Veterans seek to help each other

Iowa Veterans groups are putting out the word to try and bring reclusivehomeless veterans to Des Moines for an event this afternoon. Organizers ofthe “Stand Down” at the state capitol say it’s very difficult to reach theveteran who could most use the helping hand. Bob Steben is the Iowaexecutive director of AmVets. Several agencies are sponsoring the “StandDown,” which is a term for a war-time procedure where exhausted combat unitsare removed from the battlefield to get needed rest. Steben says all sortsof help will be available at the weekend event. New clothing, food,vaccinations, medical care and a barber are provided. The 24 hour “StandDown” will be held on the state capitol grounds starting at four p-m today,running through four p-m Saturday. Steben says any veterans and their familymembers are welcome. Steben says the “Stand Down” is a temporary place forhomeless veterans to step back from the battle of life on the streets. Theevent is co-sponsored by several churches and missions and chapters of theParalyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America and DisabledAmerican Veterans.deaths are clearly preventable. Miller presented his plans at the statecapitol this morning. He travels to Davenport, Cedar Rapids, Sioux City andCouncil Bluffs today to push his message to the public.Iowa is scheduled to get the first payment in the settlement of just over76-million dollar by June 30th of next year………………………………………………………………….Celebration of the Jewish New Year begins tonight. Over 5,000 Jews in Iowaobserve Rosh (Rowsh) Hashanah through Sunday. Rabbi Neil Sandler of theTifereth (tif-air-eth) Israel Synagogue in Des Moines says the holiday is animportant time for the Jewish community. Families attend synagogue servicesand spend time with family. Sandler says Rosh Hashanah is a time of worshipand sharing important meals. Members of some synagogues in Iowa and thenation will help the hungry. Services this weekend include the distributionof grocery bags that honor the needy during the Jewish time of fasting, YomKippur. The “Operation Isaiah” food drive wraps up September 19th withcollection on the Yom Kippur (kip-pour’) holiday.