During a “Stand Down” soldiers are removed from the field of combat for rest and recreation.  Homeless and
at-risk veterans in this country are not unlike soldiers in combat, living in the field (streets), surviving by their wits with
limited rations and enduring very unfavorable living conditions.  Every day they must continue to do battle.
Their adversaries are lack of housing, unemployment, physical and emotional hardships and hopelessness.
     Today’s version of a “Stand Down” is designed and intended to bring a wide array of pre-existing specialized
resources together at one location and to provide a comprehensive therapeutic program to homeless and at-risk
veterans that integrates employment, housing, medical, legal and a broad range of social services.
     Studies have concluded that veterans appear to be at-risk of homelessness for much the same reasons as other
Americans.  Socioeconomic structural factors have largely been responsible for the increased numbers of homeless
people.  Personal vulnerabilities such as poverty and mental illness have influenced the type of individual that
becomes at risk of homelessness. These studies also estimate that as many as 40% of the
homeless men in America are combat trained veterans.
 

  The current “Stand Down” concept has six basic goals:

1.   To provide a “hand-up”, not a “hand-out” for immediate relief from the trauma and stress of homelessness.
2.   To provide access to services and assistance in the area of employment,
clothing, matters of hygiene, medical/dental exams etc.
3.   To provide access to longer term solutions like Department of Veteran Affairs
benefits, employment opportunities, medical /legal assistance and other social services.
4.   To build and maintain strong long-term interagency and community working relationships.
5.   To continue to raise community and state awareness of the plight of the
homeless and at-risk veterans to develop long term solutions.
6.   To encourage and aid in the replication of this program in our
community and other cities across the state.

     Now that you have a better idea of the current application of the term
“Stand Down” we are hoping that you will join us in educating the public and help lessen,
if not eliminate the plague that is infecting veterans and their families in our community.

Wisconsin Veterans Stand Down, Inc.
CONTACT
GREG JACOBS

WISCONSIN VETS STAND DOWN WEB PAGE
http://www.war-veterans.org/Stddwn.htm
Courtesy of
Jeff (Doc) Dentice)
Doc's Email

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