Veterans Stand Down returns to Havre Thursday

After a year away due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Havre’s Veterans Helping Veterans Stand Down event will be held Thursday at District 4 Human Resources and Development Council from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Scott Prindiville, a veteran and longtime organizer of the event, said it’s a time for veterans to connect with local organizations and get their needs met and have a good time.

Prindiville said the event brings in people from organizations like HRDC, the Veterans Administration, Bullhook Community Health Center, Havre Job Service, the Elks Lodge, the Salvation Army and more to help veterans with whatever they may need, whether that means finding a mental health provider, or just getting a haircut.

He said they will also have some public defenders there to provide some limited legal advice, people from Montana State University in Bozeman to conduct a few research studies, and staff from Northern Montana Health Care who can administer COVID-19 vaccines.

Prindiville said the event is trying to get people from as many organizations as possible.

However, he said, the event isn’t just about providing services, but about making a fun day for local veterans to relax and enjoy a meal and some conversation.

Prindivlle said even if someone doesn’t have an immediate need, they will still have a good time.

“If they want to come and just have a sandwich and a cup of soup and sit and talk that’s great too,” he said.

He said he’s glad to be able to do the event again after having to cancel last year, because of the pandemic and he hopes to see a lot of people enjoying themselves.

“It’s good to have it back,” he said.

Prindiville said this event, organized by himself and other members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 497, is in its fifth year and attendance does vary year to year, but they’re planning for about 70 people.