Stand down is a term used in times of war when exhausted combat units require time to rest and recover while being removed from the battlefields to a place of relative security and safety. Now, with tents on the fields of San Diego High School, Stand Down can be identified here as a community-based intervention program to help homeless veterans “combat” life on the streets. It’s scheduled for July 16 to 18. The needs are many as veterans seek medical attention, counseling and an overnight resting place during this 23rd annual gathering. Darcey Pavich, coordinator of the three-day event, said she expects more than 1,000 to attend. “It gets bigger ever year,” she said. “It serves veterans from all parts of the county and a few outside the state.” For the most part, the message gets out by word of mouth. “Sometimes they find out sooner than I do,” Pavich said. It’s a rewarding achievement for more than 3,500 civilian and medical personnel who tend to everything from haircuts, eye exams and dental checkups to acupuncture and messages. Thousands of caring volunteers and professionals give their time and expertise to address the unique needs of homeless veterans. “If they show up on Friday they can get in if they are veterans,” Pavich said. “We have 30 live-in tents and also some service tents. Families with legal dependents under age of 18 are admitted. Tent leaders are returning veterans who are no longer homeless. The program is under the direction of the Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) with assistance from more than 150 organizations, including the Veterans Administration, National Guard, Navy and Marine Corps. Last year there were 3,500 volunteers. The Stand Down facility includes two baseball fields, tennis courts and a gymnasium. It’s a 24-hour operation with most services provided between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. There’s entertainment in the evening with an on duty medical staff and security team. Founders of the program are Dr. Jon Nachison and Robert Van Keuren. Phil Landis is president and CEO of VVSD. The event continues to receive national attention. Now, there are more than 200 cities that have Stand Downs, programs adopted from the Village’s basic web site manual. “The New York Times ran a story on our event last year and we’re expecting other national media here this time,” Pavich said. Additional services will be homeless court, counseling, veterans benefits, employment and job counseling services, picture IDs, Veterans Administration and Employment Development Department registration, a visit to a clothing tent, showers and chaplain services. Meals will be prepared by the VFW, American Legion, Veterans Village, Kiwanis, and supported by the Lions Clubs, Rotary and local food distributors.