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They served our country, going wherever they were sent.

Many fought in wars on foreign soil to keep America free and to free other countries.

Those who entered battles often lost their lives.

Others came home wounded and/or despondent.

Although most returned to their homes, families, jobs and normal lives, some fell by the wayside.

Today, they are counted among the homeless.

“We are seeing a lot of veterans overlooked because people are not taking notice,” said Raymond Bruins, vice chairman of the Rockingham County Veterans Coalition.

In Rockingham County, the homeless population includes many veterans who fought for us. But today, the government and most citizens have all but forgotten them. People shun them or cross the street to avoid these often bedraggled vets seeking a warm place to sleep or food to eat.

Now we must repay them.

From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at the N.C. National Guard Armory in Wentworth, a Veterans’ Stand Down will provide services for these homeless veterans.

The event is sponsored by the coalition, which was organized the first of the year to provide assistance to all veterans in the county.

Services will include everything from medical and dental checkups, screenings and flu shots to clothing and a hot meal.

Dr. Don Wright will be on hand to provide a range of dental work based on need, from X-rays to root canals. N.C. Rep. Bert Price, a retired dentist, also will help out.

“They try to do extractions, fillings, cleanings and X-rays on site,” Bruins said.

People with more serious problems will be given appointments with a dentist from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Personnel from Doctors Vision Center will conduct eye-screenings, and free eye glasses may be available through the Lions Club. If not, the VA will provide them.

“We find that we have a lot of veterans who have service-connected diabetes that don’t receive the proper eye care on a regular basis,” Bruins said.

The optometrists and dentists donate their time; the coalition pays for the supplies, he said.

Some VA doctors will be on hand. Bayada Nursing will provide the nursing staff.

Other medical tests, such as blood-borne pathogen screenings, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, and minor wound care will be available as well.

Substance abuse and mental health issues will be addressed through the mobile vets crisis center.

Rockingham County District Attorney Phil Berger will have staff on hand to determine if the criminal records can be expunged for some veterans.

“Part of our obligation for this event is to help provide veterans (with) resources to limit barriers to employment,” Bruins said. “We see many veterans with infractions on their records.”

Berger has agreed to conduct record checks and possibly remove some minor infractions.

Veterans also may be assessed to determine their eligibility for services.

A full staff of Rockingham Community College personnel as well as VA counselors will be on hand to discuss possible educational benefits.

Barbers and hair stylists will provide haircuts as needed.

New and serviceable clothing, sponsored by the Department of Defense and grant proceeds, will be distributed. Backpacks filled with hats, socks, underwear and toiletry items will be included.

Biscuitville will provide breakfast, and Debbie’s Restaurant of Stoneville will serve a two-entree lunch.

Although all these services are available to veterans, the coalition is concerned about getting the word out about the event.

Many veterans who could benefit from the event may not find out about it because they don’t have access to newspapers, television or radios, Bruins said. The coalition hopes that friends and relatives of homeless veterans will make sure they know about Stand Down.

Veterans who need transportation should call 634-5600, Ext. 205, or 349-2343.

Reidsville native Ann Fish has lived in Eden since 1979. Contact her at annsomersfish@yahoo.com.