Karla Maddock greets veterans at the registration table during the annual Central Dakota Veterans Stand Down at the Bismarck AMVETS Club.

When veterans come in the door, Maddock asks them a brief series of questions:name, branch of service, years of service. Combat? And, what kind of help do you need?

Stand Down is about reaching out to vets in need and Maddock wants to make them feel comfortable. But some are embarrassed and tearful still, she said.

The fourth annual Stand Down in the community is planned for Sept. 18 at the AMVETS, 2402 Railroad Ave., just south of Main Avenue in east Bismarck.

The day is a chance for veterans in need to access help from more than 27 booths that will be set up there, including medical services and evaluations, housing and shelter information, VA benefits, enrollment and referrals, wellness exams, addiction screening, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression screenings, information and referrals and free haircuts.

Along with Maddock, coordinating committee members Jerry Meske, Lyle Schuchard and John Adolf, and others, have been planning this event since June.

Last year, 70-some attended, Adolf said, seeking help with problems such as homelessness, hearing difficulties, medical issues, jobs and more. An outreach person for American Indian veterans will be on hand from the Veterans Administration, as well. Homelessness is a big issue, the group said.

Last year, about one-third were Vietnam-era veterans, Maddock said.

"We don't want to see this continue" in this era's veterans, Meske said.

Connecting veterans to the appropriate agencies and services is easier with so many resources in one place, Maddock said. This common event makes it easier for veterans and their families, Meske said. Among the other groups providing information and services will be Medcenter One, Job Service, Community Action, Welcome House, West Central Human Services, the Salvation Army, Veterans Service Officers, the Abused Adult Resource Center and a chaplain.

The organizing committee is grateful to all the service providers, agencies and individuals who are helping, Meske said.

Funding for the event is provided by donations from service organizations, the VA, and $5,000 from the state's Administrative Committee on Veterans Affairs, said Schuchard, secretary for the group.

"We want to serve all veterans in need,"Meske said.

Transportation is available in the Bismarck-Mandan area for those needing a ride, Adolf said. To request a ride to the AMVETS that day, call Adolf at 425-6812.

Hours for the Stand Down are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(Reach reporter Karen Herzog at 250-8267 or karen.herzog@;bismarcktribune.com.)