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Wake County revives Veteran Standdown to connect 55,000 local veterans with services
Summary
Wake County’s Veteran Standdown brought county and state officials, service organizations and volunteers together to offer one-stop access to housing, health, benefits and case management supports; officials emphasized cross-sector coordination and efforts to prevent veteran homelessness.
Wake County held a 2026 Veteran Standdown to connect veterans and their families with housing, health, employment and benefits services, organizers said. Siobhan Norris, division director for Wake County Veteran Services, opened the event and framed it as a 'one-stop shop' intended to remove barriers to care and support for veterans.
The standdown featured remarks from Don Mile, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, who said Wake County is home to "more than 55,000 veterans," and stressed that veterans can be both community assets and a vulnerable population in need of targeted supports. "Veterans deserve support, care, and navigation of complex challenges," Chair Mile said, urging attention to housing instability and long-term services.
North Carolina Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs Joselyn Mlette told attendees the standdown models a coordinated, community-based approach to veteran care. "You are seen. You are valued. And you are not alone," Secretary Mlette said, urging cross-sector collaboration among county leaders, state agencies, the VA, nonprofits and volunteers to address veterans' needs.
Organizers recognized onsite partners and volunteers, naming local veterans service officers and community organizations that staffed resource tables and provided clinical and benefits assistance. The event included a performance of the national anthem by Miss Amy Doer and an invocation from Ray Martin, chaplain of the Wake County Veterans Council.
Staff and volunteers also announced onsite raffles intended to assist veterans with immediate needs; organizers said there is "over $500" in gift cards to be raffled to attendees. The event organizers asked participants to listen for announcements throughout the day and thanked United Reynolds and other partners for in-kind support that helped make the standdown possible.
The standdown foregrounded officials’ repeated point that solving veterans’ problems—housing, health, employment—requires coordination across agencies and the community. Organizers said the day’s services aim to help veterans file VA claims, access case management and connect with housing and health providers. Event staff encouraged veterans to speak with onsite VSOs and case managers for individualized next steps.
The program concluded with logistical reminders about raffles and activities; organizers asked attendees to remain engaged throughout the day to take advantage of the available supports.
