Beaumont proclamation spotlights veterans'stand-down; final event set for Oct. 3 at Civic Center

The Beaumont City Council on Sept. 30 issued a proclamation recognizing Oct. 3 as the city's final veteran stand-down and heard remarks from the event's organizer, who outlined services and logistics for the civic-center vendor fair.

Seth Wells, introduced by the mayor as the executive director of the Bridal Center for Independent Living, accepted the proclamation and described the stand-down as a large vendor fair that brings federal, state and local service providers together in one location. "We will be there at the Civic Center from 9AM to 1PM. At 08:30, we'll have a small ceremony beforehand, and then we'll open it up," Wells said. He told the council that the stand-downs are volunteer-run, that the program has hosted multiple events across the region and that the Beaumont event is the final stand-down of the year; he said the events include food, clothing and connection to benefits and services.

Wells told the council the program has served hundreds at each event, and that across the series the total attendance is approaching 1,500'1,700 people; he said approximately 50% of attendees at this year's events have been veterans. Councilmembers Hilliard and Durio were asked to represent the council at the event and to attend the 8:30 a.m. welcome ceremony.

Council and staff emphasized the community's volunteer partnerships and encouraged veterans and residents to attend. The council thanked Wells and volunteers for organizing the event and for partnering with civic groups across Southeast Texas.

Ending: The stand-down is scheduled Friday, Oct. 3, with a welcome ceremony at 8:30 a.m. followed by the vendor fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Beaumont Civic Center.