Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) is set to kick off its annual outreach event on Thursday Sept. 14, at 8 a.m. The two-day event will feature a myriad of resources to help veterans in need.

The Veteran Assistance Event will take place at OSDRI’s Headquarters, the Anthony DeQuattro Veterans Service Complex 1010 Hartford Ave., Johnston. Attendees are asked to park across from Tri-County Community Action Agency at 1133 Hartford Ave., Johnston. Shuttle service from the parking to the headquarters will be provided. (Media interested in attending will be provided on-site parking.)

Key services will include housing, employment, basic human needs, legal assistance, welfare and social services, dental services provided by Thundermist Dental, and healthcare services provided by the VA. On site healthcare services will include COVID-19, FLU, Pneumonia, and Hepatitis Vaccines, and VA Health care. Additionally, the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal and District Court will be present on Friday morning, Sept. 15. Veterans seeking to address license reinstatements, traffic violations, misdemeanor criminal matters, expungements, and court costs should arrive at 8 a.m. to meet with attorneys. The Division of Motor Vehicles Operator Control will be present on Thursday and Friday to address license and ID issues.

A broader array of services will be available this year to appeal to a wider audience of veterans. These programs include employment services with onsite employers and an expanded legal clinic.

“We have put a specific emphasis on ensuring we can provide services to the newer generation of veterans as well as our older generation. Both groups have different and unique needs and OSDRI wants to ensure no veteran is left behind,” said Executive Director Erik B. Wallin.

Lunch will be provided by Smoke and Squeal BBQ Food Truck on both Thursday and Friday from 12-1:30 p.m. On Thursday, numerous public officials are expected to attend and serve lunch to veterans and volunteers.

Over the past 30 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.

OSDRI was founded 30 years ago by three Vietnam-era veterans in an effort to end homelessness in the veteran community. The first Stand Down assistance event was held in 1992 in Exeter at the old Ladd School Property, it later moved to Diamond Hill State Park in Cumberland and today is proudly held at OSDRI headquarters. The event has consistently been a staple in the veteran community and has assisted thousands of veterans over the past 30 years.

Operation Stand Down Rhode Island (OSDRI) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and Rhode Island's primary nonprofit resource for homeless and at-risk veterans. Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Johnston, OSDRI's mission is to help veterans secure stable housing, employment, and basic human needs. OSDRI offers an array of services for veterans including a food pantry program, pro bono legal services, rental assistance, and a robust employment program. In addition, OSDRI has 88 units of housing for veterans spanning across the state from Woonsocket to Westerly. On average 2,000 veterans a year benefit from OSDRI’s services.