Madison, WI Stand Down, October 24, 2015
The Wayne D. Horner Memorial Stand Down was held at a Madison National Guard Armory. More than 100 area homeless veterans were provided clothes, boots, coats, haircuts, medical and dental attention, a couple of hot meals, community resources, and all important camaraderie.
“Stand down” is a military term denoting the return of troops from the front lines. They would have a day or so of rest and “recharging the batteries,” physically, mentally, and spiritually. About 20 non-profit organizations participated in the event including the Lutheran Military Support Group represented by two board members, a spouse, an ELS pastor, an ELS elementary school teacher, and a WELS pastor.
Pastor Karl Hermanson of Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oregon, Wisconsin holds a LMSG pamphlet; Joan Behr (Denny’s wife) and Camilla Dashcund, a teacher at Madison Holy Cross Lutheran Elementary School, hold hand-made “thank you for your service” cards from the students.
Command Master Chief Denny Behr and Pastor Karl (as he is known in the vets’ community) give “thumbs up” with a homeless vet friend.
Erhard Opsahl, Pastor Joshua Janke of Risen Savior Lutheran Church in McFarland, and Pastor Karl staff the LMSG table in between the American Legion and Vets’ Center.
A Marine vet displays his breakfast “grub” at the Stand Down.
Hair care for vets was one of many activities available at the Stand Down.
