The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
of the United States of America
~Quincy, California: Lodge #1884~
Helping Children & Veterans Since 1868
The Plumas County
Veterans Collaboration
Veterans will be honored as long as there are Elks
Patriotism runs deep through the heart of Elkdom as the members work to support our nations Veterans.
The Quincy Elks Lodge had created a partnership with the Plumas County Veterans Collaboration to bring annual Veteran Stand Downs to Plumas County. Additionally, the Quincy Elks Lodge bring veterans and their families, who are in need holiday baskets prior to Christmas which consist of a dinner and breakfast.
The Plumas County Veterans Collaboration consists of volunteers (some who are ELK Members), who either served in the military or are supporters of those who have, local veterans associations, county agencies/non-profits . We work in various positions within Plumas and Sierra County serving the public through local governments and non-profits in order to increase the outreach and connections to services available for the veterans within our community.
PLUMAS COUNTY
VETERANS STAND DOWN
What is a Stand Down
The original Stand Down for the veterans was modeled after the Stand Down concept used during the Vietnam War to provide a safe retreat for units returning from combat operations. At secure base camp areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and receive letters, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment. Stand Down afforded battle-weary soldiers the opportunity to renew their spirit, health, and overall sense of well-being.
Stand Down is an intervention that was conceived from the ground up specifically for veterans. It is designed to transform the despair and immobility of homeless into the momentum necessary to get into recovery, to resolve legal issues, to seek employment, to access health and benefits, to reconnect with the community and to get off the streets.
Stand Down is a belief in the triumph of the human spirit over extraordinary odds. It grows out of a conviction that the overwhelming number of veterans, some who are homeless living on the streets of America. This is unacceptable and that the veteran community itself must respond.
Each year the Plumas County Veterans Stand Down has grown, been refined to meet the needs of our veterans, homeless or not, all active duty personnel, veterans, and their dependents are welcomed. There are organizations / agencies and a fast-growing volunteers from all walks of life that make Stand Down happen. Some never served in the military; others are there from the first day of set up until the site is returned to its original form. Our success is our volunteers.
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Plumas County is currently organizing the 5th Annual Stand Down for 2022
The Fallen Soldier Battle Cross
The Fallen Soldier Battle Cross, Battlefield Cross or Battle Cross is a symbolic replacement of a cross, or marker appropriate to an individual service-member's religion, on the battlefield or at the base camp for a soldier who has been killed. It is made up of the soldier's rifle stuck into the ground or into the soldier's boots, with helmet on top. Dog tags are sometimes placed on the rifle, and the boots of the dead soldier can be placed next to the rifle. The purpose is to show honor and respect for the dead at the battle site. The practice started during or prior to the American Civil War, as a means of identifying the bodies on the battleground before removal. Today, it is a means of showing respect for the dead amongst the still living members of the troop. It is commonly seen in the field or base camp after a battle, especially among American troops in Afghanistan or Iraq. While it is used less today as a means of identification, it still serves as a method of mourning among the living, as attending the funeral is not always possible for soldiers still in combat.