U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Mary M. Connelly, 177th

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Mary M. Connelly, 177th Security Forces Squadron, 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, carries food to be distributed to homeless veterans during Stand Down 2017 at the All Wars Memorial Building in Atlantic City, N.J., May 17, 2017. Airmen from both the 108th Wing and 177th Fighter Wing volunteered at the Stand Down. The Department of New Jersey American Legion seven months ago developed the idea of having the first ever Stand Down in Atlantic City. A Steering Committee was formed to manage every facet of the event, including approximately 1,000 hours by the Legion Chairman and Vice-Chairman. The event, co-hosted with the city of Atlantic City, provided more than 100 homeless veterans with access to healthcare, mental health screening, substance abuse counseling, social services - food stamps and unemployment, legal services, religious counseling, a hot meal, and clothing. Stand Downs are grass roots, community-based assistance programs to help veterans’ battle life on the streets and serve as a catalyst that enables homeless veterans to re-enter mainstream society. (New Jersey National Guard photo by Mark C. Olsen/Released)