Beale Airmen make a difference for homeless veterans Published Sept. 19, 2016 By Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Schultze 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- More than 70 Airmen from Beale Air Force Base, and Travis Air Force Base, recently volunteered their time to help homeless veterans in the Sacramento area during the Sacramento Stand Down. The event, which is in its 25th year, took place Sept. 16 to 18, 2016. Military and civilian volunteers assisted in setting up and participating in a three-day camp for homeless veterans. The Sacramento Stand Down has provided essential services and comfort to approximately 8,000 veterans and their dependents over the past 25 years, serving about 54,000 hot meals as well as haircuts, showers, new shoes, sleeping bags, underwear, and new or lightly used clothing. “The purpose of this event is to get homeless veterans off the streets and provide them with the assistance they need,” said Tech Sgt. Sergio Gonzales, 9th Communication Squadron section chief of plans and programs. “This event offers medical, mental health, legal and administrative help and other vital assistance to the vets to get them back on their feet and into transitional housing.” Various federal agencies were also onsite to assist veterans in obtaining duplicate copies of their discharge papers, military identification cards and drivers’ licenses. “Organizing volunteers for this event is the least I can do, in helping veterans we are helping our own people,” said Master Sgt. David Bobb, 9th Communication Squadron RF transmissions chief. Last year’s event helped 270 Veterans and directly resulted in moving 80 into transitional housing. “Lending a hand and an able body is important because this could be any of us down the road,” Bobb continued. “Transitioning out of the military is challenging and this event can get these vets back on the right track.” Visit Sacramento Stand Down for more information.