[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15252]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   MINNESOTA'S 10TH ANNUAL STAND DOWN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Minnesota's 
10th annual Stand Down, held August 1-4, 2002.
  Minnesota Stand Down is an annual event that provides homeless 
veterans and their families with a break from the daily struggles of 
unemployment, personal issues, and medical and legal problems. Over the 
past nine years, 3900 volunteers have gathered on the banks of the 
Mississippi River to give their time and energy serving thousands of 
homeless and near homeless veterans and their families. The unified 
efforts of these volunteers provide a brief, yet welcoming, respite for 
those veterans who face the struggles of the street and the despairs of 
poverty.
  I am proud to be a cosponsor of a bill recognizing the merits of 
Stand Downs and increasing the number of Stand Downs in America. H.R. 
3271, the Bruce Vento Stand Down Act, will enact a pilot program 
authorizing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct and 
participate in at least one Stand Down in every state. This effort will 
also increase the number of Stand Downs in America through a 
partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans' 
service organizations, and community volunteers in coordinating Stand 
Down events for our nation's homeless veterans.
  The Minnesota Stand Down is a fitting and worthy event, recognizing 
the efforts of the veterans in our community and providing needed 
relief from the difficulties of day-to-day life. As a state legislator, 
I was especially proud to represent veterans in Minnesota and champion 
their patriotism, courage and honor. As a Member of Congress, I will 
continue supporting Stand Downs across the country and I encourage my 
colleagues to do the same.

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