[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1265-E1266]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNITION OF THE SACRAMENTO STAND DOWN ASSOCIATON

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                             HON. AMI BERA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2016

  Mr. BERA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Sacramento 
chapter of Stand Down on celebrating their 25th anniversary. This 
organization and its volunteers have served the veterans of the 
Sacramento region selflessly for many years and it is my pleasure to 
recognize them today.
   In military history, a ``stand down'' was a refuge for soldiers 
fighting on the front lines. It was a place for them to rest, recover, 
and receive medical care. These times gave the exhausted troops safe 
space to recuperate. Today, the Stand Down programs do the same for our 
homeless veterans.
   The Sacramento chapter of Stand Down has hosted a gathering for many 
years. There, homeless veterans can receive medical and dental care, 
showers, haircuts, and a hot meal. Several federal agencies, like the 
Social Security Administration and the Veterans Administration, are 
onsite to provide critical services. Veterans can renew their 
identification and adjudicate minor legal disputes through an onsite 
court.
   The Stand Down program has proven to be incredibly effective, with 
many veterans who have gone through the program returning as 
volunteers. These volunteers know what it's like to be a homeless 
veteran, and are happy to help their fellow veterans get the leg up 
they need.
   The Sacramento Stand Down Association has, over the past twenty-five 
years, spent countless hours providing meals, services, and a safe 
place for the homeless veterans of our region. As a doctor who has 
helped care for veterans, I've witnessed how much these men and women 
have sacrificed. I am proud to recognize the service of the Sacramento 
Stand Down Association, and wish them many more years of continued 
success.

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