Santa Clara County veterans receive help at annual Stand Down

For Santa Clara County officials and advocates, their message to local military veterans fighting the challenges of civilian life is clear — we have your back. Veterans and their families were welcomed home at the county’s fourth annual Stand Down. Named for a military time of rest and recovery, Stand Downs started after the Vietnam War to offer resources and care to those who served. The Nov. 5-6 event at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds provided veterans with housing information, employment and legal assistance, medical and dental screenings, mental health resources, clothing, food and even a haircut. A “claims clinic” helped veterans expedite access to their benefits. There are nearly 40,000 civilian veterans living in Santa Clara County, according to U.S. Census data. The sacrifices and service of veterans will never be forgotten, Darlyn Escalante, director of the Santa Clara County Office of Veterans Services, said during the opening ceremony.

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