Pictured L to R: Nancy Kislak, Lolita Smith, and Yvonne Nelson.

The Conejo Valley Chapter membership rolled up their sleeves recently at the Ventura County Stand Down for Homeless Veterans. The three-day event held July 20 – 22, 2012, at the National Guard Armory in Ventura, welcomed homeless veterans where they were treated like royalty all weekend. This event draws veterans from as far away as Western Los Angeles and Santa Barbara Counties as well as Ventura County. Transportation to the event is provided in-part by the Veterans Administration for those veterans who are in need.

 This is the Conejo Valley Chapters’ seventh year of participating not only with volunteer hours but with donations as well. The chapter donated the Sunday morning breakfast which fed over 150 vets, purchased new shoes, and donated used clothing for distribution to clothe over 100 veterans. The event is operated solely through the support of many different service organizations that donate their time, professional expertise, and funds. Homeless veterans are provided with shelter, a clean bed, and three meals each day. Additional services offered are medical and dental care, counseling, help finding a home and/or jobs, legal aid, and spiritual counseling. All services are provided free of charge by participating offices and organizations.  

 Submitted by: Barbara Gingrich Spiegel