Friday, December 17, 2021

Michigan Veterans News & Resources for Dec. 17, 2021 (Helpful info for veterans regarding winter property taxes)

New Michigan law allows more tax deductions for disabled vets

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed Senate Bill 25 to expand income tax deductions to disabled veterans.

The law allows disabled veterans to deduct taxable income attributed to cancellation or forgiveness of a student loan pursuant to the U.S. Department of Education's Total and Permanent Disability Discharge Program. Under this bill, disabled veterans can deduct income attributed to the forgiveness of a student loan for the 2016 to 2019 tax years and going forward beginning in 2025.

"Our nation's disabled veterans have served our country with honor and dignity, and this bill helps alleviate some of their financial burdens," said Whitmer. "I am proud to sign Senate Bill 25 to recognize the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families and help make their lives easier."

Read more about Senate Bill 25 on Michigan.gov.

Veteran Buddy to Buddy volunteers needed

Is volunteer work part of your New Year's resolution? Consider becoming a volunteer veteran mentor! The MVAA Buddy to Buddy program gives honorably discharged veterans a way to continue their service by mentoring their fellow veterans. Visit michigan.gov/MVAA to learn more.

Student vets taking remote classes to get full GI Bill benefits

Congress on Wednesday finalized plans to extend GI Bill protections for student veterans still forced into remote classes by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, ensuring they'll receive full benefits until next summer.

The move is expected to affect about 57,000 students currently enrolled in degree programs, according to Veterans Affairs data.

The difference between half of a housing stipend and the full payout can range from a few hundred dollars to nearly $2,000, since the payouts depend on the location of the student and school. Making up that difference could force some individuals move out mid-semester or drop course entirely.

To avoid those types of financial problems, Congress granted VA leaders broad authority to continue paying out the full housing stipends even if students had been forced out of the classroom. That authority was set to expire on Dec. 21.

But the Senate on Wednesday finalized legislation to push that date back to summer 2022, in recognition of the ongoing transition from online to in-person classes.

Read more in Military Times.

'Make a Veteran Smile' campaign supports vets over holidays

Michigan Veteran Homes' "Make a Veteran Smile" campaign encourages Michigan residents to spread holiday cheer by sending a card or letter to veteran members.

Rebecca Smit, activity department manager for Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids, noted that some holiday functions members would attend have been suspended due to the pandemic and that can lead to feelings of isolation around the holidays.

"Sending a card is another way our communities and advocates can show support for veteran members," Smit said.

"The members are always excited to receive cards or letters especially when the sender shares a little about themselves or their family," added Tiffany Carr, community engagement coordinator for Michigan Veteran Homes.

"For some of our members who do not have close friends or family, this might be the only message they receive around the holidays."

Cards and letters can be addressed to ATTN: Make a Vet Smile and mailed to:

Michigan Veteran Homes at Chesterfield Township at 47901 Sugarbush Road, Chesterfield Township, MI 48047.

Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids at 3000 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti at 425 Fisher St., Marquette, MI 49855.

Helpful info for veterans regarding winter property taxes

Winter property taxes are being released all across the state. Did you know that in Michigan, 100% permanently and totally disabled veterans and veterans who are entitled to veterans benefits at the 100% rate or unremarried surviving spouses may request a property tax waiver? Learn more at Michigan.gov.

Volunteer of the Year honors late father through service to veterans

This week we recognize the last of our 2021 award winners by profiling Tom Antor, Veteran Friendly Volunteer of the Year; Michael J. Scott, Community Outreach and Regional Engagement award winner; and Macomb County, Veteran Friendly County of the Year. See all the recipients at Michigan.gov.mvaa.

In 2014, Tom Antor recognized a gap in veteran services in Kent County and stepped in to fill the need.

Antor, a Kent County Commissioner, business owner and former police officer, had entered a local veterans' facility to visit his father, who had Alzheimer's disease. Struck by how alone and vulnerable his father and the other veterans were, Antor dedicated himself to bettering the quality of life of West Michigan veterans.

Antor created the Finish the Mission Veteran Relief Fund with an all-volunteer board as a way to assist veteran or dependents in need when no one else could. To raise funds, he started Freedom Cruise, a classic car and motorcycle cruise through West Michigan to bring awareness of the sacrifice of our service members with Gold Star Families leading the 30-mile procession.

Freedom Cruise profits go to Finish the Mission, which in turn partners with Kent County Veterans Service to assist veterans who are in the gap of not having any benefits from the federal, state or local government.

The Sept. 11, 2021 Freedom Cruise brought together over 2,000 patrons to honor Army Sgt. 1^st Class Rick Herrema of Grand Rapids, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2006.

To date, Finish the Mission has granted resources, assistance, grants and partnerships with other local veteran organizations to the sum of over $100,000.

Antor, of Sparta, has been married to Beth Antor for 34 years and the couple has three daughters and six grandchildren. He likes to fish and hunt in his spare time. Of winning the MVAA's first-ever Veteran Friendly Volunteer Award, he says, "I am honored to be chosen among so many honorable and dedicated supporters of our nation's heroes. I started Finish the Mission Veteran Relief Fund in honor of my father, who served in WWII. I cannot express how appreciative I am for the past six years of support that Michigan veterans, their families and patrons of veterans have given us at Freedom Cruise."

DeWitt man works to improve lives of fellow veterans

Service has remained a constant throughout Michael J. Scott's career.

After high school, Scott joined the Army in 1988 and served as a combat engineer for nine years, rising to the rank of staff sergeant. Deployed to Iraq during Operation Desert Storm, he was awarded the Bronze Star for selfless service during combat.

"Serving in the Army taught me to think outside of myself, to stand up for others in times of need and to live for a purpose much greater than my own aspirations," Scott says. "Sharing the deepest of sorrows with others or celebrating unbelievable victories forms eternal bonds with those you serve alongside of - a bond that you will rarely experience in the civilian world."

After discharge, the DeWitt resident served his fellow veterans. He worked as a Veteran Mentor Coordinator for the Ingham County Veterans Treatment Court, training veteran mentors and liaisons in the court system and developing treatment plans for veterans within the tribunal system.

Scott, whose family includes wife Patricia and daughter Megan, reenlisted in the Army Reserve and was deployed to Africa where he served as manager for psychological operations. After his second honorable discharge, in 2016, he began a master's program at Michigan State University with a concentration in human resources concentrated in military relations; he now works as a human resource training specialist for a nutritional company.

Beginning in April 2018, Scott served as one of the first Veteran Navigators through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, helping shape this program to where it is today. Veteran Navigators across the state serve veterans as the expert in their community and help with housing, mental health needs and connections to federal, state and local programs. Scott also served on the Veteran Community Action Team (VCAT) in the Lansing region and helped bring together a network of veteran-friendly local and regional agencies.

As an integral part of the veteran community in Michigan, Scott has tailored his efforts to breaking down barriers, improving access to care and bolstering the livelihood of the patriots who have served our nation. Of winning the Community Outreach and Regional Engagement Award, he says, "Many veterans struggle to reintegrate after being on active duty or deployment. The comradery and social support that comes from being around other like-minded veterans is critical for someone who does not feel like they fit in anymore. I have been greatly honored to work alongside people who are passionately working to improve the lives of veterans in the great state of Michigan. To be chosen for this award among these tireless and amazing individuals who continue to serve is truly an honor."

Macomb is Veteran Friendly County of the Year

Macomb County, which employs 15 people in its Veterans Services office and offers a host of innovative services and resources for veterans and their families, is the MVAA's first Veteran Friendly County of the Year.

Through the years, the county has had a significant impact on its veterans and their families. Macomb has about 45,100 veterans, the third most of any county in Michigan.

Nearly 400 Macomb County veterans have benefited from the county's free financial coaching since April 2019. More than 675 veterans and spouses have participated in the county's Employment Camp - a weeklong session that covers resume-building, cover letters, interviews skills and more, and has a 62% employment rate.

For 14 years, the county has provided $25 gas cards and bus passes to help veterans look for jobs and get to VA medical appointments and Veterans Treatment Court; more than 1,600 gas cards and 260 bus passes have been issued since 2015. The county also operates a van that offers door-to-door service to and from VA medical appointments.

Since 2016, the county has provided free income tax preparation for veterans and their families, and now offers the service from seven locations. Thirty volunteers prepared more than 2,000 tax returns for veterans this year.

Among its other services, Macomb County provides assistance for homeless veterans, hearing loss exams, access to a specialist for diagnosis of PTSD and a dental day for free dental exams and cleanings for uninsured veterans.

Finally, in a unique agreement between the county and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, changes were made in how veterans are identified and ultimately helped. As a result, the state has identified 927 Macomb County veterans in its system, 36 veterans have filed benefit claims they didn't know were available and 21 veterans now receive either service-connected disability benefits or non-service-connected pension.

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Sunday, December 12, 2021

Michigan Veterans News & Resources for Dec. 9, 2021 (Eligible Peacetime Veterans 65 and Older Can Now Receive Emergency Aid From Michigan Veterans Trust Fund

Eligible peacetime veterans 65 and older can now receive emergency aid from Michigan Veterans Trust Fund

For the first time in its 75-year history, the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF) will provide emergency assistance to eligible peacetime-era veterans 65 years and older under a new pilot program.

Similar to its Emergency Grant Program for wartime-era veterans, the MVTF's 65+ Peacetime Program allows veterans who served in a peacetime era, have at least 180 days of service and were discharged under honorable conditions to apply for emergency assistance.

The assistance helps veterans overcome unforeseen situations causing a temporary or short-term financial emergency or hardship that a grant will resolve and for which the applicant can demonstrate the ability to meet future expenses. Covered expenses under the 65+ Program include utility bills, home repairs and rent and mortgage assistance.

The MVTF was created by the state Legislature in 1946 to help wartime-era veterans with a $50 million corpus that has since grown to more than $72 million. The MVTF Board of Trustees have expanded Trust Fund services to veterans in recent years to offer financial counseling, food cards, career and entrepreneurial assistance and, now, emergency assistance for peacetime veterans.

Veterans interested in applying for the 65+ Peacetime Program should contact the MVTF county committee serving the county they reside in or fill out and submit the emergency assistance form available on the MVAA's website. Veterans can call 1-800-MICH-VET to be connected to their county veteran representative.

Read more about the new program at michigan.gov/MVAA.

Remembering Pearl Harbor, 80 years later

This week we recognize the 80^th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, where 2,403 service members and civilians lost their lives. The Japanese attack would injure another 1,178 people and permanently sink two US Navy battleships, the USS Arizona and USS Utah, and destroy 188 aircraft. President Franklin Roosevelt would address the nation calling it "a date which will live in infamy." The following day on Dec. 8, 1941, Roosevelt declared war against Japan.

In the years following the attack on Pearl Harbor, 613,543 Michiganders would answer the call to serve in the armed forces. Read Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's proclamation declaring Dec. 7 as Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Here's how to connect with other veterans this holiday season

Holidays can be a difficult time for many veterans. The flurry of expectations many feel during holidays can cause stress or feelings of loneliness. This is especially true for veterans who may be separated from friends and family due to distance or COVID-19.

Many veterans also miss the camaraderie and kinship they felt during service. Or they may find it difficult to relate to those outside the military.

From volunteering to playing online games with newly met veterans, here are 12 things you can do to create a new community and connect with other veterans, according to VA's VAntage Point blog.

Veterans experiencing a mental health emergency can contact the Veteran Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and select option 1 for a VA staffer. Veterans, troops or their family members can also text 838255 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net for assistance.

Congrats to our November Student/Apprentice of the Month

Jordan Swears is one of the top students in his class at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, earning a 3.96 GPA.

Faculty and staff at WMU-Cooley say Jordan is always willing to help other students with academics. He is also an associate editor for the Homeland & National Security Law Review and published an article on bail reform in the WMU Cooley Journal of Practical and Clinical Law.

Jordan Served as a Field Artillery Officer from 2008-2014 with the 41st Fire Brigade and 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas. He began his military career leading a small group of soldiers and worked his way up to become a battalion leader, developing and leading training programs. He was deployed as a NATO Training Instructor with the Afghan National Army in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2011-2012. Throughout his career, Jordan has mentored many soldiers.

For his academic and professional achievements, the MVAA congratulates Jordan for his selection as the Student/Apprentice Veteran of the Month for November 2021.

Learn more about the MVAA's Student/Apprentice of the Month initiative at Michigan.gov/MVAA.

Cool things to look for at Army-Navy football game

This Saturday, Dec. 11, marks the 122^nd meeting of the US Military Academy and US Naval Academy football teams. This year, the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen will meet at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium for the first time.

Did you know the two institutions do a "prisoner exchange" before every game? A handful of West Point cadets and Annapolis midshipmen are chosen every year to spend a semester studying at their rival academy. Seven cadets and seven mids participate in the Service Academy Exchange Program. Before every Army-Navy Game since the program began in 1975, these 14 soon-to-be-officers are marched to midfield for the "Prisoner Exchange," which allows them to sit with their fellow fans during the game before heading home.

Read more about that tradition and other interesting things to watch for at this year's Army-Navy game from Military.com.

Watch the game at 3 p.m. ET Saturday on CBS.

VA Employee of the Year honored to serve those who served

This week we continue recognizing our first-ever round of award winners by profiling Tara Consolino, VA Employee of the Year, and Jill Hinton Wolfe, Educational Veteran Advocate of the Year. See all the recipients at Michigan.gov.mvaa.

Although Tara Consolino didn't serve in the Armed Forces, she grew up in a military family and has worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the past 14 years - currently as a Suicide Prevention Program Manager.

"Growing up with a Marine Corps father, and presently working with veterans, when I thank someone for their service, I am thanking them for the sacrifices they may have made when they enlisted, but also for the ignorance I am afforded as a civilian," Consolino says. "Ignorance meaning recognizing those hardships and unknown stressors that accompany a life in uniform. The strength, discipline, character and qualities that all individuals serving in the Armed Forces possess and the resiliency they personify ultimately reflects to me their selfless service in all aspects of their lives."

For her service to veterans, Consolino was named this year's VA Employee of the Year. Working in veteran suicide prevention with the Veterans Health Administration, an arm of the VA, she has been instrumental in the success of the Michigan Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families.

"Tara truly encompasses all the values of the VHA and is a leader in her field," her nomination form says. "Regardless of what is needed or if it is outside of her scope of practice, she will assist with making the appropriate connections within the VA to ensure that our veterans are served at the highest quality possible. Tara is a leader, full of energy, presents innovative ideas, and is a true team player."

Consolino, of Farmington Hills, enjoys photography, running, hiking, yoga and writing. Her family includes husband Todd Peltier, daughter Cye Consolino, Chloe the dog and Elena, Coco and Big Larry the cats.

"I came to the VA fourteen years ago to fulfill the VA mission to serve those who served," she says. "This is an honor to receive this award recognizing the work that myself and our teams have been completing, supporting that mission. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have been selected to receive this award and I am humbled, appreciative and invigorated to continue this work."

Army vet, GVSU staffer is Educational Advocate of the Year

In less than two years, Grand Valley State University has built a truly veteran-inclusive campus, experienced an increase in military-connected student enrollment and landed on several publications' "Best Colleges for Veterans" lists.

And Jill Hinton Wolfe is the driving force behind that success.

Wolfe, who served three years in the Army, became the university's first Military and Veteran Resource Manager in June 2020. In the short time since, the university has initiated a host of veteran-centric efforts including Veteran's Promise, which promises a spot at GVSU for high school graduates who enlist in the military.

"I started this position after losing my own business to COVID, and it would've been very easy to become cynical and despondent," Wolfe says. "But I applied for the position in the same spirit that I joined the military - seeking service and humility. I also needed to continue my own story of what it means to be a veteran. Every day these students inspire me to work harder, to laugh more often and to care not who gets the credit, only that somebody, somewhere, feels like they matter and becomes inspired to do the same thing for others. This is what got me out of my bunk when I was 19 years old in BDUs and still gets me out bed today."

Wolfe received several nominations for the Educational Veteran Advocate of the Year Award. Among the accolades from her colleagues, she was described as a "steadfast problem-solver, extraordinarily committed leader and community builder" and was praised for her "intellectual curiosity, strong work ethic, creativity and compassion."

The married mother of two children and three stepchildren lives in Grand Rapids and enjoys backpacking, books and writing. Of serving in the military, she says: "I grew up in a privileged household where I had everything handed to me, yet I never really felt necessary. The military gave me that feeling. Through my military service, I became necessary to protecting not just my fellow citizens, but to a whole new military family. They came from every small town, every big city, every skin color, every religion, both immigrants and born in the U.S. And they are still my family today, a family created out of both hardship and the knowledge that above all, we are necessary."

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A great time was had by all at our D4 Riders annual holiday party and stuffed animal collection.

Thursday, December 2, 2021

President Biden Signs Series of VA-Reform Measures Michigan Veterans News & Resources for Dec. 1 2021

President Biden signs series of VA-reform measures

President Joe Biden signed four veteran reform bills into law on Tuesday, calling the changes part of the country's "sacred obligation" to care for military members and their families even after their service.

"We prepare those we send into harm's way, and care for their families when they're gone, and care for them and their families when they're home," Biden said. "That's a lifetime commitment the nation owes to every one of our veterans."

The first bill — the Protecting Moms Who Served Act — invests $15 million in new maternity care coordination programs at VA facilities. The move requires VA officials to address gaps in care for veteran mothers as well as studies into prenatal and postpartum health.

The Hire Veteran Health Heroes Act will require VA leaders to work with Defense Department officials in helping separating troops with health care skills who apply for open medical jobs in veteran hospitals.

The Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act will guarantee that children and spouses of veterans who die from service-connected injuries will get in-state tuition rates. The change is expected to affect about 150,000 surviving dependents, potentially saving them tens of thousands in higher education expenses each year.

The final measure will require the Government Accountability office to investigate potential disparities in VA benefit awards based on race and ethnicity. Past studies have indicated that minorities may receive lesser benefits or face additional obstacles to disability payouts than their white peers.

Read more on the new veteran reform bills in Military Times.

Improving care for American Indian and Alaska Native veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Indian Health Service (IHS) have renewed a partnership to help American Indian and Alaska Native veterans overcome health care access barriers.

The partnership, originally established in 2003, facilitates health care access and improves patient experience, information technology, resource sharing and will now open the door for these agencies to develop a plan to achieve goals and objectives agreed upon with tribal stakeholders.

There are more than 140,000 American Indian and Alaska Native veterans in the United States. Michigan is home to about 3,575 American Indian and Alaska Native veterans, ranking it 13^th among the 50 states for the largest population of these historically marginalized veterans.

Thomas Klobucar, executive director of the Veterans Health Administration's Office of Rural Health, said VA and IHS leadership engaged key tribal stakeholders during 90-day tribal consultation sessions in late 2020 and early 2021 to gain insights on how both agencies can better serve these veterans.

"Through these collaborative efforts," Klobucar said, "we will continue to bridge existing gaps and provide equitable care delivery to American Indian and Alaska Native veterans, and ensure they receive the high-quality care they have earned."

The mutual goals of this partnership include increasing access, improving quality of health care and services and facilitating enrollment and seamless navigation for eligible AI/AN veterans in VHA and IHS health care systems.

Next veteran employment class is Dec. 7

The next Employment Readiness Series class will cover translating military experience to the civilian workforce, negotiating salaries, networking and more.

Join veteran career advisor Brian Strong from 11 a.m.-noon on Dec. 7 for the free virtual presentation, which also focuses on learning the difference between civilian and federal resume writing. Register for the event here.

The Employment Readiness Series is sponsored by a partnership between the Michigan Veterans' Employment Services (VES) and the Michigan National Guard Family Programs. VES is part of Workforce Development within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Office of Employment and Training.

Veterans needed to serve as youth mentors

The Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) is seeking veterans to serve as youth mentors and help develop character and leadership skills in young adults.

Veterans can become a Veteran Mentor through TMF's Character Does Matter youth mentorship program and help lead positive change in their communities. TMF is dedicated to empowering veterans to share their stories – stories of real people – exemplifying strong character and leadership, and can demonstrate what it means to live TMF's "If Not Me, Then Who…" ethos, challenging youth to do the same.

According to TMF, nearly 84% of veterans report a sense of community as a result of being involved with the program, as well as a significant increase in their sense of thriving as their involvement increases.

Learn more and register to become a Veteran Mentor through Travis Manion Foundation's Spartan Development Center, a 24/7 portal where participants can access Travis Manion Foundation training courses and an extensive resource library to help make a difference in the lives of the youth in the community.

Owosso National Guard member named Warrior Citizen of the Year

This week we continue recognizing our first-ever round of award winners by profiling Jessica Green, Warrior Citizen of the Year, and Katie Carroll, recipient of the MVAA and Trust Fund Exceptional Service Award. See all the recipients at michigan.gov/MVAA.

This past Fourth of July weekend, Jessica Green, a staff sergeant in the Michigan Air National Guard, led a team of volunteers in honoring deceased veterans at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery in her hometown of Owosso.

The team uncovered headstones that had been grown over, raised headstones that had sunk and cleaned headstones so these veterans could continue to be known and remembered.

In her civilian life, Green recently started a new position as a department technician with the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund. Prior to that, she served as program manager for the MVAA's successful Food4Vets program, which has provided nearly $200,000 in food assistance to more than 1,900 veterans and their families across Michigan this year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For her efforts, Green was presented with the Warrior Citizen of the Year Award, which honors an active National Guard member who demonstrates service and commitment through citizenship and volunteerism while out of uniform.

Green, who has served in the Guard since 2013, said she is "humbled" by the award and calls her service "a way to give back to our state and country."

A mother of four, Green is enrolled in a bachelor's program in human services at Baker College. She enjoys photography, hiking and outdoor adventures with her children. Green says her faith is a very important part of her life, leading her to complete a course in discipleship.

Macomb County woman goes above and beyond for veterans

In her role as the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF) agent for Macomb County, Katie Carroll does a little bit of everything to serve veterans and their families.

She helps homeless veterans find housing and stability. She assists veterans with everything from food assistance to financial coaching to transportation. And she sits on the boards and committees of county-level and veteran organizations to better support veterans.

Carroll also works hard to make sure the process to apply for a Trust Fund grant goes as smoothly as possible. The Trust Fund is an arm of the MVAA that provides eligible veterans and their families emergency aid for an unforeseen situation causing temporary hardship. That aid may include mortgage and rent assistance or funding for home or vehicle repairs.

For her efforts and dedication to serving veterans, Carroll is the recipient of the first-ever MVAA and Trust Fund Exceptional Service Award.

"There are many counties in Michigan with agents working hard every day to ensure the Trust Fund application process is clear and smooth for our veterans who are experiencing some sort of financial hardship," she says. "I am thankful that my processes have been recognized as excellent service and I will continue to ensure veterans have a great experience with me as their agent regardless of the outcome of their application."

The Mount Clemens resident, who is married and has "one human child and five furry children," said she doesn't have much time for hobbies.

"I work two jobs, own a resale shop and go to school," Carroll says. "However, I do love to do crafts, travel and spend time with my furbabies and family."

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