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Annual 'stand down' helps local veterans

Northwest Florida Daily News - 11/6/2020

Nov. 7--CRESTVIEW -- At least 55 local military veterans and about 150 volunteers took part in the 2020 Okaloosa-Walton Homeless Veterans Stand Down held Friday at the Crestview Community Center.

The stand down is a one-stop shop of sorts where veterans in need can get anything from medical and dental screenings to clothing and cold weather gear.

Public defenders and Okaloosa County Judge Angela Mason were on hand to help resolve minor legal issues, while nursing staff from the Eglin VA Clinic provided immunizations in another room.

Representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs were on hand to provide housing and benefits assistance to veterans, who could also receive employment counseling through CareerSource Okaloosa Walton.

The annual event is usually held in Fort Walton Beach, but organizers decided to move it to Crestview this year. Shuttles were provided to pick up veterans at locations in Fort Walton Beach and Destin.

"We've not had one up here and we have folks who needed services," said Dennis Krebs, a 30-year Air force veteran and chairman of the event. "We've had so much support from the Crestview community."

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