CONTINUING SERVICE FOR THOSE
WHO HAVE SERVED US
In addition to hosting Veteran's Day, November was also proclaimed Military Family Month by President Obama. Both of these events remind us of the immense sacrifices of our nation's service men and women, both past and presence. Whether they fought decades ago, are still enlisted, or never returned home, veterans and military personnel have answered the ultimate call to service and for that are owed the utmost respect, gratitude, and support.
At the Michigan Community Service Commission (MCSC) and in communities across the state, the commitment to support veterans through service is strong. Veterans and military families are a priority focus area for all MCSC funding - both on National Days of Service and for Michigan's AmeriCorps programs. This statewide priority helps to ensure that local communities are making veterans and military families a target of their own individual efforts. As they do this, many local communities have found veterans are interested in becoming more than just recipients of community service. Many veterans have continued their commitment to service by donating their time and talents to volunteerism and national service programs. Read on to learn more about the unique ways that veterans are being impacted through the state's service and volunteer fields. |
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 Improving Veteran Lives Through Benefits Access
Michigan is home to the 11th largest veterans population in the U.S., accounting for 7.1 percent of our state's residents. Despite their many numbers, Michigan ranks 53rd - last behind every single U.S. territory and state - in the amount of total veterans benefits accessed. Unfortunately this means many former service men and women are not receiving the proper care and assistance they are entitled to, including veteran's compensation, pensions, medical benefits, mental health services, and educational and vocational rehabilitation. As a result, many suffer from unnecessary negative socio-economic influenced difficulties including homelessness, unemployment, untreated chronic illnesses, substance abuse, hunger, and more.
To assist with the identification of Michigan veterans and to support them in navigating through the complex web of social services and veterans-specific resources, the MCSC is working with the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to implement a Michigan Veterans Coalition Outreach AmeriCorps Program. This program will place 14 AmeriCorps members in four Michigan urban areas where nearly 70 percent of the state's veteran population is located. Through outreach efforts in the community, members will identify local veterans and connect them to available resources
Though the program is still in the developmental stages, the MCSC and the DMVA believe the critical community outreach and identification performed by the Michigan Veterans Coalition Outreach AmeriCorps Program will play a crucial role in serving Michigan's veteran population. By closing the benefits access gap for our state's former service men and women, the Michigan Veterans Coalition Outreach AmeriCorps Program will help to meet basic human needs and preserve a higher quality of life for our state's veterans.
The Michigan Veterans Coalition Outreach AmeriCorps Program is one of 23 Michigan's AmeriCorps programs administered by the MCSC.
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 "Raking" a Difference for Veterans
To help local veterans with their fall yard clean-up, the Greater Ottawa County United Way Volunteer Center hosts an annual "Rake a Difference" event. This event is a one day service activity where community members come together to rake leaves, clean-up yards, and assist with other outdoor needs of the local veterans, as well as elderly individuals and people with disabilities. Growing in support every year, the 2012 event was held on November 10. More than 100 volunteers donated their time and muscle to rake leaves for veterans and disabled citizens. Collectively, more than 30 homes were assisted as a result of the generosity of local students, families, clubs, and sororities who gave their time to help with the day's efforts. Back to top |
Serving After Service
After years of military service and two tours in Iraq, Becky Usmial entered civilian life. Along with her husband, also a veteran, and two young children, Becky relocated to the west Michigan area earlier this year. Though she had left the service, Becky's commitment to helping others was still strong and she began to seek out local volunteer opportunities as a way to get to know her new neighbors and community. Through the Volunteer Center of West Michigan, Becky became connected with the local Youth Volunteer Program. Over the course of the summer, Becky donated much of her time to two separate youth programs and quickly became a beloved leader among the children. As the result of the successful summer programs, Volunteer Center of West Michigan staff asked Becky if she would be interested in leading the youth programs during the school year. Always eager to serve, Becky quickly agreed and continues to lead the successful programs despite her busy schedule as a college student, wife, and mother. "When I was a young teenager," stated Becky, "I spent time with a military recruiter in my school. Their goals and direction was what I was looking for. I hope that by volunteering my time to youth in the community, I can help children and teens figure out what they want for their future." Keeping her military past in mind, Becky has made veteran needs a priority issue for the youth programs and other volunteer programs in the area. They are currently collecting hats, mittens, blankets, pillows, and teddy bears for the children of veterans living in the residential facilities and temporary shelters.
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