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MVD assists veterans during 2016 StandDown

MVD assists veterans during 2016 StandDown

February 4, 2016

Dozens of MVD employees teamed with ADOT Information Technology staff to bring along 12 full work stations to the 2016 Maricopa County StandDown.

After serving their country, too many veterans face obstacles that can lead to homelessness…

A number of agencies, including ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division, help address the problem by participating in an annual event called the Maricopa County StandDown.

Bringing many services together under one roof, the StandDown allows homeless and at-risk veterans to easily access the resources they need to regain stability. During this year’s StandDown, held Jan. 28-29 in Phoenix, veterans received housing information, legal aid, benefits help, details on Social Security and other assistance. Sleeping areas and shower facilities were available, along with meals, clothing and haircuts.

MVD employees helped veterans obtain driver licenses or state identification cards – vital credentials to have when searching for a job or applying for programs.

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An MVD employee takes driver license photos.

“That ID becomes very crucial for veterans to get housing and basic assistance,” MVD Western Region Manager Kyle Ulibarri said. “A license is important, too. It’s another thing that can help them get to a job interview, medical appointments and other services.”

Dozens of MVD employees teamed with ADOT Information Technology staff to bring along 12 full work stations so they could offer driver license applications, renewals, written examinations and even the road skills test. Some worked with county and municipal courts – also StandDown participants – to help clear up motor vehicle record issues that might have prevented someone from getting a license.

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MVD employees hand out sandwiches, cupcakes and other treats at the 2016 StandDown.

Besides helping with licenses and IDs, MVD offered food and snacks. MVD employees raised money and reached out to vendors for donations so they could provide more than 1,800 sandwiches, cupcakes and other treats.

Alfonso Sanchez, MVD’s commercial driver license examination coordinator, says participating in the StandDown is very rewarding and a nice way to help those who have served.

“It’s a phenomenal to be able to give back,” Sanchez said. “It’s an incredible feeling to be part of the StandDown.”

Early stats from the 2016 StandDown show that MVD processed 779 transactions on site and assisted 885 veterans. More information can be found on the Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliance website. To learn about MVD’s participation in previous years, check out these blog posts.

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