Man on a Mission: The 2nd Annual Veterans Stand Down

SIERRAVILLE — Dozens of veterans did not walk through the doors of the Old Sierraville Schoolhouse last Saturday out of mere happenstance. Rather, prior service men and women gathered to receive a wide array of services and military gear and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow soldiers, past and present, at the 2nd Annual Sierra County Veterans Stand Down. At least four Loyalton High football players arrived with the sole purpose of helping veterans carry out much-appreciated supplies to their vehicles.

While multiple agencies worked together to offer services and hand out supplies, one man, Scott Quade, facilitated all the logistics and arrangements necessary to bring this event to pass. Quade explained that the origins of the Stand Down can be traced back to the Vietnam War, in the care of “battle-weary” soldiers. At the core of the modern “Stand Down,” an underlying goal remains the same: Ensuring veterans are remembered and appreciated through word and deed.

County residents may know Quade from his role as a Sierra County Deputy Probation Officer. However, his experiences from twelve years spent in the military, serving in both the United States Marine Corps and the California Army National Guard, and being injured while training for a tour in Afghanistan, made him a shoo-in for understanding the needs of fellow veterans and executing the mission of the Stand Down. Through his membership ties, various fundraising efforts, and backing of the Quincy Elks Lodge #1884, veterans received a plethora of military gear, including boots, warm clothing, backpacks, etc.

Quade has played a vital role in organizing seven Veterans Stand Downs in Plumas County, a “mini” version of the typical Stand Down after the Dixie Fire, and the two events in Sierra County. As he states, these events are “essential especially in rural areas,” noting, “When our exhibitors volunteer at our events, they network with each other to help our veterans who normally have difficulty accessing these services. Over 200 veterans have attended Sierra County Stand Downs and received mental and physical screenings, VA benefits, counseling, referrals to housing, employment and career development resources, legal services, etc.

As Quade aspires to navigate through other missions in life, including spending more time with his family when not studying for his master’s degree in public administration and criminal justice, his days facilitating Stand Downs have ended. Quade humbly remarked, “It is time to hand this off to someone else.” Aiming to one day teach Criminal Justice classes and help veterans who have become involved in the criminal justice system, his military experience and time with the Sierra County Probation Department will no doubt pave the way.

Exiting his role as Stand Down facilitator in our neck of the woods, Quade took a moment to express his thanks to “all our volunteers, exhibitors, and supporters through the years. Without them, these events are impossible to have and maintain. I would like to thank the county agencies that supported our events, including the Plumas County Veterans Service Office.

Additionally, I want to thank our Quincy Elks Lodge. Without the support of our members, these Stand Downs would not have been as successful as they have been.” Any ambitious and dedicated soul interested in taking over Quade’s role with the Stand Downs should contact him at: squade001@yahoo.com