The Heroes in the Shadows veteran stand-down brought Soldiers and community partners together September 12–13, 2025, at Whittier Narrows Park. The two-day “Heroes in the Shadows” event connected veterans across the San Gabriel Valley with vital services. Attendees received health care, employment support, housing assistance, meals, showers and haircuts. The keyphrase Heroes in the Shadows highlights the mission to honor local veterans and ensure no hero remains unseen.
Heroes in the Shadows Stand-Down Connects Veterans
Dozens of volunteers, nonprofit groups and service members converged on the park’s sports fields to offer support. Soldiers from the 155th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) provided logistics, set up supply stations and distributed information packets. Local agencies staffed booths for job counseling, veterans’ benefits and affordable housing. Families from El Monte, South El Monte and Baldwin Park brought veterans in for meals served under a shaded pavilion. Organizers say the collective effort restored dignity and offered practical help.
Veteran Stand-Down Strengthens Community Bonds
Lt. Col. Evan Carey, commander of the 155th CSSB, stressed the value of community engagement. “Our mission doesn’t stop when we take off the uniform,” Carey said. “Supporting the San Gabriel Valley veteran community is about building trust, giving back, and ensuring those who wore the uniform before us know they are not forgotten.” His remarks underscored the partnership between the Army Reserve and local residents in Rosemead, Arcadia and Temple City. Outreach teams used mobile vans to reach older veterans who struggle with transportation.
Command Sgt. Maj. Karen Rivera, senior enlisted leader of the CSSB, noted how Soldiers rolled up their sleeves to serve directly. “Whether it was helping set up, providing supplies, or just listening to a veteran’s story, these small actions make a big difference,” she said. Rivera added that no hero should ever feel like they’re in the shadows. Many attendees praised the personal touch and the chance to reconnect with fellow veterans.
Heroes in the Shadows Builds Lasting Trust
Joe Leal, lead planner for Heroes in the Shadows, said collaboration was key to this year’s success. “When the Army Reserve, nonprofits, and community members come together, we can reach veterans who might otherwise slip through the cracks,” Leal said. He called the support from the 155th CSSB “critical to making this year’s stand-down one of the most impactful yet.”
Throughout the weekend, Soldiers guided veterans to health screenings, legal advice and housing services offered by South El Monte outreach teams. Baldwin Park agencies provided on-site case management for those facing homelessness or financial hardship. Rosemead’s veteran service office offered workshops on benefits eligibility and home-loan counseling.
Community Impact and Future Outreach
“The Army Reserve is about people first,” Rivera added. “Events like Heroes in the Shadows remind us why we serve — to take care of others.” The 155th CSSB’s participation highlighted the Army Reserve commitment to veterans beyond their active duty. Their work exemplifies the broader mission of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command to support operations at home and abroad.
By standing together, the San Gabriel Valley showed that no hero is left in the shadows. The event fostered new partnerships that will extend into regular outreach at Temple City and Irwindale centers. Organizers plan to make the stand-down an annual fixture, ensuring veterans continue to find resources and respect in their own backyards.
