We wish to thank all the wonderful sponsors, event providers, and attendees for their participation in this year’s Stand Down

KAVA is seeking new members and/or board members. If interested please contact Jim at

KAVA Mission Statement

KAVA and our members are committed to informing the public of the sacrifices made by those who serve our country through military service. We do this by honoring the selfless service of our veterans and helping those in need. KAVA first Stand Down in 2007.
Veterans Helping Veterans Forever!

What is a Stand Down?

In times of war, exhausted combat units requiring time to rest and recover were removed from the battlefields to a place of relative security and safety. At secure base cap areas, troops were able to take care of personal hygiene, get clean uniforms, enjoy warm meals, receive medical and dental care, mail and recieve letter, and enjoy the camaraderie of friends in a safe environment.

Today, Stand Downs refer to a grassroots, community-based intervention program designed to help the nations veterans, focused on those who are indigent or experiencing homelessness.

KAVA has sponsored 29 Stand Downs, starting with the first one on October 30, 2007. The location has primarily been at the Sheridan Park Community Center, ond at the Kitsap Pavilion and the last one at multiple locations because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Over the past 15 years, we are proud to acknowlege with our community partners that we have been able to serve over 4300 veterans in need.

The Public Needs to Know

With a decreasing number of U.S. citizens having served in uniform, veterans support organizations around the country have a special missio to educate the public about their military heroes, the tremendous value service brings to an individual’s life, and the many contributions military men and women have made to our nation. As such, KAVA is dedicated to deliver those messages at each opportunity presented to our members. We do this through our participation in local events honoring veterans, our Stand Down evens, and presentations by members to civic organizations. Some veterans struggle to reintegrate after leaving active duty so DAVA dedicates energy to helping those through their challenges with information, education, and when needed, direct assistance. Veterans deserve our best in recognition for their selfless service to our nation.

Vet Tribe

Vet Tribe is a community to unite, educate, and empower Military & Veteran families and Greater Kitsap County citizens, businesses, and organizations. Our purpose is to develop strong roots and strengthen Kitsap County and surrounding communities; economically, socially, and professionally. We empower Veterans and build strong personal and professional relationships throughout every industry in and around Kitsap (including non-profits, education institutions, government, military, and businesses). Vet Tribe is a network of Veterans, military, spouses/significant others, mentors, and community members. We share like values and desire to support Veterans, transitioning service members, and military families in Kitsap County. If you would like to contact us, please do so at the following email,

Below is an invitation to Skookum’s first ever Speaker Series. We will be hosting Travis Mills on October 10th at 10am. If you have never heard of him, I would highly encourage you to check out the Travis Mills Foundation in Maine. As you can read below, we are hosting the event and it is paid for by sponsors, so we would like to invite you all to sign up at the link below if you would like to attend. 

Skookum, an employer dedicated to creating opportunities for people with disabilities and supporting veteran employment, is starting a Speaker Series. In recognition of National Disability Awareness Month this October, this inaugural event on Thursday October 10th will introduce Retired US Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills, a recalibrated warrior, motivational speaker, actor, author, and advocate for veterans and amputees. Travis now travels nationwide, sharing his story and inspiring everyone to overcome life’s challenges and adversity.

We would love to extend the invite to you! This event will be admission free and aims to inspire and educate our community on disability awareness.  

Event will start at 10am and doors will open at 9am to check in and be seated. There will be coffee and small bites provided. 

Please use the link below to register for you and your guests, just be sure to indicate under the affiliation portion that you are a “Skookum – Guest”

https://www.admiraltheatre.org/events/travismills#register