Nominations Sought for 75th Annual
Kent County Veteran of the Year Banquet
GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (August 10, 2026) - Kent County Veterans Services is partnering with the United Veterans Council of Kent County to host the 75th annual Kent County Veteran of the Year event on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Venue3Two.
The event will celebrate a Kent County veteran whose service and dedication have made a lasting impact on fellow veterans and our community. As part of the celebration, the public is invited to submit nominations recognizing veterans who have gone above and beyond in supporting others.
The United Veterans Council of Kent County has organized the Veteran of the Year program since 1949 when Gerald R. Ford Jr. was named the first Kent County Veteran of the Year. In honor of the program's 75th anniversary, the council is partnering with Kent County Veterans Services to expand the celebration and recognize the outstanding contributions of local veterans.
"We are honored to partner with the United Veterans Council for this special milestone and look forward to recognizing the 2026 Kent County Veteran of the Year," said Ryan Grams, Director of Kent County Veterans Services. "There are countless veterans across our community making a difference every day, and we can't wait to recognize and honor their service."
The award honors a Kent County veteran whose volunteer service has significantly improved the lives of fellow veterans and strengthened the community. Consideration is based on contributions made without financial compensation, although elected or appointed officials are eligible for consideration.
"We are excited to partner with Kent County Veterans Services as we celebrate the 75th Annual Kent County Veteran of the Year," said Melvin Bauman, Commander of the United Veterans Council of Kent County. "We encourage veterans, their families, and the community to join us for this special evening as we honor a deserving veteran and celebrate 75 years of this tradition."
Data shows there are nearly 25,000 veterans living in Kent County and organizers hope the anniversary celebration will bring veterans and their families together to recognize the remarkable service and dedication of those who continue to make a difference long after their military careers have ended.
The banquet is free to attend and includes dinner, guest speakers, and prize drawings. Attendance is open to Kent County residents who are veterans, spouses, surviving spouses, or members of a military family. Because seating is limited, each attendee must complete an individual registration form to reserve a spot.
Veteran of the Year Nomination Requirements
Nominations must be submitted by September 1, 2026. Nomination forms should be completed in full and signed, and a recent photo of the nominee is encouraged if available.
Additional eligibility requirements include:
- Nominees must be veterans who reside in or have a strong connection to Kent County.
- Current community service on behalf of veterans is the primary consideration, although past service will also be reviewed.
- Nominees are not required to belong to a post that is a member of the United Veterans Council.
- Posthumous nominations will not be accepted.
- Nominees must agree to attend the October 8 banquet if selected.
Individuals interested in attending the banquet or submitting a nomination can complete the appropriate registration forms here.
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