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SPARTANBURG—On Friday, March 14, the SFC Charles A. Judge, Jr. Memorial Stand Down will again be held in Spartanburg at the USC-Upstate Readiness Center in memory of local resident Charles Judge.

Charles helped create the first Stand Down in Spartanburg in 2013 as Logistics Coordinator while serving in the National Guard. It was a shock to all who knew him when he was killed while trying to help a woman being abused in public. This annual event was created separately to serve veterans in his honor.

Each year at this event, dozens of agencies, companies, schools and individuals work together to bring veterans of every branch of service together to serve them. The homeless and at-risk are especially targeted, as well as any veteran with a need. The day begins with a flag raising featuring JROTC students from both Chapman and Landrum High Schools. The JROTC Honor Guard then forms a sabre tunnel at the venue entrance for all veterans.

There is a continental breakfast waiting for veterans, with haircuts, medical screenings, mental health screenings, vision screenings, VA, and other service agencies. A Memorial dove release takes place at 11 a.m., followed by a hot lunch. At noon, military and civilian clothing is offered for those in need. There is never a charge to our veterans and their families.  

This event is much more than the food and clothing offered. It is an opportunity for our community to honor our veterans and give them the appreciation they deserve. 

Veterans Quarters in Asheville is one of the few shelters for homeless veterans on the East Coast and has always been included in the Stand Down event. Because of the devastation to the shelter due to Hurricane Helene and the increase of homeless veterans in the area, an additional commercial bus is being sent to gather their veterans. David Thompson of Columbus is reaching out to the Chimney Rock area as well since veterans who had homes last year may no longer be able to live in them.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with doors closing at 1. The center is located at the SC National Guard Armory at 301 North Campus Blvd. in Spartanburg.

For more information about the event, visit charlesajudge.com. To help, donations may be sent to PO Box 1212, Woodruff, SC, 29388, or can be made on the website.