White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy to host its Seventh Annual Patriots Race at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at 621 W. Long Lake Road, (west of I-75) in Troy, according to a press release.

Southeast Michigan runners and walkers are invited to lace up their sneakers for a good cause, to benefit the Michigan Wounded & Returning Warriors Program, a 501(C)3, American Legion member organization supporting veterans.

The event includes 10k and 5K timed races as well as a 1M run/walk.

For the first time, the event will feature country music recording artist Stephen Cochran, a wounded Marine veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He will perform patriotic songs before and after the races. Notably, race participants often run in honor of a family member or friend. White ribbons will be available and on display for race participants to write the names of those they are honoring.

This year’s event marks the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks. Accordingly, there will be a moment of silence at 9:03 a.m. in memory of the 9/11 Tower 2 attack.

In competitive runners’ circles, White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery’s 210-acre park-like setting is appealing and known for having the flattest and fastest course in Michigan. Participants will pass by monuments to veterans from WWI, WWII, the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars as well as MIA combat troops, according to the release.

Participants will want to stick around after the races for food and beverages. A highlight of the morning will be an awards ceremony where top finishers will receive gold, silver, and bronze commemorative dog tags. Moreover, prizes will be awarded for “Most Patriotic Attire.”

“The Patriots Race attracts all ages including many families joining in the fun to support Michigan veterans,” said David R. Krall, White Chapel vice president.

“It is inspiring to see the Patriots Race grow over the years. Runners and walkers participate in the race for a variety of reasons, they may honor the memory of a loved one or friend or enjoy the exercise.”

For more information or to register online, visit www.ThePatriotsRace.com. Discounts are available for veterans and groups. For more information about White Chapel cemetery, visit www.whitechapelcemetery.com. Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can call 248-362-7670.

Upcoming events

• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave. For more information, call 248-673-9301.

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Taco Tuesday Mexican Buffet from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 3, Broasted Chicken Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Royal Oak American Legion Post 253 Auxiliary Bake Sale is from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Green Acres Park, 620 W. Woodward Heights, Hazel Park. For more information, call 248-546-0490.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 63 to host Euchre from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at 8047 Ortonville Road. For more information, call 248-625-9912.

• Oakland County Veterans Services, Oakland County Parks and Forgotten Harvest will host a Veterans Food Distribution from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 12 at Lyon Oaks Golf Course, 52221 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Register to pick up free food and learn about what Oakland County Veterans Services has to offer, www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-food-distribution-event-september-event-tickets-884341718887?aff=oddtdtcreator. For more information, contact Tyrone Jordan at jordant@oakgov.com 248-285-8016.

• Holly American Legion Post 149 to host Vet to Vet Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, at 408 S. Saginaw St., Holly. All vets and their significant others welcome. Food provided. 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.

The Foundation for Pops held its inaugural Swing for Change Charity Golf Outing on July 19, at the Pheasant Run Golf Club in Canton. The special event honored the legacy of Lloyd “Pops” Matthews, and raised funds for those experiencing homelessness and veterans through education, resource development, and various other programs.

The day was filled with friendly competition and camaraderie as 104 golfers, divided into teams of four, took to the greens.

The event was a success, raising upwards of $25,000 for the Foundation for Pops. These funds will significantly impact the nonprofit’s mission to aid those experiencing homelessness and veterans in metro Detroit, providing essential resources and programming to improve their lives.

Joshua Morris, founder of DQS Solutions & Staffing, was inspired to start the Foundation for Pops after witnessing the challenges his grandfather, Lloyd “Pops” Matthews faced. “My grandfather fought in Vietnam. During the war, he became an addict like many. When he returned from the war, he got a job as a police officer, but was unable to stay clean and he eventually ended up homeless,” said Morris.

My grandfather was a hard worker, but he ran into roadblocks that prevented him from regaining his life — he couldn’t get a state ID without an address, and without a state ID, it was impossible for him to find work.”

Lakesha Hancock, executive director of the Foundation for Pops, and a Navy veteran, expressed her gratitude for the support received. “Seeing the community come together like this to support our mission is incredibly heartwarming. The funds raised today will help us make a real difference in the lives of those who have served our country and are now facing tough times,” said Hancock.

For more information about the Foundation for Pops, visit https://foundationforpops.org.

Upcoming events

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Euchre from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12, and from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday Aug. 15, 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, Aug. 13, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave. For more information, call 248-673-9301.

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Taco Tuesday Mexican Buffet from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 13 and Chef’s Choice Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Desert Angels to host a Miracle Box Packing Party for troops worldwide from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Oakland County Sportsmen Club, at 4770 Waterford Road, Clarkston. For more information and a complete list of requested items, email office@thedesertangel.org or call 248-736-6403.

• Post 149 to host Open Mic Night at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at 408 S. Saginaw St. Holly For more information, call 810-348-9960.

• Post 149 to host Vet to Vet dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, at 408 S. Saginaw St. Holly. Veterans, their families, significant others, and widows are welcome. Dinner is free. For more information, call 810-348-9960.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 63 to host Euchre from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at 8047 Ortonville Road. For more information, call 248-625-9912.

• White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery to host the 6th Annual Patriots Race at 9 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at 621 W. Long Lake Road in Troy. The event, which raises funds for the Michigan Wounded & Returning Warriors Project, includes a 10K/5K Run and a 1 Mile Walk. Participants can register online at https://thepatriotsrace.com to secure an early bird discount. For more information, visit www.whitechapelcemetery.com.

• Oakland County Veterans ride free. Oakland County Veterans Services, in collaboration with the Oakland Transit division, began in June to provide free transportation to any location in Oakland County through Aug. 31. Participating transit providers include SMART, WOTA, NOTA, OPC, and People’s Express (PEX). To schedule your trip, call 248-419-7984, at least 72 hours in advance.  A DD214 or equivalent driver’s license with veteran’s designation is required for all Oakland County Veterans. For more information, visit Oakgov.com/veterans.

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.

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) recognizes employers that commit to military veteran recruitment, training, and retention practices by awarding those employers Gold, Silver, and Bronze level status as Veteran-Friendly Employers. MVAA’s Veteran-Friendly Employer program helps qualified organizations recruit and retain top veteran talent while providing others a road map to improve their recruitment efforts.

MVAA will assist employers as they develop and improve their efforts to recruit and retain high-quality veteran candidates. Employers who meet the criteria will be publicly recognized and allowed to use the Gold, Silver or Bronze Michigan Veteran-Friendly Employer logo to market themselves to potential veteran applicants.

Organizations that would like to be recognized as a Veteran-Friendly Employer (VFE) should review the criteria and fill out the VFE application. VFEs are encouraged to submit their logo, which will be used solely for display on the MVAA webpage showcasing the VFEs. For more information and the application, visit www.michigan.gov/mvaa/employment-new/panel-employers/become-friendly-emp.

Oakland County Veterans ride free

Oakland County Veterans Services, in collaboration with the Oakland Transit division, began in June to provide free transportation to any location in Oakland County through Aug. 31. Participating transit providers include SMART, WOTA, NOTA, OPC, and People’s Express (PEX). To schedule a trip, call 248-419-7984, at least 72 hours in advance. A DD214 or equivalent driver’s license with veteran’s designation is required for all Oakland County Veterans. For more information, visit Oakgov.com/veterans.

Upcoming events

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Euchre from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, July 29, and from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday Aug. 1, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Royal Oak American Legion Post 253 to host Name that Tune at 7 p.m. Tuesday July 30, at 1505 N. Main St. For more information, call 248-546-0490.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, at 4819 Mary Sue Ave. For more information, call 248-673-9301.

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Chef’s Choice Buffet from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Clarkston American Legion Post 63 to host Euchre from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at 8047 Ortonville Road. For more information, call 248-625-9912.

• Oakland County Veteran Services and Oakland County Parks will host a Veterans Food Distribution event from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, Aug. 8, at Catalpa Oaks County Park, 27705 Greenfield Road, Southfield. Register to pick up free food and learn about what Oakland County Veterans Services has to offer at: www.eventbrite.com/e/veterans-food-distribution-event-august-event-tickets-692599402457?aff=oddtdtcreator. For more information, contact Tyrone Jordan at jordant@oakgov.com or 248-285-8016.

Vet Fest is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Fowlerville Fairground, 8800 W. Grand River Ave., Fowlerville. Vet Fest is Michigan’s largest veteran engagement event of the year drawing in several thousand veterans and family members from all around the state. It is a free event for all active duty, retired, or military veteran families. Veterans can enjoy a day of camaraderie while learning about a wide variety of veteran specific resources. It is family oriented and veterans’ family members can enjoy food, bounce houses, live music, backpack and school supply giveaways, and more. All veterans in attendance are eligible to win a variety of prizes valued from $300 -$1,500. For more information, visit https://milivcounty.gov/meetings/vetfest-2024. For tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/vet-fest-2024-presented-by-vetlife-tickets-927835409687.

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.