'Why We Serve': MVAA Partnership Coordinator Allen Dow
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) is made up of about 60 people who take pride in supporting Michigan veterans and their families. Why do we serve veterans with such passion and commitment? Some of us have served ourselves. Others have close family members who have served. But all of us have great respect and appreciation for the men and women who have served our country. In our latest video, MVAA Partnership Coordinator Allen Dow, who is also a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy Reserves, shares why helping veterans is personal for him. MVAA and partners highlighted in Military Makeover: Operation Career with Montel Williams
This month, MVAA and some of our partners were highlighted on the TV show Military Makeover: Operation Career on Lifetime with Montel Williams for our commitment to serve and support Michigan veterans. Service members and veterans can watch the Paralympic Games for free
The Paralympic Games began Wednesday, Aug. 28 and run through Thursday, Sept. 8 in Paris. Service members and veterans can enjoy free access to stream NBCUniversal's coverage of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games from their personal devices and computers through ShopMyExchange.com thanks to a collaboration with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and Comcast NBCUniversal. Register for or sponsor the 2024 Michigan Women Veterans Conference — Oct 3-5
Registration is now open for MVAA's third annual Women Veterans Conference. This year's event is being held October 3–5, at the Four Points by Sheraton Detroit Novi. We'll celebrate women who have served, those who are still serving, and people who fight for the rights of, care for, and otherwise support women veterans and service members across the Mitten. The conference will include dynamic speakers, interactive activities and opportunities to advocate for yourself and other women veterans. Once you register, the hotel reservation link will be sent in a separate email in 24-48 business hours. REGISTER Michigan Military and Veterans Gala accepting award nominations through Sept. 13
2024 Michigan Military & Veterans Gala — Nov. 2MVAA is currently accepting award nominations to be presented Saturday, Nov. 2, at the L.V. Eberhard Center in Grand Rapids during the 2024 Michigan Military & Veterans Gala. Award categories: - 2024 Veteran of the Year
- Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency and Trust Fund Exceptional Service Award
- Veteran Friendly Volunteer of the Year
- Community Outreach and Regional Engagement (Core) Award
- Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Employee of the Year
- U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Employee of the Year
- Veteran Service Provider of the Year
Learn more about the awards and how to submit a nomination visit Michigan.gov/MVAA. Working Lands Climate Corps is seeking veteran applicants
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has partnered with MVAA for the Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) program. This program will engage Michigan veterans with new opportunities in regenerative agriculture. This program includes comprehensive training, hands-on learning, networking opportunities, support for individual capstone project and tools and resources. Position details: - Five full-time positions available (full-time = 1,700 hours)
- Anticipated start date: Nov. 18, 2024
- Living allowance: $31,450-$34,000 to be distributed over the course of the term of service
- Healthcare coverage
- Childcare coverage if member qualifies
- Student loan forbearance and interest payments if member qualifies
- Success completion: members awarded Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $6,895
- Application deadline: Sept. 16, 2024
Apply for WLCC Free mental health training for veterans and first responders
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) has partnered with the Detroit VA Medical Center and Frontline Strong Together to host mental health focused training sessions for veterans who are first responders. REGISTER Upcoming training sessions: - Friday, Sept. 20, Dearborn, MI
- Monday, Sept. 23, Port Huron, MI
VA partners with Prudential Financial for Wellness Wednesday educational series
The VA and Prudential Financial, Outreach, Transition, and Economic Development have partnered to offer veterans, transitioning service members, spouses, their family members and caregivers, the opportunity to participate in the Wellness Wednesday Financial Educational Series. The series has been cultivated to address financial literacy gaps across the military and veteran community and is comprised of two programs: - Online website portal that contains a roster of financial literacy information and resources
- The Wellness Wednesday Financial education series, offered the third Wednesday of every month that focuses on a variety of topics such as:
- Purchasing a home
- Paying for college
- Planning for retirement
- Learning the building blocks of how to save, budget and how to make a return on investments
Upcoming session: Retirement Strategies for Women, Sept. 18, at noon and again at 3 p.m., via Zoom Deadline approaching to nominate a Women Veterans Trailblazer — Sept. 30
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affair's Center for Women Veterans is on the lookout for outstanding nominees for their 2025 Women Veterans Trailblazers "Women Veterans Forging a Path" initiative. This prestigious program seeks to recognize women who have served and separated from military service, making significant impacts on the lives of veterans, their families or caregivers. Learn more at VA.gov/womenvet. | 
