Nellis and Creech Airmen reach out to homeless veterans Published May 20, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Aileen Carter Nellis AFB Public Affairs LAS VEGAS -- The term "homeless veteran" is not an easy pill for many Airmen to swallow. It was this phrase that headlined e-mails sent out to gather volunteers for the Las Vegas Homeless Veterans Stand Down, which took place May 14-15 close to Nellis AFB, Nev. More than 175 volunteers from Nellis and Creech Air Force bases responded to the two-day event, said Master Sgt. Clarence Johnson, 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant at Nellis. Sergeant Johnson said he has served as the Nellis liaison on the stand down planning committee for three years, where he recruited, organized and obtained approval for Nellis and Creech Airmen to participate. Nellis volunteers accounted for half of the total volunteers for this event, said Ms. Shalimar Cabrera, U.S. Vets Las Vegas site director. U.S. Vets is a non-profit organization that hosts the Las Vegas Homeless Veterans Stand Down. "In a nutshell, we couldn't do it without Nellis Airmen," Ms. Cabrera said. "They're so great because they can take on any task." Since the first stand down started in 1988 by a group of Vietnam Veterans wanting to help other vets, the event has emerged nationwide as an extension of the many programs offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The annual stand downs may last anywhere from one to three days, providing services such as housing assistance, haircuts, showers, clothing, medical and dental services, warrant assistance, hot meals, employment assistance, family support and legal assistance. For some Nellis volunteers, participation in the stand down meant giving back to the community. "It just means a lot for me to help other people," said Staff Sgt. Christine Franchi, 99th Comptroller Squadron customer service supervisor at Nellis. "I saw the homeless veterans were in need of help and wanted to volunteer." Sergeant Franchi volunteered May 14, where she cooked and served more than 400 hamburgers and 300 hot dogs. "These people did so much for our country, and they've got nothing living on the streets," said Senior Airman Joseph Burnell, 99th Security Support Squadron response force leader. "We have these small programs out there, and I'm more than obligated to join to try to help them out." Airman Burnell said he enjoyed volunteering at the stand down so much, he extended his assigned shift to cover two shifts as a courtesy patrolman at the stand down May 14. Although some of the Airmen were surprised that veterans are in a homeless situation--Airman Burnell was not. "I've seen so many people get out [of the military] empty handed, no education. Who knows twenty years from now, they might end up the same way. It's a scary thought," Airman Burnell added. But the veterans they were helping were nevertheless, in good spirits. "I've talked to quite a few of them--very interesting stories," said Airman Burnell. "For their situation, a lot of them seemed very high-spirited. They actually still enjoy life no matter what. It felt great." The Nellis and Creech Airmen helped 388 veterans during the two-day event. Thirty-nine veterans were placed in housing, 51 warrant checks were performed, 116 vets received medical care, 42 vets received dental care, 30 veterans took advantage of free HIV testing and 130 haircuts were given May 14 alone.
