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Source: La Crosse Tribune, Wis.自存倉Sept. 27--The event was labeled a Stand Down for Homeless Veterans, but it actually was an event where agencies stood up for the vets.It was a far cry from the reception many got when they returned home during the Vietnam War era, several said."The only ones who met us after Vietnam were spitting on us and calling us baby killers," said one Navy veteran who described himself as semi-homeless but did not want to be identified."It's much better now," said Dennis Gibbons, a 68-year-old retiree, poet and author who lives in La Crosse and also served during the Vietnam era. "People come up to me and thank me. There was a surge of patriotism after the Gulf wars."Between 200 and 250 veterans were expected to turn out Thursday for the Stand Down that the Tomah VA Medical Center sponsored in La Crosse. Stand down is a military term meaning a cease-fire or a truce.In this case, it was a cease-fire from the troubles of daily life for a chance to get free clothing, supplies, a health screening that included a free flu shot and large doses of camaraderie and snacks, including a lunch of chili, hot dogs and brats.Many of those who attended the four-hour event at American Legion Post 52 aren't homeless. Many said they were there simply to connect with services offered through veteran agencies and other groups that had booths."I'm here to get a flu shot and information about benefits," said Gibbons, who said he had a variety of jobs after leaving the service, ranging from driving a taxi to teaching history and English to freelance writing to authoring four books."I also like the camaraderie," he said.Michael Savage of La Crosse, a Marine Corps vet who served from 1978 to 1981, described himself as "not quite homeless."I need some help on rent. I'm not sweatin' it -- I'm OK," said the 54-year-old Savage, who said he works odd jobs "here and there.""If I'd have known what I do now, I'd have done 20 years (in the service), for the simple fact of jobs," he said. "I'd have been able to get a house, and my life would have been better."Nonetheless, Savage and his wife, Vanessa, expressed gratitude for the large backpack of clothing and supplies they received."I come down here every year," Michael said. "This stuff comes in handy -- clothes, underwear. I'm very thankful for it, very thankful. It's a blessing.""Nice people help you with what you need," Vanessa said. "It honors people who served their country."Agencies with booths included the VA, Independent Living Resources, the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Western Wisconsin, Western Technical Cmini storagellege, Paws 4 Independence, Disabled American Veterans, county veterans service officers and the La Crosse Housing Authority, among others."We offer low-income housing," said Pat Lyons, occupancy specialist supervisor at the housing authority. "Veterans go to the top of the waiting list, and they're served first."Although not many veterans stopped at her booth, Lyons said, "It gives them an idea that it's there. The rent is based on income minus medical expenses, so it's probably the lowest rent in town -- as low as $50 or as high as $520."About 50 veterans are spread throughout the authority's seven high rises and other units, she said.Ann Fluekiger of La Crosse, a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and volunteer visitor at the Tomah VA Medical Center, was chatting with veterans at the Stand Down."I like the veterans. They need people. They're the same as people in nursing homes -- nobody visits them," said Fluekiger, 73, who also is an RSVP volunteer who visits nursing homes."Some people shy away from somebody who's got no legs. They don't want to go near them," she said. "So many are put there and forgotten about."That's why the Tomah VA Medical Center sponsored its 15th annual Stand Down -- to let veterans know they aren't forgotten and that help is available if they need it, said Cindi Groskreutz, health care for homeless veterans coordinator at the facility."This is one of the opportunities when we all get together and make connections so they can get to the right resources," Groskreutz said.A screening process helps determine which veterans get the backpacks full of supplies, based on financial need, she said.The number of homeless veterans in the Tomah service area declined from 310 in January 2011 to 280 in January 2012, the most recent figure available, Groskreutz said.Getting an accurate count is a daunting task, partly because some veterans don't report their situation and others "couch surf," staying with friends or relatives for varying periods of time, she said.Acknowledging that many of the veterans hesitate to discuss their housing status and other problems during media interviews, she said, "People have very strong emotions attached to their military service."Part of our role is to get people a little more comfortable with our staff and comfortable with the services and build trust," she said. "What better way than to have a veteran in hand while having a bowl of chili?"Copyright: ___ (c)2013 La Crosse Tribune (La Crosse, Wis.) Visit the La Crosse Tribune (La Crosse, Wis.) at .lacrossetribune.com Distributed by MCT Information Services儲存