Margaret Ervin served in the U.S. Air Force for 23 years.  Currently, there are 600+ unhoused and low-income veterans in El Dorado County. Due to financial, health, transportation or other issues, many do not have access or cannot afford basic services, such as food, rent, or basic medical and vision care.  In order to assist these brave men and women, El Dorado Veterans Resources (EDVR), hosted a two day El Dorado Veterans Stand Down (EDVSD), September 30th through October 1st, 2022.  Margaret was on the Board of Directors for this Stand Down.  A modern Stand Down is modeled after the Stand Downs used during the Vietnam War. Exhausted combat troops were provided a safe environment to rest, recover, receive meals and medical attention, and enjoy some much-needed, friendly camaraderie.

Margaret wants all veterans to enroll with the VA to take advantage of any possible benefits they may be eligible for.  A Vet is defined as anyone who served in the U.S. Military for at least 180 days and who had at least an Honorable Discharge.  Many vets have issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress (no longer called PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma, and other disabilities.  

Dave Sargent asked "Why is it hard to access the services of the VA?"  Margaret answered that the VA is understaffed in some areas, and if the vet is more than 30 miles from a VA Hospital, that makes it dfficult.  Sid asked about homeless vats, what outreach is there for them?  Margaret noted that this is indeed a problem, but that there are courses available now on how to transition to civilian life.