The Stanislaus County Veterans Advisory Commission gathered for its September meeting in Riverbank last week, held in the Scout Hall building on High Street, next to the Corporation Yard.
In addition to commissioners representing each of the five Supervisorial Districts in the county, there were also attendees who work with other governmental and volunteer agencies that deal with issues affecting local veterans.
Commissioners meet monthly, rotating through the districts in the county, alternating with meetings at the Modesto Veterans Center. Riverbank is in the First District, and so, alternating with Oakdale and Waterford, has a local edition of the meeting once every several months.
This month, the commission learned about the planned Third Annual Veterans Stand Down, set for Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Graceada Park in Modesto. It is being presented by the Stanislaus Veterans Employment Committee.
Needy veterans will find hot meals available, showers, clothing and personal care kits, including free haircuts and beard trims. Local veteran service providers will be on hand to help with social security benefits, employment and housing assistance. Representatives of the county Veterans Service Office will be on hand to help with VA medical and other benefits information.
Among other items also discussed by commissioners was a Veteran’s Education Day, set for Nov. 7 on the Modesto Junior College East Campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Activities planned include information on the various branches of U.S. military and giveaways. Information is available by calling 575-6700.
They also learned about a “Boots to Business Reboot” about starting or growing a veteran-owned business, sponsored by the California Small Business Development Center and held at the county veterans office, 3500 Coffee Road, Suite 19, Room 113. It will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lunch provided.
The next commission meeting will be held at the Veterans Center on Coffee Road in Modesto on Monday, Oct. 22, at 5:30 p.m.