Scott Airmen provide hope for homeless veterans Published May 5, 2010 By Master Sgt. Will Williams Jr. 375th Medical Group SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- I knew what I wanted to do, and my chance to do it was coming soon. I wanted to help my neighbor. I wanted to do something to make a difference for someone in need. And, I wanted to make a veteran, a brother in arms, feel proud and appreciated. The Homeless Veterans Stand Down is one way that I have found to do all these things. I was lucky to meet and work with a fine group of civic-minded Team Scott Airmen. We had Airmen from different jobs across the base, all in uniform and eager to help out. The chapel team made arrangements for transportation to and from the event, and our Airmen helped support the various service stations to include haircuts, medical and dental care, legal aid, entertainment, employment counseling, benefits information, spiritual guidance and housing information. We also helped serve meals and guided groups to the various service areas. I worked in the medical area and clothing stations. The medical services included general health exams with vision and vital sign readings. Dental services were also available to include exam and oral hygiene. The clothing packages we gave out were jam packed with free items. Each package included a shirt, pair of pants, underwear, boots, rain parka, comb, zipper-tabs, hygiene supplies, socks, duffel bag, back-pack and new boots with extra shoe-laces. The veterans were thankful to see us and lots of them shared stories about their time in the service. I think the best thing about working the St. Louis VA Stand Down was meeting the veteran's and giving the homeless access to things that might help them as they face life on the streets.