SAVANNAH, Ga. - Soldiers from the 260th Quartermaster Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade participated in the 6th annual Stand Down for Homelessness in Savannah at the Savannah Salvation Army building on Bee Road, Sept. 15.
The Department of Veteran Affairs organized the event to help provide homeless veterans food, clothes, shelter, medical attention and job opportunities.
A color guard from the 473rd Quartermaster Company kicked off the event, followed by the opening prayer by Maj. Sam Hearn of the Salvation Army.
Pete Liakakis, chairman, Chatham County Commission then encouraged the veterans during his opening remarks.
"You all are important," he said. "Just because some of you are homeless or have some negative things going on in your life right now does not make you less important. Remember this: never give up, because you can change your life by not giving up."
About 300 homeless veterans and 37 organizations and vendors participated in the event, including students from Savannah State University, who passed out clothes and shoes. Devita Brevard, a social work student at SSU and his wife, Chief Warrant Officer Marcell Brevard, 165th Petroleum Liaison Team, 260th QM were among the volunteers. Although participating in this event was part of an academic exercise for the bachelors and masters program in social work, she said she was glad that she was availed the opportunity to help and looks forward to similar events.
Savannah-area barbers and beauticians volunteered their services, as well. Disabled American Veteran volunteer Lawrence Fort, a World War II veteran, welcomed participants as they came through the doors.
"Warriors can help warriors in a way mental health people (who do not have military experience) can't," said Barbara A. Simpson, a Navy widow who helped pass out handouts for her "Warrior to Warrior" program.
A former Navy alcohol education program specialist, she said she decided to use her experience and that of other Soldiers and civilians to help servicemembers returning from deployment.
She said the program was inspired by the look on the face of her son, who was stationed at Hunter, and his fellow Soldiers when they returned from deployment.
"I have not seen that look since the (Prisoners of War) came back from Vietnam," she said.
Next year's Stand Down for Homelessness is expected to take place in Dublin, according to Jerry T. Walker, a service officer for Disabled Veterans of America. Brunswick, Albany and Macon are also on their map.
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