(Volunteers Bob Van Egghen, Greater Valley Advisory Board Chairman, Lieutenant Anthony Rivera, New Britain Corps Officer, Diane Wildman, EDS Volunteer, and Richard Wildman serving the veterans as they stopped by to visit.)

Salvation Army Steps Up
For Stand Down Day

As over 1,000 veterans are served!

ROCKY HILL - The annual Connecticut Veterans Stand Down Day was held on September 12, at the Rocky Hill Veterans' Home. It was estimated that more than 1,000 veterans participated in the event, with over 70 federal and state agencies and many more business and social service groups providing necessary services, information, and support to help the veterans all in one convenient location. Many arrived via car, some on motorcycles, and others came by bus from all across Connecticut – Hartford, Bridgeport, New Haven, Waterbury, and Danbury.

(Lieutenant Steven Thomas, New Haven Assistant Corps Officer, with one of the many veterans we had the pleasure of speaking with and hearing their fond Salvation Army memories.)

The Salvation Army was there too! From the "donut girls" of World War I fame to today’s modern military, The Salvation Army proudly maintains a special place for the men and women who serve our country. Salvation Army Officers, staff, and volunteers where busy working at the booth to distribute goods and toiletries, as the veterans stopped by to visit and learn more.

Almost 2,000 pairs of Hanes socks were distributed - black socks, beige socks, white athletic socks, and some pink women’s active wear socks too. The crowd loved them all! Barker Specialty Co. in Cheshire donated travel/beach-safe lanyards and rubber jar openers, which were both big hits with everyone. P’Zazz of Farmington donated ballpoint pens. There were also many toiletries collected by the Army and distributed to any veterans who wanted them. The event ran from 7:00 AM until 3:00 PM and was enjoyed by everyone who participated.

Lieutenant Anthony Rivera reflected, "It was an honor to meet these men and women, who have served our country so faithfully. They have sacrificed so much to protect us and now we have a chance to give back. I thank God for this opportunity. We are truly blessed."