Vet Helping Vet At Annual South Jersey 'Stand Down'
By David Madden
CHERRY HILL, N.J. (CBS) - The Cherry Hill Armory played host to an annual effort to assist homeless veterans and others in need of help.
The Stand Down of South Jersey has been held for almost 20 years now, and the need just never seems to end.
Anthony Singleton served in the Marines. He spent his time here getting ready for another winter on the street.
"I picked up some clothes, winter boots. I mean, I got a job . It's not paying much but it's a job," he tells KYW Newsradio. "I can't afford to live and pay rent but the people understand. This event is a godsend."
One day, Singleton would like to be among the volunteers who help veterans in need. Homeless or not, there's assistance on everything from mental health programs to getting a flu shot.
The important thing here, it's veteran helping veteran. And over the years, the scope of this project has expanded to assist veterans who are not homeless, but still in need.
Take Richard Vogelsang of Williamstown. He actually has a roof over his head, but came here seeking mental health and employment assistance.
"I gave 31 years almost of service and to be able to have these people here for me now is a blessing," Vogelsang said.
He admits, though, there are fellow vets in far worse shape.