Established in 2010, the O’odham Veterans Celebration committee is dedicated to providing information and services to Native American veterans in Arizona. These efforts are important because they help not only veterans, but their families too. 

On Saturday, July 11, the O’odham Veterans Celebration held a Veterans Stand Down at the Salt River Community Building. A stand-down, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, is an event that provides services like clothing and military benefit information to unhoused veterans. 

The event provided resources for Veterans Affairs eligibility and enrollment, disability claims processing, toxic exposure screenings and more for veterans around the Valley. In addition, gear was also distributed to veterans.

“It’s to get all the veterans who are needing services what they need,” said O’odham Veterans Celebration Chair Troy Truax Jr. “And for camaraderie,” he added.

Events like this bring together veterans seeking resources and kinship. Many of the attendees are friends who use these events as a way to catch up with and stay in touch with one another, forming a unique community of support and friendship. 

“We come together like this for our community; it keeps us all informed about what is currently available to us veterans,” said attendee Raymond Gonzales. 

The Veterans Stand Down is an event that highlights the importance of community, especially when it comes to showing up for our veterans who benefit from the resources provided. It also encourages veterans to become more informed about the support and resources that are available to them.