Happy Holidays from MVAA
All year round, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) stands for those who served.
As we close out the year, we want to share a few of our accomplishments and to remind all Michigan veterans and their families that we're always here to support you.
If you're a Michigan veteran or family member, call 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) to get connected to your earned benefits. If you're a veteran in crisis, call 988 and press 1 to get help.
Watch the full video on MVAA's YouTube channel.
Help MVAA learn what makes a veteran-friendly community
MVAA has partnered with Altarum, a non-profit research company, to conduct a survey of Michigan veterans to determine the characteristics of a veteran-friendly community.
As veterans, your experiences good and bad, are valuable to helping us determine what makes a community veteran-friendly. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and is anonymous. Click the link below to take the survey and share your insight. The data collected will be used to plan and implement additional services for veterans and their families in Michigan.
Survey closes Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
Retired military paydays for 2025
Military retiree and annuitant pay day is always on the first business day of the month. If the first of the month is a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, retiree pay day will occur on the prior business day, and annuitant pay will occur on the next business day. The following list of pay days can help you plan your bill paying. Learn more at Military.com.
Retiree Pay Dates for 2025
MONTH
DIRECT DEPOSIT DATE
January
Friday, Jan. 31
February
Friday, Feb. 28
March
Tuesday, Apr. 1
April
Thursday, May 1
May
Friday, May 30
June
Tuesday, July 1
July
Friday, Aug. 1
August
Friday, Aug. 29
September
Wednesday, Oct. 1
October
Friday, Oct. 31
November
Monday, Dec. 1
December
Wednesday, Dec. 31
VA releases 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report
The 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report analyzes Veteran suicide data from 2001 to 2022, with 2022 being the most recent year for which data is available.
Our top clinical priority is preventing Veteran suicide. We use evidence-based research and suicide analytics as the foundation for our programs and initiatives. Our richest data related to Veteran suicide comes from our annual report.
Read the full article at VA News | Health.
Common schemes targeting veterans: Disability & pension benefits, home loans & housing
Many recipients of these benefits are targets for fraudulent activity. Scammers use a variety of methods to either swindle veterans out of earned benefits or convince them to apply for benefits they are not eligible for.
Home loan or housing scams may involve mortgage lenders, brokers and other entities making false promises; credit organizations charging excessive fees or making false promises to provide free services. Scammers may also offer to provide you with home repair or offer to assist you with services with the intent to manipulate and/or steal from you.
See your 2025 VA disability pay rates
The 2025 Department of Veterans Affairs monthly disability rates for veterans with a rating of 10% or higher are available to review. These amounts are effective Dec. 1 of each year and are tax-free.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability payments are made to veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to veterans whose service made an existing condition worse.
You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (such as a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (such as post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD) that developed before, during, or after service.
Visit Military.com to see the 2025 rates.
LGBTQ+ Health Program has a newly updated website
The VA is dedicated to providing health care for all veterans, including LGBTQ+ veterans, in an affirming and welcoming environment. VA staff and providers will respect your identities and offer routine health screenings, immunizations, and other services such as hormone treatment, tobacco cessation, mental health, suicide prevention, geriatric care, and more to ensure LGBTQ+ veterans receive the care they need and deserve. VA providers are trained to know risk factors that impact your healthcare due to your sexual orientation, gender, race, age, and other individual factors.
Visit the updated website at VA.gov/LGBT.
Michigan Treasury Alert: Fraudsters using fake letters in collections scam
Michigan taxpayers with past-due tax debts should be aware of an aggressive scam making the rounds through the U.S. Postal Service, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury (Treasury).
In the scheme, taxpayers receive a letter about an overdue state tax bill that requests individuals contact a toll-free number to resolve the debt. The letter threatens to seize a taxpayer's property — including bank accounts, wages, business assets, cars, real estate, refunds and cash — if the debt is not settled.
The piece of correspondence appears credible to the taxpayer because it uses specific personal facts pulled directly from the internet and public records, as well as has an official-looking "DR-1024" form number. The scammer's letter attempts to lure the taxpayer into a situation where they could make a payment to a criminal.
Learn more at Michigan Department of Treasury | Newsroom.
MDARD encourages owners to help keep pets safe this holiday season
As Michiganders put the final touches on their decorative displays, holiday menus, and travel plans, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding owners of some of the best ways to keep their pets healthy and safe this holiday.
Keep pets safe this holiday season by following these six easy tips:
- Happy Tummies: Avoid feeding pets people foods.
- Avoid Temptations: Keep holiday decorations out of reach.
- Search No More: Make sure pets have proper identification.
- Destress and Decompress: Have a quiet space for your pets.
- Cleared for Take-off: Ensure your pet is fit for travel.
- Spread Only Joy: Make sure pets are up to date on their vaccinations and keep them home if they are sick.
Learn more at the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development | Newsroom.
Navigate holiday mishaps with help from DIFS
As we celebrate the holiday season and close out 2024, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) recommends taking a few minutes to review your insurance policies and other important financial information. A few minutes now can help ensure that your family has the protection you need going forward and avoid potential headaches during the holidays. This is also a good time to make sure you have a plan, such as a dedicated emergency fund, in case you need to pay your insurance policy's deductible or copay in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Learn more at the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services | Newsroom.
Christmas trees for fish and wildlife habitat? There are better options
Each year, Michiganders purchase millions of live Christmas trees. When the holidays are over though, many people wonder if there are beneficial uses for their trees rather than sending them to a landfill. The answer is yes — there are many ways that your old Christmas trees can keep on giving as habitat, but it's important to think carefully about the best way to do so.
Learn more at Michigan Department of Natural Resources | Newsroom.
Michigan Office of Attorney General aims to protect Michiganders during the holiday season
- AG issues consumer alert on scanner law protections
- AG issues consumer alert on risks of drop-shipping
- AG issues holiday gift card scam alert as part of holiday scams campaign
- AG issues consumer alert on sudden business closures
- AG warns consumers about holiday payment apps and scams
- AG reminds consumers to check return policies before heading to the store
- AG provides guidance on how to file a consumer complaint
Free flu shots for veterans
Eligible veterans can get a no-cost flu shot from a nearby VA clinic or within your community from one of nearly 65,000 in-network pharmacies or urgent care locations. Flu vaccines are usually available September through April. Use the online VA locator for a location near you.
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE
ARE IN CRISIS:The Veterans Crisis Line is staffed by caring, qualified crisis responders who are there to help. Many of these responders are veterans themselves.
Online Resources
LEAN ON US:
Call 1-800-MICH-VET
(1-800-642-4838)
Visit Michigan.gov/MVAA
Follow Us on Social Media
This email was sent to bgonza59@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Military & Veterans Affairs · 3411 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. · Lansing, MI 48906
Sunday, December 29, 2024
Michigan Veterans News & Resources for Dec. 28, 2024
Saturday, November 2, 2024
VFW Riders Events
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VFW Riders Events
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Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Upcoming Veterans Day Events: Invitation to War Memorial Veterans Gourmet Breakfast on Monday, November 11th, at 8 AM and Detroit Veterans Day Parade on November 10th in Corktown
Veterans Day Breakfast: The War Memorial has extended an invitation to all Veterans especially to our Post Veterans and their guests as follows:
" On behalf of The War Memorial, I wanted to pass along information about this year's Veterans Day Breakfast on Nov. 11. This annual event includes the presentation of thank-you notes handmade by local students, music, and keynote remarks from retired Army Maj. Gen. Darren Werner, and a gourmet breakfast. The breakfast is complimentary for veterans and $15 for guests, with a limit of one guest per veteran ticket. Please click here or call (313) 881-7511 to reserve your spot.
Feel free to pass this information along to your veteran networks. Sincerely, ALEX SZWARC, communications and Marketing Manager, Veterans Committee Chair. 32 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236' (313.881.7514).
Detroit Veterans Day Parade: Veterans day parade is on November 10th in the Corktown . Details will follow later today in an email.
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Veteran's Day - Monday 11/11/24- FREE SANDWICH FOR ALL VETS
Hi Folks,
We all know "FREEDOM ISN'T FREE." It is the service and sacrifices of those men and women who have put the uniform on to protect and defend the freedoms of Our Country.
Each year at MISSION BBQ, we make Veterans Day a very special day. It is our privilege to honor and support Our Uniformed American Heroes. As a small gesture of appreciation, all Veterans and Active-Duty Military are served a Free Sandwich.
At noon, we will have a live version of the National Anthem and we recognize all Veterans in attendance as well as having a special guest or two. It would be our privilege to SERVE you.
We are reaching out to invite any and all veterans out for support with this event.
SPECIAL NOTE - We would be more than honored to have an active military member who would volunteer to sing the national anthem live for all of our guests. If you have already called to offer the presence of your military vehicles, we would greatly appreciate that.
Our recruiters and patrons would be honored to have you and your team come out and set up a table, with any swag you may desire to set up.
We kindly request the names and/or number of the volunteers. We would be honored to have any and all Veterans who are able to come out and support us on this day.
Volunteers - Please arrive between 10:00 and 10:30 am to allow for ample time to grab some morning treats.
Doors open at 11:00am and you and your team are more than welcome to stay after the National Anthem!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email, phone call or text at 248-835-4517.
Thank you!
Vivica Townsin
Community Ambassador
The First Responders to The First Responders
Mission BBQ
20420 Haggerty Rd.
Northville, MI 48167
Phone: 734-256-7031
Cell Phone: 248-835-4517
Sunday, October 6, 2024
Riders Group Officer Elections
On Friday, October 4, 2024, our Riders Group held its monthly meeting, during which Officer elections took place. Below are our current Riders Group Officers.
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