The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) hosted the second annual Veteran Service Officer (VSO) conference, Feb. 11-13, at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme.

The goal of the annual event is to bring together VSOs from around the state to learn how to best impact the lives of veterans and their families in their communities. More than 100 attendees from across the state joined speakers, fellow support organizations and the MVAA to learn how best to serve those who served our country.

A VSO is a subject matter expert trained and accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that guides veterans and their families through the process of applying for VA benefits.

“It is critical to the well-being of Michigan’s more than 516,000 veterans that we bring the VSOs together,” says Stefanie MacDonald, MVAA VSO manager. “Whether the VSO works for the state, the county, or a veteran service organization, it is important that they all have the latest information and training to best support the veterans they come in contact with on a daily basis. VSOs are the lifeline for many veterans and their families to get them connected to the benefits they earned.”

Veterans often face mountains of paperwork and VSOs are knowledgeable about veterans’ benefits and services and can navigate the sometimes complicated systems.
Service members and veterans or their family members may contact the Michigan Veterans Resource Service Center at 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) to learn more about veteran benefits and resources.

For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mvaa.

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency staff available to attend veterans events

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) staff members are available to attend and/or speak at events for veterans or events that involve veteran issues. To request MVAA staff to speak at an event, participate on a panel or present a session, staff a booth or table, provide brochures and information on health care, education, employment and other topics concerning veterans, or to have a veteran-focused event added to the MVAA website, fill out the event invitation form at: www.michigan.gov/mvaa/forms/event-invitation. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mvaa/about-us/request-event.

Upcoming events

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Euchre from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, March 3 and from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, March 6 and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, March 7, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Royal Oak American Legion Post 253 to host Taco Tuesday at 11 a.m. March 4, and Friday Night-Perch at 5 p.m. March 7, at 1505 N. Main St. For more information, call 248-546-0490.

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Broasted Chicken Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 and a Fish Fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 7, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave. For more information, call 248-673-9301.

• Milford American Legion Post 216 to host Burger Nite from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 6, at 510 W. Commerce Road, Milford. For more information, call 248-684-9919.
• Berkley American Legion Post 374 to host Pancake Platter Feast from 9 a.m. to noon, Sunday, March 2, and Music Trivia at 7 p.m. Thursday March 6, at 2079 W. Twelve Mile Road, Berkley. Breakfast cost Adults-from $10, Under age 12-from $5. Beverages available to purchase. For more information, call 248-542-7668.

• The Holly Area Veterans Resource Center Vet-To-Vet Dinner is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 17, at VFW Post 5587, 201 Airport Drive, Holly. The dinner is open to veterans and their families, option to bring a dish to pass. There is usually a guest speaker at the monthly dinners, followed by Q&A. For more information, call 810-348-9960.

The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events and include a phone number for readers to call for more information.

On Feb. 25, 1946, Gov. Harry Kelly signed Public Act 9 into law, creating the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF) from $50 million in post-World War II reserve funds.

Since then, the MVTF has helped veterans of every wartime era overcome unexpected expenses ranging from utility bills to home repairs to mortgage assistance and get back on their feet financially.

The Emergency Grant Program is intended to help veterans overcome an unforeseen situation causing a temporary or short-term financial emergency or hardship that a grant will resolve and for which the applicant can demonstrate the ability to meet future expenses.

Beginning December 2021, peacetime-era veterans 65 years and older are now eligible for emergency assistance as part of the MVTF’s 65+ Peacetime Program. The program allows veterans who served in a peacetime era, have at least 180 days of service, and were discharged under honorable conditions to apply for emergency assistance. A person is eligible to apply any time during the year in which they turn 65.

To apply for emergency funds from the MVTF, veterans should contact the MVTF county committee serving the county where they reside.

Oakland County Veterans’ Services has been providing Oakland County veterans and their families with professional veterans benefits advocacy and assistance for more than 60 years.

They have a staff of highly trained and accredited Veterans’ Benefits Counselors who are dedicated to ensuring that the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans are recognized and that they and their families receive all veterans benefits to which they are entitled. The Oakland County Veterans’ Services team’s mission is to obtain the maximum veteran benefits available to veterans and their families, while making the process as simple and understandable as possible.

For more information, visit www.oakgov.com/government/veterans/benefits-services or call the Pontiac office at 248-858-0785, or the Troy/South Oakland office at 248-655-1250.

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency staff available to attend veterans events

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) staff members are available to attend and/or speak at events for veterans or events that involve veteran issues. To request MVAA staff to speak at an event, participate on a panel or present a session, staff a booth or table, provide brochures and information on health care, education, employment and other topics concerning veterans, or to have a veteran-focused event added to the MVAA website, fill out the event invitation form at: www.michigan.gov/mvaa/forms/event-invitation. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mvaa/about-us/request-event.

Upcoming events

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Euchre from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24 and from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27 and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Royal Oak American Legion Post 253 to host Taco Tuesday at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25 and Friday Night-Swedish Meatballs at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at 1505 N. Main St. For more information, call 248-546-0490.

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Chef’s Choice Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25 and a Fish Fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave. For more information, call 248-673-9301.

• Milford American Legion Post 216 to host Burger Nite from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, at 510 W. Commerce Road, Milford. For more information, call 248-684-9919.

• Berkley American Legion Post 374 to host Pancake Platter Feast from 9 a.m. to noon, Sunday, March 2, and Music Trivia at 7 p.m. Thursday Feb. 27, at 2079 W. Twelve Mile Road, Berkley. Breakfast cost for adults-from $10, under 12-from $5. Beverages available to purchase. For more information, call 248-542-7668.

The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events and include a phone number for readers to call for more information.

Northern Strike 25-1, this year’s winter training exercise hosted by the Michigan National Guard (MING), was set for Jan. 27-30, at Northern Michigan’s National All-Domain Warfighting Center, (NADWC).

Northern Strike (NS) 25-1 is part of the semi-annual exercise series, which includes NS 25-2, scheduled for this August, according to a news release from the Michigan National Guard.

“For a decade, Northern Strike has helped our nation’s reserve component forces build readiness as a lethal fighting force,” said Col. Todd Fitzpatrick, land exercise director for NS.

“This marks the 6th cold-weather iteration of this event and as our national defense strategy changes, so does the exercise.”

NS is a Joint National Training Capability accredited, Army sponsored, and National Guard Bureau program. The exercise is tailorable, scalable and a cost-effective readiness producer. Participants will brave the cold-weather conditions while training to meet objectives of the Department of Defense’s arctic strategy.

“Wind, snow, and single digit temperatures force units to adapt and overcome conditions they could potentially face against a near-peer threat,” said Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

“In years past, temperatures at Camp Grayling have been colder than Alaska, so this exercise serves as one of the best opportunities for units to train in some of the most challenging conditions.”

Northern Michigan’s National All-Domain Warfighting Center, which includes Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC), offers a cost-effective way for units across the Department of Defense (particularly reserve components) to experience cold-weather, joint all-domain operations. The ability to easily transport people and equipment to Camp Grayling via rail and roadway helps units save time, money and training days. Air component units can fly to Alpena CRTC without leaving U.S. air space.

Participating units will include the 125th Infantry Battalion, MING; Second Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; Marine Air Control Squadron, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Yuma, AZ; Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162, New River, NC; and other units from the U.S. Army National Guard.

This year’s exercise includes shaping operations with joint fires and a cold-weather equipment pool offered at Camp Grayling. Visiting units will be able to draw from items such as skis, snowmobiles and snowshoes to meet their training objectives.

“By offering the cold-weather equipment, our Camp Grayling partners have made the exercise even more tailorable,” said Col. Todd Fitzpatrick.

“Having equipment pre-positioned here reduces logistical concerns for units so they can focus on their warfighting tasks. Our goal is to provide units with the tools to become more effective warfighters, ready to meet the ever-evolving demands of today’s security environment.”

For more information about the Michigan National Guard, visit minationalguard.dodlive.mil.

Upcoming events

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Euchre from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3 and from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6 and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Broasted Chicken Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 63 to host Shuffleboard from 6:45 to 10 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6, and Euchre from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at 8047 Ortonville Road. For more information, call 248-625-9912.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4 and a Fish Fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave. For more information, call 248-673-9301.

• Milford American Legion Post 216 to host Burger Nite from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at 510 W. Commerce Road, Milford. For more information, call 248-684-9919.

• Holly American Legion Dance Jam is from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at Holly VFW Post 5587, at 201 Airport Drive, Holly. Live guest band Dumb and Dumber with Mike Nau. Dancing, refreshments, donations accepted to go to Tornado fund. Open to the public. For more information, call 810-348-9960.

• Holly Area Veterans Resource Center Vet-To-Vet Dinner is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, at VFW Post 5587, at 201 Airport Drive, Holly. The dinner is open to veterans and their families. Bring a dish to pass if desired. Event includes speaker and Q&A. For more information, call 810-348-9960.

The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events.

Oakland County SMART (Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation) and local transit providers continue to offer “This Ride’s on Us” program for veterans.

Launched in June 2024, the “This Ride’s on Us” program offers free public transportation for veterans and their caregivers, for medical appointments, errands and visits to senior centers.

The program was initially set to end Sept. 30, 2024, but was extended through September 2025, thanks to an additional $530,000 grant from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.

The goal of the program is to improve accessibility and quality of life for the county’s 53,000 veterans, more than half of whom are over 65, many with disabilities.

“This has already helped so many Oakland County veterans, and I’m thrilled that we can continue this vital service,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said in a news release.

“Our goal is to eliminate any barriers to transportation for our veterans who have sacrificed so much in service to us all.”

Local transit providers, including North Oakland Transportation Authority (NOTA), Western Oakland Transportation Authority (WOTA), People’s Express, and OPC Social & Activity Center, in partnership with SMART, will continue to provide the free rides.

Veterans and their caregivers can schedule rides by calling 248-419-7984 at least 72 hours in advance, and providing proof of service, such as DD214 discharge papers or a veteran ID.

For more information on the program, visit oakgov.com/veterans.

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency staff available to attend veterans events

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) staff members are available to attend and/or speak at events for veterans or events that involve veteran issues. To request MVAA staff to speak at an event, participate on a panel or present a session, staff a booth or table, provide brochures and information on health care, education, employment and other topics concerning veterans, or to have a veteran-focused event added to the MVAA website, fill out the event invitation form at: www.michigan.gov/mvaa/forms/event-invitation. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mvaa/about-us/request-event.

Upcoming events

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Euchre from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27 and from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30 and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Chef’s Choice Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 63 to host Shuffleboard from 6:45 to 10 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, and Euchre from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at 8047 Ortonville Road. For more information, call 248-625-9912.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28 and a Fish Fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave. For more information, call 248-673-9301.

• Milford American Legion Post 216 to host Burger Nite from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at 510 W. Commerce Road, Milford. For more information, call 248-684-9919.

• Holly American Legion Dance Jam is from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at Holly VFW Post 5587, at 201 Airport Road, Holly. Live guest band Dumb and Dumber with Mike Nau. Dancing, refreshments, donations accepted to go to Tornado fund. Open to the public. For more information, call 810-348-9960.

The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events.

Soldiers with the Michigan Army National Guard 1775th Military Police Command, based at the Pontiac Armory received honorary tributes from Congresswoman Haley Stevens; State Representative Brenda Carter; and Oakland County Commissioner Angela Powell, for efforts in support of the annual Holiday Extravaganza Parade in Pontiac and various community service projects throughout the area, according to a press release.

Michigan Army National Guard (MIARNG) Chief of Staff Colonel Andrew Kuhns; Holiday Extravaganza Board Chairman Kaino Phillips; Congresswoman Haley Stevens; State Representative Brenda Carter; Oakland County Commissioner Angela Powell participated in three tribute presentations to the 1775th Military Police Company on Jan. 12, at MIARNG Pontiac Armory at 233 N Johnson St, Pontiac.

State Rep. Brenda Carter (D-Pontiac) presented a tribute to the Michigan National Guard’s 1775th Military Police Company, recognizing their unwavering dedication to the community and their crucial role in supporting the annual Holiday Extravaganza Parade. This tribute serves as an acknowledgment of their invaluable service and sacrifice for the state and country, according to a press release.

Following the presentation, Carter issued the following statement:

“It was an honor to join Congresswoman Haley Stevens, County Commissioner Angela Powell, Holiday Extravaganza Board Chair Kaino Phillips, Linda Zabik, executive director for the Holiday Extravaganza Parade, and General Andrew Kuhns of the 1775th Military Police Company to honor the Michigan National Guard’s 1775th Military Police Company for their years of dedication and hard work to our community.

“Without them, our Holiday Extravaganza Parade would not be possible. As a mother of a son who served our country, I take every opportunity to thank those who give so much to protect people they will never meet. We owe so much to those who serve and have served this state and country. Today was the least we, as elected leaders, could do. I look forward to continuing the work with the Michigan National Guard and wholeheartedly thank them for everything they do.”

There was a short tour of the armory after the presentation to highlight the $1.95 million construction project to modernize the armory for women service members. For more information on armory modernization, visit www.michigan.gov/dmva/newsroom/press-releases/2024/01/25/michigan-army-national-guard.

Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority welcomes Nancy Susick of Rochester to its board

The Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority, a 10-member board that governs Michigan Veteran Homes, welcomes Nancy Susick of Rochester as its newest board member.

Susick is the president of Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital. A registered nurse since 1986, Susick has held numerous leadership, staff and administrative positions throughout her career at Corewell Health. Susick holds a Master of Science in nursing from Oakland University and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy.

Susick was appointed for a term, Dec. 23, 2024-April 15, 2027. Susick succeeds Henry Boutros, whose term expired.

For information about the Michigan Veterans’ Facility Authority, visit www.michigan.gov/mvh/about/about-mvfa.

Upcoming events

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Euchre from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20 and from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23; and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• The Holly Area Veterans Resource Center Vet-To-Vet Dinner is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at VFW Post 5587, at 201 Airport Drive, Holly. The dinner is open to veterans and their families. Bring a dish to pass if desired. There is usually a speaker followed by Q&A. For more information, call 810-348-9960.

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Broasted Chicken Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 63 to host Shuffleboard from 6:45 to 10 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, and Euchre from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at 8047 Ortonville Road. For more information, call 248-625-9912.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 and a Fish Fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave. For more information, call 248-673-9301.

• Milford American Legion Post 216 to host Burger Nite from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, at 510 W. Commerce Road, Milford. For more information, call 248-684-9919.

The Oakland Press is interested in all veterans events in Oakland County. Please send info in the body of an email with subject line “Veterans Affairs” to Sharon Longman at sslstart@aol.com. Allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events.