VETERANS ENJOY FOOD AND PAMPERING AT NORTH COAST STAND DOWN

From everything to food to this…
 
“Acupuncture, it's for PTSD, and they put it in your ear and it helps,” Juanita Terry said.
 
Veterans had an array of options and services to choose from, including some for their pets.
 
The Redwood Animal Hospital offered free services to the veteran's cats and dogs.
 
The event is usually three days long and is held at the fairground in Ferndale. However, this year it was brought to Eureka and is only one day.
 
“It's a bummer,” Pierre Carbonneau said. “If you ask me it's a shame. We should be able to have it 3 days.”
 
Allan Dollison, President of the Board for the North Coast Stand Down says they’re looking into going back to the three-day event next year, but says this year is so far successful.
 
“We're only half way here and we've served over 200 veterans,” Dollison said. “We have over 40 service providers and we're feeding them meals.”
 
Veterans indulged in cake, spaghetti and sandwiches while enjoying live music. Booths offered gadgets and snacks, while volunteers distributed clothes and hygiene supplies.
 
Some veterans say this is their way to relax and should happen more than once a year.
 
“Maybe twice a year would be nice,” Terry said. “In February or March and then in October, so those of us who miss this one can go to the other one.”