| |
| |
The Advocate is a monthly VFW Department of Michigan publication. If you would like to feature your veteran focused events in your community, please contact department at info@vfwmi.vet | |
| |
| |
Comrades,
Spring is here! As the seasons so evidently change, I see the heart of VFW Michigan change and grow with it. I am proud of all Michigan's VFW members who relentlessly worked to support and aid our veterans and their families. When this year began, we committed to change the way we do business. The result of that commitment can be seen in our membership growth from last year at this time being ranked 37th in the VFW nationally to today rounding out the top ten in new members and in retained members. We would love to see you out and active, so please see below for some important events happening this month. I look forward to seeing you at our annual State Convention in June, as it is shaping to be one of the best ever. As always, be the battle buddy our Michigan veterans need. Our community is a place for comradeship and growth. And we are proud to have you as part of our incredible mission to support our veterans, families and communities across the State.
Kevin Conklin State Commander Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Michigan kevin.conklin@vfwmi.vet 517-485-9456 | |
| |
| |
Watch VFW Voice of Democracy Virtual Parade of Winners 2022 Tonight | |
Crissa Esse and Aubree Bronkema will be representing Michigan tonight at the 2022 Virtual Parade of Winners for VFW National's Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Contest! Esse, out of District 4, and Bronkema, from District 9 will be competing with students from around the country for thousands of dollars in scholarship funds.
Every year, nearly 230,000 of our nation's youth compete in the VFW's Voice of Democracy and Patriot's Pen audio essay competitions for their chance to win a portion of more than $3 million in college scholarships and awards. The competitions culminate with the Parade of Winners event, designed to celebrate and recognize the contests' top national winners.
This year, the VFW will be hosting its virtual Parade of Winners on April 7 at 8 p.m., live on Facebook. Join us as VFW and VFW Auxiliary state and national leadership, representatives from program sponsors Twisted X, and this year's 52 Voice of Democracy Department (state) winners come together from all over the world as we crown the 2022 national Voice of Democracy first place winner. | |
| |
| |
| |
Action Alert from National, Support PACT Act
| |
The PACT Act needs your support today! There is concern in the Senate over the cost of this toxic exposure legislation, which is desperately needed to care for our veterans who were exposed to toxins overseas. The House passed its version of the PACT Act several weeks ago, but it is now stalled in the Senate, primarily due to budget concerns and VA staff overload. Please call, email and write Senators Stabenow and Peters to let them know how important this bill is for you. For Senator Stabenow, you can call her office at 202-224-4822. For Senator Peters, call 202-224-62221. | |
| |
| |
| |
VFW Michigan 103rd State Convention
| |
The 103rd Annual VFW Department of Michigan State Convention 2022 is coming to Flint, Michigan on June 2-5. The convention will take place at the Holiday Gateway Hotel, located at 5353 Gateway Center, Flint, MI 48507. Hotel reservations are now available! There is also a golf outing on Wednesday. Please click here for more information. There will be a dinner celebrating the outgoing State Commander and State President (Testimonial Dinner) on June 3. For ticket purchases click here. All are encouraged to join! | |
| |
| |
National Convention will be held July 16-21, 2022 in Kansas City, MO. Information can be found on the Department here. The Department of Michigan has had a strong year, and many VFW Michigan members are convoying to Kansas City to attend. Please consider joining us in KC! | |
| |
| |
| |
When this year began, we committed to grow and transform our efforts across the state, and that is what we have been doing! It is because of you that we have been so successful, and we ask that you come out and join us by helping to bring in other veterans and by joining VFW events in your area.
If you are in need of renewing your membership, please click here to renew online. You can also renew over the phone by calling VFW Headquarters at 816-756-3390 and press 7. For mail-in renewals please send your check to 406 W. 34th St. Kansas City, MO 64111. Your voice and your membership matters in the VFW fight for our veterans.
| |
| |
| |
For more information on any of the featured events, click any of the four images below | |
| |
| |
| |
Camp Trotter News and Information
| |
Camp Trotter summer registration is open! Children 7-12 years of age can sign up for one of four weeks opening this summer. Click here for more information.
Also, we are looking for volunteers to help clean up the camp. Camp Clean-Up Day is April 22! Please organize a Post clean-up or work day for Camp Trotter. If you would like to plan an overnight clean-up event, please let us know and the camp can be opened. Our camp staff are looking forward to this summer and we appreciate your support! | | Camp Trotter Golf Outing will be held June 17 at the Village Green Golf Course in Newaygo, for more information, click here.
| | | |
| |
| |
| |
WE WANT TO FEATURE YOU! If you have a event or function you'd like to highlight on behalf of your Post or District, you can send photos and a write-up with details to pr@vfwmi.vet. Your Post may be selected to be featured in the next Department Newsletter! | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
.png)
.png)
