Veterans Stand Down | Hammers, nails and saws only some of the helpful tools distributed Saturday
The Wenatchee WorldAug 05, 2018
"I needed one of these to do a shelf inside the house," he said of the handsaw. "I didn't want to borrow one, so I waited," he said.
"I got bushes at home that need trimmed. I've got a jungle in the backyard," he said.
O'Connor has attended the Stand Down for several years. He said the Tools4Troops was a good addition to the annual event at the
Rodriguez agreed.
"It's awesome," he said.
"Basically we get donated tools and freely distribute them to veterans," he said. "They can get any tool I have that will help them them work or at home, so they can be more productive."
The nonprofit is based in
"This is my first time solo," he said. "I'm a veteran myself and a lot of these organizations helped me. Now that I'm retired, this is my way of giving back."
The items Muhr was handing out were only some of the "tools" available to veterans Saturday.
The Stand Down is open all honorably discharged vets and their families, with an emphasis on outreach to homeless and at-risk vets. It offered everything from advice from
The event has been going on several years. This is the second year under the direction of NCW Vets Serving Vets, a nonprofit whose founders wanted to help fellow veterans adjust to life after military service and all that goes with it.
The group's office, The Bunker, at
"It's a great asset this year," Bruno said. "It's a first. We're glad to have formed this working relationship."
He also praised the veterans.
"We're not going to have a heck of a lot left at the end of the day," he said. "I've said it before, if we provide the service, the veteran community will figure out how to use it."
About 100 volunteers signed up to help with the event this year, which was attended by an estimated 300 veterans. "The turnout was down a little bit, but we reached more of the homeless and at-risk folks this year than last year," Bruno said.
Back at the Tools4Troops table, Muhr was busy discussing woodworking projects.
"I've heard about a lot of projects they need to do. It's good to hear stories and communicate with veterans," he said.
The tools are free, but veterans do have to fill out some paperwork.
He was looking at several measuring and leveling devices, some of the hundreds of hand tools displayed on the tables, including pliers, wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers. Larger items, like saws, shovels and rakes were nearby.
After some consideration, he found a toolbox and three picture frame clamps.
"I'll make new cupboard doors for the kitchen," he said.
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