At Veterans Stand Down 2008, homeless vet Timothy Murphy received employment services, information on VA benefits, and social service assistance. The program also offered free medical screenings, dental care, hair cutting, food, clothing, and toiletries.

"People all over the world they need to get something like this going on, in every state, every country so the veterans can have an easier chance of accumulating what they want," said Murphy.

Many of the vets taking part in stand down fell on hard times after their military service ended. But now, with some help, they're getting the chance to make positive changes in their lives.

"Shortly after I got out of the army I got saved and walked close to the Lord for a long time. I had some substance abuse problems and the Lord took the desire for alcohol, took the taste right out of my mouth and made me go to the Panama City Rescue Mission. Thank God for the Panama City Rescue Mission. It's a great place," said Glenn Folds, another homeless veteran.

Murphy and Folds are not alone. The Homeless and Hunger Coalition of Northwest Florida estimates about 250 to 300 homeless veterans are in this area at any given time. And right now that number could be even higher.

"Some veterans from Texas, Alabama, and Louisiana were here at the workforce center because of the storms we just had. So not only are we helping the surrounding counties, but I'm anticipating we're going to have people from other states here, veterans," said Joe Chavarria, Gulf Coast Workforce Board.

Chavarria says he hopes to continue stand down for years to come, to give back to these vets what they've given for us.

The Gulf Coast Workforce Board sponsored event with help from a U.S. Department of Labor grant.