As the crisp autumn air begins to settle over Northwest Montana, one event stands out above all others, and is a lifeline of support for thousands of veterans. Organized by the Northwest Montana Veterans Food Pantry, the Stand Down will bring together community partners, volunteers, and veterans in a spirit of gratitude and assistance. Offerings of essential services will make a real difference in everyday lives. The 24th Annual Libby Stand Down. Scheduled for October 4 and 5, 2025, at the Libby Memorial Events Center in Libby, MT, this is a two-day gathering and is a lifeline for those who’ve served our country.
Looking back, the impact of past Stand Downs is inspiring, truly. Thousands of veterans have walked away not just with supplies, but with newfound knowledge about benefits they didn’t know they qualified for, things like education support or housing aid that can change the trajectory of a family’s future.
What started over two decades ago, in the Erickson’s front yard, as a modest effort to help local vets has grown into a major community outreach. I now draws up to 2,500 participants each year. Walking into this bustling venue, the air buzzes with conversation and the scent of warm meals. Veterans from across the region, many traveling from remote corners of Montana, can access a wide array of free resources tailored to their needs. From surplus military clothing, socks, and underwear to hearty food boxes and first aid kits, the event covers the basics that often slip through the cracks for those facing hardship. Peer counseling sessions offer a quiet space to connect with fellow service members where we are fostering bonds that remind everyone they’re not alone. Even more, on-site VA benefits assistance helps navigate complex paperwork, while health exams, flu shots, and haircuts provide immediate relief and a sense of renewal.
Here’s an anecdote that sticks with me: a young Vet from the 2024 Stand Down, fresh from deployment, learned about PTSD resources that helped him rebuild his life right here in North West Montana. Real transformations, not just statistics. In a state that boasts one of the highest veteran populations per capita in the nation, with over 10% of our residents having served, far above the national average, events like this are crucial for honoring that legacy while addressing ongoing challenges like rural isolation and economic pressures.
Montana’s veterans have given so much, often in silence, protecting freedoms we all cherish. The Libby Stand Down is our chance to give back, and it’s more than a handout, it’s a hand up, as our founders Allen and Linda Erickson have always emphasized. However, help is needed and we can not do it without you. Whether you’re a veteran seeking support, a family member tagging along, or a community supporter ready to lend a hand, we excitedly invite you to join us. Volunteers are critically needed for setup, food distribution, greeting attendees; there are so many roles that require no prior experience, you just a willing heart. If you can’t make it in person, consider donating through our website at veteransfoodpantry.org/donations; every contribution helps stock those food boxes and expand services.
This October, let’s come together in Libby to celebrate resilience and build stronger connections. Put a sticker on your calendars. Spread the word. Be part of something truly impactful. For more details or to sign up as a volunteer, call us at (406) 756-7304 or visit our site. Your involvement could be the spark that lights up a veteran’s path forward. See you there!
