Helping Veterans One Cold Refreshing Soft Drink at a Time
By: John Dunn
(See the Video here)
They are the men and women who fought for our freedom, but now many mid-state veterans find themselves in need.
One group is always there to help.
Operation Stand Down reaches out to help as others give back.
It was a patriotic mood in Lebanon as hundreds come out to help our veterans.
"It's all from the community through donations," says Sandra Edmonds with the Snow White Drive-in.
Each large coke and every t-shirt being sold at the Snow White Drive-In Friday night results in a donation to Operation Stand Down – an organization that helps homeless veterans.
"You know we think about the homeless we don't think about that some of those are our nation's heroes," says Sandra Edmonds.
"We put it in a fund that we could use when nothing else would cover that expense," says Mary Ross with Operation Stand Down.
Operation Stand Down will use the money as part of its Gerald Fund, named for a formerly homeless veteran helped by the organization.
"When Gerald passed away he left everything he had, his small savings account, to Operation Stand Down to help other veterans," says Mary Ross.
Last month nearly 550 veterans came by the Nashville service center looking for help. It was the busiest month in Stand Down's 11 year history.
Veterans like Cordell Bennett are among those receiving assistance.
"They had a great impact on my life, they really have," says Bennett.
Because there are so many needs, the Gerald Fund is often used for things like groceries, medical care, even funerals.
Bennett says it makes a difference.
"They have helped me tremendously, they have opened doors that weren't open before,"says Bennett.
The goal here is to raise money for the people who’ve defended freedom abroad, and now face new challenges here at home.
“Veterans need help and when you think about what they've done for us, we can't do enough for them," says Sandra Edmonds.
Gerald's Fund should get a nice contribution after Friday night's fundraiser, but more help is always needed. For more information go to fox17.com, click on fox links, and look for "Operation Stand Down."
The Gerald Fund was nearly broke several weeks ago because so many veterans needed help.
Since then, thousands of dollars have been donated.
To help Operation Stand Down Nashville, simply visit their website or call Mary Ross at 615-248-1981
