 Lumbee host first national Stand Down for Veterans
The Veteran Affairs Office of the Lumbee Tribe, along with the Department of Veterans Affairs for the United States of America and the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans held its first Stand Down in Indian Country at the Indian Education Resource Center in Pembroke on Saturday, November 8, 2008.
- Click here to see Stand Down Photos-
 The purpose of the event was to offer on-site health screenings, housing, employment and other counseling services focusing on VA benefits. All veterans, regardless to race, ethnicity, heritage or sex, were invited and attended.
“I am really proud of the Veteran Affairs Office for sponsoring this event,” said Tribal Chairman Jimmy Goins(pictured right with daughter). “The timing of this event is perfect. What better way to honor our veterans, than to serve them, especially after they have served us so bravely?”
- Click here to see Stand Down Photos-
The theme of the event was “You sacrificed all to protect and serve; now we want to serve you!” A traditional Lumbee meal was served to those in attendance and veterans received items such as; sleeping bags, mats, jackets, sweaters, thermal underwear, boots, gloves, overhauls and more.
Special recognition was given to Darrell Ford and Sharon Norwood from the US Department of Veterans Affairs for their efforts in making this event a reality for the Lumbee Veteran Affairs Office. With over 500 veterans in attendance the event was a huge success, and the US Department of Veterans Affairs was so impressed that have committed to not only taking this initiative to the rest of Indian Country, but also making this event an annual event for Lumbee country.
- Click here to see Stand Down Photos- Other special recognition goes to Larry J. Ivey, Danny E. Britt, Jr., Genny Sutton, Diane Goins, Oceanus Lowery, Ertle Oxendine, Ben Jacobs and James Harold Locklear for their time and talents given to this worthy cause. |
