WENTWORTH — Homeless and other needy veterans will have the opportunity to get free services, ranging from dental care to vision checks, clothing, and a hot home-cooked meal when the Rockingham County Veterans Coalition sponsors the Seventh Annual Homeless and Needy Veterans Stand Down on Oct. 20 at the N.C. National Guard Armory.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the formal opening of the program will be at 9 a.m. with a presentation of colors of the Rockingham County High School’s ROTC cadets.

“Once a vet registers, he or she will be paired with volunteers from various organizations who will escort them to the various stations to ensure they are aware of all the benefits they can receive,” said Curtis Pierce, who is coordinating the efforts. He said an average of 50 veterans have participated annually since the project began.

“We are there to help all the veterans in Rockingham County,” Pierce said.

Although the veterans are required to show their VA identification when they register, Pierce stressed that this year, vets should also have their DD214 (separation from service form) with them for a special project by the Rockingham County Register of Deeds office.