[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 25 (Monday, March 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E371]]


          RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF STAND DOWN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 7, 2005

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a 
national tradition that has helped thousands of America's veterans 
escape homelessness and recover from drug and alcohol dependence.
  In 1988, two Vietnam veterans shared a vision. Dr. Robert Nachison 
and Mr. John Van Kuren wanted to take action to help their fellow 
veterans struggling with homelessness or addictions.
  Dr. Nachison and Mr. Van Kuren developed a plan to hold a three-day 
event in San Diego to bring together the resources veterans would need 
to turn their lives around for the better. Their vision brought food, 
shelter, counseling, drug and alcohol treatment all in one place 17 
years ago in San Diego. They called this event ``Stand Down.''
  Dr. Nachison himself said he thought it would be a one-time event. He 
had no idea that within a few years, almost every major city in the 
United States would stage its own Stand Down or similar event.
  Since then, thousands of homeless veterans across the nation have 
received the assistance they need and have escaped the streets because 
of the assistance at Stand Down.
  Mr. Speaker, I attend Stand Down in San Diego each year and have met 
veterans who have the courage to seek help. I have heard dozens and 
dozens of moving stories.
  Johnny Bonds, for instance, is a Navy veteran from San Diego. He 
began to drink heavily and became an alcoholic by the time he left the 
service.
  Mr. Bonds was separated from his wife and young daughter as the 
drinking began to take its toll.
  He lived for six years on the streets in Southern California and 
continued to drink heavily. In 1996, he attended the annual Stand Down 
in San Diego seeking food and shelter for the night.
  He had no idea Stand Down would completely change his life.
  Over the three days, he learned of a drug and alcohol treatment 
program administered by the Vietnam Veterans of San Diego. He enrolled 
and completed the program within a few months.
  Mr. Bonds, now 52 years old, has been sober for years and never again 
spent one night on the streets. He has maintained a full-time job.
  He was also reunited with his daughter after 20 years apart. Today, 
he visits her on a regular basis.
  Mr. Bonds' story is not uncommon. Stand Down provides our homeless 
veterans with a tremendous opportunity.
  Since 1988, thousands of veterans have taken advantage of this 
opportunity and are living better lives today.
  I am introducing a resolution honoring Dr. Robert Nachison and Mr. 
John Van Kuren for acting on their vision and for providing thousands 
of veterans with another chance at life.
  This resolution also recognizes the veterans who attend Stand Down 
and who have the courage to do what it takes to live productive lives.

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