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.

Michigan National Guard Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center (CGJMTC) has received $224,000 from the U.S. Army 2024 Environmental Resilience Funding program to fund three conservation projects.

The funding is available to projects that focus on climate change conservation resilience and is provided through a Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Army and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

• Habitat Restoration in a High-Quality Natural Area (HQNA) – The goal of the project is to conduct surveys and ecological management/restoration to benefit federally threatened species found within the HQNA at CGJMTC. Federally listed species include the eastern massasauga rattlesnake and Voss’s/Houghton’s goldenrod. Additional species include the Wood and Blanding’s turtle which are being considered for federal listing; the secretive locust and dusted skipper which are on the Army’s List of Priority Species at Risk; and 30 State Threatened & Endangered and special concern species.

• Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Surveys in CGJMTC using the Adapted-Hunt Drift Fence Technique – The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (EMR) is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act due to factors such as habitat loss, human persecution and snake fungal disease. Continual population monitoring is vital to ensuring recovery goals are met. Conventional sampling methods such as visual encounter surveys can be effective for detecting EMR, but are labor intensive. Using a recently developed technique that combines a configuration of camera traps placed along drift fences, this project will sample suitable habitat for EMR in areas of unknown occupancy status on Camp Grayling.

• Hungerford’s Crawling Water Beetle Surveys – The goal of the project is to survey and monitor suitable streams within the boundaries of CGJMTC for the federally endangered Hungerford’s crawling water beetle (HCWB). HCWB was first detected on the installation in 2019 and has been detected from four locations on a cold-water stream. Fine scale monitoring is needed to ensure long term viability of this population and inform adaptive management actions. Surveys in additional streams within Camp Grayling have not yet detected the beetle but have identified potentially suitable habitats.

“Camp Grayling has a rich history of taking a proactive approach to ecosystem management and engages in ongoing collaboration with several public and private entities for projects such as flora and fauna inventories,” said Matt Kleitch, natural resource specialist for CGJMTC.

“These projects will improve the ecological health of natural communities and associated species thus improving resiliency. Additionally, the habitat restoration component will result in a reduction of wildland fuels and further mitigate wildfire risk.”

CGJMTC partnered with USFWS staff in Michigan on project planning and proposals and will continue that partnership for implementation. The work aligns with the FY 2023-2027 U.S. Army Climate Strategy Implementation Plan and proactively supports that mission.

For more information, visit www.army.mil/e2/downloads/rv7/about/2022_Army_Climate_Strategy_Implementation_Plan_FY23-FY27.pdf.

Upcoming events

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Euchre from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 6 and from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 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. 8, 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. 9, and Euchre from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 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. 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, Jan. 9, 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.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in partnership with the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) is now including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, in English and Spanish, on all Michigan hunting and fishing licenses sold to resident active-duty and 100% disabled military veterans, according to a news release.

“Michigan is home to more than 516,000 veterans, many of whom are avid hunters and fishers,” said MVAA Director Brian L. Love.

“MVAA is always looking for ways to support suicide prevention in the veteran community. Including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline contact information on each license will put a vital resource in the pocket of those veterans who love the Michigan outdoors.”

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is a national network of crisis centers staffed with trained professionals to assist people experiencing mental health distress or suicidal crisis. A program from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Lifeline allows people to call or text 988 24/7 for themselves or for a loved one they are worried is in crisis. For veterans in crisis, the Lifeline offers the Veterans Crisis Line: simply dial 988 and press 1 or text 838255.

“The outdoors offers welcoming spaces where people can relax, recharge and connect with friends and family,” said DNR Director Scott Bowen. “There are times, though, when people may need professional assistance and care. Including 988 on hunting and fishing licenses for our military veterans is just another way to help keep Michiganders safe.”

Hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased at the DNR website, www.mdnr-elicense.com, through the Hunt Fish mobile app, www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/huntfishmi or in a retail store.

The 988 Lifeline is for anyone experiencing behavioral health-related distress, whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis. People can dial 988 for themselves or for a loved one they are worried is in crisis.

For more information, visit https://988lifeline.org.

Holly Area Veterans Resource Center moves monthly Vet-To-Vet dinner event

The Holly Area Veterans Resource Center (HAVRC) has moved the Vet-To-Vet dinner to the VFW Hall because of the tornado damage to the American Legion Hall. Fifty-five people attended the November dinner at the VFW Hall. Representatives from PNC Bank out of Hartland gave a talk on scams to watch out for. Comfort Quilts were presented to several people by the Holly Legion Post 149 Auxiliary. Tina Thurlow briefly talked about the damage to the legion hall.

The next Vet-to-Vet dinner will be held on Dec. 16, at the VFW Post 5587 Hall, at 201 Airport Drive in Holly. The monthly dinners will be held at the VFW until the legion hall is repaired. Patty Smith and Joe Mishler are in charge of the project.

The HAVRC is hosting an ornament fundraiser featuring three different kinds of fused glass hearts, donated by Pam Buerger. One is red, white and blue. The second is white, blue and black for police. The third is white, red, and black for first responders. They are $25 each and available at the center at 1006 N. Saginaw St. Suite C, Holly. They are also available at Holly Antiques, 118 S. Saginaw St. and Altered Design, 101 S. Saginaw St. All of the proceeds go to the center.

The HAVRC Christmas Party will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec.17, at 1006 N. Saginaw St. Suite C, Holly. There will be food and refreshments. This is the first Christmas Party at the center’s new location. For more information, call 810-348-9960.

The center will be closed from Dec. 23 to Jan. 4, for the holidays. For urgent issues, contact them by phone at 810-348-9960.

Upcoming events

• Clarkston American Legion Post 377 to host Bingo from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, 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 Dec. 18 and Fish dinners from noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at 130 Drahner Road, Oxford. For more information, call 248-628-9081.

• Oxford American Legion Post 108 to host Euchre from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16 and noon to 3 p.m. Thursday Dec. 19, 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, Dec. 21, at 8047 Ortonville Road. For more information, call 248-625-9912.

• Milford American Legion Post 216 to host Burger Nite from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 26, 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.