Hello Family Happy Monday. Lets Make it a good one.
Today I wanted to share with you a bit of what I would like Thrift in Time to be about. The direction is not to only spotlight what I wear but to spotlight people I meet along this journey. We will also be doing plenty of Fashion. I was part of an Veterans Urban Photo Shoot. I reconnected and spoke with so many veterans this weekend at event called the Stand Down.
Stand Down-http://www.chicagostanddown.org/index.html
The stated goals of a Chicago Standdown are to provide a respite from the rigors of life on the street, help veterans obtain housing and establish a source of income, and stabilize medical conditions. However, just as important as these, is the opportunity to acknowledge the contribution veterans have made for all of us.
This was my first time at a Standdown here in the Chi and I did not fully understand what it was. Although my friend of One Savvy Veteran and Combat to Chic. http://www.onesavvyveteran.org/ Explained the mission of The Chicago Stand down my brain could not fully comprehend the magnitude of the whole concept.
It did not fully register until I arrived on site. I'm one of those veterans that self-isolated and never connected with the veteran community. While others tend to gather in PODS like families homless, disabled and able bodied veterans connecting no matter of person color or gender. When I walked in I was instantly overwhelmed and grateful that I had decide to come. I checked in with My DD214 because I had misplaced my military I.D. I was given a shirt that said StandDown Chicago 2016. I embraced by Meosha and She was passing out personnel Hygiene Bags for Women Veterans. I often mention One Savvy Veteran and Meosha Because of the work that she does with Homeless and Transitions Women Combat Veterans. The sole operation is off of donations and proceeds raised by Combat to Chic https://www.facebook.com/combat2chic/?fref=ts
I was overwhelmed with the love The women veterans had for Meosha and how she knew each and everyone of them by name. The veteran community is a network of interwoven communities. Imagine almost 700 veterans on this day the Day before it was or might have been double that. Of that 700 I think I counted 50 women from all Branches. It was truly love.
I took picture of many things bu the best one was a Vietnam Women Veteran who helped an Injured Iraq veteran put her injured leg up on a chair and they just talked to each other and had a shared commonality. Instant kinship formed despite time and location.
Next I would like to introduce you to Michael Pierce my Former Supervisor. He has moved on to another department with in Information Systems that I work in. He is a big man with Hair that was one healthy thick and luxurious. I had hair envy that is for sure. Michael served in Vietnam and has been working for the university for the longest time. Last weekend he completed a 5k walk run. His spirit is amazing and in my eyes he is a hero. Mike Walked/Ran in the Northwestern University Cancer 5k he is going through cancer treatment and chemo but you would be hard pressed to tell. I see the struggle but, as former military does we push through.
I am blessed to work along side so many veterans and acknowledge the work that we do at work, church, in charities, and in our own volunteer times. For me the Stand Down was a journey I needed to take. This is mostly for homeless veterans and I could see why. The supporters and sponsors gave away personnel cleaning items, clothing, wash towels, underwear, Blankets, Shoes Boots, food, etc, etc, etc. I felt unworthy of accepting such Items. We were given tickets and assigned a wrist band. Mine was 656 I will never forget. I was the second to last in line. As I saw the veterans line up to receive these items all I could think about was there are so many homeless an so many in community and so many who help on a daily like One Savvy Veteran, Combat to Chic. Walgreens and the American Red Cross and so many others. Com Ed. There are so many programs to help veterans and combat veterans. It brings joy to my heart.
I donated all my gear I received to One Savvy Veteran to help other Women Combat Veterans in similar situations who were unable to make it to the StandDowm.
Per usual all items I wear are donated. I hope by now you all know how in love I am with harem pants. It was in the 90s this weekend. Oh my goodness.
Until Next time Thank you for reading and Checking out the pictures, commenting and/or stopping by.
