Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency

After assisting Leonard Haggadone, a Vietnam War-era veteran, with enrolling in U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) veteran service officer (VSO) Amber Peplinski received an unforgettable phone call from the veteran’s son. “I think it’s important that veterans get recognized for their service and take advantage of the benefits they earned not only for themselves, but for their families as well,” Peplinski said. “I encourage everyone who served to reach out to a VSO to see what benefits they are eligible for.” READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/eWBE34zB

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health issues can cause changes in thinking, feelings, behavior and physical activity, but it can be difficult to tell if you or your loved ones are affected by a mental health condition. Without seeking help, mental health issues could potentially impact careers, families, social interactions and overall well-being. It’s important to take steps to manage stress and take care of yourself. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support 24/7/365. Call 988 then press 1, text to 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net You don't have to struggle alone.

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) is reminding veterans that they may be able to receive a free copy of their military discharge document, commonly known as a DD-214, direct from the Agency by visiting https://lnkd.in/ecSM7ybY. Other free services, including connecting with an accredited Veteran Service Officer (VSO) to help veterans file claims or review their current benefits, are also available by calling 1-800-MICH-VET (642-4838) or by visiting Michigan.gov/MVAA. READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/eh2cma84

On Thursday, May 1st, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) Director Brian L. Love and Veteran Service Officer (VSO) Manager Stefanie MacDonald visited Schoolcraft College to check out their new project, "From Here to Everywhere: Proudly Served." Created by MVAA VSO Steven Strzelecki, Director of Schoolcraft Veterans and Military Service Center Brent Landau, and School Certifying Official Sarah Woods, this project allows veterans within the community to place pins on a world map to represent all the locations they've served in. Each branch has their own-colored pins and veterans will not be limited on the number of pins used to depict their journey. Director Love had the honor of placing the first pins on the map.

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) is accepting applications for its Veteran-Friendly Schools (VFS) initiative for the 2025-2026 academic year. The application cycle will be open Thursday, May 1 through Thursday, Aug. 28. The VFS program recognizes academic institutions committed to supporting the needs of veterans and military-connected students. These institutions are awarded Gold-, Silver-, and Bronze-level status based on their veteran-centric services and programs. Any academic institution or training facility in Michigan eligible to receive veteran education benefits can apply for the program. READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/eYjyunz4

Have you checked out the events page on our website? You'll find a variety of veteran-centric events happening all over the state! Did you know you can submit events to be added to our calendar? Visit https://lnkd.in/guJipz59 to learn more and to submit an event.

May is Military Appreciation Month. This month, join the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency in saying thank you to those who have served and are currently serving for their selfless sacrifice in defending our freedom. #MilitaryAppreciationMonth

Michigan is honoring Vietnam War-era veterans with a special certificate. 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

Check out Warrior-Scholar Project Academic Boot Camps! Warrior-Scholar Project equips enlisted service members and veterans with academic skills and confidence needs to excel in college, through transformative academic boot camps hosted on college campuses. To learn more or to apply, please visit: warrior-scholar.org/apply

Come out to a Veterans Resource Fair on Monday, May 12th, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at VFW Bruce Post 1146 in St. Clair Shores!