Foothills Veterans Winter Stand Down to support Caldwell County veterans

Oct. 30—Veterans from Caldwell and surrounding counties are invited to attend the Foothills Veterans Winter Stand Down that will take place Nov. 9 at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir.

Doors open at 8 a.m. and the main event begins at 9 a.m. at the center, which is located at 1913 Hickory Blvd.

"This is one day all of the veterans can come together and have camaraderie with other veterans and community organizations," said Stanley McCormick, cochair of the Winter Stand Down Planning Committee.

Veterans and their spouses will receive a free breakfast, which sets the stage for a day filled with valuable resources, connections and support.

The keynote address will be delivered by Ric Vandett, a distinguished author, educator, and Vietnam veteran who served with the First Air Cavalry and First Infantry Division. Vandett's insights and experiences promise to inspire and inform.

The event will also feature the American Legion National Champion West Caldwell High School Color Guard to present the colors.

More than 40 vendors, including veterans organizations, will be on hand to provide information regarding a variety of services and support to veterans. Some of the available services include medical services, employment assistance, education opportunities, resources and information, assistance with filing veterans claims, optometry services, blood pressure checks, massage therapy, veterans discount cards and passport information.

The stand down will also provide a free lunch to anyone in attendance.

Greenway Transportation will offer shuttles to help transport people from the parking lot to the Civic Center. Greenway will also offer transportation to the stand down. Veterans can schedule transportation by calling Greenway at 828-464-9444 by Nov. 2.

The Foothills Winter Veterans Stand Down is designed to provide one-stop access to services that are tailored to meet the unique needs of veterans. All participating vendors and organizations are committed to providing the utmost support and assistance to our veterans.

The Foothills Winter Veterans Stand Down is an annual event dedicated to providing support and resources to veterans in Caldwell County and surrounding areas. It serves as a testament to the community's commitment to honoring and assisting those who have served in the armed forces. This event is made possible through generous donations and the collaborative efforts of various organizations