Fourth Havre Veterans Stand Down set for Thursday

The Fourth Annual Hi-Line Veterans Stand Down, an all-inclusive event for the entire community to assist veterans, is coming again Thursday, organizer retired U.S. Army and National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Scott Prindiville said.

"It brings a lot of veterans together and some of them just come to have lunch and socialize," Prindiville said. "... We get them the help they need."

The event which will take place at the District 4 Human Resources Development Council building at 2229 Fifth Ave. in Havre from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is a collaboration between Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 497, American Legion Post 11 and other groups of volunteers.

Prindiville said some of the other groups that will be represented at the event are Havre Job Service, Bullhook Community Health Center, HRDC, Hill County Health Department, U.S. Veterans Affairs and a few local hair salons.

The event will offer many free services for veterans, Prindiville said, such as Veterans Affairs service officers answering questions and providing help, and others offering legal advice, haircuts, medical screenings, references to psychological and addiction services, educational services, employment and training opportunities, and Native American veterans representatives answering questions and providing help.

Hill County Health Department and Blue Cross Blue Shield are also going to be providing free flu shots at the stand down this year, he said.

The event is aimed at helping veterans who are in need, such as providing housing assistance and help with mental health issues, he said.

"We bring all of these providers together," he said. "... We get them the help they need or get them a push in the right direction to go where they need."

Prindiville said the main purpose of the event is to connect veterans with the number of services at no cost. He added that the event is also to help connect veterans with organizations like the American Legion or VFW.

He said it is important for veterans to remember to bring their Dd214, VA card and military identification. He added that although the event itself doesn't require these documents some of the agencies that will be at the event may.

The event will also have a free lunch of soup and sandwiches, which will be provided by Grateful Bread, Boxcars Restaurant and Bar, and The Infinity Bake Shoppe, he said. Pepsi and Coke will also be providing beverages for the event. He said the stand down has received a grant this year from the Elks Club which will be used to pay for the food.

Prindiville said that the event had about 70 people attend last year.

The Hi-Line Stand Down started in Oct. 2016, after he and a number of other veterans, who were all VFW members, saw the event's success in Great Falls, Prindiville said. He said that the events goal is to provide aid to veterans, adding that it was the first of its kind in Havre and a great tool for local veterans.

The mission statement says people are welcome to help.

"We would appreciate any assistance you could give us to make this a success," it says. "We are looking for assistance with services, monetary donations, and volunteers to host and direct individuals to the various representatives. We would also welcome donations that can be used as door prizes or giveaways."

For more information contact Prindiville at 265-4641 or email him at [email protected].