Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) is set to kick off its annual outreach weekend on Friday, Sept. 20, at 8 a.m. at Diamond Hill Park in Cumberland.

The 27th annual Stand Down Weekend will be dedicated in memory of Nicholas Cardi Jr., who died in July.

“Nicholas Cardi along with his brothers, Ron and Pete, have been dedicated supporters of Operation Stand Down for over a decade. The Cardi brothers were instrumental in helping OSDRI launch the Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial,” said Dee DeQuattro, OSDRI’s development director. “This is our way of remembering a dear friend of the organization.”

In addition to this special dedication, this year the number of service providers has grown to include programs that appeal to a wider audience of veterans with diverse needs.

“This year we have focused on expanding the types of service providers available in order to offer valuable resources to our younger veterans and their families,” OSDRI Executive Director Erik Wallin said.

These additional programs include employers who are hiring immediately, such as Amazon, Home Depot and IGT. There are also veteran-specific recreation programs and expanded legal assistance. Programs that have traditionally been available during the weekend, such as medical services, dentistry, podiatry, human services and Division of Motor Vehicles services, will continue to be available. The Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal and District Court will be available to veterans on Saturday who have court matters to be adjudicated such as license suspension, court fines, bench warrants and expungements.

Over the past 27 years, the annual outreach weekend event has assisted thousands of veterans by providing them access to life essential services including healthcare, dental care, employment services, legal services, social welfare benefits, housing assistance, and clothing.

During the outreach from Sept. 20-21, OSDRI sets up a military-style encampment at Diamond Hill State Park where veterans can stay the weekend while getting access to essential services to improve their quality of life. Approximately 60 local service providers are on hand throughout the weekend providing services to veterans. Rhode Island Public Transit Authority Partners with OSDRI to help provide veterans with transportation to and from the weekend event.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, District Court and the Traffic Tribunal will be present to help veterans who have been convicted of misdemeanors expunge their records, manage court costs and handle traffic violations. The Division of Motor Vehicles and Operator Control will also be present to assist veterans to receive veteran license designations and restore driving privileges.

OSDRI was founded 27 years ago by three Vietnam-era veterans in an effort to end homelessness in the veteran community. The first Stand Down weekend was held in 1992 in Exeter at the old Ladd School Property. The weekend has consistently been a staple in the veteran community and has assisted thousands of veterans over the past 25 years. Last year, nearly 500 veterans were in attendance.

Throughout the weekend, public officials will be joining OSDRI to help give back to our local heroes by assisting by serving meals to veterans.

Entertainment will be provided to the veterans who stay for the weekend, including outdoor movies, karaoke and a special performance by LTG Reginald Centracchio’s Band, the Reggie Centracchio Quintet, on Saturday at 2 p.m.