Operation Stand Down Huntsville

WHEREAS, in times of war, exhausted combat units requiring time to rest and recover were removed from the battlefield to a place of relative security and safety; and

WHEREAS, at secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment; and

WHEREAS, today, Stand Down refers to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nation’s estimated 260,000 homeless veterans combat life on the streets; and

WHEREAS, homeless veterans are brought together in a single location for one to three days and are provided access to the community resources needed to begin addressing their individual problems and rebuilding their lives; and

WHEREAS, the members of Operation Stand Down Huntsville want to give homeless veterans time to rest and recover from the day to day living on the streets, alleys, under bridges, in cars or wherever they can find shelter; and

WHEREAS, by providing a secure area, if only for a little while, a life may be saved, and a veteran may conquer their addictions or find employment; and

WHEREAS, this year’s Operation Stand Down Huntsville will be the 5th Annual Event:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim October 21 through 23, 2011, as

Operation Stand Down Huntsville

in the State of the Alabama.

 

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 20th day of October 2011.

 

                                                                                 Governor Robert Bentley