Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

The Baraga County Veteran Spring Festival is on April 24, from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., at the L'Anse American Legion Post 144. Benefits assistance, peer to peer support, employment and education resources, financial information, housing services, Baraga County Veteran Service Officer and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency will be on-site. For more information or questions, please contact Douglas Gray at bcvso@baragacounty.org or 906-524-5454

Today is #WorldHealthDay! Be sure to take time today, and every day, to prioritize your physical and mental well-being. Visit MVAA's website for veteran health and wellbeing resources: https://lnkd.in/eKD5vxFW

Sign up for MVAA's Buddy to Buddy Veteran Mentorship Program and get connected with a volunteer veteran mentor. Buddies can exchange service stories with you and connect you to resources and information. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MVAAB2B

Today, we honor the spouses of military members killed in the line of duty. The tradition of wearing the Gold Star dates back to World War I; Congress later approved the official Gold Star Lapel Button in 1947. This recognition of the sacrifices made by military spouses is a memorial for the fallen, a remembrance day for the survivors and an appreciation for those who are sometimes overlooked for their support and service to the country. #GoldStarSpousesDay

Come on out to a Veterans Coffee Shop event on the second Wednesday of each month at American Legion Post 443 in Sanford from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Veteran and Military Family Navigator Ashton Hero will be on hand to answer questions.

Though this year's National Vietnam War Veterans Day has past, Michigan is dedicated to honoring Vietnam War-era veterans every day of the year. A Vietnam Veteran Recognition Certificate honors Michigan veterans for honorable service during the Vietnam War-era and is signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Adjutant General Paul D. Rogers. Veterans who served during the Vietnam War-era can learn more and apply for the certificate at https://lnkd.in/gg4zrgH6.

A MyHealtheVet assistance event will be held on April 15, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Ottawa Public Health in Holland. VA staff will be available to assist veterans and caregivers with accessing MyHealtheVet through ID.me. Please bring a current state ID, VA ID, Social Security card or DD214 and a device that can receive calls, texts and emails.

Last week, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) staff attended and assisted multiple Vietnam War-era veteran ceremonies in honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day. Across all events that were supported by MVAA staff, over 200 Vietnam War-era veterans were honored for their service.

April is National Volunteer Month, and the MVAA would like to recognize the amazing volunteer veteran mentors with the Buddy to Buddy Veteran Mentorship Program. Your dedication and hard work are unmatched and we are so thankful to have your help! If you are a veteran interested in becoming a mentor or you would like to be connected with a Buddy, visit our website: Michigan.gov/MVAAB2B

Due to Michigan's recent ice storms, thunderstorms and tornadoes, we'd like to remind veterans about the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF) — intended to help eligible veterans overcome an unforeseen situation causing a temporary or short-term financial hardship. For more information and eligibility requirements, please visit: Michigan.gov/MVTF