Homeless veterans enjoyed a day of relief thanks to the generosity of some community members. For years, Stand Down Wisconsin has brought community-based intervention programming to homeless veterans across the country with the goal of helping them rebuild their lives and on Saturday, their program was featured in Madison.

It was war Veteran Wayne D. Horner’s dream to bring it to Madison, but due to complications from Agent Orange exposure related to his service, he was not able to see his dream come to fruition. A few years later, some of his fellow combat Veterans teamed up to make his vision a reality, hosting the first Stand Down Madison event in 1993. Now, his wife Rivina Horner, is carrying on her late husband’s legacy.

Each year, veterans spend the day picking out clothing, stocking up on hygiene materials, getting free haircuts and learning about counseling services. This year’s event was complete with fresh, hot cooked meals and entertainment from a veteran folk band.

Organizers arranged for free transportation to the event from 15 different community centers to help with accessibility.

Each year, attendance fluctuates. Promoters say last year, over 160 veterans attended the event. This year, the numbers are down, with just over 70 veterans stopping by. Organizers say this is a good sign, as the Veteran’s Administration has been working to place homeless vets in homes around the state.

Although this year’s attendance numbers are down, Stand Down President Betsie Thompson says their work won’t be done until all veterans have a home.

“Whether we have 60, 160 or one veteran, we’re going to be here until there is not another vet left.”

Attendees say the event is a great way to help veterans get back on their feet.

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