[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 151 (Tuesday, October 11, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO VOLUNTEERS OF NORTH BAY STAND DOWN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 11, 2011

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and invite 
my colleagues to join me in honoring the work of the men and women who 
have organized and staffed the North Bay Stand Down, serving homeless 
military veterans in my 7th Congressional District for a full 10 years. 
This annual event has quite literally been a lifeline for countless 
veterans and their families who have found themselves without support 
or resources to make it on their own.
  The North Bay Stand Down was established in 2002 as a one-day, one-
stop shop for access to health care and social services. That first 
year, 100 volunteer workers enrolled 50 veterans in the VA system, 
provided job counseling to 10 participants, and prepared 150 meals. 
Over the years, the program has met the ever-growing need in our 
community by expanding to a full three-day event. Last year alone, 601 
volunteers enrolled 265 veterans plus 15 family members in the Veterans 
Affairs system. In addition, they served 2,700 meals, provided job 
counseling to 101 participants, resolved 298 court cases, and provided 
medical services to 413 of the attendees.
  Each year, the North Bay Stand Down has recorded remarkable success 
stories. Veterans have found employment as well as medical and dental 
care. Many have found the strength and support to commit to a sober 
lifestyle with the help of the psychiatric services on grounds. 
Families have been stabilized as they have made the connection to 
transitional housing programs and counseling services. And Stand Down 
has provided an opportunity for veterans to connect with old friends 
finding the critical support network that is born out of shared 
experiences.
  Our military men and women have stepped up to answer our country's 
call, and what we do for them as a nation after they step out of the 
uniform must match that level of commitment. While the GI benefits have 
been expanded in recent years, it is clear that the needs of our 
returning veterans still outweigh the resources available. The North 
Bay Stand Down continues to fill in that gap. So many of our returning 
military veterans are finding barriers to their successful readjustment 
to civilian life. I am ever grateful for the men and women volunteers 
of North Bay Stand Down who, year after year, have helped knock those 
barriers down.