Stand Down Madison - Wayne D. Horner Memorial

09/25/2026

🚨 CALLING ALL LOCAL HEROES TO BACK OUR HEROES! 🇺🇸❤️

The countdown is officially ON for our 33rd Annual Stand Down, and the energy is building fast! On Saturday, October 17th, we are transforming The Salvation Army on Darbo Drive into a powerhouse of community, connection, and life-changing support for our veterans facing tough times across eight Wisconsin counties.

Pulling off an event of this magnitude is a massive team lift, and right now, we need our incredible community to jump in with both feet in two huge ways: your hands on the ground, and a little Amazon magic from your couch!

If you’ve been looking for a way to give back that truly moves the needle, our volunteer shifts are open and waiting for you! We need high-energy, big-hearted helpers starting Wednesday, October 14th to sort through mountains of warm coats and winter gear, Friday, October 16th to hustle through setup and get the entire room dialed in, and Saturday, October 17th for the big day itself.

Saturday is where the real magic happens, walking side-by-side with veterans as a personal buddy, sorting and handing out essential gear, serving hot meals, or helping keep the day running smoothly. Grab your friends, get a coworker crew together, or come solo and make new friends by locking in your spot right now at
https://www.standdownmadison.org/volunteer!

Can’t make it to Madison to volunteer in person? You can still be an absolute rockstar for our vets without ever leaving home by helping us

CLEAR OUR AMAZON WISHLIST!

Wisconsin winter doesn't mess around, and we still have crucial items sitting on our registry waiting to be purchased think heavy-duty cold-weather socks, thermals, winter hats, gloves, and daily hygiene essentials. Every single box delivered to our doors goes directly into the hands of someone who stepped up and wore the uniform for our country. Jump onto our wishlist today at
www.standdownmadison.org/donate

and send some warmth their way with just a couple of taps!

Whether you’re rolling up your sleeves on the gym floor with us or clicking “buy now” to send a package of warm winter layers, you are making an immediate, tangible difference right here at home. Let’s rally together, fill every open shift, and completely clear that wishlist before game day. Please smash that share button to spread the word across Dane County and beyond our veterans deserve the absolute best, so let’s show up big! 📦✨💪

Orders placed through our  Wish List are shipped directly to Wayne D Horner Memorial Stand Down Inc. Simply shop by clicking the button below.

09/18/2026

🌟 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED SOON! 🌟

The countdown is on, and the Wayne D. Horner Memorial Veterans Stand Down is gearing up for our annual fall event! We’re bringing together veterans experiencing homelessness and hard times across Dane, Columbia, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Green, Iowa, and Sauk Counties for a full day of support, hot meals, essential gear, and community.

To pull this off, we need caring hands on deck to make it all happen. We have shifts open for sorting through donated clothing on Wednesday, October 14th from late morning through early afternoon, setting up and organizing the space throughout the day on Friday, October 16th, and working the Main Event bright and early on Saturday, October 17th at the Salvation Army on Darbo Drive in Madison. Whether you can lend a couple of hours during the week to sort through coats and boots or spend Saturday directly serving and connecting with our veterans, every bit of help matters.

You can lock in your volunteer shift right now at standdownmadison.org/volunteer.

Can’t make it in person? You can still show up big for our local heroes by sharing this post so area veterans know where to find us, or by grabbing a few critical items off our wish list directly through standdownmadison.org/donate.

Every single share, donation, and volunteer hour counts. Thank you for showing up year after year for those who served our country! 🇺🇸❤️

Volunteers have an enormous effect on the health and well-being of communities around the world. According to Independent Sector, the value of your time in the state of Wisconsin is worth between $24 – $30 dollars per hour. We know the work we are doing with Veterans is valuable and invite you to ...

09/04/2026

Today, we remember and honor Raymond “Ray” LaVallee Jr.

​As a proud Marine veteran and the very first president of Wayne D. Horner Memorial Stand Down Madison, Ray dedicated his life to serving others. He was a tireless advocate for our veteran community, stepping up to build a foundation of dignity, brotherhood, and support so that no brother or sister in arms was left behind.

​Ray leaves behind an enduring legacy of service, leadership, and quiet strength that has touched countless lives across our community.

​Semper Fi, Ray. Thank you for your service and your unwavering commitment to your fellow veterans. Our heartfelt condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with his family and all who loved him.

​Rest in peace, Marine. 🇺🇸

​You can read Ray’s full obituary and share your memories or condolences with the family on his Memorial Wall here Raymond "Ray" Lavallee Jr.'s Memorial Wall | Ryan Funeral Homes

Raymond "Ray" J. Lavallee Jr., age 79, passed away peacefully with his wife Karen by his side on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Ray was born on August 19, 1947, to Raymond Sr. and Mildred Lavallee. He graduated from DeForest High School in 1965, where he was a proud member of the football, wrestling an...

08/29/2026

WE NEED YOU! Stand Down Madison 2026 is officially gearing up, and registration is LIVE! 💥

Whether you want to be on the front lines or support from home, here is how you can step up for our local veterans today:

Become a Volunteer Buddy 🤝
Make a direct, personal impact! Team up one-on-one with a veteran to guide them through the event, connect them with critical resources, and ensure they feel supported every step of the way.

👉 Claim your spot: standdownmadison.org/volunteer

Partner With Us as a Provider 🏥💼
Are you a healthcare group, service provider, or veteran resource organization? Bring your team on-site and deliver essential services right to the people who need them most.

👉 Register your organization: standdownmadison.org/communitypartner

Clear Our Amazon Wish List 📦✨
Short on time? You can still change a life from your phone! Every single item purchased ships directly to a veteran in need.

👉 Ship essential gear now: amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1M9681TAPCIB7

Let’s show up big for those who served. Share this post, tag a friend, and let’s make this year’s Stand Down our biggest one yet! 🇺🇸

08/18/2026

🎯 OVER $3,400 RAISED FOR OUR LOCAL VETERANS! 🎯

​What an incredible Saturday! We are beyond grateful to everyone who came out, threw darts, grabbed great food, and showed up big for our community’s veterans through Stand Down Madison! ❤️🇺🇸

​Because of your energy, generosity, and support, we officially raised over $3,400 to directly support local veterans!

​Help us give a massive congratulations to our tournament winners! 🏆

​🥇 1st Place - Byron L & Jordan P
🥈 2nd Place - Fishy & Schmitty (Jim F & John S)
🥉 3rd Place - Nick J & Sam S

​An event like this takes a village, and we could not have pulled it off without our incredible host locations, generous donors, and amazing sponsors:

​Host Locations & Key Partners:
Champ’s Bar ​
Thirsty Beaver Bar -​
Just One



Bender's Tap Inn - Thank you for providing the custom event koozies! They were a huge hit. 🍻

Flavor Rescue Food Truck - Thank you for keeping everyone fed with amazing eats all day! 🍔🔥 P.S - the banana bread was delicious 😋!

​Generous Donors & Community Sponsors:

​Archie Monuments
​Berserker Body Art
​Cancun Bay
​Cut & Run Tree Service
​Cracker Jax Bar
​Fishy's Bar & Grill
​Harmarita's Pub
​Hungry Huddle
​Jay's Power Center
​Karbon4 Brewing
​Madison Football Club
​Mission BBQ
​Monica Fanta
Ruth Westmont
​Stansfield Vending
​Station 2
​Verona Safety
​Village Hair Designs
​Wisconsin Music Bingo

​🌟 Special Commendation: Our Tournament Grand Champion, Kiersten Fanta

While every successful mission takes a team, Kiersten was the commander leading the charge! She managed the tournament boards across the venues and personally brought in nearly all of our raffle and prize donations. Her addition of the food truck this year was well received. Kiersten, your tireless hustle and passion for our veterans made this day an incredible win. Thank you for your dedication! 🙌🎖️

​💖 And A Special Tribute

We must also give a massive shoutout to Kiersten’s mother, Monica Fanta! She single-handedly manned the basket tickets, the game and a portion of the 50/50 raffle. Monica, your tireless work and dedication were crucial to the success of this event. Thank you for your incredible support! 🙌💖

​Thank you to every player, volunteer, sponsor, and spectator who spent their Saturday making an impact. We’ll see you at the next one! 🎯🙌

​Learn more about our mission: www.StandDownMadison.org

​

08/15/2026

🎯 TODAY IS THE DAY, REEDSBURG! 🎯 Kiersten Fanta

The boards are ready, the drinks are cold, and the 2nd Annual Barmuda Triangle Dart Tournament is happening TODAY!

Whether you’re throwing darts or just coming out for the great food, cold drinks, and high energy, grab your crew and help us show massive support for our local veterans through Stand Down Madison! 🇺🇸❤️

Today's Lineup:

* 3:00 PM: Registration kicks off at Thirsty Beaver Bar ($20 entry / Luck of the Draw — $10 to the pot 🏆, $10 to our veterans!). First come, first served for custom event koozies courtesy of Bender's Tap Inn! 🍻

* 4:00 PM: Darts fly across Thirsty Beaver, Champ’s Bar, and Just One!

* All Afternoon:
* 🍔 The Flavor Rescue Food Truck is parked and dishing out incredible eats to keep you fueled all day.

* 🎟️ Raffles & Silent Auction are live at Just One—stop in and get your tickets/bids in!

Not a dart shooter? No problem! Come grab dinner from Flavor Rescue, check out the raffles, and cheer on the players.

Let's pack the Triangle and make today unforgettable! See you all soon! 🎯🔥

Learn more: www.StandDownMadison.org