LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The fourth annual Veterans Stand Down and Resource Fair held in Lakeport last month was a huge success, which organizers attribute to their many partners in the community.

The United Veterans Council of Lake County and Vet Connect/Stand Down Committee said more than 150 veterans were served at the event, which took place at Sept. 27 and 28 at the Lake County Fairgrounds.

The council and committee offered sincere gratitude to the many providers at this year’s Veteran Stand Down.

Veterans met with more than 25 different providers each day.

Services included Lake County Department of Social Services, Lake County Veteran Service offices for both Lake and Mendocino counties, Hospice Services of Lake County, Lake Transit Authority and Lake County Mental Health.

Woodland College, Safe RX and Habitat for Humanity were on hand along with numerous other state, county and local services.

The Department of Veterans Affairs offered member services representatives from the Clearlake and Ukiah Outpatient Clinics, Housing and Urban Development VASH intake and referrals, Community Nursing Home, Veteran Benefits Administration as well as other departments.

Legal Services of Northern California offered expungement services and Frontline Mobile Dental provided cost-free dental services both days, sponsored in full by the Redbud Community Health District. Mini health screenings were administered by nurses from Sutter Health and Mendocino Community Health Clinic.

Sutter Lakeside Hospital provided lunch at no charge both days of the event, the meals were prepared and served by Be Fresh and other community volunteers.

Homeless veterans received supplies such as boots, backpacks and bags, sleeping systems and tents; coats and jackets were provided by Hospice.

LTA provided free bus rides to all veterans going to and from the Stand Down.

The Vet Connect/Stand Down Committee is grateful for the more than 25 organizations, 50 representatives and 38 volunteers that attended the Stand Down both days and to those who began with the setup and stayed for the tear down of this great venue.

It is only because of volunteers and these organizations that the Stand Down is successful and our Veterans can receive so many services, the committee said.

The next Vet Connect event will be held at the American Legion Hall in Clearlake on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with lunch provided.

The 2018 Stand Down is expected to be held Sept. 20 to 21, again at the Lake County Fairgrounds.

If you would like information on how to help Lake County veterans, please contact Frank Parker at 707-274 9512.

To stay up to date regarding future events, to request information, or if you interested in being a provider at these events, join the Facebook group, Lake County Vet Connect Hook Up Hub.

Donations can be made to LCVC at Umpqua Bank in Lakeport; these donations are used to purchase surplus items and for services such as the dental van, transportation costs and other services.