Veterans' Employment Services in Michigan: June 2023 Newsletter

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Veterans' Employment Services graphic, Priority of Service for Military Veterans, logos of U.S. military branches

June 2023

Veterans' Employment Services Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE:


Governor Whitmer Joined Michigan National Guard Pass in Review Ceremony at Camp Grayling

Governor Whitmer with the Michigan National Guard

Governor Whitmer joined the Michigan National Guard (MING) at Camp Grayling earlier this month for the 2023 Memorial Pass in Review Ceremony. 

“The men and women of the Michigan National Guard have stepped up to serve, reassure, and defend their fellow Michiganders with distinction through historic challenges,” said Governor Whitmer. “Together, we will ensure our service members, veterans and their families have the resources they need to thrive in Michigan.” 

The Memorial Pass in Review Ceremony is a time-honored tradition of the MING during which accomplishments of the previous calendar year are acknowledged, outstanding performers are recognized, and deceased and fallen members of the MING are honored.

Read more about the ceremony here.


Addressing the Military Resume Gap in the Hiring Process

Close up of dog tags on top of a military uniform

Veterans are highly skilled, possessing many traits that businesses actively seek, such as character, discipline, resilience, and teamwork. However, there are biases and misconceptions surrounding the hiring of veterans –  especially when it comes to military resumes.

Explaining to would-be employers what you did in the military in a way that makes sense to them can be difficult. Often, skills, experiences and accomplishments get lost in translation or in the lack thereof.

Read this Military.com article for tips on translating your military experience onto a civilian resume. 


Programs to Help You Start Your Business

Boots to Business logo

Boots to Business Training Program

Boots to Business (B2B) is an educational and training program focused on entrepreneurship, made available by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as a key component of the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program.

This comprehensive course aims to equip active-duty service members (including National Guard and Reserve), veterans from all eras, as well as their spouses, with the essential knowledge and skills required to embark on a successful business ownership journey.

By providing a thorough overview of entrepreneurship and its applicable business fundamentals, B2B empowers participants to confidently navigate the realm of business ownership and take proactive steps towards achieving their entrepreneurial aspirations. Read more at SBA.com


Close up of two people shaking hands with American flag in the background

National Veterans' Entrepreneurship Program

The National Veterans Entrepreneurship Program (VEP) is a comprehensive entrepreneurship training and support program for veterans with a service-connected disability. It includes a self-study portion, eight-day residency program in Oklahoma, Tennessee or Florida, followed by five months of support and mentorship. All travel, accommodation, meals, materials, and instructional costs are covered by the VEP. 

Any veteran with a service-connected disability qualifies or the program. Learn more about VEP at Oklahoma State UniversityVEP at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and VEP at University of Florida.


Veterans Helping Veterans banner

Veteran Success: VES Helps Veteran Secure Job 15 Days into His Job Search

Avery Bielen in front of VES banner

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Avery Bielen stopped by U.P. Michigan Works! for support on his job search. Once he was identified as a veteran, Talent Specialist Andrew Bowe provided him with priority of service and determined that he was eligible for Veterans' Employment Services (VES).

Andrew introduced Avery to Veterans' Career Advisor William Mourufas, and together they completed a person-centered comprehensive assessment and created an action plan to help Avery reach his employment goals. After working together on Avery's resume and improving his job search skills, Avery quickly began receiving calls or interviews. 

Avery participated in several interviews, and after careful consideration, he eventually accepted a position as a Customer Service Manager with a newly opened U-Haul business in Sault Ste. Marie that offered paid training and significant opportunities for growth.

Despite the challenges of a complicated and competitive job market in rural areas, Avery's determination allowed him to secure gainful employment just fifteen days after entering case management with VES. He is extremely satisfied with his new job and appreciative of the efforts made by VES to protect and enhance his health, safety, and economic security.


Explore Resources at the Oakland County Veterans Resource Fair

Oakland County Veterans Resource Fair flyer

If you live in Oakland County, don't miss your chance to connect with veteran-specific resources at the monthly Oakland County Veterans Resource Fairs. The free events are open to all veterans, active duty, guard, and reserves, as well as their families.

Stop by the June 29 event from 9 a.m. to noon to connect with career services from Oakland County Michigan Works!. Other resources include:

  • Detroit VA Healthcare System will be offering registration assistance and exams for non-enrolled Veterans.
  • Oakland County Veterans’ Services will be providing information and claims assistance regarding veteran benefits and distributing $50 Meijer gift cards. To be eligible, you must be a veteran and Oakland County resident, and must present a copy of your DD214.
  • Oakland County Neighborhood & Housing Development will be providing housing counseling and other related services.
  • Oakland Community Health Network will be addressing behavioral health issues and concerns, including health screenings.
  • Oakland County Parks & Recreation will be distributing free annual vehicle permits.
  • VA Suicide Prevention will be providing free gun locks.
  • Ride SMART will be offering information on their veteran transportation program.
  • Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency will be providing on-site printing of DD214s.

Other resources include free dental appointments for veterans and much more! Learn more about the June 29 event here.


Fireworks-Free Fourth of July

Close up of marshmallow roasting over an open fire

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency worked together to highlight quieter camping options over the Fourth of July.

The idea came to the DNR from a veteran whose own combat experience helped him understand how fireworks and other loud noises could stir up past memories.

The locations are perfect for veterans, those who experience PTSD, pet owners, or those just looking for a quieter alternative. Explore the list of state parks where you won't be disturbed by the fireworks at Michigan.gov/FireworksFreeFourth


Celebrate With Your Family at Washtenaw VETS Fest 23

Washtenaw VETS Fest 23 flyer

The Washtenaw Vet Fest 2023 will be held on Saturday, July 22 at Washtenaw Community College, located at 4800 E. Huron River Drive. The event is co-sponsored and hosted by Wayne Community College and multiple Washtenaw County veteran organizations.

Veterans and their families are encouraged to attend free of charge. The festivities will kick off at 10 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m., with live bands providing music throughout the event.

This exciting event will offer a variety of activities and attractions, including repurposed ambulances and military vehicles to explore, face painting, ice cream, raffles, a bounce house, and even a complimentary lunch for all attendees.

Learn more and register for the free event here.


Virtual Job Fair Calendar banner

Check Out these Upcoming Job and Career Events

An up-to-date list of upcoming job and career events is available on MiTalent.org's Career Events Calendar.

Michigan Department of Corrections Hiring Event

June 29, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Event Address:
 Capital Area Michigan Works! - 2110 S Cedar St., Lansing, MI 48910
Event Details: view the details here

Connect with representatives from the Michigan Department of corrections about the hundreds of openings in Ionia and Jackson for Corrections Officers, Nurses, Food Service, and Maintenance. 

 

Safie Specialty Foods Job Fair

July 5, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Event Address: Chaldean Community Foundation - 3601 15 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48310 
Event Details: view the details here

Safie Specialty Foods provides extraordinary job opportunities for growth with competitive salaries and benefits in an exciting, fast-paced workplace! Open positions include Food Production Workers, Maintenance Technicians, and a Production Supervisor.

 

Ag-Jobs-4-All

July 11, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.  
Event Address: 
West Michigan Works! Ionia Service Center - 603 W Adams St, Ionia, MI 48846
Event Details: register for the event here

This quarterly fair is a great opportunity to find employers and join the agricultural industry. This fair will include employers of choice from west Michigan seeking candidates from opportunity populations, including veterans, returning citizens, people with disabilities and refugees.

 

Aerotek Staffing Hiring Event

July 13, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.  
Event Address:
Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! - 5889 E Broadway Rd, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Event Details: view the details here

Aerotek will be conducting on the spot interviews for assembly technicians.

 

Job Fairs Count as Work Search Activity in Michigan
Registering for and attending Virtual Job Fair events supported by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity count as official work search activities required by the Unemployment Insurance Agency. Check out upcoming virtual and in-person job fairs by visiting MiTalent.org’s Career Events website.


Event Success Tips

  • Be Prepared: Charge your phone and practice your elevator pitch.
  • Keep an Open Mind: You never know which company has the perfect job for you.
  • Work the Room: Stop by every booth and share your QR code with every organization.
  • Rule of 3: Get at least three company follow-ups.
  • Apply as You Network: Apply to open positions while you network with recruiters.
  • Smile: Be confident. You've got this!

About Veterans’ Employment Services

VES logo

Welcome to the Veterans’ Employment Services (VES) Newsletter. Our mission is to assist you and your family secure meaningful careers in Michigan.

The concept of veterans helping veterans is a trademark of the VES team and one of the keys to its success. Veterans face many challenges when transitioning out of the military – finding meaningful employment should not be one of them.

  • Veterans in need of employment assistance should contact the nearest Michigan Works! One-Stop Service Center by calling 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visiting MichiganWorks.org.
  • More information about Veterans’ Employment Services is available at Michigan.gov/VES.
  • Register today and start your job search at Pure Michigan Talent Connect at MiTalent.org.

Health and Other Resources

 

Health Resources

Additional Resources

Health Benefits: 877-222-8387
Other VA Benefits: 800-827-1000

Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255
Homeless Services: 877-424-3838

Health Benefits
www.va.gov/health-care

Veterans Crisis Line
veteranscrisisline.net 

Mental Health
www.mentalhealth.va.gov

Homeless Services
www.va.gov/homeless

MyHealthVet
www.myhealth.va.gov 

Readjustment Counseling (Vet Centers)
www.vetcenter.va.gov 

Disease Prevention
www.prevention.va.gov

Compensated Work Therapy
www.va.gov/health/cwt

Women Veterans Health Care
www.womenshealth.va.gov

Substance Abuse Programs www.mentalhealth.va.gov/substance-use.asp

Geriatrics and Extended Care
www.va.gov/geriatrics

National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
www.ptsd.va.gov 

Rural Health
www.ruralhealth.va.gov 

 

MORE VETERANS' RESOURCES

If you are a veteran looking for information concerning education, health care, benefits or quality of life programs, please visit the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for more information, or call the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 800-MICH-VET. 


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Veterans' Employment Services is part of Workforce Development, within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Office of Employment and Training. Michigan.gov/VES