On Friday, Grand Junction hosted its annual Western Slope Stand-Down for homeless and at-risk veterans at the First Congregational Church, located at 1425 North Fifth Street.

From 9:00 a.m. to noon, all homeless veterans received care in the form of flu shots, veterans benefits counseling, winter clothing, veterans Health Care registration, dental screening, medical screening and even hair cuts, according to officials with the V.A. Hospital.

The second half of the day was open to all community homeless and at-risk persons. That portion of the event ran from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Grand Valley Transit provided free bus rides to and from the event.

Officials said stand-downs are named for the rest period given to soldiers between battles and have become a vital part in caring for America's homeless veterans.