Please note: this message is from 2012, the year of the first Upstate Stand Down.

June 22, 2012

Dear Community Leader,

Through my decades of military service, I have developed a lifelong passion and commitment to the banner and purpose of our nation’s military service.  Now, it is my honor and privilege to announce the first Upstate Stand Down event to engage and empower homeless veterans (including thos veterans at risk for homelessness) and their families.  The event is planned for this upcoming fall and has a goal of addressing unmet needs of these veterans located in the Upstate region of Spartanburg, Greenville, Cherokee and Union Counties.

Veterans comprise a disproportionate amount of the nation’s homeless population.  While homelessness for anyone is a tragedy, the fact that a significant amount of the homeless are American soldiers who served their country, many in combat, is particularly troubling.  Will you join me helping those who have faithfully served our nation?  Will you lend a hand to let them know their service is not forgotten and that the freedom you and I enjoy today is because of their sacrifices?

I am including an attachment that further describes the purpose of Stand Down and the many services, goods and activites to be provided on the special day.  The first Upstate Stand Down will be held on October 18, 18 and will be located at the Restoration Church Expo Center in Spartanburg, SC.  This effort is led by a committed and diverse Steering Committee comprised of volunteers who represent Upstate military personnel, veterans’ agencies, service agencies and organizations, and interested community members.

It is truly my pleasure to serve as Homorary Event Chair of the 2012 Upstate Stand Down.  I hope you will join me in partnership for this extraordinary effort — whether a donor, sponsor or volunteer.  You will soon be contacted by a volunteer from the 2012 Stand Down Team who will aks for your support.  I hope you will say “yes” to this opportunity to serve those who have faithfully served our nation.

Thank you for your consideration to participate in this rare opportunity to “serve those who have served”.

Sincerely,
 

Darwin H. Simpson, Major General, US Army, (Ret.)
Honorary Event Chair, 2012 Upstate Stand Down

C: Charles Judge, Staff Sergeant, SC National Guard
Coordinator, 2012 Upstate Stand Down

C: Dr. Craig Burnette, Vietnam Veteran, 1969-1970
Assistant Coordinator, 2012 Upstate Stand Down