Volunteers Sought for Arizona StandDown

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Meredith Mingledorff
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 944th Fighter Wing will proudly be supporting fellow veterans at the Arizona StandDown, March 8-10, at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum North Exhibit Hall in Phoenix, Ariz. A variety of helping agencies will be on hand to provide everything from free haircuts and clothing, to medical care and career counseling.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Nason of the 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office is coordinating the wing's participation and seeking volunteers interested in helping out.

"Helping our fellow veterans get their lives back on track and into a safe living situation is a benefit to those of us volunteering as well as those receiving assistance," said Nason. "These are individuals that at some time in their life took the same oath of enlistment as each member of the Armed Forces, and this is the perfect opportunity to be a good wingman for our fellow brothers and sisters in arms."

Volunteers are needed to assist with set-up and teardown, as well as liaison duty for veterans. As a liaison, the volunteer will escort the veteran receiving assistance to various booths providing personalized care and assistance to those in need.

"In the past, organizers found that some veterans were reluctant to ask for assistance," said Nason. "We are hoping that being greeted by a liaison who is able to friend the veteran in need and escort them to the different services provided, will encourage those in need to take advantage of the assistance being provided."

There are four and eight hour shifts available on Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9. The four-hour shifts are either 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., or 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The eight-hour shift is from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The attire for volunteers will be casual; jeans and a t-shirt are fine. Each volunteer will receive an Arizona StandDown t-shirt in appreciation for his or her service.

In addition to volunteering for the event, the wing will be hosting a blue jean drive for homeless veterans. Drop off gently used blue jeans to the 944th Fighter Wing to show your support. Boxes will be located throughout wing units and the Public Affairs Office in Building 988, Room 120.

If you are interested in volunteering to work this event, or would like to serve as a unit representative, please contact Staff Sgt. Joshua Nason at (480) 365-9149.

Veterans Memorial Coliseum North Exhibit Hall is located at 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, Ariz. Entry to the fairgrounds will be accessible from the 17th Avenue entrance, parking will at the North side of the coliseum.

For more information visit http://www.arizonastanddown.org.