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77 °F Forecast | Road Cams Thursday, September 16, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend September 15, 2004 Volunteers prepare for Friday’s Stand Down For one veteran, the 1996 Stand Down changed his life By PAUL FATTIG Mail Tribune As a former homeless veteran, Joseph Fidura knows how it feels to be without hope. He has been cold, hungry and hung over, feeling he had no place to go but back to the bottle. That all changed when he attended the Southern Oregon Stand Down for down-and-out veterans in 1996. "I was an alcoholic, a drug addict," said Fidura, 48, an Army veteran who served first as a rifleman and later in the motor pool. "The Stand Down helped me change all of that. It showed me programs that were available that could help me." Fidura, who now works part-time as a dependence counselor, will be volunteering at the 13th annual Southern Oregon Stand Down for homeless veterans, which begins at 8 a.m. Friday at the Department of Veterans Affairs Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics in White City. Advertisement The event, which continues through Sunday afternoon, will be held in the veterans memorial stadium at the facility. Stand down is military jargon for a respite from a hostile environment, a period when those serving in the military can rest and recuperate. Olive-drab tents are being erected for the occasion. The goal in this case is to bring resources together to help homeless veterans back on their feet, said Steve Patterson, president of the Stand Down committee. "Our event has been designed to be a one-stop place where veterans have access to as many services as possible in as short a time as possible," said Patterson, 53, a Marine Corps veteran who served as a fighter pilot. In addition to receiving "three hots and a cot" — military jargon for three meals and a place to sleep — they will receive clothing, medical attention, legal help, shelter, job opportunities, counseling, even haircuts. Organized and funded by the nonprofit Southern Oregon Stand Down volunteer group with the help of local individuals and businesses, the event is expected to help about 600 homeless veterans this year. They are expected to come from throughout Oregon and Northern California. As in past Stand Downs, volunteers have arranged for van pickups throughout Western Oregon, Klamath Falls and in Crescent City, Calif. But there also will be several changes from past events. One change will be a set of maps where American troops have served over the years. Veterans will be encouraged to place markers with their names at places where they served on the maps. "In the military you lose track of your buddies," Patterson said, noting the maps may help reunite some old buddies or help foster kinship with other veterans. On Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m., veterans not in need of assistance are invited to attend chow and fellowship with the homeless veterans. A special tribute is also planned for veterans from Oregon and Northern California who have died in Iraq. Two members of the Oregon Army National Guard were killed earlier this week in Iraq. Meanwhile, local residents can step forward to help homeless veterans, Patterson said. "If you know a homeless vet who needs immediate attention, tell that person we are here," he said. "If you know someone whose heart goes out to veterans in need, please tell them they can help by volunteering or by a donation." The event depends on volunteers and donations from individuals or businesses to meet expenses, he noted. Donations may be made to the Southern Oregon Stand Down at any Rogue Federal Credit Union branch in Medford, Ashland, Central Point or Grants Pass. Donations also may be mailed to Southern Oregon Stand Down, P.O. Box 8396, Medford, OR 97501. Food or clothing can be donated by dropping it by the stadium today or Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Reach reporter Paul Fattig at 776-4496 or e-mail him at [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. 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