Chris Fahey is taking the lessons of his personal journey and using them to make Houston a better place for Veterans.
HOUSTON, TX — Amid the flurry of resources and services at the annual Houston Stand Down on Friday, October 17, 2025, a powerful message of hope and community will resonate, championed by Navy veteran and dedicated advocate, Chris Fahey of Stone River Recovery. The event, held at The Zone, 10371 Stella Link Rd., from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, is set to be a testament to the theme: Houston is here for its Veterans.
Fahey, whose own journey has led him from active duty to a passionate role in veteran mental health advocacy, sees the Stand Down as far more than a resource fair—it’s a critical moment for reconnection and renewal.
“We are here to see Veterans find their Hope, their faith in themselves and community, and return that sense of vitality that makes Houston such a great place for veterans to live,” Fahey states, encapsulating the deep purpose driving his involvement.
Jamay Schardien, CEO & President of Career Gear Houston is making helping Houston’s veterans fashionable.
Bridging the Gap to Mental Wellness
VA Medical Center, and dozens of non-profit partners, are ensuring a vast network of support is available. This unified front, for advocates like Chris Fahey and Jamay Schardien, is the most powerful symbol of the day.
The vital work of connecting veterans with essential services is also championed by Jamay Schardien, CEO & President of Career Gear, a co-sponsor of the Stand Down focused on employment and career readiness. Her participation underscores the event’s deep focus on long-term empowerment. “Every single one of Houston’s veterans matter,” Schardien asserts. “I am here to make sure as many of them as possible understand that Houston is here for its Veterans beyond just words. I hope people come out and see the valor of backing up the sentiment with action.”
This year’s Stand Down continues to live up to that promise. Veterans attending on October 17th can utilize the day to secure immediate aid, including professional attire from Career Gear, and find a renewed sense of camaraderie and belonging—the “faith in themselves and community” that Fahey and Schardien are working to instill. For those who have sacrificed, the 2025 Houston Stand Down stands ready to deliver on its promise of hope, demonstrating that their service is not only remembered but continually supported.
A Community’s Unwavering Pledge
The annual Stand Down is a collaborative effort by the City of Houston, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Lone Star Legal Aid, and dozens of non-profit partners. For advocates like Fahey, this unified front is the most important symbol of the day.
“This city has one of the largest veteran populations in the U.S.,” Fahey observes. “When you see the sheer number of organizations and volunteers dedicated to this one day, it sends an undeniable message: Houston is here for its Veterans. We don’t forget their service, and we won’t let them face their struggles alone.”
The event is designed to connect all veterans, particularly those experiencing homelessness or hardship, with immediate relief and long-term recovery plans. Veterans attending on October 17th can utilize the day to secure necessary aid, but most importantly, they can find a renewed sense of camaraderie and belonging—the “faith in themselves and community” that Fahey speaks of.
For those who have sacrificed, the 2025 Houston Stand Down stands ready to deliver on its promise of hope, demonstrating through action that their service is not only remembered but continually supported.
Event Details:
- What: Houston Stand Down 2025
- When: Friday, October 17, 2025, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Where: The Zone, 10371 Stella Link Rd., Houston, TX 77025
Website: https://careergearhouston.org/houston-stand-down
Find Jamay online at: https://www.instagram.com/jamafishco/
Find Chris online at: https://www.instagram.com/chris_fahey33/
Need Help: https://stoneriverrecoverycenter.com/
