In the past our semi-annual Stand Downs were held at the YMCA Camp Algonquin, in Algonquin, Illinois but earlier this year, just before our spring conference, the facility closed. We were forced to make one of two decisions; not have the event or find another location. According to Mr. John Blanchard, founder and Executive Director of NASA Education, “Not doing the conference wasn’t an option. We have had incredible, measurable and verifiable results which shouldn’t change because of the venue or economic climate. Our attendees deserve the best during the good times and bad times because they had no choice but to serve their God, Country and Commander in Chief, regardless where it may have led them and now they deserve our best. If we lost Camp Algonquin, then we lost Camp Algonquin, but if I was behind enemy lines and had to fulfill a task, I’m still going to do it regardless of what the obstacles may be. So if losing Camp Algonquin was an obstacle, we’ve turned it into an opportunity to make everything better because the people that attend the conference couldn’t have it any worse. If we can’t obligate two days, twice a year to pull even one attendee out of their homeless status, then we have no reason to wrap ourselves in the flag as public servants.” Blanchard, continued by saying, “ Those challenged and charged in fulfilling veterans opportunities as veterans organizations, should do whatever it takes to fulfill their mission regardless of funding or personal opinion. I challenge everybody in the seven county area to turn out for these individuals no matter what their personal opinions or agendas may be, whether Federal, State, County or local affiliation.”

Visit www.nasaed.org to pre-register or to see how you can help.

This bracelet is to be worn to show respect and support to our military veterans that are unselfishly defending our nation’s freedom.

100% of all proceeds go toward participants of NASA Education’s Project Fresh Start – help put a veteran back to work.

1-866-EDU-4YOU

Today, Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation’s estimated 200,000 homeless veterans “combat” life on the streets. Homeless veterans are brought together in a single location and are provided access to the community resources needed to begin addressing their individual problems and rebuilding their lives. In the military tradition, Stand Down afforded battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health and overall sense of well-being. Today’s Stand Down affords the same opportunity to homeless veterans.

Over 300 homeless veterans are expected to attend the two-day event in McHenry County and receive services such as medical screenings, meals, showers, overnight shelter, employment services, free haircuts, and the distribution of clothing, underwear and toiletry items.

Our Mission
To help U.S. veterans who are displaced, disabled or otherwise in transition become integrated into community life by giving them a welcoming work/training environment and trainers/co-workers to act as mentors and role models, and by connecting them with VA and community programs to further ease this transition into mainstream community life through the Stand Down for Homeless Veterans.