March 2026
2026 is off to a great start. If you're a regular volunteer, donor, or other supporter of the mission and members of Michigan Veteran Homes, we hope you'll continue that support throughout this year, and beyond. And if you haven't 'jumped in,' we invite you to join our special mission in 2026. This is your sign.
Whether its planting flags at our cemetery in Grand Rapids in late May, walking the 5k in Chesterfield Twp. in June, joining the Koski Car Show at the Jacobetti in July, or something else entirely, there's something for everyone in supporting our vets - and there are opportunities large and small throughout the year. While those close to us know the incredible impact being made by so many here at MVH, getting involved with our veterans in long-term care is incredibly special. Trust us, you won't regret the impact you'll have on the lives of those who've served us.
Volunteer, as an individual, small group, or larger group. Make a gift. Sponsor an event. get to know MVH, and the veterans we're privileged to serve. This is the year. Contact us for more information.
In mid-February, demolition finally began on the aged buildings on the MVH at Grand Rapids campus, marking a new chapter in the iconic campus's long history. While we've been sharing that the demolition was forthcoming since last August, we finally began seeing bricks fall on February 17, 2026. The entire process is anticipated to be completed/cleaned up by August 2026.
For 140 years, Michigan has been proudly serving veterans on the MVH at Grand Rapids campus. Through those many years, operations and facilities have changed, undergoing evolution in different eras to best meet the needs of veterans. This the next evolution in our Home's historic journey - an evolution that will help us best meet the needs of veterans today, and the veterans we'll serve in the many, many years to come. With the opening of the new home on the campus in 2021, the old buildings have been vacant for years now, and have ran their useful lives. We're excited to expand greenspace for the benefit of our veterans and their families, and to open up space for future opportunities that may arise, while continuing to deliver exceptional care and quality of life in our new building that opened in 2021.
It's going to be awesome. Again.
Join MVH at Chesterfield Twp. for their fifth annual Walk, Run, & Roll event, happening Saturday morning, June 6, 2026. The event brings together friends, families, volunteers, donors, community partners, and other supporting individuals and organizations for a great morning at the Veterans Home. Come celebrate service with our veterans, get a little exercise, and join community in supporting the men and women who've served our nation.
Registration is open, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Check out some of the photos from last year. We're doing more for veterans, thanks to the generosity of our strong communities of support. We hope to see you on June 6th!
We're fortunate at MVH to be supported by so many, thanks to our special mission and the remarkable humans we're honored to serve. Valentine's Day brought another opportunity this year for so many of our friends and family to share their love with those we serve.
Amongst other shows of love, veterans at Jacobetti were serenaded by the sweet tunes of Toni Saari, and enjoyed a happy hour social. They also had wonderful music by Louis Lenten, and some incredible fruit and yogurt parfaits. These opportunities, experiences, and entertainment only happen because of our supporters: thank you to American Legion Post 44 in Marquette, Chassell VFW Post 6507, VFW Post 6, VFW Post & Auxiliary 3165 Negaunee, and so many others.
In Grand Rapids, amongst other shows of support, veterans were fortunate to receive Valentine's Day cards and roses from our friends at AARP and Grand Valley State University. They were additionally blessed to receive many cards from members of the community, solicited and delivered by Congresswoman Hillary Scholten.
We're grateful for so many that show the love for our veterans, and our mission.
Progress continues on the incredible investment for veterans in the Upper Peninsula: the replacement of MVH D.J. Jacobetti. While cold and snow still abounds north and a few hours west of the Mighty Mac, construction crews continue to make progress on the new Jacobetti. While the severe storms have stopped work on some days, progress has continued throughout the winter. MVH broke ground on the new Jacobetti in May 2025, alongside Governor Whitmer and other state, federal, and local elected leaders, as well as many friends and community members.Construction is anticipated to take 30-36 months from groundbreaking. Following completion of construction in 2027-2028, there will be a methodical transition plan from the old building to the new, requiring partial occupancy for certification, prior to a full transition.
We'll keep you updated online: The NEW Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti
Questions? You can always contact us at DMVA-MVHgiving@michigan.gov.
High-quality care is essential for our veterans. An exceptional quality of life is also required. These quality-of-life experiences of all kinds, large and small, are too plentiful to count throughout the month. One of many in February, was a soup cookoff. Staff and veterans teamed up to create six creative - and delicious - soups. While the bacon cheeseburger, potato leek, and chicken noodle were delicious, the winners were lasagna soup, Greek lemon chicken, and dill pickle potato.
We're setting the bar for what excellent quality of life looks like. For veterans, and in nursing homes in general. Join us.
The past six years at Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti have been a whirlwind. The Jake weathered a global pandemic, achieved 5-Star quality ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), secured both state and federal funding for a replacement home, secured real estate to construct that new home, and broke ground on that new home, all while providing exceptional care and quality of life to hundreds and hundreds of veterans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. There's been a challenge or two mixed in there as well.
In early March, we bid farewell to the Administrator of MVH D.J. Jacobetti these past six years, Ron Oja, who is moving on to other opportunities. We thank Ron for his years of service to the Jacobetti and its veterans, and we wish him the best on his future endeavors. If you see Ron out and about, wish him well and thank him for his years of service to the Jake!
Donations to Michigan Veteran Homes are tax-deductible under 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Michigan Veteran Homes are making a difference in the lives of Michigan veterans and their loved ones. Join us.
Want to learn more about participating in the representative democracy our veterans stood to protect? Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center.
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