Post 32 4th of July Event

 

VA Hospitals Outperform Private Sector In Patient Experience - Veterans News & Resources for June 21, 2023

Craigslist founder donates $100 million to veteran organizations Craig Newmark (Getty Images) Why would a self-described tech nerd with no personal connection to the armed forces give away $100 million to organizations focused on veterans and military families? "Because I owe them," said Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist turned philanthropist and veterans advocate. "I've realized that some people are going to risk themselves, maybe taking a bullet overseas to protect me … There are a lot of issues in the military community that I barely understand. But on a gut level, I know we owe vets and their families a lot." Newmark, who stepped down as CEO of his namesake website more than 20 years ago, has spent most of the last eight years focused on charity work, launching the Craig Newmark Philanthropies to distribute some of his personal wealth. The latest $100 million pledge is actually a continuation of recent efforts focused on military groups. About $42 million of the money has already been given away, including $10 million each to Blue Star Families and the Bob Woodruff Foundation. The rest of the money will be awarded over the next three years.  Read more in Military Times. Michigan Treasury Dept. becomes Gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer The Michigan Department of Treasury has achieved Gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer (VFE) certification from the MVAA for its commitment to hiring and retaining veterans. Treasury becomes one of only 25 employers and the seventh state department to achieve the prestigious Gold-level certification. "I'm thrilled to see the Department of Treasury join the ranks as a Gold-level Veteran-Friendly Employer along with six other state departments," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "Veterans represent the best of us and bring with them unique knowledge and skillsets that are invaluable to the workforce." To be selected as a Gold-level VFE, Treasury is required to follow guidelines outlined by the MVAA. Employers must retain at least 75% of veteran hires over the most recent 12 months, implement internal veteran support networks and create either a hiring rotation or leadership development program within their organization, among other requirements. Learn more about working for Treasury, the State of Michigan's Veterans Preference Program and the state's Military Service Credit Program. Employers can learn more about the Veteran-Friendly Employer Program at michigan.gov/MVAA. Entrepreneurship for vets can look many ways. Here's what to consider Starting and running your own business can be expensive and more work than punching a clock for some other person. Not to say that anyone can't do it – this is America, after all – just make sure you know what's about to happen, Blake Stillwell writes in Military Times. Maybe you want to make it easy on yourself and open that Subway sandwich shop you always thought about. That is called a franchise, young entrepreneur. You know, where all the branding and marketing are done for you. You just have to open the business, lease the building, buy the food and everything else that comes with it. That's one way to start your own business, and it's not a bad one. It can take a lot of the guesswork out of getting started; it just costs a whole lot more up front. Read the rest of Stillwell's column in Military Times. Learn more about veteran entrepreneurship in Michigan at michigan.gov/MVAA. VA hospitals outperform private sector in patient experience The John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit Recent results from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) show that VA's investments in its customer experience program continues to yield significant improvements in the VA patient experience.  In HCAHPS's recent release, 72% of VA medical centers received four or five HCAHPS Summary Stars for the patient survey rating, compared with 41% of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hospitals reporting HCAHPS Summary Stars during the same period.  Five years ago, only 26% of VA hospitals received four or five HCAHPS Stars for Patient Survey Rating — rising to 72% in the latest results. The recent HCAHPS data indicates that VA facilities outperformed community hospitals on all 10 core patient satisfaction metrics, including overall hospital rating, communication with doctors, communication about medication, care transition and more.  Read more at VA News. Learn more about Michigan's five VA medical centers, VA clinics and other VA treatment facilities in the state. VA programs to support veterans struggling with loneliness Everyone experiences loneliness. For many, especially our most vulnerable, this loneliness can become chronic. Your age, gender, race and socioeconomic background does not matter. Even those with strong social support networks can still experience loneliness. VA has recognized the issue of loneliness and offers an array of programs to support veterans who may be struggling with it. Programs include pet therapy, music therapy and group therapy. In some areas, veterans with caregivers can request weekly visitation by a trained volunteer. This has the added benefit of providing regular respite for the caregiver. Since the pandemic, a new virtual social prescribing program through the VA has resonated with veterans and volunteers alike. It's called Compassionate Contact Corps. This program highlights the power of genuine human connection in combating loneliness and improving mental health outcomes. If you would like to help VA support some of our most vulnerable veterans by volunteering for Compassionate Contact Corps or any of our other amazing volunteer opportunities, visit VA's volunteer webpage to learn more. 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

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Up to $32,700.00 Scholarship Deadline Extended To June 28th. - For Columbia Southern University

      

 

$32,700 Scholarship

Scholarship Deadline Extended!   To all Department, and Post leaders:   Good News, Everyone! The Deadline to send in your application for Columbia Southern University has been extended to June 28th! The American Legion Department of Michigan Members, Spouses or Dependents Learning Partner Scholarship is available to a member, spouse or dependent of a current member of The American Legion, Department of Michigan (TALDOM), the Michigan American Legion Auxiliary, or the Michigan Sons of the American Legion. The scholarship will cover up to $32,700 in one online degree program.  Applications will open on March 1, 2023. All applications/scholarship essays must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. on June 28, 2023. The selection process will end on July 1. Applications will be evaluated exclusively by executive staff members of Columbia Southern University and verified via The American Legion Department of Michigan. Notification of selection will be made to the awardee within 7 business days upon completion of the selection process and verification by all parties that the awardee is eligible to receive the scholarship. For any questions or concerns, please email the scholarship liaison at scholarships@columbiasouthern.edu or call (888) 785-3006. Apply online right now,       https://www.columbiasouthern.edu/tuition-financing/scholarships/american-legion-department-of-michigan-members-spouses-or-dependents-learning-partner-scholarship/   Don't forget to share it with all your Members.   Jim Showers   Marketing and Communications Coordinator The American Legion Department of Michigan media@michiganlegion.org 269-579-6458

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Brookdale Assisted Living Flag Day Ceremony

On Flag Day, June 14, 2023, Legion members and Auxiliary held a flag day ceremony at the Northville Brookdale Assisted Living home. The ceremony was conducted for the WWII and Korean War Veterans in the Brookdale Veterans Club. The Post 32 Honor Guard performed a flag-folding demonstration, and a 21-gun salute was fired. The event was supported by the Post 32 Riders and the Northville Police Department. Gary DeMars/1st District Judge Advocate was the master of the ceremony.

Veterans Resource Fair

 

Brookdale Flag Day Ceremony

 

A little bit of 1st District History - Tomn Phillips Post 184 first location in Detroit

 

RELEASE: Gov. Whitmer Proclaims May as Military Appreciation Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  May 1, 2023  Contact: press@michigan.gov    Gov. Whitmer Proclaims May as Military Appreciation Month     LANSING, Mich.- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed May as Military Appreciation Month in Michigan, honoring military members and their families throughout the state by recognizing their sacrifices and celebrating their successes.    "Michiganders who serve our state and nation in uniform embody our highest values and put their lives on the lines to keep us safe," said Governor Whitmer. "During Military Appreciation Month, let's recognize and honor the service of our men and women in uniform and the sacrifices their families make every day. Together, we will have their backs, ensuring they have health care, housing, and economic opportunity here in Michigan."    One of the best ways to show support for the military is to donate to a charity that supports them. The Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is accepting donations to help support military families with grants funding financial assistance: Military Family Relief Fund Donate Page. Michigan Veteran Homes (MVH) is seeking monetary donations to support the life enrichment fund which is used to improve the quality of life for veteran members: MVH Donation Page. The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) is accepting donations to help connect veterans to the services and benefits they have earned: MVAA Donation Page.        Michigan is committed to making the state the premier choice for military service members, veterans and their families to live, work, serve and play. In support of this effort, the MVAA helps connect veterans with federal, state and local benefits and resources they earned for their service. To learn more about employment, healthcare, education and quality-of-life benefits, veterans can contact the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 1-800-MICH-VET or visit www.michigan.gov/MVAA.     For more information on upcoming ceremonies and activities to honor veterans and military families, please visit the MVAA events calendar at www.michigan.gov/mvaa/events.     View the full proclamation here.     ###      STAY CONNECTED:   Subscriber Services:: Manage Preferences  |  Unsubscribe  |  Help                                 This email was sent to jmc001@ameritech.net using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Executive Office of the Governor · 111 S. Capitol Ave · Lansing, Michigan 48901