Five Seasons Stand Down returns to Cedar Rapids this week

CEDAR RAPIDS — In times of military combat, the order to “stand down” is a reminder to rest.

The order is issued to soldiers or units in need of respite following exhaustive battles or lengthy conflicts. It’s an opportunity to rest in moments when recovery is most needed and a chance to reconnect with fellow troops doing the same.

And for many veterans, the term has its civilian applications, too.

“Years ago, (some people in the San Diego) veterans community got together and said ‘Hey, you know our homeless vets need a stand down, too’,” said Army veteran and Marion resident Joe Stutler. “They need to be able to come off that line they’re living on in the war for survival to get a reprieve and find those resources.”

That concept went on to inspire Stand Down events across the country to connect veterans with community resources to assist with the transition to life after service with a particular focus on those who are homeless or at risk of experiencing housing insecurity.

Nearly two decades ago, Cedar Rapids joined the growing list of communities holding such an event, and the 19th annual Five Seasons Stand Down resource fair returns this week to continue that mission.

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The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids. Gates will open at 9 a.m. and the day will wrap up around 1:30 p.m. Free transportation is available for those who need it.

The event is set to include more than 80 vendors offering everything from housing resources and legal support, to haircuts and health screenings. The program focuses on veterans, although Stutler said anyone is welcome who could benefit from those services.

“We decided to open it up maybe 10 or 12 years ago,” said Stutler, board secretary of Valor Inc., the nonprofit behind the Five Seasons event. “There are certain things that are available only to veterans, but most of them are (open to) anybody in need. So if the need is there, why not spread the wealth?”

C.R. event driven by volunteers, community partnerships

The event is entirely volunteer run and supported through fundraising and community partnerships with organizations like the Linn County Veteran Services, the Iowa City VA Medical Center, local health care officials and more.

The fair also draws support from area municipalities such as Cedar Rapids, which last week issued a proclamation marking the event.

“This is a wonderful event that’s held every year, and it makes a difference for the veterans that serve our country that now live in our Linn County area,” said City Council member Scott Olson, an Army veteran who read the proclamation Tuesday.

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Last year, Five Seasons Stand Down drew just over 200 visitors. Around half were veterans themselves while another 24 percent had spouses, family members or other significant connections to those in the military. The remainder were general community members.

All were given a chance to connect with vendors and given access to resources such as Goodwill vouchers, free flu shots and food boxes. Afterward, visitors were surveyed and 98 percent of respondents reported finding at least one resource that helped with their personal situations.

Stutler, who helped with the resource fair for over 15 years, was unsurprised by those results and said the most frequent feedback he hears from visitors is “thank you.” This year, he expects to see the same.

“It’s nothing short of gratitude and love — those are the two biggies,” he said. “And that’s really what it’s all about.”

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