Veterans shuffled into the Santa Maria Fairpark on Saturday morning, greeted by the smell of fresh coffee and a handshake from someone who called them by name.
The Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down marked its 13th full-scale year by bringing together hundreds of volunteers, service providers and active-duty airmen to support homeless and at-risk veterans. The event ran from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and offered medical care, hygiene supplies, legal assistance, haircuts, pet services and two warm meals to more than 400 veterans.
A stand down in military terms refers to a safe place for service members to rest, recover and receive basic necessities before returning to combat…