St. Cloud Stand Down

04/08/2026

04/07/2026

If you have any questions about this program give us call at 612-513-3466 or stop by St. Cloud Stand Down.

03/03/2026

Our first opportunity through our new Veteran Families Future Initiative is officially live! 🎉

Stop by our location or send us a message to request an application and take the first step toward investing in your child’s future.

This contest will run through Memorial Day, when we’ll select one lucky winner to receive a $500 contribution to a 529 education fund.

Don’t miss out — you can’t win if you don’t apply!

Visit us in person, message us on Facebook, or email us at [email protected] to get started.

02/24/2026

We’re excited to officially launch the Veteran Family Futures Initiative! 🇺🇸✨

This special contest is our way of investing in the future of Veteran families by supporting a child’s educational journey.

What it is:
One selected child will receive a one-time $500 contribution to a child’s 529 education savings fund managed through our partners at Jacobs Financial here in St. Cloud.

Eligibility Requirements:
• The entrant must be related to a U.S. Veteran (child, grandchild, or immediate family member).
• The child beneficiary must be 12 years old or younger at the time of entry.
• Proof of Veteran status is required (such as DD214, Veteran ID card, or other official documentation).
• Funds will be contributed directly to an eligible 529 education savings account.

We know that service impacts the whole family — and this initiative is one small way we can honor that sacrifice by investing in the next generation.

📚💙 When Veteran families succeed, our communities grow stronger.

Look at the attached brochure for more information. There will be multiple contests running this year. Make sure you follow the page to hear the opening and closing of the first one!

02/23/2026

📣 Volunteer Opportunity: Social Media / Marketing

St. Cloud Stand Down is looking for a creative and reliable volunteer to help manage our Facebook presence and support our marketing efforts!

🖥 What You’ll Do:

- Create and post engaging content
- Monitor and respond on social media
- Help promote events and highlight our programs

✅ What You’ll Need:

- Strong Facebook skills (required)
- Good communication and organization
- Ability to work independently

⏰ 2–4 flexible hours per week
📍 In-person (M–Th, 10 AM–2 PM)

Interested? Stop by, email [email protected] or message us to get started!

Help us share our mission and make a difference in our community. 💙

02/10/2026

📣 Volunteer Opportunity: Social Media Support 🇺🇸

Saint Cloud Stand Down is looking for a volunteer with a passion for social media to help us share our mission and connect with our community.

This role only requires a few hours a week, but it makes a big impact. We’re seeking someone who:

Is fluent with Facebook and understands how to engage an audience

Has creative skills to help promote events, services, and stories

Is familiar with the local veteran community and understands the values we stand on: dignity, respect, service, and support

Your voice would help amplify the work we do for veterans and their families right here in our community.

If you love creativity, community, and supporting those who served — or know someone who does — we’d love to hear from you.

Send us a message through Facebook or email us at [email protected]

Together, we can continue to serve those who’ve served us.

02/02/2026

It’s a new month, which means it’s time to look sharp! 💈
We’re proud to serve our Veterans and the St. Cloud community each month.

🇺🇸 First Thursday of the Month
• FREE haircuts for Veterans and their spouses

💈 Third Thursday of the Month
• Open to the public
• Haircuts are $25

🚶 Walk-ins are welcome
📞 To make an appointment, call 320-423-0742

01/20/2026

As we recently welcomed our new barber, we also say a heartfelt goodbye to our former barber, John Parry.

John joined the Stand Down team five years ago, moving his entire business "Gentleman’s Quarters Barbershop" to our location. He brought with him not only his expertise, but more than 53 years of experience. His goal was simple: to give back to our veterans. During his time at Stand Down, John provided over 13,000 haircuts, including more than 1,500 free cuts specifically for veterans.
John shared that his desire to serve the veteran community came from being missed during the Vietnam War draft. Feeling a strong need to give back, he found his way to serve through what he knew best—cutting hair.

John said he felt honored to serve our community and support veterans, even during their toughest moments. A simple haircut often opened the door for conversation and connection, helping veterans form new relationships. He shared, “It’s because of you—the veterans—that we get to enjoy our freedoms today. You’re the real heroes, not the celebrities or the athletes.”

In closing, John expressed his gratitude to the volunteers of Stand Down, noting that the organization could not function without them. He also encouraged the public to remain thankful for our veteran community and to show support through organizations like St. Cloud Stand Down.

As John retires to focus on his health following a terminal brain cancer diagnosis, we are especially grateful for the years he dedicated to serving our veteran community. Thank you, John, for your years of dedication, compassion, and service.

01/10/2026

What a wonderful afternoon - today everyone got together to celebrate each other. It was more than a party, it was a chance to say thank you.

The volunteers are the heart of St. Cloud Stand Down. Because of you, our mission is possible.

We are deeply grateful for every hour given, every word shared, and every act of service you give.

Thank you for an incredible year and the support you give our community!

01/09/2026

Please join us in welcoming Ava, our newest barber serving the veterans in our community!

“My name is Ava! I have been cutting hair for two years and own my own business at a local salon — but I want to give my time to the men and women who have given so much to all of us.”

Ava will be here every first and third Thursday of the month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
✔️ First Thursday: completely free haircuts for veterans
✔️ Third Thursday (open to public): $25 per haircut

Her heart for service is clear: she wants to create a space where veterans feel seen, valued, and cared for — far beyond just a haircut. Her goal is to show that your sacrifices are never forgotten.

Stop in, say hello, and let Ava take care of you. We’re grateful to have her on our team and even more grateful for each of you who have served.