Flagler County's veterans had an opportunity to learn more about the services available to them recently during a Stand Down event at the Palm Coast VFW post.
U.S. Army veteran Charles Green has driven past the Palm Coast VFW Post 8696 several times over the past six years but never stopped in.
On Saturday, that changed when the post was host to the annual Stand Down event to offer connections and services to veterans and members of the armed forces.
Green stopped by and spoke with representatives of Flagler County Social Services, Halifax Health, the American Red Cross and other organizations. He spoke with Larry and Nikki White of The American Flag Project, who presented him with a Vietnam War commemorative pin and gave him a hug in gratitude for his service.
Now, Green says he’ll return to the post.
“They let you know what’s around and the different activities going on for veterans," he said. "I learned a lot. I’ll be back now that I know. You always have military friends — they’re friends for life, all of them."
The Stand Down, held in conjunction with the Flagler County Veterans Services office, Career Source Flagler Volusia and other organizations, provides a link to the estimated 11,000-13,000 veterans living in Flagler County, seeking to reach those who need or may not realize the benefits they are entitled to, according to David Lyons, director of Flagler County Veterans Services.
“Fortunately, it looks like Flagler has limited homeless veterans, but we do have veterans in need so this event is to get information out, services out and nourishment,” said Lyons.
Joe Roberts, representing Career Source, works with job seekers to prepare and place those seeking employment by helping them with services such as resumes, interview skills and job search skills.
He said some employers request applicants who are veterans and step up to help match talents to jobs and careers.
“I see it a lot in Volusia and Flagler County," he said. "We have employers reach out and ask for a pool of veterans for different types of jobs, from management to construction jobs. It’s across the board. If they’re motivated to work with us, I can see in their eyes and listen to what they need and provide them with that level of service."
Other services available for veterans at Saturday's event included no-cost clothing from Parkview Baptist Church and Emmanuel’s Closet, food and care packages provided by Pastor Charles Silano and the Grace Community Food Pantry, and grooming services from Flagler Technical Institute’s cosmetology program.
“We wanted to give back to the community and make them aware we’re there for them at the school,” said FTI instructor Phillipi Snowden.
Indian Trails Middle School students Kaydon Price and Henson White aksi were on hand to show how they and their fellow students were supporting members of the military and their families by forming a military support group.
“We’re trying to increase the support for veterans in Flagler County,” Henson said. “We have done a survey at our school at Indian Trails. We’ve written letters and now we’re making care packages to send to soldiers overseas. We’re going to have a man from the VA come and talk to students in our class about veterans, and we’ll have a car wash sometime in April and give the money to the VFW."
Lyons hopes word will continue to circulate in the community about what’s available to veterans.
“Coming through our office I know there are a number of them who do struggle," he said. "I run into people all of the time that don’t know what benefits are there for them and we’re here today to let them know. These services are available year-round and that’s what today is about, to educate them."
To connect with the Flagler County Veterans Services office online, go to flaglercounty.org/departments/veterans_services.