Gentlemen,

My name is Tim Suermann and I am a Trustee with Division 17 in Philadelphia. I've had a few discussions with Joe Fox about the AOH playing a part in Philly Stand Down which will be taking place in Levittown, PA this year. This program helps our veterans that are homeless and in need. It is a three day event that will be taking place September 10-12 (Fri-Sun) 2010. My cousin (John Schwartz - VFW) began by asking me to lend a hand this year because over the past several years they didn't have enough men and women to assist with helping our veterans. They not only need physical help but financial help as well. My goal is to get at least 10 men or women from each division along with a $100 + donation from each division as well. If anyone is able to get financial support from local business or your employers, all is welcome. I will have more details once I attend the meeting tonight and will be sharing with everyone as far as where donations will be sent and made out to.

I included a sign-up sheet for you to take to the next meeting to obtain names, dates they can make it and t-shirt sizes. Please don't stop once the sheet is full, we need as much support as possible!

Here are a few things that our veterans will receive from attending Philly Stand Down...
• Shelter
• Meals
• Employment Assistance
• Medical Assistance
• Drug & Alcohol Treatment Information
• Veterans Benefits Information
• Barbers
• Legal Advice
I was asked that we have our members help out throughout the three day event. They need help getting the event started and our veterans registered on Friday morning. The main bulk of the assistance will be required Saturday as this is a long day but you may come and go as you please but we ask that you try to give at least 6 hrs of your time. Meals will be provided to all that volunteer and there will be space available to anyone that wishes to camp out during the weekend. Cleanup is also needed for Sunday as well. Also, anyone that wishes to stay for the entertainment Saturday evening is invited to do so. There will be local bands performing.

If you have children, nieces, nephews, neighbors that are in High School or College (15 and older) that need to have community hours served to go towards grade completion, this event is considered community service and they will receive their hours. This also looks great on College Applications as well as Job Applications!

One last thing; I was asked that the AOH show some sort of uniformity during the event and that can easily accomplished by wearing a t-shirt. I would like to have one t-shirt that represents the AOH as a group and not individual divisions.  I have a price of $6:50 per t-shirt and I'm hoping each division will kick in for their attending members.
Thank You,

Tim Suermann

The address where donations can be mailed:
Philadelphia Stand Down
PO Box 313
Cheltenham, PA 19012.

Website: http://www.PhiladStandDown.org