The annual Veterans Stand Down is returning to Great Falls on Sept. 28-29 at the Expo Park.

Many of the same agencies and services that have participated in years past will be there again this year but there will also be some new agencies like the Internal Revenue Service to help veterans with financial issues.

In the lead-up to the annual event, Vets4Vets is hosting a few fundraisers to help cover costs.

First up is Sept. 14 at MacKenzie River Pizza. If you use the voucher, 20 percent of your meal will be donated to Vets$Vets.

A similar fundraiser will be at Buffalo Wild Wings on Sept. 25. Use the voucher to have a potion of your meal donated to Vets4Vets.

Providers at this year’s Stand Down will include: Grace Home, Volunteers of America, Social Security, Angels in Camo, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Great Falls Emergency Services, Rural Dynamics, Eagle Mount, Great Falls Vet Center, AARP, City-County Health Department, Eagles Healing Nest, veterans court and more.

The event isn’t just for older veterans, said organizer Wally McManigle, but younger veterans also need to be aware of the providers and benefits.

McManigle’s wife, Lynda, said that though veterans are sometimes too proud to ask for help, she ‘s found through intake at the Stand Down that many are more than willing to offer help to other veterans who may be dealing with post traumatic stress.

“It’s that network of veterans, that have been there and done that,” Lynda McManigle said. “It doesn’t matter the war. It really is a healing process across the generations from one veteran to another.”

We’ll have more details on the Stand Down as the event approaches, but in the meantime, print out and share those vouchers for MacKenzie River and Buffalo Wild Wings.