Kansas City, Mo. ? When Bob Waechter decided to help out fellow veterans who are now homeless, he wasn’t looking to provide just a hot meal and a new coat.

Waechter, coordinator of this weekend’s 12th annual Heart of America Stand Down, lined up municipal judges to help resolve veterans’ petty crimes.

He found tax preparers and Social Security staff members to help vets erase the marks possibly preventing them from getting jobs.

He even found some veterans new eyeglasses and had volunteers steer others toward substance-abuse programs.

But mostly he said he wanted to give vets a safe haven for at least a few days.

“I’m a Marine — you don’t leave anyone behind,” he said. “I know what it means to take care of someone who needs help.”

Waechter, along with the Local Veterans Affairs offices, the Kansas City Veterans Center and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, expected to help about 700 veterans at the Manual Career Center on Truman Road. The Stand Down was scheduled to end today.

Volunteers put up tents at the center to hand out food, health screenings and even provide vets a place to sleep.

Judges volunteered their time to hold hearings on veterans’ minor legal entanglements, usually handing out sentences of community service.

Some volunteers were also former military who came out to help and be around fellow veterans.

“It brings back memories,” said Clyde Wirrie, a Vietnam veteran.

Paul Reece, who received services from the last four Stand Downs, said fellow veterans relate to what he’s gone through.

“They understand how I think like no one else can,” said Reece, also a Vietnam veteran. “When you’re alone, they come to your aid.”