J.R. Wilson, a veteran from Antioch, California, is taking significant steps to support fellow veterans by organizing one of Northern California’s largest veteran support events. This initiative, known as Stand Down on the Delta, provides essential services to veterans in need and aims to transform Wilson’s past struggles into a beacon of hope for others.
Once a homeless teenager living on the streets of Antioch, Wilson has dedicated his life to assisting veterans since founding the Delta Veterans Group in 2012. The Stand Down on the Delta event, which began in 2015, has become a critical resource for those who have served in the military, offering housing, medical care, legal assistance, and pathways to stability.
From Homelessness to Leadership
Wilson’s journey to becoming a community leader is marked by his own experiences. After dropping out of school at 17, he joined the U.S. Army’s Military Intelligence Corps. His military service took him from the streets of Antioch to bases in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and South Korea. Unfortunately, a knee injury prematurely ended his military career, but it also ignited his passion for helping others.
Upon returning to Contra Costa County in 2011, Wilson observed a troubling increase in homelessness among veterans, prompting him to take action. He recalls how his work with the Disabled American Veterans shaped his mission: “They really gave me a new mission of how to serve our veterans community,” Wilson said, reflecting on his transition from service member to advocate.
Event Growth and Impact
Stand Down on the Delta is a four-day event that has grown significantly since its inception, attracting veterans and volunteers alike. The initiative brings together a wide range of resources designed to assist veterans in overcoming the challenges they face as they reintegrate into civilian life. Through the event, Wilson and his team strive to ensure that no veteran walks this difficult road alone.
Wilson’s commitment to his fellow veterans serves as an inspiring example of resilience. By channeling his past struggles into a supportive network, he continues to fulfill his promise to help others avoid the hardships he once faced.
The efforts of J.R. Wilson and the Delta Veterans Group highlight the importance of community support in addressing the needs of veterans. As the Stand Down on the Delta event approaches, anticipation builds for the positive impact it will have on the lives of many veterans in Northern California.
All information in this report was gathered by journalists employed by KRON4. This article has been edited and fact-checked by KRON4 staff before publication.
