Veterans Stand Down

VETERANS STAND DOWN COMES BACK STRONG
More than 200 veterans gathered at the Northeast Washington Fairgrounds on Saturday for
Stevens County’s first veteran stand down in more than a decade, according to organizers.
The event brought together over 25 vendors from Northport to Spokane, connecting local veterans
with essential resources and services. Organizers said that attendees were able to obtain
new Veterans Administration identification cards and access medical services, nursing assistance,
mental health counseling, and even medical checkups for pets.
Organizers also distributed military surplus items and food pantry supplies for those in attendance.
Marvin O’Hearn, post commander for American Legion Post 146 in Kettle Falls, said an
official attendance count was not yet available but expressed optimism for the future of the program.
“I can’t wait until next year,” O’Hearn said. “It will be even bigger with more help for those
that so deserve it. The weather was great and the camaraderie was amazing.”
The community-led event featured meals prepared by local volunteers, including homemade
breakfast burritos from the Northport American Legion and hamburgers donated by Jabe’s Meats,
cooked by local volunteer Grandma Deenie.