In past years, the Stand Down took place in mid-March. The move to the fall provides organizers with additional planning time and an opportunity to provide warm clothing and other supplies closer to the colder months. Stand Down is a term created during the Vietnam conflict to describe the rest and relaxation time troops were allowed away from combat. A grant from the U.S. Department of Labor helps make the event possible.

Community Support Services is again the lead Mecklenburg County department for the event because it includes the Veterans Services Office and the Homeless Support Services Division. Other Mecklenburg County departments supporting the effort include Park and Recreation, Area Mental Health, Social Services and Public Service and Information. You can view a short video of last year’s event online.

As plans progress and more information becomes available, you can get news, updates and details about Stand Down 2011 online at www.MecklenburgCountyNC.gov, the County’s official website.

For information about how you can get involved with Stand Down 2011, contact Darryl Crenshaw at 704-336-2102, or Joe Rapley at 704-900-9337. If you would like to help sponsor the event, contact Brian Gott at 704-621-1808, or Brian.Gott@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov for information.