July 2026
 Celebrating the Volunteers of MVH D.J. Jacobetti
Words of gratitude don't sufficiently express our appreciation for our incredible volunteers. That said, we try to find ways to show how much we appreciate them. In late June, MVH D.J. Jacobetti held their annual volunteer appreciation picnic to show just some of our immense gratitude.
Following an invocation, Jacobetti Administrator Chris LaJoie shared his comments and gratitude, and then welcomed Michigan Veterans' Facility Authority Board of Directors Treasurer, and former Jacobetti Administrator and MVH Executive Director Bradford Slagle to share remarks. Slagle was followed by representatives from the Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the Office of U.S. Senator Gary Peters, the Office of U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin, and the Office of U.S. Representative Jack Bergman, each sharing their remarks on the impact of our incredible volunteers. The event concluded with words of gratitude from Sarah Johnson, Volunteer and Donations Coordinator at MVH D.J. Jacobetti, a benediction, and then all enjoyed great food and better company.
We do more for veterans at MVH, thanks to the generosity of our volunteers.
 5th Annual Walk, Run & Roll at MVH at Chesterfield Twp: the Best Yet
June 6, 2026 was an amazing morning at MVH at Chesterfield Twp. a couple hundred community members gathered alongside the veterans of the home to celebrate service and participate in the home's 5th annual walk, run & roll event held right onsite at the veterans home in Chesterfield Twp. in Macomb County.
The Home's Administrator Jennifer Manning welcomed the many participants, followed by remarks from Chesterfield Twp. Supervisor Brad Kersten, and then Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist.
The annual event for people of all ages and abilities brings together community to connect with the veteran members of the home, and to celebrate service while building camaraderie and getting a little (or a lot) of exercise. Quoting a comment heard from many participants who've come every year: "this year was the best year yet." We're excited for what 2027 will bring, and we are incredibly grateful to the many participants, sponsors, volunteers, staff, and other friends that made this wonderful event for our veterans - and our community - occur. THANK YOU!
 Community Impact at MVH
We do more to serve and honor veterans at MVH, thanks to our robust communities of support. Indeed, you need not look far to see people and organizations generously supporting our work.
In mid-June, volunteers showed up at the MVH at Grand Rapids cemetery to retrieve and store the flags placed in May at each of the thousands of headstones of the veterans that lie peacefully there. Earlier in June, our friends at Convergint came out for a day of service for work in Grotto Park.
Juneteenth saw our friends at Embers Credit Union come out to the Jacobetti to celebrate and serve, while a few days prior the veterans celebrated the 100th birthday party of Route 66 while enjoying music from the Flat Broke Blues Band, thanks to staff and volunteers, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart Auxiliary.
Veterans also enjoyed a day in June at Lake Unky, thanks to the generosity of AMVETS Post 122. However, some ability to 'adapt and overcome' was needed as the Jacobetti bus got stuck in the sand. But fear not: we were pulled out by our friends at Al's and Sal's Towing who came to the rescue and - of course - generously refused payment, and the veterans had a great time. And back at the Jake, our friends and supporters at the American Legion Auxiliary Dept. of MI purchased flowers and veggies for the home, and staff, volunteers, students, and teachers from Marquette Alternative High School came out to plant them with the members.
There so much generosity we didn't cover in these brief blurbs, but just wow, we are grateful for the many individuals and organizations in our communities that make a difference in the lives of our veterans. Thank you!
 Journalist Spotlights Gentex's Generosity to MVH veterans
Taking care of those who've donned the cloth of our nation - in service to our nation - is the responsibility of each of us who've benfitted from their service (read: every. single. one. of. us.). At MVH, we do more, thanks to partners out in our communities who recognize the importance of serving those who've served us.
We're fortunate to have many awesome partners. One of those incredible partners is our friends at the Gentex Corporation. For years, quietly, the team at Gentex has supported the mission and members of MVH. A journalist recently caught wind of their incredible and humble generosity, and wanted to write a story. Read it, at the link below.
We're grateful for our friends at Gentex, and for the many, many others making a positive difference in the lives of our veterans.
 Annual Birthday Bash/Music Fest Supports Veterans at the Jacobetti
For the past few years, Drew Collister and his friends have thrown him a birthday party (Drewpalooza) that seems to get a little bigger and bigger every year. Oh, and it's a party of impact, where they donate proceeds from the party/music festival to an organization making a difference in our Upper Peninsula. This year, on it's fourth year, they donated proceeds in the amount of $4,500 to the MVH D.J. Jacobetti, making a difference in the lives of our veterans. Drew's dad, Jason, is a longtime employee of Jacobetti, having served veterans there for decades.
Jacobetti Administrator Chris LaJoie and Director of Nursing Courtney Tweedale got the opportunity to talk about this amazingly generous gift on TV6 before the event.
And Drew, friends, and some family dropped off the check at the Jacobetti a week after the event.
Drew - and all who attended and/or otherwise supported - thank you for supporting the mission and members of the Jacobetti!
 MVH Veterans Get Behind-the-Scenes Tour at Comerica Park
There's a misperception out there that needing nursing home care naturally means a reduced quality of life. At MVH, we assure you that's not the case. We'd contend that at MVH, the opposite is often the case: veterans and family members find that when the veteran joins our home as a member, they're more active, more engaged, and living their best life. It's something we're passionate about. As a recent example, several of our veterans at MVH at Chesterfield Twp. recently got a behind-the-scenes tour of Comerica Park, home of our beloved Detroit Tigers.
We're grateful for the opportunities we have to provide veterans the care and quality of life experiences they earned, and deserve. This outing to Comerica Park - and other outings like it - are made possible thanks to the generous individuals and organizations who support the homes' Charitable Support Fund. Together with our communities, we're doing more for those who served our nation.
 Celebrating State Veterans Homes Recognition Week at MVH
For years now, Governor Whitmer has proclaimed 'State Veterans Homes Recognition Week' in early June, to celebrate and recognize the important history - and vital purpose - of our veterans homes. Our homes also use the opportunity to celebrate the staff, members, and volunteers, while reflecting on the gratitude we have in fulfilling our important mission. It's a week of remembering history, of celebrating all the people that make it happen, and honoring those who've served.
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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